Edition 158
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The New Blackmore Vale ‘NOT HANGING AROUND!’ www.blackmorevale.net
WINTER WARMERS Help for older people as the temperature drops Page 3
LITERATURE LOVERS Festival returns for 29th year, still going strong Page 6
e l a F V U L L e r o STORY m
Much-loved park gets a makeover - but villagers aren’t finished yet!
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LIFESAVING KIT Ambulance service starts defibrillator appeal Page 17
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What’s inside this issue…
• Main pic: The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital mark 75 years of fundraising page 8 • Above: Allotment holders celebrate their harvest and share tips page 23 • Left: Historians enjoy a chat with ‘John Constable’ page 30
Announcements Antiques & Collectables Arts & Entertainment Business Church Events Farming Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden Items For Sale
EDITORIAL Paul Jones - Editor in Chief We love hearing your news and views. Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186 Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937
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Surviving Winter Appeal to keep older people warm this winter MORE older people will struggle to pay their heating bills this winter, according to a support organisation launching an appeal to give them the help they need to stay warm. The Dorset Community Foundation (DCF) has launched its 16th annual Surviving Winter appeal in partnership with Citizens Advice, raising money to distribute £200 grants to pensioners and people aged 60 and over with a disability, who are living in fuel poverty. Surviving Winter funding also helps the Citizens Advice Dorset energy team identify people at risk so they can offer the grants, as well as a range of other support. In its previous 15 years, the appeal has raised more than £750,000 and awarded more than 3,000 grants. DCF chair, Tom Flood CBE, said the appeal is still desperately needed. “There are around 500 avoidable excess winter deaths each winter in Dorset, with national research estimating that more than a fifth are attributable to cold homes, and in 2026 we think this is unacceptable,” he
said. Citizens Advice head of advice services, Ros Dignan, said rising prices across the board are putting the squeeze on peoples’ finances, with many of those who come to the charity for help are beginning the winter already in fuel debt. Citizens Advice energy advisers help clients boost their income by helping identify extra benefits to which they may be entitled, give them food vouchers and signpost them to other agencies and organisations, such as Ridgewater Energy, where they can get free home insulation and other energy help.
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“We try to stop people from getting into the position where they are in debt in the future but it is difficult,” Ros said. “We give them a lot of energy saving advice but they are already following all of those things and it’s still not enough.” Tom is appealing for people to donate to the appeal to help it support some of the 35,000 people living in fuel poverty in the county. “We’d like to ask people, especially those who receive the Winter Fuel Payment and feel they may not need it, or all of it, to donate to our appeal and maybe help save a life,” he added. Donate to the appeal at www. dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.uk, or send a cheque or bankers draft made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to The Surviving Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF. If you need energy support from Citizens Advice, contact them on 01929 775500 or at energy@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.
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Milestone open day for museum GILLINGHAM Museum is marking the 30th anniversary of its move to Chantry Fields with an open day and celebration tea. The move to new premises, which it shares with Gillingham library, was a huge undertaking, made possible by the very first grants from the newly formed Heritage Lottery Fund. Largely responsible for this achievement was then chair of Gillingham Local History Society, Peter Crocker. To commemorate the anniversary, the museum will host an open day and celebration tea on Saturday, October 24. Visitors can watch a film of the move, look behind the scenes, see items not currently on display, handle some of the artefacts and enjoy fun activities. There will also be the opportunity to learn all about Dorset buttons and have
a go at making one, with Penny-Jane Swift in historical costume. Visitors will also be invited to a celebration tea at the chantry office next door, where the guest of honour will be the mayor of Gillingham, councillor Donna Toye, along with her consort. Councillor Toye is a trustee of the museum, and in an extraordinary coincidence, her consort is her father, Peter Crocker, the man who was so instrumental in achieving the funding that made the move to Chantry Fields possible and overseeing the project. No doubt he will have plenty of memories to share! The open day will run from 10am until 2pm, with the celebration tea from 2pm until 4pm. For more information, email secretary@gillinghammuseum. co.uk.
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Tales of adventure DISCOVER the story behind the search for the North-West Passage at the Probus Blandford meeting later this month. Brian Margetson will tell a story of exploration driven by the booming trade between the UK and the Far East before the Suez and Panama canals existed. There was a need to discover alternatives to the hazardous voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. A succession of brave explorers attempted to discover a shorter sea route around the top of North America. The final link of this North-West Passage remained elusive. Two competing expeditions, a state sponsored mission led by Sir John Franklin and a more modest affair led by John Rae, a privateer, attempted to discover this missing link. There could not have been a greater difference in their respective outcomes. The presentation is on October 28 at the Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton. Arrive at 11am for 11.30am. Non-members are welcome for a meeting fee of £10 plus an optional lunch at £27. Places must be reserved by October 16 as lunches have to be pre-booked. Email john.boother@yahoo.co.uk.
Could you be sitting on a treasure trove?
CHARLES Hanson – he of Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt fame – will be operating free valuation sessions at Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne on October 9 and 13, from 10am until noon.
Family farm looks to the future WHAT does it take to grow great food while working with nature? Hear the story of Primrose Organics, an award winning family farm, at Fifehead Magdalen village hall, this October. Go behind the scenes of a local farm to hear about the challenges and rewards of farming organically. Discover how farming can
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work in harmony with nature – nurturing the soil, supporting wildlife, protecting the environment and producing food that is good for people and the planet. Find out more on Monday, October 12 at 7pm. Tickets for this event are £8, including refreshments, and are available from fifeheadevents@gmail. com.
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Green fingers PEARLS of wisdom from a garden designer with over 40 years’ experience are on offer in Tarrant Keynston later this month. As well as creating gardens, Andy McIndoe also writes and lectures, and has worked in retail and production horticulture. He leads gardening tours, and he and his wife Ros welcome visitors by appointment to their 2.5 acre naturalistic garden, Sandhill Farm in Hampshire. Andy’s special interests include hardy shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials, flower bulbs and garden design, and he has written books on all these subjects. During his long career with Hillier Nurseries he was responsible for the development of the company’s chain of
garden centres and for 25 consecutive Gold Medal winning exhibits at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Everyone is welcome to this fascinating talk in Tarrant Keyneston village hall (DT11 9JE) on Wednesday, October 21 at 2.30pm. Doors open at 2pm; entry is £4 to include refreshments after the talk.
Cerne sheep group THE Group’s first indoor meeting of the season is at 7.30pm on Monday, October 5 at The Fox, Ansty. CSG member Barry Graham will be giving an illustrated talk – not on sheep, but on the evolution of the horse. Simon Hoare MP will be the guest at November’s meeting (date to be confirmed). Christmas supper and raffle will be on Monday, December 14, at 7.30pm. More details to follow…
Silent night for church funds
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THE Friends of St Barnabas Queen Camel are tasked with raising £200,000 for the repair of the church roof. To that end, there will be a silent auction on Saturday, October 10 from 6.45pm in the village’s memorial hall. With over 100 lots it looks like being a great evening… The top 10 or 12 items will be going under the hammer, which will be wielded by retired professional auctioneer John Marshall. Lots include holiday homes and a flight in a Tiger Moth, cheese, rom Dorchester cider, fishing trips, meals at pubs and restaurants, exercise classes, portraits – even dog and cat treats. The live auction starts at 8pm. An auction catalogue is available and can be viewed on the Queen Camel Facebook page. Hard copies can be obtained within the village and from participating pubs and restaurants. Entry is free. There is a bar which takes cash or card payments and light refreshments will be available.
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Literature lovers head to Mere OCTOBER marks the return of the Mere Literary Festival, back for its 29th year. This year’s stimulating and exciting programme, which runs from October 12-18, is dedicated to the memory of festival founder Adrienne Howell. Events and workshops will take place across Mere at The Grove Building, St Michael’s Church, The Lecture Hall and the Butt of Sherry. Saturday morning is a major Festival highlight, with a programme of free events for families from 10.15am. Enjoy an immersive Planetarium show from the Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve team and a Thomas the Tank Engine model track from Mere District Railway Modellers. The packed weekday programme features a diverse range of guests including Johnny Fenn, field director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, and Hari Budha Magar MBE: Gurkha veteran, double amputee and world-record-holding Everest summiteer and winner of the 2026 inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards at the Invictus Games; Baroness Minette Batters, award-winning Wiltshire farmer and former president of the National
Farmers’ Union (2018-24) and fellow NFU heavyweight Anthony Gibson; double MasterChef champion Ping Coombes; best-selling author Juliet Nicolson, granddaughter of poet, novelist and gardener Vita Sackville-West. Award-winning author and historian Tharik Hussain explores the forgotten story of Islam’s influence on Europe, blending travel writing with historical research. Simon Cooper brings a special charm to the festival with Tales from the Mill, a moving part-memoir, partconservation story focused on our rare chalk streams. Adam Hart and Lieutenant General David Leakey will be in conversation discussing Operation Pimento, a thrilling
true story of a Second World War escape. Young acclaimed punk poet and author Bassie Gracie will be live at the Butt of Sherry. She brings a fresh approach to modern poetry and the spoken word. Della Galton makes a welcome return to the festival this year with a short story workshop suitable for beginners and experienced writers. Crime author Nikki Copleston will run a thrilling crime workshop. Every event will directly support local charities: Seeds
Repair Café back in action over winter
BACK after its summer break, the Repair Café will be open at Netherbury village hall on Sunday, October 25, from 10am until noon. Bring your broken items and one of the team of volunteers will try to fix them – skills on offer include sharpening knives and fixing electricals, bikes, textiles, ceramics, electronics, wooden and metal items. They love a challenge! Please bring along any spare parts that you think you might need. The cafe offers home-made cakes, delicious coffee and a range of Clipper teas. It is vegan and vegetarian-friendly. The Café is always looking for new volunteers and so if you love fixing things, baking or being part of a fun community event do make contact. Contact Lisa Willis for more info on 07870 950666 or info@repaircafenetherbury.org and www. repaircafenetherbury.org.
A walk around… Hermitage
Photo © Nigel Mykura / geograph.org.uk
Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade
START at the church, which is tucked away behind the village green and is usually open. Then head west, passing the village green and continuing along the road uphill passing scattered bungalows. At the top you pass the village hall and phone box library. A short distance past the village hall is, on your right, the start of Stonerush Drove, a bridleway along a track that follows the parish boundary for about a mile, passing woodland on your right with, between hedges, views over the Vale to the left. When you reach a gate, the route enters a field and curves to the right, north east, and follows the edge of the field between fence and hedge. There are good views. After a couple of fields you meet a road on a bend. Continue north east along the road, which curves round to the south east keeping close to the parish boundary. When you reach Rhymhorn, turn right and join the bridleway
for Success, Read Easy and the Mere Link Scheme. Mere Literary Festival Director Ashley Gray said “The festival team, all volunteers, have pulled out all the stops and look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to a memorable and inspiring Mere Literary Festival 2026.” Tickets can be booked online at www.mereliteraryfestival.com or by emailing contact@ mereliteraryfestival.com. Tickets will also be available on the door, provided the event has not sold out.
that heads south in a straight line for about a mile. After the first fields, you go through the edge of woodland with occasional views over the Vale on your right. Eventually the route curves to the right, passing a farmyard and then heads west for half a mile to Buck Cottage where the route turns left and becomes a road heading south west through the village. When you reach the village green/playing field you’ll notice a sign indicating a footpath to the church. Follow it and soon you’ll be back where you started, having waked a little over four miles.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Sherborne works delayed ROADWORKS aimed at improving a busy Sherborne junction have been delayed – due to the Pack Monday Fair. Dorset Council said the works will now start a week later than advertised following feedback from residents and Sherborne Town Council. They will now get underway on Tuesday, October 13. The work, at the A352 Ottery Lane and Westbury junction, will alter the layout of the junction to give priority to vehicles travelling along the A352, and between the A352 and A30. It will also introduce new crossing facilities for
pedestrians and drainage upgrades to help address flooding issues. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the work, while overnight closures will follow in early November to allow for resurfacing work after the changes. Works on the A352 Ottery Lane and Westbury junction in Sherborne will include new
Teams needed for quiz and raffle
SHAFTESBURY Twinning Association is hosting a quiz and raffle on October 23 at Royal British Legion Hall, Coppice Street, Shaftesbury. Teams of between four and six people, as well as individuals, are welcome. Tickets are £8 per person and include a soup and cheese buffet. Bring your own drink and a glass! Contact 07771 511502 or secretary@ shaftesburytwinning.org. uk.
Exploring the area
NETHERBURY Walkers’ autumn walk will take place on Saturday, October 24. If you'd like to join this friendly group and receive details of this and future walks, email Jane Stevens jane@in4action.com.
pedestrian crossing facilities, alterations to street lighting, resurfacing work and drainage improvements. Councillor Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council cabinet member for place services, said: “These improvements respond to concerns that have been raised over many years about how traffic moves through this part of the town.”
Tip opening DORSET Council's Household Recycling Centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’) are now operating winter opening hours – 9am to 4pm. This is the same change the council makes every year. Recycling centres will move back to the usual summer opening hours (9am to 5pm) from April 1, 2027.
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Character actor
Hospital Friends celebrate 75 years by Alice Johnsen, trustee of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital
THE Trustees of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital gathered with friends and supporters of the charity earlier in the summer to celebrate our 75th anniversary. We held our celebrations in Cross Keys in Sherborne and enjoyed drinks and supper in the balmy summer evening on the forecourt. The team at Cross Keys looked after us beautifully and we were entertained by the fabulous band, ‘Lick the Frog’. Our President, Mike Hatch, our Chairman, Jo Mears and our Capital Works Advisor, John Stokoe updated everyone on the wide range of capital work carried out for our hospital including the project we are now fundraising for which is bringing the Minor Injuries Unit up to date. It was a truly happy evening of reflecting on what has been achieved over the last seven decades and of celebrating our jewel in Sherborne’s crown, the Yeatman Hospital. Sherborne is extremely fortunate to have within the Yeatman Hospital its own MIU. Having such a capable health facility within the Town eases pressure on Yeovil and Dorchester A&E units, the 999 system and our two, hardworking GP practices.
Over the past three years, the Friends of The Yeatman Hospital have funded major, internal improvements to our hospital, ensuring that it is more than capable of providing sustainable, first class clinical care into the future. It is now the turn of the MIU to embrace new facilities, as the Friends completes its three year mission of enhancing the care provided by our own community hospital. We are about to begin a project to provide an effective burns treatment unit and to create an infectious diseases hub to enable our health team to better protect patients attending the MIU. We aim to complete this project early in 2027, leaving the way open to generate our next three-year plan as we follow our objectives of assisting in the improvement of the health of the Community. However, in these challenging economic times, we need your help to underpin the funds which support this essential, critical work. As never before, our fundraising efforts and subsequent commitment of funds will generate visible signs of growth in the provision of NHS services within Sherborne. Please help us to do this. Details of how you can support our work can be found at www. friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk.
NATIONAL treasure, actress Alison Steadman, is coming to Dorchester on a rescheduled visit following Dorchester Literary Festival. Steadman, who has a new book out, Out of Character: A Memoir, will be in conversation with Mark Chutter at the Dorford Centre. Growing up in post-war, working-class Liverpool, the young Alison would address the world from the stage of her bedroom window, until she got a taste for performing in front of an audience at her progressive 1960s drama school. She has gone on to play landmark roles in the theatre and on television, including Candice Marie in Nuts in May, Beverly in Abigail’s Party, Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Betty in Fat Friends, Sue in Here We Go and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey.
She has also won an Olivier, a National Society of Film Critics Award and has been nominated for two BAFTAs. She lives in London with her partner Michael and is a keen birdwatcher and patron for the RSPB. Alison was awarded an OBE in 2000. Alison Steadman is in Dorchester on Friday, October 30, 2.30pm-3.30pm.
Look out for poppies around town
LOCAL people, businesses and visitors are invited to support the launch of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Poppy Appeal in Sherborne later this month. The annual appeal supports veterans and their families who may be facing financial hardship, recovering from injury or need support with their wellbeing. Local veterans, members of the RBL, civic representatives – including Mayor of Sherborne, Suresh Jeganathan – and supporters from across the town will attend the launch event on Thursday, October 22, at 11am. Members of the RBL’s Sherborne branch and volunteers organise collections, distribute poppies and raise awareness of the appeal. The Sherborne Poppy Appeal team thanks the community for its continued generosity and support.
Spooky season
MINTERNE Gardens at Minterne Magna is offering a spooky Halloween trail in the gardens later this month. Visitors will be able to explore the grounds and discover the hidden Halloween characters daily between Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, November 1, 10am-5pm. Entry is £13 adults and £5 children (under-fives free).
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Metabolic minute: taking the message on the road by Dr Rebecca Hiscutt PhD RD
OUR first metabolic health information evening, held in Dulverton, generated plenty of questions… “Why haven’t I heard this before? Where have you been?” “Who do we write to for an appointment?” “We’d drive an hour and 45 minutes to come and see you.” Patients asked questions, shared their own experiences and went home with practical steps to try.
Why take it on the road?
The comments told us two things. Many people have never been given this information, and they’re willing to travel a long way to get it. Tiredness, energy slumps, low mood, poor focus, anxiety, broken sleep, aches and pains and gut problems are common, and the practical steps that help with them shouldn’t depend on where you live. So we’re bringing the information to you.
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Takeaway tip
Get moving straight after your biggest meal of the day, even for a few minutes. Working muscles pull sugar out of the blood reducing your The Symphony team on the blood sugar spike. In one small metabolic health roadshow trial, a single minute of walking up and down the stairs after a meal was enough to lower the rise in blood sugar. bring the roadshow to more Symphony This can reduce the fatigue, change in communities, and to local businesses, mood and cravings that can be triggered by groups and organisations. blood sugar fluctuations and help improve Our talks and workshops are free and insulin sensitivity over time. practical, and they’re a good excuse to To add in this movement you don’t need bring people together. to go outside. A few trips up and down the To book one contact our Metabolic stairs or marching on the spot in front of the Health Team at somicb. TV all count. wincantonhealthcoach@nhs.net. If standing is hard, you can do it sitting down: lift your knees in turn, raise your Dr Rebecca Hiscutt is a registered dietitian heels, or reach your arms above your head. with a specialist interest in metabolic health Where next? and women’s health, based at Wincanton Dulverton was our first stop. We’d love to Health Centre.
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The debate surrounding reparations continues by Canon Eric Woods CHARLES Moore (Baron Moore of Etchingham) is a distinguished journalist and a former editor of the Daily Telegraph, the Spectator and the Sunday Telegraph. He still writes for all three. I don’t see the Telegraph – I’ve always been a Times man. But I do subscribe to the Spectator. And recently Moore wrote this: “Now that reparations are all the rage, please can we white British have a go?” Splendid, I thought, I shall enjoy this. I’m no fan of this notion of “reparations”. But I found Moore’s choice of examples a bit whacky. He has it in for the North American indigenous tribes who introduced English settlers to tobacco in the 16th and 17th centuries – and got them hooked. Then, as tobacco addicts, the settlers became traders. And so the English at home became smokers, since when millions have died of lung cancer and heart disease. And so, says Moore (with tongue firmly in cheek, I’m sure) the time has surely come for a “class action” against the existing tribes, particularly in the state of Virginia, whose ancestors introduced the dread drug nicotine to the settlers, and thence to Europe and beyond. But there are more convincing guilty parties to whom the demand for reparations could be addressed, First, there are the rulers of North African nations (especially the Sultan of Morocco) who encouraged the seizure of white Europeans by African slavers
raiding the coasts of Spain, France, south-west England, Wales and southern Ireland to snatch white men, women and children to be taken in chains to the great slave markets of North Africa to be sold to the highest bidder. The Sultan’s imperial pleasure palace of enormous scale and grandeur was built entirely by Christian slave labour. But we never hear about those slaves, do we? The story is brilliantly told by Giles Milton in his book White Gold. There’s more. British slavers didn’t just deal in African slaves. In the 17th and 18th centuries more than 300,000 white people were shipped to America as slaves – urchins swept up from London streets, brothels raided to provide “breeders” for Virginia, transported convicts paraded for sale like livestock. You can read about them in White Cargo by Dan Jordan and Michael Walsh. The current suggestion that somehow, all these centuries later, we owe “reparations” to AfroCaribbeans in the West Indies is total nonsense, and only goes to show how dangerous it is to give power to politicians or church leaders to attempt gesture politics which, in the case of the Church of England, could see £100 million going – where, exactly? I don’t think the inhabitants of modern-day North African nations should owe us “reparations” for the White Cargo any more than I think that France should pay us reparations for William the Conqueror or Italy for Julius Caesar. The simple truth is that only actual perpetrators can apologise to their victims, and only victims forgive their actual oppressors. We would all do better to root out a very real evil – modern-day slavery, which is alive and well and happening all over the world.
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
News
blackmorevale.net
Meet Millie – sweet, sassy and determined!
M
illie is a determined little girl, full of personality, with the sweetest cuddles and a sassy streak. If she likes something, you know it. If she doesn’t, you definitely know that too! Julia’s House nurse Molly has known Millie for over two years: “We first met Millie and her mum Catherine when Millie was just four months old and had already spent her whole life in hospital,” shares Molly. “Meeting families early makes such a difference. It means they know friendly faces are waiting for them when they come home.” Millie has complex health needs, including serious heart and breathing problems, but since leaving hospital she has grown stronger and more settled. She used to need oxygen during the day as well as at night. Now she only needs it when she is unwell - a huge step forward. There have been lots of other milestones too. Millie can sit more confidently, hold herself up and has even started bottom shuffling around the hospice. “When you’ve known a child for years, those little moments mean so much,” says Molly. For a long time, Millie’s favourite place was the sensory room, where she loved the lights, bubble tube and calming equipment. Gradually, the care team has helped her feel comfortable exploring other spaces too, starting in the sensory room and then making their way through the garden to the activity room, where Millie can join in and play alongside other children. Supporting the whole family is an important part of Julia’s House care. When Millie spends time at the hospice, it gives Catherine a chance to rest, recharge or simply have a quiet moment, knowing her daughter is safe, happy and cared for. Millie also has an older brother, Reggie, so that support can make a real difference to family life. “Millie can make you work for her smiles and giggles, so when you get one, it’s a brilliant feeling,” Molly adds. “It’s been so special watching her grow stronger, become more comfortable with us and learn that our faces are familiar ones she can trust.” Be part of Millie’s story too. Gifts in Wills are a fantastic way to support seriously ill children in Dorset and ensure we can be there for families like Millie’s in the years to come. Find out more about our Free Wills service www.juliashouse.org/alwaysthere
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Millie having bubble fun at the hospice
Millie with Julia’s House nurse Zoe
Millie having fun in the sensory room, one of her favourite places at the hospice
Millie enjoying story time with Julia’s House Nurse Zoe
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
News
blackmorevale.net
Protect who matters
Write your will Take care of your family and help make a lasting difference to the lives of families with a seriously ill child. Gifts in Wills are a wonderful way to show your love and always be there for the ones that matter most to you.
Find out more about our free will writing service
juliashouse.org/alwaysthere Registered Charity No. 1067125
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
News
blackmorevale.net
A Very Royal Connection in Dorset
A
lmost 30 years ago, a chance encounter on a Dorset road helped begin an enduring relationship between local family-run housebuilder Morrish Homes and the Duchy of Cornwall. As the story goes, His Majesty The King, then The Prince of Wales, was passing a Morrish Homes development near Wareham when the homes caught his eye. He asked his driver to stop, knocked on the door of one of the homes and asked who had built it. That moment ultimately led to Morrish Homes, under the leadership of brothers Dave and Steve Morrish, being invited to pitch to build at Poundbury. The pioneering extension to Dorchester was created around principles of traditional architecture, walkability, mixed use and a strong sense of community. Today, the Dorset housebuilder’s long association with Poundbury continues with perhaps its most distinctive and heartfelt collection yet: The Hamlet. With direct design input from His Majesty The King, The Hamlet is a rare collection of just six detached homes, inspired by his childhood visits to Blaise Hamlet near Bristol; the picturesque group of early 19th-century cottages now cared for by the National Trust.
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Arranged around a central green, there are no roads through the heart of The Hamlet. Residents instead approach their homes along footpaths through a traditional thatched lychgate, while private driveways and garages provide vehicle access from the surrounding roads. No two houses are alike. Three feature roofs individually crafted by a local master thatcher, while the other Arts and Crafts-style homes incorporate distinctive architectural details, including intricate timber porches and a striking polygonal feature window. Natural materials including slate and local Purbeck stone further root the homes in Dorset’s architectural character. There is also a poignant Morrish family connection. Whilst Dave and Steve Morrish both played a key role in shaping The Hamlet, the owl thatch finial created over the lychgate is a tribute to Steve, who sadly died before it was built. He was known affectionately by his family as the ‘wise owl’. Even the house names – including Studland, Corfe and Lulworth – recall places Steve loved. Their brother Bill has overseen its careful construction as site manager. Both personal and historic, The Hamlet marks another chapter in the enduring relationship between Morrish Homes, His Majesty The King and Dorset.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Period Character NEW HOMES DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY
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At the heart of The Hamlet sits six individual homes surrounding a central green. Local Purbeck stone, natural slate and carefully considered architectural details give each home the character and individuality of a period property, inside and out. Look a little closer, and these are beautifully designed energy-efficient new homes, for the way we live today. Just six substantial 3 & 4 bedroom homes in Poundbury, starting from £1,050,000.
SHOW HOME NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR VIEWING: Morrish Homes, 47 Peverell Ave W, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3SU 01305 213745 | poundbury@morrishhomes.co.uk | morrishhomes.co.uk
MORRISH HOMES
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
News
blackmorevale.net
Shirley Allum Fashions & LingerieDates for Your Diary: Join Us for Jean & Trouser Week ADVERTISING FEATURE
S
hirley Allum hosts Jean and Trouser Week from Monday 12th to Saturday 17th October, with specialist advice, seasonal offers and prize draws. Representatives from Brax, NYDJ, Anna Montana and Mac will help customers find flattering, comfortable jeans and trousers from our collection of more than 2,000 pairs. With an exceptional choice of fits, shapes and brands, our aim is simple: to help every woman feel comfortable and confident. Monday 12 October: Start the week by choosing a sale item for just £20. Tuesday 13 October: Meet Holli from Brax, 10am–3pm. Every Brax purchase includes a free gift and prize-draw entry to win a pair. Wednesday 14 October: Jon from Anna Montana will be in store. Purchases start at £69 and include prize-draw entry to win a pair. Thursday 15 October: Tim from NYDJ—Not Your Daughter’s Jeans—will offer fitting advice. Each purchase includes prize-draw entry to win a pair. Friday 16 October: Meet Jacky from Mac Jeans. Every Mac purchase qualifies for free prize-draw entry to win a pair. Join us in store and let us help you find your perfect fit.
Macmillan in Mere
Words & pictures by George Jeans THE organisers of the Macmillan Coffee Morning at the United Reformed Church Centre in Mere gave a “huge and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the wonderful people of Mere and beyond for your incredible support”. An amazing £1,683 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support. Special thanks go to Aubrey Coleman for painting the wonderful picture of Catherine Princess of Wales, the raffle for which raised over £500 of the total.
SHIRLEY ALLUM FASHIONS & LINGERIE TROUSERS WEEK 12-17th Oct
30 High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JG Tel:01747 852444 visit our website www.shirleyallum.co.uk
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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blackmorevale.net
Lifesaving kit SOUTH Western Ambulance Charity (SWAC) has launched a £400,000 appeal to upgrade life-saving defibrillators When someone suffers a cardiac arrest outside hospital, survival chances may decrease by around 10% for every minute without CPR and defibrillation. A defibrillator delivers an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. These devices are carried by volunteer community first responders, who are trained
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to provide immediate assistance within their local, sometimes rural, communities. Now, SWAC is appealing for public support to raise £400,000 to replace and upgrade 288 defibrillators carried by these dedicated volunteers. To take part in the appeal, email fundraising manager Louise Walsh at charity@swast. nhs.uk. To support the Save a Heart Appeal, visit www.justgiving. com/campaign/save-a-heart.
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Fern Brook Lodge serves up support for Macmillan Cancer Support ADVERTISING FEATURE
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esidents, relatives and staff at Fern Brook Lodge care home in Gillingham came together for a Macmillan Coffee Morning. The home, on Fern Brook Lane, hosted the fundraising event, with residents, relatives, staff and the home’s kitchen team preparing a delicious selection of homemade cakes. The event raised £95.90 for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of the good cause’s annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning campaign. Donations from events held across the UK raise vital funds to support almost 3.5 million people living with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Fern Brook Lodge provides residential, respite and dementia care. A dedicated activities team organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships. Residents have a choice of private and communal lounges and dining rooms to relax indoors, as well as The Brook community space which hosts a range of events throughout the year. Care home residents also benefit from a large garden area with wide, flat walkways and raised flower beds to make them accessible to everyone. Fern Brook Lodge hosts its own Memory Café sessions every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm for people living with dementia and their carers. It is supported by Age UK North, South and West Dorset and there is no need to book – just drop in on the day.
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01747834020 | care-south.co.uk Fern Brook Lane | Gillingham | SP8 4QD Proud of Care a not-for-profit Proud toto bebe partpart of Care South,South, a not-for-profit charity and leadcharity and provider residential, ing provider ofleading residential, dementiaof and nursing care,dementia as well as care at home services across theassouth and nursing care, as well careofatEngland. homeRegistered services Charity No. Correct at time of print. Charity No. across the1014697. south of*England. Registered 1014697. *Correct at time of print
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18
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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blackmorevale.net
Cars seized after race between towns A DRIVER was found in woods by a police dog after allegedly fleeing police who pulled him over during a road safety operation – which also saw two cars seized after racing between Gillingham and Shaftesbury. The dog incident unfolded in Blandford on the evening of September 23, when officers from North Dorset carried out a “proactive road safety operation” which included the Road Safety Team, local neighbourhood policing team, Special Constabulary and the Safety Camera Team. It came after road safety concerns were raised by residents who complained of anti-social driving and riding. Before the operation began, Community Speed Watch volunteers were out in the area during the daytime in Bourton and identified 38 motorists who were driving over the speed limit, with one reaching speeds of 62mph in a 30mph zone.
Dorset Police officers involved in the operation
Then, during the evening, officers attempted to stop a vehicle in Blandford where the driver was a suspected high-risk road user. The motorist – a 38-year-old man from the Wareham area – was found by a police dog in the woods in the Sandford area after reportedly fleeing their vehicle. “They were arrested on suspicion of driving offences and have been released under investigation while enquiries continue,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.
“A second arrest was made after a motorist was suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol in Gillingham.” Meanwhile, two cars were spotted racing each other between Gillingham and Shaftesbury and were seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002, which can be used when a vehicle is driven carelessly in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance. “In addition to this, a vehicle was seized for having no
insurance and valid licence and drivers were dealt with for driving without due care and attention, not having a valid MOT and excess speed,” the spokesperson said. Police Sergeant Luke Sands, of the Roads Policing Team, added: “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and we all need to play our part to keep everyone safe. “We listened to the concerns of the local community and carried out this operation in direct response to issues raised to us. “There is no excuse for driving otherwise than in accordance with the law – you could cause harm to yourself or another road user. “We would continue to encourage the public to report road safety concerns to us, it really helps us to understand what is happening in your area and how we can target any problems.”
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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blackmorevale.net
Tackling stigma of dementia
TWO visitors from Dementia Friendly Gillingham went along to a welcoming and interactive meeting of Motcombe WI to give a talk about dementia awareness. The session included companion pets, hydration jelly drops, fidget boards and the ‘baby’ doll. WI members were keen cuddle the therapy ‘cats’ and ‘dogs’, which, as always, were very vocal! Dementia awareness allows people to help anyone living with dementia in their own family and to recognise the ways they can help others living in the community to remain active for longer.
Annie, from Dementia Friendly Gillingham, who was at the meeting, said: “When Dementia Friendly Gillingham was launched in 2016, awareness sessions were important, and to this day we have never given up doing them. I hope we are breaking down the stigma of someone having dementia, because early diagnosis is so important. support you have given us.” Fundraising concerts coming up – the Mill Singers at St Mary’s Church, Gillingham, on Saturday, October 3, at 6.30pm, and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s ‘cake concert’ at St Martin’s House, Gillingham, on November 20, at 2.30pm.
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Exploring the Cold War THE Cold War – the long post-Second World War rivalry between the capitalist West and the Communist East – is the focus of a new exhibition at the Royal Signals Museum in Blandford Forum. Museum director Fritha Costain said: “Cold War themes have been brought vividly to life through personal testimonies from soldiers who served on the front line, and anti-nuclear activists who opposed the US air base at Greenham Common. “The displays highlight the crucial and often unseen role of the Royal Corps of Signals, whose communications expertise was vital in an age when seconds could mean the difference between peace and nuclear war. “The exhibition offers visitors a compelling insight into a tense and transformative period of modern history –
and the people who lived it.” In 1945, the Second World War came to an end. What followed, however, was not peace, but the beginning of a new and dangerous global confrontation. The Soviet occupation of East Germany marked the start of a political and ideological struggle between Communism and the Western Allies – a conflict that would come to define the second half of the 20th century. It was a time of profound uncertainty and fear. An arms race for nuclear weapons and escalating rhetoric between Soviet and US leaders combined to create a doctrine grimly known as Mutually Assured Destruction. In response, large formations of armoured divisions faced each other in a chess-like game of movement and counter movement across Europe, and mass peace The exhibition features a Trabant car and mock-up of a section of the Berlin Wall
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blackmorevale.net demonstrations urged governments to invest in ‘Bread not Bombs’. The Cold War, in the Shadow of the Bomb, a new, immersive and interactive exhibition, is now open Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm), Saturday 11am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm) at the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Camp. Adults 16-plus must bring a valid photo ID. BAE Systems Digital Intelligence has sponsored the exhibition.
Choir seeks singers
THE Stanchester Quire is meeting again this autumn – now at Leigh Village Hall – DT9 6HL – and is looking for new members. Singers learn some of the old Christmas carols that have either been collected from or written about the south west of England. New members are always welcome and the ability to read music is not essential as everything is learnt by ear. The choir next gets together on Saturday, October 10, with registration and tea/coffee at 10am and singing from about 10.30am-1pm. The cost is £10 a session – new members free for the first time. Ample parking is available at the village hall. For more details, email stanchesterquire2@gmail.com.
Army uniform through the ages A NEW temporary exhibition will explore the style and substance of British Army uniform over the centuries. Dressed For Duty: Fashion, Function and the British Army, 1800-2026, is a collaboration between The Keep Military Museum and Dorset Museum and Art Gallery. Running from October 17 until December 13, the exhibition looks at the everchanging style of uniform. Discover how military uniform has influenced high fashion and everyday clothing, to the pomp and ceremony of
the parade ground. Follow the journey from conception to the battlefield through prototypes, tailoring and the quartermasters’ stores, with original uniforms from the outrageous to the mundane. Bringing together items from the Keep Military Museum, as well as other public and private collections, this exhibition immerses you in over 200 years of eye-catching history. Highlights include the last remaining sealed ration pack from D-Day, the Marabout Gun captured at Alexandria in 1801 and Hitler’s desk.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Teachers Who Know Their Name, Rotary Teachers Whosupports Know Their Name, Their Nature and Their Potential Their Nature and Their Potential End Polio Now A
ADVERTISING FEATURE ADVERTISING FEATURE t Leweston, no child is one of many. In a school where class sizes t Leweston, no child is one of many. In a school where class sizes stay small and every pupil has a dedicated tutor, teachers get BLACKMORE Vale Rotary is eradicate polio. Pakistan stay small and every pupil has a dedicated tutor, teachers get to know not just what a student can do, but who they are — their inviting residents to join remains one of only two to know not just what a student can do, but who they are — their interests, their worries, the things that light them up. members this October in their countries in theup. world where interests, their worries, the things that light them That kind of attention doesn’t just support learning; it builds the confidence efforts to support End Polio polio is still endemic. That kind of attention doesn’t just support learning; it builds the confidence to think independently and make decisions for themselves, in the classroom Now and learn more about one The evening, at the Masonic to think independently and make decisions for themselves, in the classroom and beyond it. ofand the beyond world’sit.most important Hall, Church Street, Wincanton, We don’t ask pupils to fit a mould. Senior School life is shaped around
A
public health campaigns. starts at 7pm. To book your free We don’t ask pupils to fit a mould. Senior School life is shaped around The End Polio Now Speakers place visit the Blackmore Vale each child’s own strengths, with an Enrichment Programme that takes Evening, featuring Dr Mark Rotary website, www. learning well beyond the curriculum — because the world our children Townsend and Cate Whitewood, blackmorevalerotary.org.uk. are growing into doesn’t come with a map, and the pupils best placed to will be an opportunity to learn Rotarians outside first. navigate it are the ones who’ve been encouraged to will knowbethemselves more, hear their experiences and Wincanton library on October, For families with a particularly ask questions about this 23 and 24 selling purple talented child, Leweston’s 11+ and remarkable global campaign. 13+ Scholarships recognise that talentcrocuses in support of The speakers willavailable share their further. Awards are across Purple4Polio and End Polio recent immunising sevenexperiences areas — Academic Excellence,Now. children in Pakistan as partEquestrian of Every donation can make a Art, Drama, Music, Sport, Rotary’s End Polio Now difference. The Gates and Pentathlon — with specialist campaign. Foundation’s 2:1 matching coaching, mentoring and masterclasses for pupils ready to be stretched. Working alongside the commitment for eligible Rotary Because the of result we’re aiming Government Pakistan, Worldfor polio fundraising can help was never a type. It’sand a person. Health Organisation multiply the impact of money dedicated localforteams, raised, while Gift Aid, where Applications Year 7they (11+) and Year 9 (13+) entry in September witnessed first-hand the 2027 close applicable, can help donations on 5 January 2027, with challenges of the fight toassessment go even further. days on 19 and 20 January 2027.
each child’s own strengths, with an Enrichment Programme that takes learning well beyond the curriculum — because the world our children are growing into doesn’t come with a map, and the pupils best placed to navigate it are the ones who’ve been encouraged to know themselves first. For families with a particularly talented child, Leweston’s 11+ and 13+ Scholarships recognise that talent further. Awards are available across seven areas — Academic Excellence, Art, Drama, Music, Sport, Equestrian and Pentathlon — with specialist coaching, mentoring and masterclasses for pupils ready to be stretched. Because the result we’re aiming for was never a type. It’s a person. Applications for Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+) entry in September 2027 close on 5 January 2027, with assessment days on 19 and 20 January 2027.
At Leweston, we don't ask pupils to fit a mould — we help them find out exactly who they are, and give them the tools to go further. Grades matter, but they're the starting point, not the destination. Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+) Scholarships are open now in Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport, Equestrian and Pentathlon, with specialist coaching, mentoring and masterclasses for pupils ready to be stretched.
Applications close 5 January 2027 Discover our Scholarships.
The result is not a type. It is a person.
The result is not a type. It is a person.
01963 211015 www.leweston.co.uk admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Watching Their Friend Lose Her Savings Changed Everything
Allotment celebrations
PHOTO: George Jeans, Mere ALLOTMENT holders at Mere Well Head – North Road – got together on an early autumn Sunday afternoon to share food and a glass of wine. They compared notes on what the growing season had served up, with crops good in general despite the very hot summer and no real rain.
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By Chris Tennant Legacy Planning Consultant, Oakwood Wills Peter 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. Care-fee 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.
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Wills • Living Trusts • Lasting Powers of Attorney ADVERTISING FEATURE
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
National Trust / Sophie Bolesworth and James Dobson
News
blackmorevale.net
Days out and about in late Autumn
NATIONAL Trust properties and gardens around the Vale are offering a packed calendar of activities and events…
October 24 to November 1, 10am-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Kingston Lacy
Max Gate
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ hardys-house-max-gate Walking in the paw prints of Wessex: 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! October 20, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Free event. Booking required.
Stourhead Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ kingston-lacy 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). October 17, 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. October 28, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Kitchen garden tours: Discover a history of home-grown produce and experimental planting schemes. October 7, 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. To October 23, 10.30am-3pm. Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Pikachu Art Adventure: Celebrate Pikachu’s birthday with a special trail round Kingston Lacy, both inside and out. Collect stamps on a special collection card and join in the activities found on each board.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/ stourhead 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. £2 per trail booklet (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Wider estate walks: Stretch your legs on a guided walk around Stourhead’s wider estate and enjoy routes that highlight the beauty of changing seasons. October 30, 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. 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 three 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. First light photography: Capture the season of autumnal mists, fiery leaves and golden light with special early morning access into the garden. These sessions provide a limited number of places for
amateur photographers before the garden opens to the public. October 23, 27 & 31, 7.30am-9.30am. £12pp (normal admissions apply). Booking required. Watercolour Christmas card workshop: Run by artist Gemma Lane from Green Fox Workshops, you’ll try fun techniques to help you create gorgeous Christmas cards. All materials are provided and a hot drink and mince pie are included. November 6, 10.30am-12.30pm. £40pp. Booking required. Christmas bauble workshop: Using vibrant acrylic paints, create a unique handmade Christmas bauble. All materials are provided, expert guidance throughout November 6, 2pm-4pm. £40pp. Booking required.
Artists wanted
REGISTRATION is now open for Dorset Artist Open Studios 2027. This new, not-for-profit event will take place from August 28 to September 5, 2027. Organisers promise it will “bring together artists and makers from across Dorset for a nine-day celebration of creativity”. The event will be organised on a not-for-profit basis, with all income generated through participation being reinvested into delivering and promoting the event. Rather than following a single exhibition route, visitors can create their own itinerary and discover the creative spaces that interest them. The event is being developed and delivered by a volunteer team, with the intention of creating a sustainable annual platform for Dorset artists. Registrations are open until November 30. Find out more at www. dorsetartistopenstudios.co.uk.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026 New Blackmore Vale, October 3, 2026
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Village playground revamp VILLAGERS in Stourton Caundle have come together to redevelop the village playground, much loved by youngsters for over 25 years. A new playtower, monkey bars and a log traverse were installed in July, just in time for the summer holidays. Some of the older equipment was cleared and a new fence erected for safety purposes – and a grass area is being levelled and re-seeded ready to set up a football goal. Fundraising began almost two years ago with money coming from National Lottery and Dorset Council grants, and a generous anonymous donation. The village pub, The Trooper, gave the proceeds of duck races and other collections, the garden club its auction money and Dikes helped buy a new picnic
table and seating. A spokesperson for the project said: “We are very grateful to all of our donors.” A ‘Big Picnic’ held in the playground last month to publicise and celebrate the phase 1 installations was well attended by parents and children from the local area, including
Bishops Caundle, where many of Stourton Caundle’s younger children go to school. “Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to meet up and play together,” the spokesperson said. More fundraising events are planned to raise the money needed to complete phase 2,
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which will deliver more play equipment for toddlers and older children. The spokesperson added: “Please continue to support the playground, which is such an important space in the heart of the village, where children can enjoy playing safely outdoors and developing their friendships and physical skills. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun.”
Chatting with Constable Bees knees by Gerry Purdue THE renowned Suffolk-born artist John Constable (June 11, 1776-March 31, 1837), was ‘brought back to life’ when he was interviewed at Milton-on-Stour Church by Sam Woodcock, a well-known local resident and historian. Constable’s part was played by another John – Dr John Porter – also a local historian and author of several books, his latest being about the Freame family, who were well known in and around Gillingham. The church was buzzing with expectation as ‘Constable’ appeared and the ensuing and illustrated interview did not disappoint – Sam was especially keen to establish what brought a Suffolk-born artist to Dorset, and to Milton in particular. Before starting the interview, Sam welcomed Constable’s three-times greatgranddaughter and her mother. ‘Constable’ said he first visited Dorset in 1811 as a guest of his good friend Rt Rev Dr John Fisher, who had been appointed Bishop of Salisbury in 1807. ‘Constable’ said his first visit to Gillingham was probably for a few days in 1820 as a guest of his friend, the Bishop’s nephew – another John Fisher – who had been appointed Vicar of Gillingham in 1819, while still retaining his living at
‘Constable’, Dr John Porter (left), with Sam Woodcock PHOTO: Melvin Stroud
Osmington, which provided him with a yearly income of £1,000. (That amount in 1819 is equivalent to nearly £114,000 today!) During that time, he said he made many sketches and was so impressed with the area that he was determined to return for a longer stay whenever his diary and domestic commitments would permit. It was not until 1823 that he was able to return, when, he said, that during his month’s stay he had ample time to explore the area, make several sketches of a ‘wonderful old mill’ – Parham’s Mill, latterly Purns Mill – and complete an oil
NETHERBURY Nature Group was set up to make Netherbury a more wildlife-friendly village. It’s a friendly, informal group that holds regular meetings, puts on talks and other events as well as engaging in a variety of field work and projects. On Friday, October 16, the group will be hosting Trudy Smith for a talk on bumblebees. Doors at 6.30pm, with an entrance fee of £3. Cash bar. Everyone is welcome. Find out more at www.netherburynature.org.
painting of the Bridge at Gillingham. (The Town Bridge opposite what is now known as The Town Meadow). He always intended to visit again but never did. Sam thanked ‘Constable’ for an interesting and informative interview’. There was much applause from the attentive audience, who helped raise more than £500 towards urgent church repairs. The total included £65 for a framed Constable print of Parham’s Mill auctioned by Sam. Everyone then enjoyed wine and other refreshments to complete the evening. I am most grateful to Sam for ensuring the historical accuracy of this report and to Dr Porter for his excellent portrayal of John Constable.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 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.Warm Spaces – bacon sandwiches, soup, cake and hot drinks every Thursday, noon-3pm, from October 8. Monetary donations welcome. Knitting, jigsaws, games and chat. • Friends of Sherborne Abbey: Sunday, November 29, Advent reception 4pm in the Lady Chapel, followed by Advent carol service in the Abbey at 5pm. • Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10am
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Holy Communion. • Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10am Holy Communion. • Horton & Chalbury Village Hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church. • Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service. • Lufton Church: Prayer Book services every Sunday at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details. • Our Lady of Lourdes & Saint Cecilia, Blandford: Sunday, 9am Holy Mass; Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/ Friday, 9.10am Morning Prayers, 9.30am Holy Mass; Tuesday, 6.10pm Evening Prayers, 6.30pm Holy Mass; Saturday, 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament/ Confessions; 5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday. • Our Lady’s, Marnhull: Sunday Mass, 9am and 6pm. • Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass – Sacred Heart, Tisbury, 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am. • Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. • 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 Quakers: One hour of silent prayer or meditation every Sunday at 10.30am at Raleigh Hall, Digby Road DT9 3NL. Contact Nick Jackman at sherbornequakers@gmail.com • Stour Vale Benefice: Sunday, October 11 – 9.30am Parish Communion, St John the Baptist, Buckhorn Weston; 10.30am Morning Worship, St Michael & All Angels, Stour Provost; 11am Morning Worship, All Saints, Kington Magna; 6.30pm Harvest Festival Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Fifehead Magdalen. Sunday, October 18 – 10am Family Service, St Andrew’s, Todber; 10.30am Parish Communion, St Mary’s, West Stour; 6pm Evensong (BCP), 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 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 Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton: Cake and savouries for sale in the church hall in aid of church funds. Saturday, October 10, 10.30am12.30pm. • 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, October 11 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Harvest and Baptism Service at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long. Sunday, October 18 – 9.30am Communion at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am All Age Worship at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Communion at All Saints’ Church Tarrant Keynston; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints Church, Langton Long. Sunday, October 25 – 9.30am Morning Worship at St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am Communion at St Mary the Virgin Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Communion at All Saints Church, Langton Long. Coffee and Cake – Spetisbury 10am-11.30am, first and third Monday each month; Crafternoons – first Thursday of every month 2-4pm. £3 including refreshments; Coffee Stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm – Tuesday to Friday.
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Politics
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Rural Britain needs fairer deal RURAL communities pay more for the basics, from fuel and broadband to transport and food, and get less in return. That rural premium became painfully clear again last week as the energy price cap rose by 4% on Wednesday, taking the typical annual bill to £1,723 and swallowing up any savings made by the Government’s removal of VAT from electricity, which came into effect the next day. As winter approaches, rising wholesale gas costs mean many households still face higher bills, and rural communities will be among the worst affected. Another blow came recently, when the average UK diesel price hit £2 a litre for the first time. For people living in Glastonbury and Somerton, these costs cannot simply be avoided. In many of our villages, driving is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. With limited public
Lib Dem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke transport, people rely on their cars to get to work, take children to school, attend medical appointments or care for relatives. That is why I have consistently argued that Government policy must recognise the additional cost of rural life. As Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, I have previously raised this issue in
Parliament, highlighting the particular pressures faced by households living off the gas grid and many reliant on heating oil. Earlier this year, as heating oil prices soared, I called for a cap to protect rural households from sudden and unaffordable price spikes. Now the pressure at the petrol pump demands action, too. The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate 10p cut in fuel duty. Once VAT is taken into account, that would reduce the price motorists pay by 12p a litre, saving £6.60 when filling a typical 55-litre tank. But fuel and energy bills are part of a much wider problem. Rural councils face the expense of delivering services across large geographical areas, while communities contend with fewer buses, poorer digital connectivity and greater distances to schools, healthcare and employment.
The consequences are felt by our businesses, too. Farmers, hauliers, tradespeople and countless small rural businesses depend on vehicles every day, meaning higher diesel prices feed through into the cost of producing and delivering goods. People in Somerset should not be disadvantaged simply because of where they live. I will keep fighting for a fairer deal for rural Britain. That means action on fuel costs, better public transport and funding that reflects the true cost of delivering services in communities like ours. As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries or would like to receive a copy of my regular e-newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk
access NHS dental care in early 2025. In Somerset, 56% of children did not see an NHS dentist during 2025. I have been working with our local NHS team to do what we can with the resources available. By identifying underspends, we helped secure new NHS dental provision in Chard and Crewkerne, bringing muchneeded appointments to local families. But I do not want to pretend that is enough. Those underspends have now been used. We cannot keep relying on money left over in the NHS to provide basic dental care. We need a properly funded NHS dental service, a contract that works for patients and practices, and a credible plan to recruit and retain the dentists we need. Earlier this year, I secured a debate in Parliament to press the
Government on the changes needed to make NHS dentistry work again. I warned that if we spend years consulting on reform, negotiating a new contract and then trying to implement it, we risk simply running out of time to save NHS dentistry. No one should have to choose between stretching their finances to pay for private treatment and living with pain and untreated dental problems. Dentists want to help and serve their communities, but they are being held back by a system that is failing them and their patients. People should not have to fight to get the basic dental care they need. The Government has heard from patients and dentists – now it needs to act. We cannot afford to wait another year while more people go without treatment.
Action needed on NHS dentistry LAST week, I brought dentists from across our area together to discuss the crisis in NHS dentistry. Sadly, very little of what I heard will surprise anyone who has tried to find an NHS dentist in recent years. Since being elected, I’ve lost count of the number of people who have contacted me desperately searching for an NHS dentist. People are waiting months for appointments, travelling long distances for treatment or being told there is simply nowhere to go. Some are paying hundreds of pounds for private treatment because they have no other option. Others are putting off treatment altogether. That is not acceptable in 21st century Britain. The dentists I met are just as frustrated. They want to take on more NHS patients, but the current NHS dental contract is
Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance failing patients and dentists alike. Rising costs, staff shortages and a contract that does not properly reward NHS work are making it harder for practices to provide the care their communities need. We know this is a national crisis. About 14 million people – one in four – were unable to
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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High fuel prices and EV sales THE oil and gas barons, having invested so heavily to influence the policies of the US government, must be dismayed at the recent turn of events in the Middle East. The joint US/Israeli bombardment of Iran, and the killing of its leadership, has failed in whatever its objectives were. Instead, the inhumane Iranian regime has been gifted a stranglehold on sea traffic through the Straits of Hormuz. That unintended consequence has caused another leap in the cost of materials, including the oil, gas and fertiliser we are still far too dependent upon. Fuel price rises are hitting the pockets of drivers hard and have doubtless contributed to the welcome surge in sales of fully electric vehicles that is a major positive unintended consequence. It’s the total
Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset opposite of what the fossil fuel industry wants, and a big step towards decarbonising transport. With new EV prices in the UK becoming increasingly competitive, and more good value secondhand ones on the market, the direction of travel is clear. Pardon the pun. One major disappointment
Slade standing for seat again LIBERAL Democrat MP Vikki Slade has been reselected to stand for the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency in the next general election. She was elected to represent the constituency with a majority of 1,352 at the 2024 election. She secured the backing of local party members at a selection meeting at the end of last month. Vikki Slade MP said: “It’s a huge privilege to have been reselected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mid Dorset and North Poole. “Cost of living, equality and pride in our community are my absolute priorities, and I look forward to continuing to fight for Dorset. “I’m really proud of the record of action that we have achieved, from tackling flooding on the Bakers Arms roundabout,
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade pictured in Wimborne town centre
to fundraising to protect Upton Heath, to championing Special Educational Needs in Parliament. “It can feel like the fight is a long way off, but the truth is a general election could be called any day now.”
with the present EV market in the UK is the high proportion of oversized SUVs still being sold. If you get sandwiched between two of these in a car park you have difficulty opening your door to get out, and meeting one on a narrow country road often requires hedge scraping. Another major disappointment is the high proportion of vehicles that are Chinese built. China saw the future need for EVs and capitalised on it, while we debated, dithered and delayed. Transitioning to EVs is only part of the transport solution. We need better support for cycling, and better public transport. While it’s challenging to provide regular bus services in largely rural settings, solutions like car sharing can help to reduce costs as well as the number of vehicles on the road. Bus privatisation has failed
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Politics
badly. The Green Party’s call is to bring buses back under public control, and free fares for everyone under 22 years to help make life more affordable for young people, who need all the help they can get. The solar farm near where I live is nearing completion. I’ll admit it looks downright ugly when viewed from a high vantage point, but then so did our usually beautiful Dorset countryside when it was dried to a dull crispy brown by this summer’s record-breaking run of five heatwaves in quick succession. We have to do our bit to halt climate change or we will pay a very heavy price. Our farmers are already paying the price for this year’s unprecedented weather. How many more warnings do we need before we wake up and take action. Our choices diminish with every moment’s delay.
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Politics
blackmorevale.net
Moves on social care and energy YOU will no doubt have noticed that the Prime Minister used his speech at the Labour Party Conference to signpost some major policy shifts. As someone who spent the better part of a decade working in renewable energy, prior to getting elected, I was very interested to hear about plans for a ‘Great British Grid’ to increase competition in the energy market and, it is hoped, bring down energy prices for households. I will be representing my party on the Energy Independence Bill Committee which will scrutinise these plans, and I look forward to tabling amendments to help reverse the spiralling cost of energy bills. The PM also announced his
Lib Dem MP for West Dorset Edward Morello intention to create a National Care Service, to deliver ‘free at the point of use’ social care. He was right to identify social care as a huge cost to the NHS,
families, and society as a whole. I often cite the fact that if West Dorset was a country we would have one of the oldest populations in the world. Nowhere is the pressing need for a solution to adult care felt more keenly. For too long too many governments have refused to grab the nettle, the enormity of the task being too huge. The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, has made clear we will work cross-party if the Government is serious about finally tackling the problem. Closer to home, we now have more than 50 confirmed cases of blue tongue on farms in Dorset. I am relieved that issues around vaccination availability and testing times
Reader’s Picture
Sea view: Robin Boultwood took this photo of Swanage Pier on a slighlty grey early autumn day
seem to have abated, and after my appeal in the House to Ministers the official map of the outbreak has been updated and now shows suspected cases – as well as confirmed. However, it is incredibly important that farmers continue to vaccinate, as the continued warm weather means the midges that spread the disease are still a threat. Finally, I’m pleased to confirm that after a review, Link has finally agreed there is a gap in cash services available in Beaminster that causes significant impact on the local community. I’ll continue to pressure for improved services, and I would like to thank everyone in Beaminster who helped lobby Link.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
blackmorevale.net
UK is living beyond its means NOTWITHSTANDING the fact that the Prime Minister has declared – and I believe him – there will be no General Election before 2029, the faultlines of that election campaign are beginning to emerge starkly. An extreme ethno-nationalist Restore regurgitating constantly a diet of anger and rage while polishing its rose-tinted glasses of England circa 1935. Reform, obsessed with identity politics and ‘Englishness’ coupled to a few side dishes of anger, resentment and rage. The Lib Dems who, undemocratically, wish to overturn the Referendum on EU membership and led by someone who believes, in the interests of ‘equality’, that men with fully functioning genitalia should be allowed to use women’s changing rooms and so on merely because they are wearing a dress – thereby putting the safety and security of women below that of men.
Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare The Labour Party, which is addicted to taxing and spending, ignorant of the needs of business or the economy and unwilling to tackle the burgeoning, unsustainable in-work welfare benefits bill. The Greens who have virtually abandoned their environmental campaigning to focus on international affairs and who, every day, illustrate that expelled Corbynites from Labour have infiltrated that
Politics
once proud, environmentally focussed Party. My Party, the Conservative Party. Pummelled at the last election, we have learned our lesson and apologised for our mistakes while in office. Many constituents tell me they find Kemi’s no-nonsense style of honest politics refreshing. I really do believe that most people in the country and across North Dorset realise that, as a country, we are living well beyond our means and that one can only borrow so much to pay for it. People are realising that we are over regulated, overtaxed and under-motivated. The State and all its tentacles of influence and power has become too unwieldly. The State as servant has become the master. That balance is not right. I am not advocating for a race to the bottom, laissez faire, devil take the high road approach, but the pendulum has swung too far, and it needs correcting. I sincerely believe that we
Conservatives can do it and will, if given the chance to do so. Most will have noticed the total debacle of the Government’s latest attempt to provide sustainable funding to farming via the Sustainable Farming Initiative. The whole farming world had just, unbeknown to them, six hours to submit their applications. This proved to be a devasting farce. It is bad news for our already hard-pressed farmers and for the environmental projects they wished to deliver. Many farmers across North Dorset have been left with nothing. And, this is on top of the spectre of the Family Farm Tax, high input costs and reduced harvest yields. Those who feed the nation and are our landscape’s custodians deserve so much better. We have written to the DEFRA Secretary setting out all of the problems and doubtless it is a topic Parliament will focus on in the coming weeks.
lofty ambition. Our principal allies are meeting the moment. We are not. The Defence Secretary tried to flesh out Burnham’s ‘point’ at PMQs further in his conference speech, suggesting that critics of the Government must remember “you don’t make your country stronger by making our people poorer”. That is true, of course, but the namesake of the current Chancellor, Denis Healy, said 50 years ago that if we don’t fund defence “we have no houses, we have no hospitals… we are a heap of cinders.” In a speech with barely even a mention of defence, the Prime Minister outlined his ambitions to radically alter the social care system in Britain. A nationalised care system, free at the point of
use, similar to the NHS, paid for from savings made by a change to the state pension. The Prime Minister thinks these savings are enough to fund this national care service. He’s wrong, of course, unless his plans turn out to be mere tweaks. When pressed, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who has more of a grip, wouldn’t rule out tax rises to fund care. Instead of getting control of spending, growing the economy and funding defence, we get more welfare. Taxes, it seems, will rise to pay for it. Denis Healy who, unlike this lot, had served in uniform and understood full well the importance of defence, would not be impressed.
Defending the country comes first AS we hit conference season, the Labour Party conference has given Andy Burnham an opportunity to flesh out his long-term vision for what the country should look like. It is hard to ignore that many things are difficult in Britain, the economy isn’t growing fast enough, there is a cost-of-living crisis and, as the world gets more dangerous, the armed forces are too small. All this makes the Government’s prioritisation of benefits over defence even more concerning. Glimpses of this were seen as Burnham outlined at PMQs his view that defence funding ‘cannot come at the expense of social security’. Already a concern when welfare spending is at its highest level in years,
Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison and our military kit is insufficient. The Government has committed itself to raising defence spending to 3% of GDP at some point, but we don’t know when. 3.5% remains a
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SOMETHING TO SAY? Then email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026 BLACKMORE VALE
THE NEW
P3
MAGAZINE
Edition 158 Edition 90
Z 10
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Arrow words Bodily structure science
Circulates
Crazes
Spread thickly
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Crossword 1
British government in India
Brain cell
‘Amazing!’
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Semite
Increases
US government spy agency (inits)
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Healthcare Strong wind organization (inits)
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1919 19
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Cheats
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N H N A Y I L E I T L B L A A
AUSTRALIAN BRITISH CANADIAN CHINESE EGYPTIAN ENGLISH FINNISH FRENCH
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D N S N E E A A S A L N I H D
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Sudoku 3D puzzle
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+17
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Brain chain (hard version) 138
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13
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6
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RESULT
-47
zn Puzzles copyright © Any Puzzle Media Ltd
For the solutions, turn to page 78
38
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Letters
blackmorevale.net
View from political centre ground I ALWAYS read the letters pages and what local MPs and party representatives have to say on current issues in both the New Blackmore Vale and New Stour & Avon magazines and feel it necessary to respond to some of the quips and comments in the columns written by local Tory MPs who appear to show a degree of amnesia. My views are centrist, so I am not a natural Labour supporter and thought Sir Keir Starmer never had a chance with the number of issues inherited from the last government. He should be commended on a lot of the issues that he and his ministers tried to tackle since they came to power. However, I do not believe he did enough to stop the genocide in Gaza or what Israel is doing in the West Bank – future generations of Palestinian youth will be radicalised. On the local and national news there is usually an item or report on an issue that was quite clearly overlooked by the previous Government. It is not too much of a challenge to list issues that suffered from lack of funding and which the current government is now trying to rectify. From NHS/GP appointments/ waiting lists/women’s health/ maternity services; education/ SEND/school buildings; police/ crime/prisons/courts; defence/ married quarters; youth unemployment; immigration/ use of hotels; environment/water quality etc, and one of the previous governments wanted to make tax cuts. I quite like Kemi Badenoch and would not have a problem if she ever became Prime Minister. However, it is one thing holding the current Government to account, but you cannot expect everyone to forget the 14 years of the previous government, which at times descended into farce. In an ideal world the parties would work together for the
common good rather than lurch from left to right and back again. There is too much point scoring and opposition for opposition’s sake. I have also recently spoken to the local Labour MP about the change of party leadership, which I think is no better than the last Government with regard to replacing leaders. David Little Blandford Forum
Step out for cancer cause
BOWEL cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer, but it can be treatable, curable and even preventable. Knowing the symptoms – like blood in your poo, bleeding from your bottom or changes in your bowel habits – is really important. Being active can also help reduce your risk. Getting 150 minutes of exercise a week can reduce your risk of bowel cancer by about 20% – yet almost a third of people in the UK don’t know this. That’s why we’re asking people to Walk 60 Miles in October – that’s less than two miles a day, at your own pace, wherever and whenever suits you. Sign up at bowelcanceruk. org.uk, get walking and fundraise for Bowel Cancer UK. Every mile and every pound could help save lives. Genevieve Edwards Chief executive, Bowel Cancer UK
Backdating rules would be wrong
I AM horrified that Candice Johnson-Cole backs a Government proposal to backdate rules governing donations to parties – New Blackmore Vale, September 25. Backdating any rules and regulations is entirely wrong and should be deplored.
Howard Gosling Nether Compton
Water companies should be listed
WATER quality is a nationwide issue and has the potential to be the cause of the next major public health scare. Already increases in sepsis incidents mirror the increases in untreated sewage being released into our water by all the water companies. Why is this so? Lack of investment by unaccountable financial owners, which has led to an under capacity in the sewerage treatment plants to cope, thus leading to discharges of untreated effluent into our river systems. These owners are so removed from responsibility that they generally are not listed on the British Stock Exchange. The Government will not rock the investment market and has placed the burden for change on the water user. Yes, you and I. However, the owners have seen this as another windfall to pay their shareholders dividends, not to upgrade their systems, immediately. They do so as investment potfolio holders. No controls on this by Government, despite promises. Will nationalisation be the panacea? The answer to this is a decisive ‘no’. The public purse is almost empty. So, what are the answers? All water companies must be registered as trading entities on the British Stock Exchange. Then and only then will their true worth be established in market conditions and new investment can be bought in. Regulation can then be enforced on a newer water company model. David Levy Chair Marinet Ltd Warminster resident Co-author People Powered
Solutions –The Ecological Way to Save the World
If we could talk with the animals...
THERE has been growing excitement about the possibility that AI could one day help us understand the languages and communication systems of other animals. It’s easy to see the appeal. But I find myself wondering: what if we could understand animals – and did not like what they had to say? Animals have complex ways of communicating, yet we still understand remarkably little about them. We struggle even to interpret the behaviour of the animals who share our homes, while researchers have spent decades studying the sophisticated communication of species such as dolphins, but our knowledge of them is still very basic. And what of the cows, pigs, sheep and chickens whose lives are so often reduced to commodities? If we could understand their experiences and needs, I suspect much of what they told us would be deeply uncomfortable. Perhaps that is the point. The value of understanding other animals should not simply be satisfying our curiosity. It should help us recognise their individuality, their interests and their right to live free from unnecessary harm. Technology may help us listen, but it cannot make the changes that listening demands. We need to rethink the systems and behaviours that treat other animals as resources rather than individuals with lives of their own. If we are given the extraordinary opportunity to hear other animals more clearly, we should be ready not only to listen, but to act. Fleur Disney Senior communications manager, Animal Aid (AnimalAid.org.uk)
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
blackmorevale.net
Tourism awards finalists THIS year’s Dorset Tourism Awards finalists have been announced following three months of judging by an independent panel of tourism experts. They are now guaranteed a gold, silver or bronze award, which will be revealed at the awards ceremony at Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, on Thursday, October 22. A further 13 businesses have been recognised with Commended status. The awards celebrate excellence in Dorset’s visitor economy, recognising businesses and individuals across accommodation, attractions, experiences, food and drink and other areas of tourism. The Dorset Tourism Awards are run in partnership with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, with eligible winners being nominated for the national awards in 2027.
The finalists and Commended businesses are:
n Accessible and inclusive tourism award: Finalists – Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester; Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster. Commended – Nothe Fort (operated by Weymouth Civic Society), Weymouth. n Active & learning experience of the year: Finalists – Poole Harbour Osprey Cruises, Birds of Poole Harbour, Wareham; Fossil Walks and Talks, Fossilwise, Lyme Regis; Thrill & Chill, Lyme RIB Rides, Bridport. Commended – Guided History Walk, Wareham Tours, Wareham. n Business events venue of the year: Finalists – Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham; Lighthouse, Poole; Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; Merley House Events, Wimborne. Commended – The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth. n Café/tearoom of the year: Finalists – Cherries Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury; The Castle Pantry, Highcliffe; The Upwey Wishing Well Tea Room and Water Gardens, Weymouth. Commended – Ete, Westbourne. n Camping, caravanning park & glamping business of the year: Finalists – Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park, St Leonards; Bagwell Farm Touring Park, Chickerell; Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth; South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park, Dorchester. n Dog friendly business of the year: Finalists – Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park, St Leonards; Greenwood Grange, Dorchester; South
Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park, Dorchester. Commended – Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth; MUTT Everything Dog, Dorchester. n Glamping business of the year: Finalists – Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton; The Old Forge, Compton Abbas. n Holiday park of the year: Finalists – Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa, Weymouth; Golden Cap Holiday Park, Chideock; Ulwell Holiday Park, Swanage. Commended – Club Casita, Bournemouth. n Hotel of the year: Finalists – Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot; The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth; The King’s Arms, Dorchester; The Priory, Wareham. Commended – Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham. n Innovative employer award: Finalists – To be announced at the awards event. n International tourism award: Finalists – Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester; Greenwood Grange, Dorchester. n Large visitor attraction of the year: Finalists – Corfe Castle, National Trust, Wareham; Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester; Nothe Fort (operated by Weymouth Civic Society), Weymouth. Commended – Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham; Poole Museum, Poole. n New tourism business of the year: Finalists – Coastal Vibes Cruises, Weymouth; Lyme RIB Rides, Bridport; Ringstead Bay Camping, Weymouth; Southside Funfair, Weymouth. n Outstanding contribution to Dorset tourism: To be announced at the awards event.
Rural broadband in the Blackmore Vale: Getting full fibre to your countryside home RURAL broadband has had a poor reputation for years, and in plenty of places this reputation has been justified. But now, six in 10 rural homes in England can get full fibre, and there’s no longer any reason for a poor connection to disrupt your life. Finding out what can reach your home START with a postcode check, but if nothing comes up, don’t give up. The government’s gigabit broadband checker on GOV.UK shows whether your home is included in current rollout plans. That includes Project Gigabit, the government-funded programme for harder-to-reach areas. It’s also worth registering your
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interest with providers building locally. When several homes on the same lane register, it helps make the case for bringing fibre that way. Rural broadband providers aren’t all the same SOME providers build and run their own fibre network. Others rent space on someone else’s network and sell the service under their own name. Before you sign up, ask a few plain questions, including about installation costs. What a full fibre installation actually involves
Six in 10 rural homes can now get full fibre broadband
FOR most rural homes, fibre installation happens in two parts. First the cable is brought to your house, then the equipment is fitted inside. This guide to full fibre broadband installation shows what the outdoor work looks like, step by step. The provider surveys the route first, then brings the cable
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Business n Pub of the year: Finalists – Brace of Pheasants, Dorchester; The Old Thatch, Stapehill. n Regenerative tourism award: Finalists – Birds of Poole Harbour, Wareham; Forestry England with The Tank Museum, Bovington; Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham; Oceanarium, Bournemouth. n Restaurant & casual dining of the year: Finalists – Arbor Restaurant, Bournemouth; Peppina Sicilian Bakery, Poundbury; St Tropez Restaurant and Club, Poole; The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury. n Self-catering accommodation of the year: Finalists – Greenwood Grange, Dorchester; Our Place in Portland, Portland. n Small visitor attraction of the year: Finalists – Dorset Adventure Park, Purbeck; Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne; The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, Wareham; West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport. Commended – Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Gardens, Shaftesbury; The Walled Garden, Moreton. n Tourism event/festival of the year: Finalists – Bournemouth Writing Festival 2026; Inside Out Dorset 2025, Activate Performing Arts; Swanage Carnival 2026; Swanage Folk Festival 2025. n Unsung hero award: Finalists – To be announced at the awards event. n Wedding venue of the year: Finalists – Abbots Court, Blandford Forum; Kingston Country Courtyard, Wareham; Merley House Events, Wimborne; The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth. n Wellness & spa experience of the year: Finalists – To be announced at the awards event. Commended – 1:1 Wellness Treatment, Sõma, Poole. n Winner of winners: To be announced at the awards event.
to your house either from a telegraph pole or underground. Settling in once you’re connected ONCE you’re up and running, test your speed with a computer plugged into the router by cable. WiFi is usually slower than a wired connection, especially on a single phone or tablet. If WiFi doesn’t reach every room, a mesh WiFi system can help. It uses a few small units placed around the house. They work together to spread the signal, which is handy in older homes with thick walls. Your internet home phone will move with your broadband connection as well. Check what your local providers offer to stay connected after the copper switch-off. Getting full fibre to a countryside home can take a little more planning, especially with a long drive, a field to cross or thick old walls. A postcode check is the easiest place to start.
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Antiques & Collectibles
blackmorevale.net
Advertiser’s announcement
Snake link chain ‘Weather’ picture in Saturday sale makes £3,600 ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne, had a good response to its September two-day auction with antique jewellery doing especially well. An 18ct snake link chain made £3,600 (hammer) and a 9ct Albert link watch chain £1,000 (hammer), while an 18ct gold-cased pocket watch by Cromey & Son sold for £1,600 (hammer) and a part-canteen of Georgian silver cutlery reached £5,500 (hammer), the highlight of the silver section. Acreman’s two-day auction this month features Antiques & Collectors on Thursday, October 29, at 10am, and Jewellery, Silver & Watches on Friday, October 30, at 10am. Viewing is on Wednesday, October 28, 10am-4pm. The catalogue and bidding is available online through easyliveauction.com
and thesaleroom.com Acreman is accepting consignments for its upcoming sales and is happy to advise on anything prospective sellers may be considering for auction. Photographs can be emailed to auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections and can help with advice and valuations to anyone downsizing or who needs to deal with a whole house. It can also arrange full house clearances at competitive rates. Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm. Anyone who has anything they would like to consign can contact Gill Norman on 01935 508764 or 07908 333577.
ACREMAN ST. AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS SHERBORNE
GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Thursday 29th October 10am
JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES Friday 30th October 10am
Viewing
Wednesday 28th October 10am-4pm
CLARKE’S Auctions is offering a good selection of antiques, collectables and interesting items when it holds its October sale this weekend. Viewing is on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 7-9, from 9am to 5pm. The auction is on Saturday (October 10), starting at 10am, with live online bidding available. The full colour catalogue can be viewed and downloaded through thesaleroom.com and easyliveauction.com One of the highlights of the sale is a fine oil on canvas by Arthur Joseph Meadows (1843–1907), titled Rough Weather off Newquay, Cornwall. Signed and dated ‘Arthur Meadows 1876’, the painting is estimated at £1,000£1,500.
Meadows was a well-known painter of coastal and marine scenes and was strongly influenced by Clarkson Stanfield. Other interesting lots include a fine silver salver with the presentation inscription, ‘The Richard Fox Linton Memorial Prize Awarded to Squadron Leader M.G.P. Venn 1964’, Sheffield 1964, estimated at £440-£550. A charming late 19th century French gilt-brass and champlevé enamel mantel clock is estimated at £500-£800. For an appointment with one of Clarke’s valuers, or for enquiries about consigning to a future sale, probate or insurance valuations, full or part house clearances, contact Richard Clarke or Kay Finbow on 01747 685592.
Clarke’s Auctions
Auctioneers & Valuers
Antiques && Collectibles Sale Antiques Collectables Friday Saturday10th 10thOctober August Friday9th 9th & & Saturday
Antique 18ct snake link chain Hammer £3,600
Catalogue available to view through thesaleroom.com & Easyliveauction.com We are still accepting items for our upcoming auctions For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk
A pair of George Smith country house style pink herringbone upholstered armchairs An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Sold for £1,600 Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions offerFactory, free home visits and verbal valuations. The Old Glove Buckingham Road Now accepting items for this and 4QF future sales Gillingham, SP8
01747 685592
Units 1 & 2Factory, KingsettleBuckingham Business Park,Road The Old Glove Gillingham, SP8 4QF
enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk 01747 685592 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk www.clarkesauctions.co.uk enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
blackmorevale.net
‘Soldier’ vases a sale highlight DUKE’S Auctioneers has a compelling pairing of sister sales coming up – The Autumn Auction and Modern Art, each presenting works spanning markedly different periods, styles and traditions. The Autumn Auction, on Wednesday, October 21, brings together paintings, furniture, sculptures and cultural objects of historical significance. Among the highlights is a superb pair of Chinese porcelain blue and white ‘Soldier’ vases and covers from the Kangxi period, standing an impressive 106cm high overall and formerly at Breamore House. Decorated with narrative scenes of warriors, court officials, ladies and children, the pair has long occupied a guard-like role at Breamore House. The term ‘Soldier’ vase
Advertiser’s announcement
refers to their imposing form, while their alternative name, ‘Dragoon’ vases, recalls Augustus the Strong of Saxony’s celebrated exchange of 600 cavalrymen and horses for 151 Chinese vases, including 18 examples of this type. Similar Kangxi-period pairs can be found at Windsor Castle and Petworth House, with comparable examples having appeared at Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Modern Art follows with works by Elisabeth Frink, Abraham Mintchine, Pablo Picasso, Lucy Elizabeth Kemp-Welch and others. A particular highlight is Mintchine’s vibrant Bunch of Flowers, estimated at £10,000– £20,000. The catalogue is now available to order.
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Antiques & Collectibles
Nurse’s medals from Great War THE group of First World War medals awarded to nursing sister Dorothea Mary Lynette Crewdson are estimated to sell for £10,000 at Charterhouse in Sherborne in its specialist medal, militaria & coin auction on Thursday, November 12. “I first came across the medals during a probate valuation for the family, on the wall of a study and was completely blown away by them,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house. Dorothea Crewdson was born in Bristol in 1886 and in 1911 volunteered to join the British Red Cross for training as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse. In the summer of 1918, Dorothea was on duty in France when a German bomber raided
the area. For her conduct during an air raid, Dorothea was awarded the Military Medal ‘for gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy air raid’. Although herself wounded, she remained at duty and assisted in dressing the wounds of patients. On March 12, 1919, she died suddenly from peritonitis and was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, alongside more than 11,000 others who died in the area during the First World War. Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, are available for valuations of medals, militaria and coins on 01935 812277 or via rb@ charterhouse-auction.com
THE
A U T U M N AUCTION
19th November
15th October
26th November
October Auction Programme
Silver & Silver Plate Wednesday 14th Jewellery & Watches Thursday 15th Antiques & Interiors Friday 16th Viewing, lots & bidding on our website
Specialist Valuation Days in Sherborne Jewellery, Watches, Gold & Silver 12th Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 13th Medals, Militaria, Coins & Stamps 14th Model Cars, Trains & Dolls & other Toys 15th
Classic Car Auction 19th November Classic Bike Auction 26th November 2 1 O C T | 2 0 26 dukes-auctions.com
Further entries now being accepted
The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Antiques & Collectibles
Advertiser’s announcement
Astronomical bureau clock sells for £12,700 at auction A FRENCH Empire gilt bronze astronomical bureau clock, by Lesieur of Paris, sold at Busby Auctions’ September Fine Art & Antiques sale for £12,700 (including premium). The clock design is from a pen and ink drawing by Charles Percier (1764-1838) for a single but also identical clock case now in the Musée des Beaux-Arts at Rennes.
Busby Auctioms sold the clock by Lesieur of Paris
ORIGINAL MOTORING AND MOTOR RACING MEMORABILIA wanted by established local dealer Tel. 07771 518629
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simple
01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net
Charles Percier was one of Napoleon’s chief architects and ornementalistes, and was one of the key inspirations behind the Empire style of that time. Lesieur (1790-1850) was a highly respected but little documented clockmaker who worked in Paris during the last years of the 18th century and
blackmorevale.net continued in business until about 1850. Other lots in the sale included a Regency penwork and ebonised work table with rectangular top depicting a border of birds and butterflies among foliage, which made £2,300 (including premium). And an ‘Elephant Trunk’ table by Adolf Loos achieved £7,800 (including premium). A George III mahogany chest on chest, with blind fretwork carved drawer fronts, sold for £4,940 (including premium). Busby Auctions’ next General & Interiors sale is on Thursday and Friday, October 8-9. For more information contact Isaac Goodwin or Calum Hughes – email isaac. goodwin@busby.co.uk/calum. hughes@busby.co.uk Phone: 01308 420100. Busby Auctioneers & Valuers is at North Mills Trading Estate, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3BE
WANTED Books, collectables and bric-a-brac. Call Jack: 07542 389447
Next Sale
Jewellery & Watches Saturday 10th October 2026 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website
WANTED Coins and Coin Collections Call Nick 07754-058850 / trimoneta@hotmail.com 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
An Art Deco Burmese ruby & diamond bracelet
SOLD FOR £19,000 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
Antique & Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales
Clocks Unlimited
Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
43
Arts & Entertainment
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Stand-up 40 years in the business HE’S been doing stand-up for 40 years – and this weekend one of the UK’s ‘longest surviving’ alternative comedians, Mark Thomas, is bringing his new show to Dorchester and Frome. In his four decades at the mic, he has won eight awards for performing and four for
Duane Forrest is playing three dates in Dorset
human rights work, made six series of the Mark Thomas Comedy Product (Channel 4), and written six books and five play scripts. He has also made five series of the Manifesto for Radio 4, three Dispatches programmes for Channel 4, curated and authored two art
exhibitions with artist Tracey Moberly and had one Guinness World Record for holding 20 protests in 24 hours! Mark Thomas is at the Hardye Theatre in Dorchester tonight (Friday, October 9) and the Merlin Theatre in Frome on Sunday (October 11).
Mark Thomas PHOTO: Tony Pletts
CANADIAN singer-songwriter Duane Forrest is set take audiences in Dorset on an acoustic journey through the roots of reggae to the global influence of Bob Marley. His show, Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World, is presented as part of rural arts charity Artsreach’s autumn season. Duane, who blends jazz, reggae, bossa nova, soul and smooth vocals in his performances, has toured
Canada, Europe and Central America, and has three albums under his belt. The second half of the show will feature his new work, reggae, jazz and folk music fusion album, Adrift. Duane Forrest is at East Stour village hall on Saturday, October 10; Sixpenny Handley village hall on Sunday, October 11; and The Pamela Hambro hall at Winterborne Stickland on Monday, October 12, all at 7.30pm.
BLANDFORD Forum Parish Church will be the venue for an organ concert in aid of Dorset Historic Churches Trust. Graham Scott, deputy director of music at Bryanston School, will be performing a programme of music including Bach, Handel and Stanley. The concert is on Friday, October 23, at 7pm, and tickets, priced £12, including refreshments, are available from www.ticketsource.com
Reggae at the village hall
PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OU G W E B SR ITE
THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES
Fri 9th October 7.30pm Tickets £29
TUDORS ON TOUR WITH TRACY BORMAN Weds 21st October 7.30pm Tickets £26.50
& SONS (15)
Mon 12th & Tues13th October 7.30pm Matinee Tues 13th October 2pm Tickets Adult £9 evening £8 matinee Child under 16 £7
WISHBONE ASH
THE TIME THAT WAS TOUR 2026 Thurs 22nd & Fri 23rd October 7.30pm Tickets £35.50 £33 2 night discount
WIMBORNE DRAMA PRODUCTIONS PRESENT KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS
Thurs 15th - Sat 17th October 7.30pm Matinee Sat 17th October 2.30pm Tickets £18.50 eve £16.50 matinee
1 in 10 tickets available free box office
BAD CO LEGACY
FEATURING PREVIOUS BAD COMPANY MEMBERS ROBERT HART AND DAVE ‘BUCKET’ COLWELL
Sat 24th October 7.30pm Tickets £30
PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KING CHRISTINE OCOLLISTER UR WEBS ITE & DAVE KELLY
PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KIN OU G W E B SR ITE
SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE®: ROMEO AND JULIET
Mon 19th October 7.30pm Tickets £22.50
Suitable for ages 16+ Tues 20th October 7.30pm Tickets £25
ONCE UPON A RHYME
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Mon 26th October 2pm Tickets Adults £16 Under 16’s £14.50
Sun 25th October 1pm Tickets £16 adult £14 under 18’s
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Arts & Entertainment
Concert bangs drum for the military family
blackmorevale.net
STIRRING military music will be on offer in a concert in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles promise a programme packed with ceremonial favourites, popular
classics and uplifting marches in the Strike Up the Band concert. Tilly Lambert-Lee, regional director south west for the ABF, said: “Strike Up the Band will be a fantastic celebration of military music and community spirit.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles for supporting the Army Benevolent Fund in this way. “Every ticket sold helps ensure that soldiers, veterans and their families across the south west receive the support they deserve when they need it most.” Captain Lee Clayson, director of music for The Salamanca Band, added: “We are delighted to be bringing Strike Up the Band to Sturminster Newton. “Live military music has a
MASTER storyteller Hugh Lupton and acclaimed cellist Sarah Moody – pictured – are set to present When the Morning Stars Sang to Dorset audiences. The pair will interweave tales drawing from Christian, Jewish and Islamic sources – Adam and Eve, Solomon and Sheba, Tobias and the Angel, and Job and his Comforters. Lupton is an award-winning storyteller, author, poet and lyricist who has performed at venues including the National
Theatre, the Barbican and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Moody is a cellist, composer and multiinstrumentalist known for creating atmospheric music for storytelling, theatre and film. She collaborates widely with storytellers and theatre-makers,
blending folk, classical and world music influences. When the Morning Stars Sang is at Buckland Newton village hall on Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm, and Burton Bradstock village hall on Sunday, October 18, at 7pm. More information and tickets are available at www.artsreach.
PROFESSIONAL actress Jan Wyld will appear in Bed Among the Lentils by Alan Bennett at Shaftesbury Gold Hill Museum. Jan gave a remarkable performance of the challenging piece to a capacity audience at this year’s Shaftesbury Fringe Festival and is performing it again for all those turned away and those unable to make the
date. She plays the part of Susan, a vicar’s wife who finds her vision of God at the local off-licence. Bed Among the Lentils, from the Talking Heads series, is a bleakly hilarious dark and painful monologue packed with insights and sparkling satire. Bennett’s two series of monologues for television,
Talking Heads I (1988) and Talking Heads II (1998), proved him to be a master of TV monologue, a genre he first anticipated in A Woman of No Importance in 1982 – his first play starring a single actress. Bed Among the Lentils is on Friday, October 23, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 – including wine – to reserve, phone 01258 455151.
ST GREGORY’S Church in Marnhull is hosting an organ concert by John Challenger on Sunday (October 11). John is assistant director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, where he is responsible for
accompanying the daily liturgy on the celebrated Father Willis organ of 1877. He is also assistant conductor of Salisbury Musical Society. The concert is at 3pm and admission is free although
donations towards church funds would be welcomed. Light refreshments will be served. Further details are available from organist and concert organiser Gordon Amery on 07817 379006.
Stories set to music sing
Jan plays Talking Head
Organ concert at church
unique energy and sense of occasion, and it is an honour for the band to perform in support of the Army Benevolent Fund and the incredible work they do for the Army family.” The ABF is the Army’s national charity, providing lifelong support to soldiers, veterans and their families. The concert is on Saturday, October 17, at 7pm. Tickets, priced £25 are available from The Exchange at www.sturexchange.co.uk or on 01258 475137, or through the ABF at southwest@armybenevolent fund.org or on 01392 342786.
Guitar from Galicia
IAGO Banet – pictured – billed as a one-man band on acoustic guitar, is set to play Dorchester Arts. He started his career in Galicia in Spain and moved to London in 2014 where he played in various bands before focusing on his solo career. He has been influenced by figures such as Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, and has released three solo albums, A Sunset Wine (2019), Iago Banet (2022) and TRES (2023). He has also toured the UK successfully several times, and has appeared on BBC Radio 3 In Tune twice and on BBC Radio 2’s The Blues Show with Cerys Matthews. His versatility is reflected in his fusing of styles, including fingerstyle, gypsy jazz, blues, rock, country, Dixieland swing, Tex-Mex, pop and folk. Iago Banet is at Dorchester Arts in Dorchester, on Friday, October 16, from 7.30pm.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Events
blackmorevale.net CALLING ALL CAR BOOTERS, lots of items for sale. Must clear. Tel: 01258-880892 JUMBLE SALE, Verwood Memorial Hall, October 10th, doors open at 9.30, entrance 50p JUMBLE SALEBUCKHORN WESTON HALL, SP8 5HF Saturday 10th October 2.30pm HANDMADE AT STOURHEAD, Stourton Memorial Hall, Stourhead, BA12 6QE, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 10-5. Gillingham Handamde host their craft fair, with 17 stalls by local crafts people and artists. Free Entry SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA The Choral Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ Friday 16 October | 6.30 for 7.00 pm £6 | Bar & snacks | Information: www. sixpennyhandleyvillagehall.org
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SHERBORNE PBFA BOOK FAIR, Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Road. 10th October, 10.00 - 4.00. GET IN FREE WITH THIS ADVERT
LYN’s BINGO on October 12th Marnhull Royal British Legion. Sodom Lane (DT10 1HR). Eyes down 7pm.
BARNDANCE! Thornford Village Hall Saturday 24th October, 7.30pm Tickets £12.50 available NOW at barndancethornford@gmail. com
JUMBLE SALE at Marnhull Royal British Legion, Sodom Lane, DT!)1PR on Saturday October 10th. Door opens at 10.15.
JUMBLE SALE, Saturday 10th October, 12pm. Durweston Village Hall, DT11-0QA. In aid of SVDR. £1 entry, includes raffle ticket for £25 M&S Voucher. SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM Friday 9th & Saturday 10th October 9-4.30pm Town Hall Shaftesbury Lots of locally crafted & consumable items for sale. Free Entry Please bring cash! Supporting DSAA & Weldmar Hospice Next events: 13th & 14th November. Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
THE VINTAGE BAZAAR Sat October 17th 9am-2pm at The Cheese and Grain, Frome
90,000 90,000
readers could be looking at readers could be your advert looking at your right now advert right now
01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net
Behind Enemy Lines tells the remarkable true story of Captain Lewis ‘Archie’ Gibson, one of the Second World War’s most daring soldiers. Working from previously unseen classified material Lewis tells the story of Captain Lewis ‘Archie’ Gibson, one of true grit, duty and undying brotherhood, laced with humility and humour, told by one of Britain’s bestselling military historians. Book through Eventbrite
RUNNING ORDER 17.30 Drinks 18.30 Welcome & Intro 18.35 Damien Lewis + Q&As 19.15 Book Signing 20.00 End
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Home & Garden
The seven-son-flower tree by Sally Gregson AT the end of a long-hot summer, it is refreshing to meet a rare flowering tree that seems to relish these conditions. Such a rarity in British gardens is Heptacodium miconiodes, more easily known as the seven-son-flower tree. In its native habitat, the huge mountain range of Tian Shan in China, Heptacodium miconiodes is a treasured rarity. It is listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature website as a ‘Red Plant’, indicating its endangered status in the wild. It makes a small tree that reaches to about 4.5m at maturity after about 10-15 years. It likes a draining soil in full sun to encourage its heavily perfumed white flowers in late summer/early autumn. The flowers are very attractive to every passing bee
The seven-son-flower tree reaches about 4.5m at maturity after about 10-15 years PHOTO: Pixabay/miroslavkaclik
and butterfly, and if we gardened in its native habitat, to the hummingbirds, all of which pollinate the flowers in the wild. Each flower-head comprises a ring of three to six
flowers around a central bud which opens new petals as the old flowers fade. And after all the petals have dropped, the deep, bright pink calyxes continue the show throughout
blackmorevale.net
the autumn into late November. In summer it is an elegant little tree with its large, paired, glossy green leaves hanging down from every branch, their tips just touching. They turn golden yellow before dropping in autumn, carpeting the ground beneath. Then the peeling bark comes into its own in winter, contrasting well with the dark, monochromatic landscape all around. It is resistant to most pests and diseases if grown in the correct environment. And it endures pollution, which would make it a natural choice for our towns and cities. And yet it is so rarely seen growing in British gardens. Perhaps that is down to its lack of familiarity among British gardeners. Perhaps, also, it is time to give this beauty a chance to shine, to show us its beautiful faces, and become much better known.
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 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.
• No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum • No Fires in Skip • No Sludge • NO Fridges/ Freezers • Tyres • Gas Bottles • Toxic Solvents • Paints and Liquids
PLEASE NOTE
Date ________________ ALL AREAS COVERED ONLY • AVAILABLE • LEVEL LOADS ALL SIZE OF SKIP PLEASE RING
CLIVE SMITH Vehicle Registration Customer
(See Condition 17 overleaf).
Driver
Address
ANYTIME
01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 S.I.C Code: 38110
Description
DATE
2 Yrd
Mixed Con, Brick
170107
4 Yrd
Concrete
170101
DELIVERY
6 Yrd
Soil & Stone
170504
8 Yrd
G Mixed Waste
170904
EXCHANGE COLLECTION
By signing this form I confirm I have fulfilled my duty to apply the Waste Hierarchy as required by Regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.
HOUSE CLEARANCE
BOOK YOUR FREE HOME VISIT
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (SEE REVERSE)
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Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com
01258 313110
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PRINT NAME __________________________________
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PRECISION TURFING, Tel: 07496-863806. email precision-turfing@hotmail.com
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HUSSEY CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AP Domestic and Commercial Carpets,Vinyl,Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate and Wood Flooring. Contact Chris Hussey 07885-273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026 HOUSE, GARDEN, GARAGE and office clearance 07943-111721
Home & Garden GUTTERS CLEARED • • • • • •
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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
HEDGE CUTTING AND GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE. Call David on: 07786-658708 GREENHOUSES Supplied/Erected Alloy Twelve Colours Spares-Repairs-Glass Chris Abrams 01258-452632
M & A J Landscaping ~ Fencing ~ Walling ~ Patios/Steps ~ Concreting/Tarmac ~ Tree work ~ Garden maintenance malcgin@hotmail.com 07399-521377
Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance
Hedge Cutting, Tree Shaping/ Pruning, Felling, Tree Removal & General Maintenance
07398222325
vincentandsontreeservices@gmail.com
JACKS AFFORDABLE TREE CARE 07936-498493 EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195 WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE. Gardens, house and garage. Small scale removals. 07943-111721 TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 416022 HANDYMAN SERVICES Available. Call Gavin. Tel: 07495-892240 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
ASBESTOS REMOVAL Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620
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. MADE TO MEASURE BLINDS & CURTAINS CARPETS & VINYL FLOORING
VIEW OUR NEW WEBSITE – www.sewards-blinds.co.uk Come & visit our showroom:
Unit 2, Old Market Centre, Station Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QQ
CONTACT US ON: 01747 708406
FOR MORE INFORMATION
(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
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026 FOREVER-GREEN LANDSCAPES. Garden maintenance, landscaping & fencing. Call Matt 07885-586716
WALK BEHIND FLAIL MOWER and operator hire. neglected area clearance. 07432-773151 SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE 01258 861647
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
LOGS SEASONAL LOGS. BARN DRY. Mainly Ash. 20 miles radius of Sherborne. Call- 01935 815534.
BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING - Your local mobile service 07760 469411
SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £200 transit load £110 half load 01258-880892 07980-036250
LOGS FOR SALE transit tipper load Half transit tipper load Dumpy bag (Delivered FREE in and around Sherborne) TEL: 07450-435993 or 07846-345294
GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD for sale Barn-stored Any size of load. If you want anymore help contact Andy 07773-254174
WOOD BURNER TIMBER DRY, SAW MILL OFF-CUTS, hard-wood, soft-wood, ideal for wood burners. £50 dumpy bag, delivered. Tel: 07930-120456
SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS Small and Large Loads Tel: 07973 871708 Evenings: 01935 825506
LOGS R US Tipper Load £200 Half Tipper Load £100 dumpy bag £90 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081
LOGS FOR SALE Seasoned, dry, mixed hardwood logs delivered to your doorstep! Sourced from sustainable local forest.
£95 per aggregate bag (85 x 85 x 85cm) Call to arrange your delivery: 01794 500655 or 07833 778306, Email ricknewforest@gmail.com
Based in Cranborne, Dorset. Free Delivery within 15 miles.
RIVERSIDE LOGS www.riversidelogs.co.uk
49
Home & Garden HEDGE CUTTING AND LAWN MOWING SERVICES, ShaftesburyBlandford & local villages. Please call Trevor 07970-012130
GARDENING SERVICES LAWN MOWING, strimming, hedge cutting etc. Contact Billy 07849-571742 L.DAVIS AND SONS Fencing, and garden design Concrete bases, patios, gravel, garden clearance and much more. We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products. 01458-241230 or 07950-261510
TRADITIONAL HEDGE LAYING AND AFTERCARE. Any size from £15 per metre 07706-417594.
DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123 / 07751 278363
WELL ROTTED HORSE MANURE £60.00 a transit load. Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502
BL GROUNDWORKS
OUTDOORS TREES R US DORSET Hedges, Patios, Turf & Fencing call Peter 07976-667130
FENCING & LANDSCAPING 07765 930317 Blewiscontracting@gmail.com
JAMES AYRES TREE CARE
Specialist Tree Workers All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned. Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared. Licensed waste carrier. Fully insured. Tel: 01747 850129 Mob: 07951 284639
LES BENHAM
Garden Property Maintenance All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade
GARDEN SERVICES Dorset Gardens of Steve Manuel Do you want your garden to look gorgeous and vibrant? Contact Dorset Garden Services for expert garden maintenance services at competitive prices.
07814064266
www.dorsetgardenservicesstevemanuel.co.uk sjmanuel@btinternet.com 1 Green Lane, Crossways, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8BP
50
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Local Services
blackmorevale.net
ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL BAILEY & SUN LTD. Groundwork, man and machine hire. Footings, ditchings, driveways, new build, drainage, extensions plus lots more. Call for a quote. 07546-762236. sun@baileyandsun.co.uk. •General building •Extensions/Renovations •Loft conversions •Oak frame buildings •Groundwork/Landscaping •All your property needs
Mobile: 07979 527379 | Email: alanlewisaml@aol.com
SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD. All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com
Book online: blackmorevale.net
T F PLANT
Sand, gravel, cement and topsoil supplied
Electrical fault finding
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
Domestic and commercial EICRS
TF Plant, 8 Brickfields Industrial Estate, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4JL
New electrical installations Electrical rewires
Electric heating installations
PAT testing
Tel 01747 822604
office@cliffordtshean.co.uk www.cliffordtshean.co.uk
01747 826107
Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions
01747 822162
Our advice is always free
enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk
Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial
REPLACEMENT TANKS INSTALLATIONS RE-SITING TEMPORARY TANKS EMERGENCY PUMP OUTS BUNDED /SINGLE SKIN METAL TANKS/FUEL STATIONS ABOVE GROUND OR BELOW MOLING SERVICE FOR BELOW GROUND UTILITIES COMMERCIAL BOILER REMOVAL
CALL NOW FOR YOUR PERSONAL QUOTATION
Tel: 01963 363870
24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
51
Local Services
blackmorevale.net
ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL A&R SERVICES, All garden works undertaken, Free quotations eco friendly, 07947-904-820 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 ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301
B.LUCAS General builder
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
25+ Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified
Advertising made
Providing reputable electrical services for over 30 years. Prompt service at reasonable rates.
simple 01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net
Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.
FREE estimates 07809 362919
ELECTRICIAN
Shaftesbury Based.
8am - 8pm
Call Alan: 07442 026385 Email: alanaac1@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
Call Dave Welsh 07492181788 or 07838654468 www.repointdorset.co.uk tradbuildrest@gmail.com
• Cob work - new & repairs • Oak timber framining
Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services
ELECTRICAL AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES LIMITED
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL WORKS ADDITIONAL SOCKET TO FULL REWIRE PROUDLY SERVING RENOVATION TEMPLECOMBE, WINCANTON, SHERBORNE NEW BUILD AND SURROUNDING AREAS FAMILY BUSINESS • COMPETETIVE RATES
CALL IAN ON:
FULLY QUALIFIED
07346 814585 FULLY INSURED
COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING: New Builds | Extensions | Renovations Brickwork | Stonework | Carpentry Barn & Loft Conversions | Landscaping
30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE 07588804253 | 07791432215 Elevatebuild@outlook.com
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
52
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 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
CHIMNEYS K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038
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
Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps
J&C Handyman Services
NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m) CCTV
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
BUSINESS
STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267
Martin Simmonds Chimney Sweep Manual and Power Sweeping,
Manual and Power Sweeping, Stove Servicing and Maintenance, Camera Inspections, Property Maintenance Camera Inspections, 07368 Property 250305/01747 590799 Maintenance.
01258 455251
Tel: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk
Stove Servicing and Maintenance,
NVQ Qualified. APICS Registered
07368 250305 / 01747 590799 Friendly, Reliable Service NVQ Qualified, APICS Registered longthorpeindustries@gmail.com Friendly, Reliable Service
longthorpeindustries@gmail.com
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
NEED HELP WITH BUSINESS ADMIN? Admington helps busy local tradespeople stay on top of the paperwork — invoices, quotes, chasing payments, emails and general admin. You handle the tools, I’ll handle the paperwork. Get in touch with Admington today 07356-005932
ONE D EG R E E BUSI N ES S COACHIN G Are you running your business or is it running you? Tired of working all hours, first into the office and last out? Working weekends and no time for your family? Haven’t had a holiday for ages? Well it won’t change unless YOU make a change. Ready to take back control of your business? Ring Ring Richard on 07870 640890 today to book your free introductory session and discover how you can move forward with greater clarity, confidence and control.
onedegreebusinesscoaching
CHIMNEYS
Wood Burning Stoves Installed
False Fireplaces & Media Walls
Chimney leaks, Repairs, Rebuilds and Removals
Twin-Wall Chimney Systems
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
53
Local Services
blackmorevale.net
CHIMNEYS
COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH
Get connected. Stay connected. Established in 1978
Chimney Sweep • Property Maintenance Fireplace & Stove Servicing
WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC
:01258 455947
:phoenixchimneys1@gmail.com
• 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.
CLEANING Place your classified advert today CLASSIFIED
01963 400186
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
COMPUTERS / Wi-Fi & TECH DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons). PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 07855-287150 01963-362403 www.dcenet.co.uk
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software Tuition Call Gregg on 01963 370713
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
Call me now on 07805 783147 DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY
Find Us Online
www.blackmorevale.net
LES BENHAM PAINTING SERVICES Property Maintenance Domestic/Commercial Inside or Out. Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849 / 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk / check a trade
CAMILLE ELIZABETH Advertising made
simple 01963 400186 adverts@blackmorevale.net
PAINTER AND DECORATOR
DUST FREE SANDING SYSTEM Fully Qualified - 20+ Years Experience camillepainting1@gmail.com | 07759 644755
54
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Local Services
blackmorevale.net
DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY M & M Painting & Decorating. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07921-783296 / 01305-849380
Painting & Decorating Local Quality Painter & Decorator.
35 Years Experience
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 COUNTRY CARPENTRY Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570
FREE Estimates. No VAT
‘Your home in safe and capable hands’
GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073
ITALIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS
LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS
Call Richard on
Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627
24/7 Locksmiths & Garage Door Repairs
Italian Courses Classes and private tuition
throughout the year
Dorset com Doors .com - Residential Lockouts - Garage door repair specialists - New garage doors & automation - Lock repair and replacements
07979 978 751 drew@dorsetdoors.com
Contact
CHRISTINE JEWELS
01935 425958
www.italianlanguageservices.co.uk
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
Advertising made
simple
01963 400186 | adverts@blackmorevale.net
LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire
Contact us for a free quote!
Repairs, Services, Upgrades, Automation & New Door Installations. High quality doors at low prices from a family run business with excellent service! www.grp-garagedoors.co.uk
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
MUSIC PIANO LESSONS. Experienced teacher. All ages and abilities. weds/ Thurs on grand piano. Hazelbury Bryan. Call/Text Tiff 07757-813958 PIANO TUNING, repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos.Julian Phillips BA CGLI. 01258 471194
PEST CONTROL SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL
Wasps, Rodents, and all other pests humanely dealt with. All forms of bird and rodent proofing undertaken. Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080
Book online: blackmorevale.net
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
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
55
Local Services
blackmorevale.net
PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE
PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE Place your classified advert today
D&T Plumbing and Heating
CLASSIFIED
Reliable, professional service for all your plumbing & heating needs.
01747 854887
01963 400186
07525 755696
Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Installs Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Mere & surrounding areas
GASTECHPLUMBING.COM
07783 994377
•
Bath/shower room design & installation • Wall and Floor Tiling • Prompt plumbing solutions 07884 946219 / 01258 820897
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 P L U M B I N G & H E AT I N G
Professional | Trusted | Reliable
• Oil and Gas Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement and Servicing • Landlord’s Gas Safety • Bespoke Plumbing and Bathroom Design okefordheating@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile: 07971 865496
ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS
Sinks • Toilets • Sewers • Downpipe • Installation of new drains • Manholes and gully’s Repairs to existing drains • CCTV Surveys • HP Jetting No dig Relining NO CALL OUT CHARGE
Call David: 01747 640188 07587 238563 BLACKMORE VALE
JOBS GROUP
NOW ON Facebook
To place your
CLASSIFIED ADS
The New
Blackmore Vale
Magazine
book online: adverts@blackmorevale.net
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
Established 1980
www.dorsettreatmentplants.co.uk
56
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Local Services
blackmorevale.net
ROOFING Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
• Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk
STAIR LIFTS
QUALITY ROOFING! Strip and retile old renovation, repointing and rebuild chimneys, lead works, gutters and facias, torch on flat roofing and repairs. No VAT! Contact Simon at 07745-625617
S A L E S / R E N TA L S • I N S TA L L AT I O N S E R V I C I N G • R E PA I R
Tom the Roofer All Roofing Services & Repairs
01747 854887 07525 755696
All Aspects Of Roofing Undertaken
Based in Wincanton Contact Chris
valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on
CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out. PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.
FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM
For honest, independent advice, get in touch:
01749 346 900 / 01803 678 073 www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk
Covering Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon
Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services
TARMAC / SURFACING
01258-450879 | 07855-402799 Clangley12@aol.com TREE SURGEON
-MACHINE OR HAND LAY -OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE -LOCAL AUTHORITY APPROVED -PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN -ALL ASPECTS OF SURFACING, ROADS, DRIVES, FOOTPATHS & DROP KERBS CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE ON 01747 820234 OR EMAIL INFO@CGSURFACING.CO.UK
Book online: blackmorevale.net
C&G SURFACING LTD, THE DEPOT, LONGCROSS, ZEALS
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
blackmorevale.net
Local Services
Announcements
WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE
PUBLIC NOTICES
SKIP HIRE ALTERNATIVE We do all the Work! Please call Paul on 01258 440838 or 07853 275379
Goods Vehicle Operators Licence
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
HOUSE CLEARANCE Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier
Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com www.
.com
WINDOWS & DOORS BLACKMORE WINDOWS AND DOORS. Locally based company in Stalbridge with 25 years experience. All your window and door needs undertaken, from repairs to replacement. Contact Terry on 07514224712 or find me on Facebook and WhatsApp. FREE QUOTATIONS.
Announcements PUBLIC NOTICES LOST. on Sunday 20th September, in Hospital Lane, Sherborne, a pearl necklace. Please contact: 01935-817312
Minibus Drivers We are looking for some volunteer minibus drivers to join our team. If you hold a D1 licence and would like to help us provide much needed transport for the elderly, disabled and learning disabled in Sherborne and the surrounding area, please get in touch. E: sherbornevoluntaryambulance@gmail.com M: 07947 620378
57
R Wallis Ltd Crockers Farm Stokewake Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 0HF is applying for a license to use, Crockers Farm Stokewake Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 0HF as an operating centre for 1x Goods vehicle. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the traffic commissioner’s office.
Goods Vehicle Operators Licence J & A Automotive (SW) LTD of Whitehall Garage BA9 8BG is applying for a licence to use Yard 3 13a Marsh Lane Henstridge BA8 0TG as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and 0 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at www.gov.uk/object-hgv-operator-licence.
Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence JETS HAULAGE LTD of 16 Longcross, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8QP is applying for a licence to use Virginia Hayward Logistics, Henstridge Airfield, Camp Road, Henstridge Marsh, Templecombe, BA8 0TN as an operating centre for 4 goods vehicle and 6 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE stating their reasons within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide to makingrepresentations-objections-and-complaints goods vehicleoperator-licensing
70th BIRTHDAY Happy 70th Birthday Margaret Cowell Sending you so much love for your special day on the 11th of October. A double celebration as you retire from Yewstock after 36 amazing years as a dinner lady. Enjoy your well-earned retirement! All our love, Nicholas and the whole family.
58
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Announcements
blackmorevale.net
IN MEMORIAM
DEATHS
Bet Sammons
RONALD DAVID CRABB (RON)
Miss you lots, Still love you lots. Mike. x
KIERAN MARC PITTICK 10 years now since that tragic day, 7/10/2016. Always in our thoughts, never forgotten. RIP Gentle Giant. Love from your family x
REMEMBERING MY DEAR BROTHER VIC TOOGOOD Many Years Have Passed. The memories still last. We miss you and speak of you often. Love Lyn xx
Memorial Service for Mark Hoskins Please join us to remember and celebrate Mark’s life on his birthday, 28th October. Church service: 2.30pm at Kington Magna Church, followed by drinks and food at the farmhouse from 3–5pm. All who knew and cared for Mark are warmly invited. Donations in Mark’s memory may be made at the memorial in support of the Farming Community Network (FCN), chosen by his family. Please RSVP to William Hoskins or Emma Hamilton: 07926 607627. newtownfarmoffice@gmail.com
Passed away 1st September 2026 in Poole Hospital aged 87 years. Beloved Husband to Margaret. Dearly loved Dad to Graham and Trudi. Father-in-law to Debbie and Gus (RSA).Private cremation has taken place. Many thanks to everyone for messages, cards and flowers.
MICHAEL FRANCIS Of Bourton. Passed away peacefully on 20th September 2026. aged 84 years. He was a much loved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle & Brother-in-law. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium, on Thursday 15th October at 1.20pm. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Michael for Somerset & Dorset Air Ambulance.
Patricia Fitzgerald aged 94, of Tisbury, left us peacefully on 17th September. Dearly loved mother of Vicky and Sam, wife of the late Victor, sister, nan, auntie and friend to many. A great loss to those that loved her, but a great life lived. Patricia’s funeral will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday 23rd October at 1 pm. Family flowers only please donations can be made to the RSPCA and Cats Protection League
DEATHS Goodship William Joseph Peter - `Peter` of Gillingham. Passed away peacefully in Salisbury hospital on the 3rd of October 2026 aged 89 years. Worked for Royal Mail for many years at Gillingham and Shaftesbury. Much loved husband to Ruth and Father to Tim and Sue. Will be a Private cremation. He will be sadly missed.
HINTON Gordon Raymond Peacefully on 22nd September 2026 at home in Gillingham, surrounded by his family, aged 87 years. Dearly loved husband of Maggie. Much loved dad of Tracey, Trudy and the late Keith. Loving grandad, great-grandad and father-in-law. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday, 20th October at 12.00pm. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, in memory of Gordon for either British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk
BAILEY Jim Passed peacefully at Elliscombe House Residential Home on Friday 11th September 2026, aged 83 years. Much loved Husband to Doreen, Father and Grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The funeral service has taken place. Enquiries to A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310
Maureen Clothier (Formerly of Copplesbury Farm, North Brewham) Passed away peacefully at home on the 21st September aged 84 years. A much loved Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma. She will be missed by all her family and friends. A celebration of Maureen’s life will take place at St John’s Church, South Brewham on Tuesday 3rd November at 12noon. Donations are invited in aid of The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and may be left after the service or sent c/o Harold F Miles Funeral Directors, Meadows Edge, Folly Lane, South Cadbury BA22 7ES or online at www.haroldfmiles.co.uk
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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Announcements
blackmorevale.net
DEATHS DRAKE Jed Charles Passed away unexpectedly at home on the 29th July 2026, aged 71 years. Much loved Brother and Uncle. He will be sadly missed by his close friends and all who knew him. Funeral service will be held at Salisbury Crematorium, on Friday 16th October 2026, at 1.00 pm. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired are for Amnesty International. Donations and enquiries to A. J. Wakely & Sons, Funeral Directors, 16 Newland, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3JQ. Tel: 01935 816817.
ELIZABETH ROSE ROSS (BETTY) Passed away at home in Stalbridge on 1st October 2026 Aged 85 years. Dearly beloved wife of James, Mother to Lorraine, James and Nicola. Grandmother to 5 and Great Grandmother to 9, who will be dearly missed by all. Funeral service will take place at St Marys church Stalbridge, on 29th October 2026 at noon. No flowers please and any donations should be made to Weldmar Hospicecare. Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services 01963 362570
Hill Jennifer Elaine JOAN OSBORNE Peacefully on 9th September 2026 at Fern Brook Lodge Care Home, aged 99 years, of Buckhorn Weston. Devoted wife of the late Jack. Much loved Mother of Jill. Loving Grandmother to Sarah, Philip and Michael. Dearly loved Great-Grandmother to Jack and Effie. Funeral service at Church of St. John the Baptist, Buckhorn Weston on Wednesday, 21st October at 12.00pm, followed by interment. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Joan for Dementia UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk
We are all very sad to announce the passing of Jenny on Sunday 13th September 2026 aged 80 Years. She will be greatly missed by family and friends A service will be held at St John the Evangelist Church, Milborne Port on Wednesday 14th of October at 13.00pm. Donations in memory of Jenny are invited in aid of Dementia UK. These may be left after the service or sent c/o Harold F Miles Funeral Directors Meadows Edge, Folly Lane, South Cadbury BA22 7ES or online at www.haroldfmiles.co.uk
DR DAVID ROBERT CARTER JONAS KAY HILL of East Knoyle passed away peacefully at home on 26th September after a long illness, bravely fought. She was surrounded by her family and will be sadly missed and always remembered. Funeral Service to be held at St Mary’s Church, East Knoyle on Tuesday 20th October at 11.00am, all welcome. Private Cremation. Family flowers only please but donations if desired to Cancer Research UK or Weldmar Hospice Care. Cheques made payable to these charities may be sent to L. C. Hill and Son Funeral Directors, Water Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6DZ.
Margaret Handy Durweston, Dorset and late of Co Kildare, Ireland. Passed away peacefully on 17th September 2026 at Blandford Grange Care Home, aged 91 years. Much loved sister of the late Charles and sadly missed by her sister Ruth, niece and nephew Kate and Scott and the extended family. Funeral service to be held in St Nicholas Church, Durweston on Wednesday 21st October 2026 at 2 00pm. Family flowers only, but donations if desired may be sent to Riding for the Disabled Association, online by visiting www.close-funeral.co.uk. All enquiries c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133
Died peacefully on 11 September 2026 in Salisbury District Hospital aged 82 years. Former GP in Hindon. Much loved by all his family, friends and patients. Burial at Ashgrove Quaker Ground on Friday 23 October at 2pm. A memorial service will be held at St John’s Church, Hindon on Saturday 24 October at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to either event. No flowers please but donations if desired to South West Brain Bank https://www.alzheimers-brace.org/donate/
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER/HANDYMAN. Couple. Part-time, Free cottage, Sorry, no children. Email: courtfield23@outlook.com PART TIME ASSISTANT REQUIRED on beef farm over the winter, pay according to experience, mornings only, some weekends will be required. Henstridge area, for more information please ring 07974 207127 HELP REQUIRED Couple 90s. Household duties approx 2hrs 5 mornings week. £300 guaranteed weekly. Driving licence advantage. Bishops Caundle. 07743-286763 WAITRESS REQUIRED At Hays Park Retirement Apartments, Sedgehill, Shaftesbury. Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12pm-2pm. With flexibility to cover for holidays & Sickness. For further details on the role and pay Please contact: Carolyn on: 01747 830349 or email: hays.park@googlemail.com RELIABLE DOMESTIC CLEANER AVAILABLE, Shaftesbury Area. Contact: 07932-323969
EXPERIENCED CLEANER NEEDED, once a fortnight in happy, friendly household, with 2 friendly dogs. Gillingham, areas. 01747-822125 PARISH CLERK/RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER ABBAS AND TEMPLECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Items for sale
blackmorevale.net
CLASSIFIED ADS
SADOLIN 5 LITER TIN ebony cost £68 surplus to requirements unopened £20 Blandford 07442-164854
TOMBOLA DRUM, £20 ono. Buyer collects. Tel: 01747-822014 (Gillingham) ELECTRIC FIRE, Looks like woodburner £10. gwo. 2 Kerb ramps. new. £10. All wool red rug, as new £10. Heavy Dog doorstop, £10. 3 Canvas ES, £3 each. Tel: 01963 350118
RISE AND RECLINE ARMCHAIR. Hardly used and in pristine condition. £300 Tel:07963-834159
ERCOL SET of 2 ‘Pebble’ occasional tables in light ash. Brand new £200 Tel: 01963 371315
8-SEATER EXTENDABLE WOODEN TABLE. One leg needs gluing. Can send pictures. Free on collection. 07460 585505. Castle Cary.
CORDWOOD FOR SALE. Needs someone with the right large trailer and loader to collect it. Telephone or text: 07754-232184
TRAILER. 3 x 5ft (100 x 150cm). Galvanised steel. Complete with spare wheel and cover. £150 ono. Buyer collects. Tel 07870 669889
ROWING MACHINE. Free on collection. 07460 585505. Castle Cary.
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS PINE TABLE, 53 ins x31 ,old pine appearance, but removable legs £20 07818-345464 ADULT ARCHERY SET, Contains target ,stand, bow and arrows, £30. Tel:01963-33538 CAMPING GAZ REFILLABLE blue 907 butane £15.00. 07973-686179
3 WHEELED WALKER with large shopping bag. £20. 4 wheeled walker, with seat. £30. Both as new. Tel: 01963-32289 SINGLE DIVAN BED. Pine headboard, little used mattress, under bed storage. £40. Tel: 07388-332926 Shaftesbury
4 STAKO AUDIO CASSETTE tape holders. Used good condition. Interlocking. £20. Collect Wincanton. 07595 496319.
BARGAIN, NICE SWIVEL RECLINER armchair, with foot stool. good condition. £40. Tel: 01963-31930
FRIGIDAIRE CHEST FREEZER. 90 cm x 87 x 67. Good working condition. £30 Collect Wincanton 01963 32326
FOOTBALL RELATED BOOKS, from the 60’s upwards. Also childrens manuals, from 60’s 70’s & 80’s. £1 each. enquiries. Tel: 01747-840835
3-SEATER MULTIYORK SOFA, Cream washable covers. In great condition. £50. Buyer collects. Tel: 01747-823167
2 PARKER KNOLL Winged Recliner Chairs. £20 each (downsizing). Buyer collects 01258 472022
MICROWAVE. GEORGE. 17ltrs. 700w. White. Brand new. Boxed. £25, 07858 263179
TELESCOPIC LADDER. 3m 10cm extended. 80cm collapsed. As new. £50. Mob 07807-009768
FREE;- SUPERSER MOBILE GAS HEATER with cylinder, Sorrento gas barbecue with cylinder. Tel 07821-257872
CHILD’S CAR-SEAT: MaxiCosi, suitable for 2-3 year-old. Good condition, free for collection. Tel. 01747 833734
ICE KING CHEST FREEZER garage rated with baskets. 2ft (width) x 4ft (length) x 2ft 8” (height). £50 buyer collects 07966-282313
MOTORHOME COVER. Black. Elasticated hooks. Fits 2 berth size Motorhome. Used once. £15, 07874 266213, Blandford. SEWING MACHINE, Singer Domestic, with instructions, newly serviced, GWO. £50. Tel: 07813-852614 WROUGHT IRON CANDELABRA, hang from ceiling 26” diameter 8 candle holders £25. Also another 2 smaller ones not matcing approx 21” diameter £10 each. 01963-363255 CAPTAIN’S CHAIR good condition £50 01258-452749 CAT FOOD 35 cans 200g TROVET Hypoallergenic single protein (adult) £39 01963 364362 for details CLASSICAL GUITAR, £50. Tel: 01258-820526
BRITISH EAGLE LADIES BIKE (white) reasonable condition £20. Black & Decker hedge trimmer £10. 01747-860645 (Mere) SUITCASE WITH WHEELS used once ideal for cruises £25 Strapless calf length black cocktail dress size 10. £15 Gillingham 07769-708992 HASKINS, Morris light oak veneer extending dining room table 3ft square extending to 6ft , £25. Phone 01747 229268 BLACK AND DECKER, workmate, model 536 complete, like new. £25. (Gillihgam) Tel: 07963-319751
CLARKE 6 INCH BENCH GRINDER.2 discs good condition £10. 07885-867886.
FREE FOURTEEN USED 2inch A4 lever arch binders. Buyer Collects 07468-468120 KETTLLER GOLF ELECTRIC EXERCISE Bicycle as new, rarely used. With full instruction booklet. Collect in the SP7 area. £50 07395-009082 ROTAVATOR FLYMO DM, Briggs & Stratton 3HP petrol engine, folds for transport £50 01747 858369 CHIMNEY SWEEPING EQUIPMENT. 10 rods 36”/92cm, Unused brush 15”/40cm diameter, Augur 6”/15cm length, Disc 4”/10cm diameter. £30 Gillingham 07922 487573 SMART PINE DOUBLE-BED headboard (Denners) vgc £25. Little Yellow floor steam mop vgc. with attachments £15. Moving. Tel: 01935 83427 (5 figures) COMMEMORATIVE WADE BELLS, porcelain decanter of Prince Henry (Harry) of Wales birth. £25. Tel: 07598-982824 FREE, PAST YEARS TREE Prunings, for Kidling, or Bond Fire Night, burning. Collect Gillingham, Tel: 01747 824240.
WANTED JAMES BUYS VINYL RECORDS. Call: 07970-769946
WANTED lid for steel milk churn 01963-370734
MAN SEEKING LADY, 40’s-50’s. Friends, company, maybe more. Tel: 07980-036250
Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Food & Drink
blackmorevale.net
Cheese firm’s success celebrated
THE work and success of Bruton-based cheesemaker Wyke Farms has been highlighted in an Early Day Motion in Parliament tabled by Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke. Wyke Farms was crowned British and Irish Supreme Champion at the 2026 Global Cheese Awards for its Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar, the world’s first carbon-neutral cheddar. Its Extra Mature Cheddar also received recognition at the event held at the Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show. The Lib Dem MP’s motion celebrates the skill of the Wyke Farms team and its commitment to sourcing milk from within a 50-mile radius, while highlighting the company’s
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work on sustainable farming and carbon-neutral cheddar production. Sarah Dyke said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Wyke Farms and another reminder of the exceptional food and farming businesses we have here in Somerset. “Producing an awardwinning cheddar starts with our farmers and the quality of the milk they produce. “Wyke Farms’ commitment to sourcing locally means that success feeds back into our rural economy and supports farming families across the area. “I want the Government to do much more to support circular food production models like this, which keep value within our rural communities, support British farmers and reduce environmental impact. “Congratulations to everyone at Wyke Farms on a thoroughly deserved award and for continuing Somerset’s proud tradition of producing some of the very best cheese in the country.”
aditional village pub A tr in t
01963 220 317 info@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com Find us in Corton Denham, just 4 miles from Sherborne
Sit out on our terrace, with views over Somerset and Dorset and try our light lunch menu. Join us for a burger and a pint every Tuesday for £18. Open Seven Days a week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from 8 - 11pm.
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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
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Health & Wellbeing
blackmorevale.net
Meditations in nature: The last jewels of summer by Susanna Curtin MY day off begins with a hot cup of tea as I watch the sun rise over my autumn garden, bringing with it a glowing warmth and intense morning light. It is not long before my family of house sparrows arrive at my feeders, closely followed by blue tits, great tits and an energetic flock of their longtailed cousins who have a quick feed and swiftly move on. Looking skywards into the blue, I see only a few house martins. Most have left by now, it is only the late broods that linger until early October, and then, sadly, they too will be gone. A flock of goldfinch gathers in my ash tree, and my regular pair of wood pigeons belly flop into my garden in their gauche, messy way. My neighbours have named them Mork and Mindy, as they certainly bring some romance and humour to our gardens, and are often seen kissing on our rooftops.
Although they are not my favourite garden birds, there is a lot to admire about them, not least that they pair for life and, despite their appearance, are highly intelligent. I have watched pigeons love, grieve and suffer from loneliness, and although they have small ‘bird brains’, scientific research shows that these are packed with a staggering number of brain cells. Pigeons also possess specialised mechanisms that help them detect magnetic fields, contributing to their remarkable navigational abilities. This helps explain the historical use of homing pigeons during the First World War when they carried messages to the front line. But for now, this pair are simply sitting in my birdbath, creating a bit of a mess. Suddenly, without any warning call, a sparrowhawk torpedoes through my garden and crash-lands into the elder.
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A clouded yellow butterfly in Susie Curtin’s garden
All goes still and silent as this amazing ‘bird of death’ bursts in. I hold my breath. What has he or she caught? Then, in a flash of feathers, it is off, this time with empty talons. With the peace broken, my daily chores propel me into action, but I am soon back in the garden in the late morning for another vigil. This time it is the butterflies that catch my attention. By now it is surprisingly clear and hot for late September, bringing a plethora of pollinators to my garden flowers which have come into bloom again since the rains that followed the long, hot drought. Three clouded yellows, a speckled wood whose wings have just shimmered with a tiny hint of green in the low autumn sunlight, a single holly blue, a comma, a small white, a red admiral and a hovering
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hummingbird hawk-moth. They feel like the last jewels of the summer sun coming to say cheerio. Feeling restless looking at all the jobs to do in my garden, I take myself for a walk along the river and find myself sitting on the old cobbles that run up towards the mill. I listen to the water that has run over the weir for hundreds of years, for there has been a mill here since the 18th century. I don’t really like this time of year in the countryside, I never have. I used to think it was because of my work commitments, but on reflection, it is more because summertime has slipped away, and everyone and everything is preparing for the winter ahead. It is a time of transition, a time of change, and I don’t really like change very much, especially when it feels like a decline. The trees have lost their translucence, and the leaves of the willows and elders have gone pale. The oaks and ash, too, have lost their splendour as the parent trees slowly draw back nutrients from their leaves, preparing for their fall. My melancholy thoughts, however, are broken by the sight of four fine, delicate, olive-green birds. They are either willow warblers or
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Health & Wellbeing
blackmorevale.net chiffchaffs, but it is really hard to distinguish them without hearing their song. They flit busily between the willows, alders and blackthorn in search of insects to fuel their tiny bodies for their long journey south to Africa, although some may now overwinter here. As some birds depart our shores,
our winter migrants will soon arrive, and the rich golden hues of late autumn will bring us joy and cheer. With an uplifted heart, I return home for the last vigil of my garden, for I love to watch the diminishing light at the end of the day. The sun has set, the sky is pink and a waxing moon is
by Nicole Asghar WHY do so many of us struggle with this feeling of ‘chaos’? I’ve never met a neurodivergent person, ADHD-ers specifically, who hasn’t used that word to describe some part of their life. Of course, everyone can experience this feeling, but ADHD-ers experience this in a very particular, intense way. Whether it’s chaotic eating that spirals into bingeing or comfort eating, admin that piles up until it’s overwhelming, or the constant lateness and lost keys — it all comes down to the same difference in our brains, our executive functioning. The prefrontal cortex, the area behind the forehead, is where executive functions are actioned. In neurodivergent people, this looks, and very much, feels, different. Different, that is, compared with brains the medical model calls ‘normal’ or ‘neurotypical’. What we know is that brains develop in many ways, and we should value that difference the same way we value biodiversity. We can value neurodiversity, too. But, as an ADHD-er myself, I know it can be hard to feel that value when you’re running late
because you dropped coffee down your top, couldn’t find your keys, forgot a doctor’s appointment and are replaying an embarrassing thing you said last year on a loop. Chaos. Exhausting. Sometimes completely embarrassing. When I work with clients, I try to encourage them, just as I’ve had to learn myself, to hold the both/and. Two things can be true at once. We can be wonderful, vibrant, efficient, impressive, loveable people – and chaotic and disorganised, too. Struggling with executive functioning doesn’t erase the traits we should or could be proud of. Executive functions cover things like planning, taskswitching, short-term memory, time perception and sustained attention. At times, for us neurodivergents, it can feel like that part of the brain is made of marshmallow instead of actual brain tissue. And yet, we can struggle with our EF and still be caring, loveable, worthwhile people who are good at our jobs. The trouble is, our brains are very good at telling us otherwise. So often, that’s where the work
rising, its bright light partially visible behind my apple tree. The dunnocks and robins have gone to roost in the shrubbery, and all has gone still. I watch and wait until my bats appear, circling my house. They seem bigger than pipistrelles, but they are really difficult to identify without a bat detector. I am
So, is life feeling chaotic?
At times, for neurodivergents, it can feel like part of the brain is made of marshmallow rather than brain tissue
comes in. In therapy, we can attend to the chaos through practical,
always glad to be here at the right moment to see them leave. The last song of the blackbird hails the end of this sultry autumn day. All that is left to behold are the rising moon, the distant tawny owls and my foraging hedgehog. All is well. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com)
tangible steps, and we can tend to the parts that carry shame and vulnerability. Together, we can start to uncover the real benefits of your neurodivergent brain and qualities – not despite the chaos, but alongside it. n Nicole Asghar is an integrative therapist working in Bournemouth and Poole, and online. Nicole specialises in working with neurodivergent adults and families, those with eating disorders and trauma. She’d love to hear from you, feel free to get in touch! Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds. com or www.nicoleasghar.com
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66
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Motoring
blackmorevale.net
Peacemarsh Garage est. 1997
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work ON ALLinsurance VEHICLES UPwelcome. TO 3.5 TONNES MOTS, SERVICING AND MOTS – class 4,5 andREPAIRS 7 INCLUDING HORSEBOXES ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES Diagnostics AND MOTORHOMES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES Air conditioning
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01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk CAR SALES
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NUMBER FOR 1.2 SALE: AR25 Private number plategearbox, for sale – 2017 (17)PLATE Ford KA+ Zetec 5dr.ANN. 85bhp, petrol,ANN 5 speed manual AR25 ANN .................................................................................................£800 parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450
2018 (18) Ford Ka+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 86bhp, cruise control, hill hold, Bluetooth, 2012 (62)miles Ford .....................................................................................£8250 Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 only 9,950
yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025,
2023 Fiesta ST-Line X 5dr. 100bhp, parking sensors, reverse private(23) saleFord on behalf of a1.0T customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950 camera, sat nav, car play, cruise control, main beam & sign assist, heated seats & 2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 steering wheel,gearbox, hill hold, 21,950 milesleather, ..................................................£13950 speed manual 4x4, high seats, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, autoFiesta park, reverse camera,5dr. sunroof, auto new lightsshape, & wipers, cruise,camera, lane aid, 2017 (67) Ford 1.0T Zetec 100bhp, reverse sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450 Bluetooth, auto lights, hill hold, 50+mpg, full cambelt kit replacement included in 202037,500 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat price, miles .................................................................................£7850
Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable
2015 Ford C-Max 1.6TDCi Titanium X5 Seat MPV 115bhp, heated seats (15) for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise5dr. control, heated front seats, roof, partial leather,97,000 cruisemiles control, parking sensors, seats, panoramic park sensors, cambelt replaced, ............£21500 + VATBluetooth, = £25800 hill hold, 88,500 miles ............................................................................£5650 2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus
5dr. 130bhp, speed gearbox, seat plussensors, driver, 2reverse front seats, 9 2016 (16) Kiadiesel, Venga6 3, 1.6 manual 5dr. 123bhp, sat10 nav, park camera, rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cruise control, partial leather, heated seats, 57,900 miles ........... £6850 hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400
2017 (17) Kia Pro Ceed 1.6CRDi GT Line S 3dr. 136bhp, sat nav, reverse 2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 camera, park sensors, sunroof, cruise, sign assist, hill hold, heated seats & speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors & steering wheel, £20 tax, upto 72mpg, ................................£6450 reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial74,300 leather,miles heated seats, cruise control, sign
recognition, hill hold,Juke only 1.0DIG-T 38,800 miles........................................................£7850 2021 (21) Nissan Tekna 5dr. 114bhp, sat nav, park sensors, parking cameras, hill Automatic hold, sign assist, main beam car play, 2016 (66) Mazdacruise 3, 2.0control, SE-L Nav 5dr. 120bhp, petrol,assist, 6 speed automatic gearbox, nav,...................................................................£10850 auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated seats, 53,500satmiles
sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450
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2017 (17) Mercedes-Benz Nissan QashqaiCLK200 1.2DIG-T Automatic 5dr. 114bhp, 2006 (06) 1.8Tekna Kompressor SportSUV Automatic heated leather, nav, cruise control, hillauto hold, park sensors, parking Convertible 2dr.sat163bhp, petrol, 5 speed gearbox, recent new roof cameras, & shocks absorbers, sunroof, full history, 15assist, stamps, heatedmiles leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, sign 79,500 ..........................................£9250 cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500
2018 (68) Peugeot 3008 1.5HDi GT Line SUV 5dr. 130bhp, sat nav, car miles ...........................................................................................................£4250 play, parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, hill hold, road sign assist, 2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed 46,200 miles ........................................................................................£10850 automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise (67) control, hill hold, only0.9TCe £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has 2017 Renault Clio 90 Dynamique Nav 5dr. 90bhp, sat nav, been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill hold, 67,800 miles .....................£5950 2019 (19) Captur2.0D-4S 1.5DCi Iconic 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, car, 2014 (14) Renault Toyota GT86 BoxerAutomatic Coupe 3dr.SUV 204bhp, pure drivers 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking heated leather, sat nav, cruise control, current owner 10 years, fully documented sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 history, 99,800 miles ............................................................................£11750 miles .........................................................................................................£12250
2008 (08)Vauxhall Toyota Avensis 2.2D-4D 5dr. 148bhp, car, MOT Oct 2017 (17) Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr.TR 100bhp, petrol, 5clearance speed manual gearbox, 2027 with &advisories done, old & highcruise mileage but still a useful assist, runabout auto lights wipers, parking sensors, control, pre-collision signwith a recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950 big boot, 195,000 miles ..........................................................................£1250 2016 (66) SE 4x4 SUV 6 speed 2016 (65)Vauxhall VauxhallMokka Mokka1.6CDTi 1.4T Exclusiv SUV5dr. 5dr.136bhp, 140bhp,diesel, clearance car. manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated MOT Jan 2027, high seating, parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, auto steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, lights & wipers, 108,200upto miles................................................................£2250 performance & economy, 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250 WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL GIVE WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Motoring
blackmorevale.net
Summer heat bad news for potholes
THIS summer’s heatwaves and record temperatures are likely to cause already poor road surfaces to break down further, creating even more potholes, warns the RAC. Intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun chemically ages the bitumen used to bind aggregates together to create roads. This – combined with roads absorbing even greater heat from the sun – speeds up the oxidation process causing asphalt to become brittle and crack as it cools. The RAC likens this to the way sunlight dries and cracks old paint or rubber. RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “As UV and heat oxidise the bitumen binder in asphalt, it becomes harder and less flexible, which leads to cracking. Then water penetrates
cracks and, as vehicles drive over them, the surface breaks and potholes start to appear. This is the last thing our already fragile roads needed.” The poor state of the UK’s roads – and in particular local ones – is by far drivers’ top motoring-related concern as highlighted in the RAC Report on Motoring 2026, with half of drivers (51%) saying this is their biggest worry, up from 47% in 2025. The RAC has also seen a sharp increase in the percentage of drivers who say the condition of the roads in their local area has deteriorated over the past 12 months. The figure has risen to 66% from 59% in 2025 and represents the sixth annual increase in the past seven years. The majority of drivers (83%) say they encounter potholes on most trips they make by car.
MITSUBISHI L200 TRUCK MOT May 2027 no VAT £1750 07976-619234
NISSAN QASHQAI, 2013, MOT march 2027. 54mpg. £2,200. 07423416326.
WANTED
STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025
VANS, CARS, 4x4's MOTOR HOMES, CARAVANS, MOT FAILURES RUNNER & NON RUNNERS, FARM MACHINERY or just in your way ANYTHING CONSIDERED Please call James anytime on
07389705470
OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/ Transfer. Please Phone Paul - 07890 096907
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, October 9, 2026
Pets
blackmorevale.net
Why cats scratch – and how to protect by Raychel Curson IF you live with a cat, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of finding your sofa, carpet or door frame turned into a scratching post. While it can feel destructive, scratching is not ‘bad behaviour’ — it’s completely natural, instinctive and essential for your cat’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Understanding why
cats scratch is the first step to managing it effectively. Why cats scratch SCRATCHING serves several important purposes. Claw maintenance SCRATCHING helps remove the outer layer of the claw, keeping them sharp and healthy underneath. It’s a bit like a natural manicure. Stretching and exercise
Looking for a new doggy companion? by Lynn Broom BVSc, GPCert(ExAP), AdvDipAAB, MRCVS MY lovely neighbours Ken and Vi, who have the gorgeous Tany, asked me to write this article. We have both had multiple rescue dogs over the years and want to pass on our positive experiences. Ken and Vi have had rescue dogs for over 50 years and I currently have my eighth rescue, Arnie. Many rescue centres are
filled to overflowing, so a wide choice is available. Certain breeds are overrepresented such as greyhounds and bull terriers, but both breed types can make excellent pets. Puppies are often born in rescue centres and, while their father may be unknown, their mother can be seen and the puppy will have had the best care available, and will come vaccinated, vet checked and microchipped. Buying a puppy from an online
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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
WHEN cats scratch, they stretch their back, shoulders and leg muscles. It’s an important full-body movement, especially after resting. Scent marking CATS have scent glands in their paws. Scratching leaves both a visual mark and a scent message to other animals saying, ‘this is my space’. Emotional release CATS may scratch when
Adopting or fostering a dog in need is a wonderful thing to do
source has lots of potential issues and many of these can be avoided with a puppy from a Rescue. Your payment will also go towards supporting the care of other dogs. For those looking for an older, mature dog, there is again a wide choice and, as with a puppy, they are fully assessed, vet checked and vaccinated and, where appropriate, neutered. It is a misconception that all dogs in rescue centres have problems – this is not always the case. They may end up within the Rescue through no fault of their own having been abandoned for financial reasons or loss of their owner. They will also have been assessed for behaviour concerns to allow their new home to be chosen appropriately. While you will often end up with a lovely pet, do not expect it to be
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they’re excited, stressed or overstimulated. It can be a way of releasing built-up energy. Why furniture becomes a target YOUR sofa isn’t ‘chosen at random’. Cats prefer scratching surfaces that are stable and sturdy – at the right height for stretching; textured (like fabric or carpet), located in social or high-traffic areas. perfect from day one. Most dogs need time to settle in and learn new routines. Another option is to foster a dog from a rescue centre. It could be a puppy or an older dog needing some extra care such as following a medical procedure or while waiting for a suitable ‘forever home’. Many dogs do not cope well with the scenario of a rescue centre and placing them in a home environment can help their rehoming potential. In some cases, the foster carers fall in love with the dog and end up adopting it. Good rescue centres will always be supportive to ‘adopters’ or ‘fosterers’ and, in respect of the latter, will usually cover vet’s fees and other costs. The Dogs Trust, for instance, supports long term fostering for dogs requiring ongoing medical care and covers the associated costs involved. Finally, adopting or fostering a dog in need is truly a wonderful thing to do. In return you will be rewarded with unconditional love and devotion from man’s ‘Very Best Friend’.
Going away for the weekend? LOVING & CARING PET SITTING
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EACH VISIT FROM £15 I offer drop-in visits to feed, check on, and spend some time with your cat or dog. PLEASE CALL ME!
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
blackmorevale.net
your furniture without stress From your cat’s perspective, your furniture is actually a very effective scratching post. How to redirect scratching (without punishment) PUNISHING scratching rarely works and can increase stress. Instead, focus on redirection. Try: providing tall, sturdy scratching posts; offering both vertical and horizontal scratchers; placing scratchers
near favourite resting spots; using catnip or toys to encourage use; rewarding your cat when they use appropriate surfaces. If your cat scratches a specific piece of furniture, place a scratch post directly next to it – location matters more than design. Make the right option more appealing CATS choose based on
convenience. Make scratching posts better than your furniture by: ensuring they are stable (no wobbling); choosing textures your cat enjoys; offering different angles and heights; regularly refreshing interest with scent or treats. Scratching is not a behaviour to stop – it’s a behaviour to guide. When you understand that your cat is meeting natural needs, it
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Pets becomes easier to provide the right outlets. With the right set up and a bit of patience, you can protect your home while keeping your cat happy, healthy and fully able to express their natural instincts. 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 rehoming, phone 07831 586114. n Giles and Nutty, 12 weeks old. Black and white fluffy boy, and tortie and white fluffy girl, to be homed together n Wilma, 12 weeks old. Black and white girl n Two others, also 12 weeks old, both white and black, to be homed together
LOST CATS
FOUND CATS
If your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring it home safely. Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages and outbuildings where it might be hiding. Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities. Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification, and update the microchip database to advise your cat is lost. For a detailed guide and additional advice visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 07831 586114.
If you have found a stray cat, Cats Protection has helpful guidance to ensure the cat gets the care it needs. First, check if it is in distress or injured and contact a vet if necessary. Look for an ID tag or take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip. If the owner cannot be identified, share details about the cat locally via posters, social media and community groups. Cats Protection advises against assuming all stray cats are lost, as some may simply be exploring. For full guidance, visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 07831 586114.
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
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Sport
Front-foot style pays dividends HOCKEY Southampton 2s 2 Blandford & Sturminster Men’s Hockey 3 by Paul Cross FOLLOWING the previous week’s narrow loss, Blandford were keen to bounce back against a vibrant Southampton side. On an unusually hot day for September, Blandford showed the potency of their new front-foot style. After just two minutes, Nathan Hertz broke down the left and slipped the ball through to Gareth Hardiman, who held
the ball before turning the keeper and reversing it in to give Blandford an early lead which they carried into the second quarter. But the lack of substitutes on a hot day made it difficult for Blandford to commit to their customary high-press and a momentary lapse allowed Southampton to equalise in the 20th minute. Southampton’s combination of youth and substitutes was proving hard to match and they took the lead in the 27th minute through Tom Saunders. Blandford showed grit and determination and worked their
blackmorevale.net way back into the game. A ball through to Hardiman was struck viciously, pinging off the keeper’s helmet, but Hardiman collected the rebound and coolly lifted it through a sea of bodies to Theo Browning who helped it into the back of the net. Blandford remained resolute in defence and lively tackling from both sides detracted from the flow of the game. Efforts from the Southampton strikeforce were matched by a wild reverse strike from Browning and a shot from Hardiman that flashed past the right post. Then, with five minutes to go, Tom Tridgell broke into the D before slipping the ball past the keeper into the path of Paul Cross. Cross set his feet before pushing the ball into the empty net to give Blandford a welldeserved victory.
Spirited effort on away day
Salisbury RFC 40 North Dorset RFC 24 by Thomas Stewart NORTH Dorset travelled to Salisbury and produced a spirited performance despite eventually losing. The hosts opened the scoring with an early penalty before North Dorset responded through a driving maul finished by Tom Hooper. Good pressure in the Salisbury half was rewarded again when captain Tom Stewart crossed after a well-worked move, before Stewart’s kick over the top was gathered on the bounce by Jack
RUGBY Sharland, who raced under the posts to give North Dorset a 17–3 advantage. Salisbury fought their way back into the contest, but strong defensive efforts from Brad Bignell, Ben Stokes and George ‘the Slim Reaper’ Cumberledge helped keep the hosts at bay. However, Salisbury gradually built momentum, scoring twice before the break to narrow the gap and eventually edging ahead through a penalty. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Salisbury
applying sustained pressure. North Dorset continued to defend resolutely and were rewarded late on when a penalty to touch led to a driving maul score from 15 metres out, converted to keep the visitors in touch. A crucial scrum turnover and determined defensive set also forced Salisbury to take points from the tee rather than chase another try. Despite North Dorset’s efforts, Salisbury finished strongly, adding further scores in the closing stages to secure victory.
Rockies make their point Pitching In Southern League, Division 1 (South) Shaftesbury FC 1 Willand Rovers FC 1 by Avril Lancaster SHAFTESBURY’S Brett Pitman struck a peach of a free kick which dipped past Willand Rovers keeper Adam Seedhouse-Evans into the corner to earn Jim Milligan’s side a draw against a very fluid Rovers side, who look every
FOOTBALL bit like play-off contenders even this early on. The Rockies have now taken a seven points from nine in their last three games. Pitmans goal came after a floodlight failure had delayed play and with the visitors 1-0 up after Bailey Kempster finished a good move. Shaftesbury lost Ollie
Hughes to injury after 13 minutes and were thankful to Oscar Glover just before half time when he blocked Charlie Bateson, who was clean through, to prevent a second goal. The loan keeper from Bashley has looked composed in both his appearances so far. Without Sonny Pike – injured – Harry Morgan and Alefe Santos did a lot of grafting protecting the
GOLF WINCANTON Golf Club results. Seniors Roll Up Nine-Hole Stableford Front Nine – September 22: 1 Martyn Andrews 18, 2 John Westaway 17, 3 David Hallett 16. Seniors Roll Up Nine-Hole Stableford Back Nine – September 25: 1 Andy Blandford 21, 2 Dave Hardiman 20 ocb, 3 John Westaway 20. Champion of Champions – September 26: Winner – Tommie King, 1 Tommie King nett 64, 2 Phil Francis nett 69 ocb, 3 Jim Phillips nett 69. Seniors Roll Up Nine-Hole Stableford Front Nine – October 2: 1 David Hallet 18 ocb, 2 Alan White 18, 3 David Ivey 18.
TABLE TENNIS BLACKMORE Vale Table Tennis League Division 1 P W D Child Okeford A 3 2 0 Stalbridge B 3 1 0 Stalbridge A 2 1 0 Child Okeford B 2 1 0 Compton A 2 1 0
L 1 2 1 1 1
Pts 61 48 40 38 36
Division 2 P W D Child Okeford D 3 3 0 Motcombe B 2 2 0 Child Okeford E 3 1 0 Child Okeford F 3 0 0 Motcombe A 2 1 0 Compton B 3 1 0
L 0 0 2 3 1 2
Pts 70 54 50 41 40 40
Rockies’ defence. Tom Hewlett also put in a good shift after joining the action for the injured Hughes. Lewis Wakeford, Jamie Smith and Harry Redknapp all worked hard against a team that took Frome Town to the penalty spot in the FA Trophy. Ben Watson has built a very decent team since taking over the reigns at Silver Street. Shaftesbury finished the game strongly and created chances, although defeat would have been harsh on Willand.
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Farming
blackmorevale.net
Building a new calf shed Friars Moor Livestock Health vet BOGDAN BUTNARU MRCVS looks at getting the roof, walls and sides, floor and internal design right for healthier calves
BUILDING a new calf shed can seem daunting, whether it is a self-build or professionally designed and built. Good calf housing comes down to fresh air, low moisture, good drainage, dry bedding, suitable temperatures, enough space and calf comfort. Design the building around the calf, rather than simply adapting an existing building. The roof – keeping air moving THE roof plays a vital role in ventilation, temperature and moisture control. Good ridge ventilation allows warm, moist air to escape. As a guide, provide around 0.04m² of ridge outlet per calf up to 100kg, increasing to 0.1m² for growing stock. Rooflights provide natural light but southfacing rooflights can increase heat gain. Consider prevailing wind and rain direction and avoid creating a building that is too enclosed.
The walls and sides – fresh air without draughts WALLS and sides control fresh air entry and protect calves from wind and rain. Ensure sufficient inlet area and that openings work effectively with the roof outlet. Open sides, Yorkshire boarding, curtains or pull-up sides can all work, depending on the site and design. Fresh air → good air movement → no direct draught at calf level HIGH humidity can make calves feel colder and allow pathogens to survive for longer. Keeping the building dry and well ventilated is therefore important for disease control. The floor – keep the bed dry FLOORS and drainage are key to controlling moisture. Concrete floors should have a minimum slope of 5% (one in 20). Drainage channels can remove water and urine and keep passageways clean. Drain water away from the bed – not through the bed. If a calf’s legs are fully covered in straw when lying down, there is sufficient straw to allow nesting. Calf pens should be cleaned out at least every 30 days, with wash water draining away without
contaminating neighbouring pens. Internal design – design for the calf THE layout should make it easy to feed, bed, clean and manage calves. Allow at least 1.5m² per calf up to 150kg, 2.0m² between 150-200kg and 3.0m² above 200kg. Pen size should suit group size and feeding system, with enough front space for calves to feed comfortably. Calves under eight weeks have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature, so newborns may need extra energy below 10-15°C. The priority is always fresh air without direct draughts. Build ventilation into the design VENTILATION must do more than move air. It removes excess heat, water vapour, microorganisms, dust, distributes fresh air and maintains suitable air speed at calf level. Natural ventilation can use the stack effect, allowing warm, moist air to rise and escape. Positive pressure tube ventilation (PPTV) can provide controlled fresh air throughout the shed. It should run continuously, delivering air evenly at calf level without direct draughts, with an air speed of around 0.2m/s.
Getting the shed’s design right is crucial for healthy calves
Remember practical details such as drinkers away from bedding, separate isolation facilities, safe access for feeding and cleaning, and allowing for calves to grow. Where practical, avoid sharing airspace with older cattle. The bottom line THE number of calves determines the required building size, air inlet and outlet areas and ventilation capacity. A successful calf shed should provide fresh air, good drainage, dry bedding, suitable temperatures, enough space and a draught-free environment. Before building, ask: Where will the fresh air come from? Where will the moisture go? How will I keep calves warm, dry and draught-free?
Trusted farm veterinary care across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset & Hampshire An independent practice, owned and run by the team you’ll meet. Proudly serving the local farming community for over 65 years, providing expert livestock care you can rely on.
> Dairy cattle, beef, sheep, goats, game birds and camelids > Veterinary care 365 days a year > 24-hour Emergency Out of Hours service > In-house laboratory for rapid results and timely treatment > Discussion groups, training courses & consultancy services > Team of highly trained, professional, and friendly Vet Techs & Trimmers
Get in touch: farmoffice@fmlh.co.uk I 01258 472314 friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk West Stour I Sturminster Newton I Blandford I Closworth I Shaftesbury
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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
Farming Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.
CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans & boat removal, cars, trailers, vans, etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935-873169 or 07368-380477 (Registered Waste Carrier)
Andrew Lee Vegetation Management Grass flail and scrub flail available for the management of scrub, brambles, grass etc.
Friday 20th June blackmorevale.net STANDING STRAW AUCTION GomershayON-FARM Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton AUCTION Thursday 17th October at 11.00am Genuine Dispersal of 2 Tractors,28th Telehandler, 24:24 Parlour, Poly-Tunnel, Wednesday June at 6.30pm FLAIL TRIMMING & HEDGE LAYING, Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN Grassland & Livestock Equipment, Workshop Items, etc Bindon & Pinhay
HEDGE CUTTING. hedge planting, woodland The Grain Store, Rousdon, Dorset Genuine Dispersal ofHeathfield, Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, Tel: 01747-855198 planting and 2021 Merlo TF coppicing. 42.7 CS Turbo Farmer (2,690hrs), 2010 Case Puma 140 4 Tractors, 830ac 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, of Standing Straw (10,939hrs), International 674 with Loader, 24:24 Fullwood Afimilk Parlour, 20 years+ experience. Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment • 461ac Wheat Cotswold Flush, Fullwood Auger Master Feeders, Ambic Teat Sprayer, 2000 Tel: 07929-995747. • 237ac Winter Barley SHIPPING CONTAINERS
Fullwood 12,500ltr Bulk Tank, ND Jeanes Bulk Bin, Rowlands 20t High 2017 Claas LexionFabdec 650 Combine with Vario 77015t Header, Shelbourne Reynolds • 132ac Oats Discharge Bin, Mollasses Stand, 2018 Anka Pro Foot Trimming Crush, 2010 FOR SALE /2019 HIRE RSD20 Stripper Header,Tank 2011&Bateman RB17 (3,708hrs) Sprayer, Massey Marshall QM2 Silage Trailer, 2005 Joskin 11000ME Slurry Tanker, Keenan Tel: (2,880hrs), 01258 472288 Ferguson 7720S Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 20162017 NewMob: Holland VA2-18 Feeder Wagon,Friday 2020 Aerworxx 10-30m Aerator, Lely Splendimo 280F 30th June at 122012 noon 07977 936109 T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & Mower, 2012 Pottinger Lion 301Durweston 3m Power Harrow, Browns Flail Topper, 2002 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, 2010 Isuzu Rodeo Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 18 Forklift, New and second hand Major 700 Road Brush, Ifor Williams TA510G Livestock Trailer, 2021 Merlo 8ft Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset McConnel 8.2mShear & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson Tandem Rollers, containers blue/green Bucket, Wylie Grab, 25ft Single Axle Bale Trailer, Single-10’ Leg Mole Plough, We provide a friendly, 6,220 acresNZ of Standing Straw KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding Teagle Tomahawk 4040 Bale Shredder, Mixit PTO Lagoon Stirrer, Quicke 210 Loader all with box locks service at •Trailed 2,442ac Wheat Power local Harrow, KV DXA Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough,Shallow Kuhn VariBucket, Logic Contact 2004.7m Weed Wiper, 2009 Joskin 4300/209SDH Disc •McConnel 2,006acof3m Winter Barley competitive prices. Injector, Feed Large Quantity Electric Fencing Stakes, Reels & Fencers, Master 153 5fTrailer, Rev Plough, Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Quantity ofSpreader, Feed Various FeedSpring Buckets, Mobile Milker,Topper, Hook onBomford Buckets, • 1,557ac Barley Based at Troughs, Redlynch Fertiliser McConnel Magnum Euro 280 Hyd Offset Wydale Teat Feeders, Parlour Matting, Parlour Fans, Calftel Group Hutches, Various • 178ac Oats Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart near Bruton, we supplyPipe, Parlour Spares, Quantity of Astro16-21L Field & Yard Gates, 32mm•Water Turf, Oil Seed Rape Grain Trailers, Marshall BC2537ac Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments (Q-Fit), Car, Commercial, Emergency Bulk Tank, Concrete Water Troughs, 60ft x 30ft Poly Tunnels. Machine Spares, Items, Weights, etc. Agricultural, Plant &Workshop Further entries invited.
Friday 7th July at 12 noon Advertising made 4x4 tyres and offer a Wynford Eagle 24hrThe breakdown service. Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, We won’t be beaten Dorset on price. 1298 acres of Standing Straw
Working on slopes of up to 50 degrees with operator.
Contact Mobile: 07850489782 Email: andrewlee01@btinternet.com
simple
• 599ac Wheat Call us on • 281ac Winter Barley or • 119ac Spring Barley or find us at • 229ac Oats adverts@blackmorevale.net www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk • 70ac Oil Seed Rape
01749 813957 07971 012628
01963 400186
Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N
Mob: 07966 244536 Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available
Thursday 15th October at 11.00am Friday 20th June Higher Farm, Langton Herring, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4HX STANDING STRAW AUCTION GomershayON-FARM Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton AUCTION Dispersal Sale of Combine, Tractors, Sprayer, Thursday 17th October at 11.00am Telehandler, Vehicles &June Arable Machinery Genuine Dispersal of 2 Tractors, Telehandler, Parlour, Poly-Tunnel, Wednesday 28th at24:24 6.30pm On behalf of Spicer Partners Online bidding available Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN Grassland & with Livestock Equipment, Workshop Items,S/P etc Sprayer 24m Inc. NH CX8070 Combine 24ft Header (11), Househam 3000ltr Bindon & Pinhay
(04), FendtGenuine 820 (08)Grain &Dispersal NH Store, T7.210 AutoCommand (16) Tractors, Manitou 627 Turbo The Rousdon, Dorset ofHeathfield, Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 2021 TF 42.7 CS Turbo Farmer 2010 Case Puma 140 Telehandler (08), L200 Pick-Up (01),(2,690hrs), Yamaha Kodiak 450, Weaving Sabretine On behalf ofMerlo John Swain Limited (Retiring) Online bidding available STANDING STRAW AUCTIONS 4Mitsubishi Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, 830ac of Standing Straw (10,939hrs), 674Subsoiler with Loader, 24:243m Fullwood Afimilk 4.8m Drill (18), International Sumo 4-Leg GLS (17), Simba X-Press with STParlour, Bar (06), Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment • 461ac Wheat Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467 Cotswold Fullwood Auger Master Feeders, Ambic Sprayer, 2000 Wednesday 25th June Rolland 1827Flush, and 140 Turbo Grain/Silage Trailers, Teagle 280 Teat Hydraulic Offset Flail ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION •RO-XL 237ac Winter Barley Fullwood 12,500ltr Fabdec Bulk ND Jeanes 15t Bulk Bin, Rowlands 20t High Topper Cultivators, Vicon Fertiliser Spreader, Weights, Workshop Items, etc. 2017(23), Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Reynolds Pinhay and Bindon – Tank, The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon • 132ac Oats Discharge Bin, Mollasses Tank &Bateman Stand, 2018 Anka Pro FootSprayer, Trimming Crush, 2010 RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011Saturday RB17 (3,708hrs) 2019 Massey Approx. 1,000ac of Standing Straw 29th July Marshall QM2 Silage Trailer, 2005 Joskin 11000ME Slurry Tanker, 2017 Keenan Ferguson 7720SBuckham Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 (2,880hrs), 2016 New Holland Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH VA2-18 Feeder Wagon,Friday 2020 Aerworxx 10-30m Aerator, Lely Splendimo 280F Friday 27th June 30th June at 122012 noon T7.210 (3,610hrs) & T7.200 (4,365hrs) Tractors, JCB 531-70 (2,145hrs) & Mower, 2012 Pottinger Lion 301 3m Power Harrow, Browns Flail Topper, 2002 Pinhay and Bindon – The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon Durweston 1997 527-58 Telehandlers, Isuzu RodeoMachinery, Pick-Up, Doosan Pro5 and 18 Forklift, Dispersal saleApprox. ofIfor 42010 Tractors, Farm Bygones Major 700 Road Brush, Williams TA510G Livestock Trailer, 2021 Merlo 8ft 8,5000ac of Standing Straw Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset McConnel 8.2mShear & 6.3m Cambridge Rollers, Twose & Watson Rollers, Bucket, Wylie Grab, 25ftMiscellaneous Single Axle Bale Trailer, Single10’ LegTandem Mole Plough, 6,220 acresNZ of Standing Straw KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HRQuicke 4004 Hyd. Folding Teagle Tomahawk 4040 Bale Shredder, Mixit PTO Lagoon Stirrer, 210 Loader •Trailed 2,442ac Wheat Power Harrow, KV DXA 4.7m Discs, KV LD85 5f Rev Plough, Kuhn VariBucket, Logic Contact 200 Weed Wiper, 2009 Joskin 4300/209SDH Shallow Disc Including: 1995 Same Silver 80 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988 •McConnel 2,006acof3m Winter Barley Injector,153 Feed Large Quantity Electric Fencing Stakes, Reels & Fencers, Master 5fTrailer, RevExplorer Plough, Shakerator, Kverneland TL Geospread Same 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973 Quantity ofSpreader, Feed Troughs, Various FeedSpring Buckets, Mobile Milker,Topper, Hook onBomford Buckets, • 1,557ac Barley Fertiliser Magnum EuroInternational 280 Hyd Offset Ford 4000McConnel (fully restored), 1976 454Hutches, 2wd, Various Wydale Teat Feeders, Parlour Matting, Parlour Fans, Calftel On behalf of Zephen Farms LtdOats (Having sold theGroup farm) • 178ac Our Agents will be at Hawk 6m Hedgecutter, Kuhn FC313 TG Mower Conditioner, 2 x Stewart 16-21L SM632mm DropWater Side Pipe, Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping FieldMarshall & Yard Gates, Parlour Spares, Quantity of Astro Turf, •at37ac Oil -Seed Rape Grain Trailers, Marshall BC25 Bale Trailer, Cattle Hurdles, Attachments Thursday 15th October 10.30am East Woodlands, Frome, Somerset (Q-Fit), Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, Ransomes TS59 & Poly TS90 Emergency Bulk Tank, Concrete Water Troughs, 60ft x 30ft Tunnels. Dispersal Sale of Tractor, Trailers, Landscaping & Construction Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, etc.Equipment,
The Dairy Event
Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk
entries invited. & TS91 Ploughs, Further Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Fencing Materials, etc Friday 7th July at 12 noon Feeders, Stationary Engines,Ltd Bygones, On behalf of LJM Southwest (Ceasing Trading) etc. on Wednesday, 2Signs, October Wynford Eagle Thursday 12th November The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, Further entries welcome. Collective Fodder call Auction farms across Devon, Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire Please in– Covering tosuitable our stand for refreshments Dorset Entries invited 1298 acresbidding of Standing Straw517467 experts and to meet rural and agricultural available Contactour Greg Online Ridout: 01935 382909/07817 Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 • 599ac Contact Greg Ridout: 01935Wheat 382909/07817 517467 • 281ac Winter Barley • 119ac Spring Barley SALES | LETTINGS | AUCTIONS | PLANNING | NEW HOMES RESIDENTIAL | AGRICULTURAL • 229ac Oats | COMMERCIAL symondsandsampson.co.uk • 70ac Oil Seed Rape
Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk
WeSSex MetalS SturMinSter neWton & Blandford area
Scrap Metal recycling
WANTED Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm and Factory Clearance Weighbridge On behalf of Spicer Partners
TOP PRICES PAID
Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection
Tel 01258 860166 or 07974 822243 Online bidding available
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
73
Farming
blackmorevale.net
D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N
Mappowder Guide £595,000 A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Marnhull Guide £525,000 A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Todber 67.15 acres An attractive farm extending to approximately 67 acres, situated on the edge of the village of Todber. The property combines an unlisted fourbedroom period farmhouse, an extensive range of traditional and modern farm buildings, and a versatile mixture of arable and pasture land, together with areas of woodland and scrub. Available as a whole or in four lots. Freehold. CTB G; EPC F.
T N end ov e em r be r
Shroton Guide £435,000 This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Guide £1,335,000
North Cheriton OIEO £400,000 An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488
10
27 Te O nde ct r ob er
Will Cairns | 01258 472244
Yetminster 14.87 acres Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 14.87 levelaproductive with agricultural building Tuckedacres awayofdown no through pastureland lane is this extended and very well and useful yard area. Situated conveniently between presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard &Chetnole paddocks,and in total Yetminster. Available as a whole, or in three lots. Freehold. 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,
Limington acres Leigh OIEO 7.98 £500,000 An attractive parcel of4-bedroom predominantly pasture land, to the A tastefully improved villageGrade house 2with light and spacious west of the village, togardens 7.98 acres by mature hedge accommodation, setextending in attractive andenclosed backing onto farmland. and tree lined boundaries with stockproof fencing. Freehold. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Ollie Chamings | 01305 236237
Sherborne | 01935 814488 Lucy Carnell | 01935 423526
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
74
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Property
blackmorevale.net
ADVERTISING FEATURE D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N
Buyers from America and Saudi Arabia push prices at West Country property auction
P
Best countries to emigrate to from the UK
roperties in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon went under the hammer at Symonds & Sampson’s September sale, raising over £4.5 million for their clients. AS nights get shorter and days Auction Partner Meredith Wallis explains: “This was the Bowridge, Gillingham Guide £1,250,000 Hazelbury Bryan Guide £1,150,000 get colder, many of us dream of A fine period farmhouse in aauction quiet position boastingof far reaching Dating An extended anda modernised period house of combining character and Mappowder Guide £595,000 Marnhull Guide £525,000 largest theviews. year, drawing fullfamily room bidders flying south for the winter. If from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. charm with contemporary living in a quiet location a noA fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, A character south-facing stone house in an excellent 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, and a record number of telephone and proxy bids. We paddock, in totalcountryside. 4.13 acres. CTB E, EPC E, Freehold. Further land available. acres. CTB F, EPC D,E.Freehold. you quietly yearn to make that surrounding CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens. CTB Freehold. Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton 01258 473766 Sturminster 472244 Sturminster | 01258 |473766 hadNewton cottages for renovation, flats, agricultural land and great escape, Armishaws has garages throughout the region, and bidding was brisk. looked at popular locations for
UK ex-pats. “We had some star lots, including a house at Tisbury set Portugal in one acre and in need of complete renovation, which sold WITH hours of sunshine but after 54 bids for 57% above its guide price of £400,000. A cooler average temperatures ground-floor flat in Sherborne attracted great interest and, than Spain or southern France, after 24 bids, sold for Guide 101% above guide. Holwell £825,000 Bedchester Guide £810,000 Portugal is often considered one
Shroton Guide £435,000 An exceptional detached 5 bedroom residence, finished to an impeccable standard. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage haswith beenstunning fully updated countryside views, in a highly sought-after village. G, EPC B, but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart ofCTB this most desirable Freehold. village. CTB D. Freehold. Sturminster| Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne 01935 814488
North Cheriton OIEO A 4 bedroom house in a lovely rural location on a quiet lane with£400,000
of the most welcoming EU locations. Visas: Accessible Portugal Digital Nomad and D7 Visas attract remote workers and retirees. House prices: Both property “We also had a cottage in Loders, near Bridport, which prices and the cost of living D sold O R S E Tto | DaE buyer VON | SO E R S E T York | HAMP S H I12% R E | Wabove I LT S H I R E | C O R Nalong W A L L | with L O N D O N have seen Portugal rise in inM New for guide, Guide £800,000 Okeford Fitzpaine Donhead St Mary Guide £775,000 Nr Sturminster Newtoncommercial Guide Price £1,100,000 lots: a lightLeigh OIEO £500,000 popularity with Brits moving several industrial unit in Somerton 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’ presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yardD, & Freehold. paddocks, in total accommodation, setof in the attractive and backing farmland. abroad. over the Wiltshire/Dorset CTB G, EPD garden in the heart village.gardens CTBin F, EPC Exempt,onto Freehold. sold 32%countryside. above guide, an investment property Axminster 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 Luxembourg Sturminsterwith | 01258 473766 Sturminster | 01258 473766 returned a yield of 14%, and a shop flats in Salisbury HIGH earnings, low taxes, made £250,000. great infrastructure and more 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 “Among the lots attracting the most interest were blocks of than half the population is made garages in Stalbridge, Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Portland up of immigrants. — all of which comfortably exceeded their guide prices.” Guide £1,150,000 Visas: Visa requirements can Guide £1,250,000 Hazelbury Bryan Bowridge, Gillingham 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 be slightly higher but there is a from 1737 the farmhouse offers 3village reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. charm with contemporary family living in quiet location a noA fine Grade II listed former Post House with attractive gardens, A character south-facing stone house inOctober, anaexcellent centralonvillage Symonds & Sampson will be holding auctions in 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 D,E.Freehold. surrounding CTB E. Freehold. facing gardens. CTB Freehold. well-established pathway for November, and are|473766 welcomed Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton 01258 473766 Sturminster | 01258 Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 472244 December and entries local employers to welcome Mark Lewis 01258 473766 European talent. Meredith Wallis 01202 843190 House prices: House prices Graham Barton 01297 33122 are significantly higher than Britain. George Whittaker 01305 236237 Spain ONCE considered more of a retirement location, Spain is 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 standard. 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 onnow a popular choice for remote 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. workers. Sturminster| Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 Sherborne 01935 814488 Sturminster | 01258814488 473766 Visas: DNV’s (Digital Nomad Visas) can last up to three years, making it a great short-term option. The country also offers the EU Blue Card for skilled workers. House prices: You can get far more house for your money. Guide £800,000 Okeford Fitzpaine Donhead 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’ The addition of outside space presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yardD, & Freehold. paddocks, in total accommodation, setof in the attractive and backing farmland. 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. and swimming pools is a huge Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 Sturminster | 01258 473766 Sturminster | 01258 473766 drawer. France 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 THE food, the wine, the whole French way of life is coveted by wonderful far-reaching views3-bedroom and gardenperiod and grounds of tucked one acre. CTB An attractive, double-fronted property away on “Agricultural land is always popular inlanethe right location, D, Freehold. an EPC idyllicF,country with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. and we were fortunate to haveSturminster a block in Somerset, near Sherborne | 01935 814488 | 01258 473766 Bruton and Shepton Mallet, that drew strong interest from local buyers. Offered in three lots, this land sold for £18,000, £15,000 and £9,000 per acre respectively. Land at Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, sold for £9,000 per acre.
House prices in France are much more affordable than in the UK
many. House prices and proximity to family back home add to the appeal. Visas: Higher barriers to entry exist for retirees and employees alike. Standard Employer Visas and Talent Passports both require local employers. House prices: Prices are much more affordable, offering incredible space for Brits used to condensed city living. Australia ONE in 30 Aussie residents were born in the UK. The warm climate, outdoor lifestyle and shared language make it an attractive option. Visas: Australia operates a points system measuring things such skills, savings, family ties etc. House prices: Property prices are now more in line with the UK housing market. Canada CANADA has becoming increasingly popular with British ex-pats. A shared language and friendly local population make assimilation easy. Visas: The Canada Express Entry system is designed to attract workers in a range of sectors. House prices: The amount you can expect to pay on a monthly basis is similar to the UK but in most areas you’ll get less for your money. See the full list by visiting www.armishaw.com/blog
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
75
Property
blackmorevale.net
D O R S E T | D E V O N | S O M E R S E T | H A M P S H I R E | W I LT S H I R E | C O R N W A L L | L O N D O N
Manston Guide £875,000 Mappowder Guide £595,000 A semi detached stone cottage, significantly extended with stunning A fine Grade II listed former village withrural attractive gardens, views, large workshop, garden and Post land House in a lovely location. In all a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and 1.35 acres. Freehold. CTB D; EPC D. surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 Sturminster Newton 01258 473766
Manston Guide £715,000 Marnhull Guide £525,000 A 3-4 bedroom detached house on a small development of just 5 with A characterviews south-facing stone house in anand excellent central villageto the wonderful to the south and west adjoining paddock location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southrear. In all 0.65 acres. Freehold. CTB G; EPC C. facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton|| 01258 01258473766 473766 Sturminster Newton
Child Okeford Guide £615,000 Shroton Guide £435,000 An historic village house, once two properties, and now offering This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated gracious living space with delightful private gardens to the but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most rear. desirable Freehold. CTB C; EPC Exempt. village. CTB D. Freehold.
Okeford Fitzpaine Guide £550,000 North Cheriton OIEO £400,000 A beautifully presented Grade II listed cottage, fully restored and An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on sympathetically modernised with a sheltered south-facing in the an idyllic country lane with character features throughout andgarden views over heart of the village. Freehold. CTB D; EPC Exempt. the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.
Sturminster Newton || 01258 473766 473766 Sturminster Newton
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488
WEST COUNTY PROPERTY SHOWCASE 5 November | London Presenting a collection of West Country properties to motivated London purchasers seeking their next move. Speak to our team about featuring your property.
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Leigh OIEO £500,000 A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488
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
76
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Property
blackmorevale.net
PROPERTY H I2:00PM R E | C O R N WA L L | LO N D O N DORSET | DEVON | SOM E R S E T |AUCTION H A M P S23RD H I R EOCTOBER | W I LT SAT AT MERLEY HOUSE, MERLEY HOUSE LANE, WIMBORNE, DORSET, BH21 3AA
Portland
Guide £35,000
A parcel of sloping scrub land measuring 0.81 acres, enjoying unrivalled coastal views of Chesil Beach, Portland Harbour and Weymouth, providing potential for a range of uses (STPP). Freehold. Poundbury | 01305 251154
Wimborne
Guide £55,000
A 2.95-acre parcel of level pasture land in Three Legged Cross, offering direct road access, mains water and potential for a range of uses, subject to planning. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244
Middlemarsh
Guide £65,000
4.84 acres (1.96 hectares) of mixed replanted and mature woodland located in a peaceful, rural location within Dorset’s National Landscape. Freehold. Dorchester Agriculture | 01305 236237
Wool
Guide £80,000
3.41 acres (1.38 hectares) of attractive meadow land with river frontage, situated in a peaceful rural position on the edge of East Burton. Freehold. Wimborne | 01202 843190
Mappowder Guide £595,000 A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Marnhull Guide £525,000 A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Ford, Salisbury
Wareham
Guide £130,000
Approximately 4.89 acres, complete with L-shaped stable block measuring 90m2 and field shelters designed to meet the needs of horses and other livestock. The land is ideally suited for grazing and split into good size paddocks, each benefitting from stock proof fencing. Freehold.
Guide £150,000
A former Methodist Chapel on the High Street in Wareham town centre with potential for development (STPP). Freehold. RV N/A. EPC TBC.
Dorchester
Guide £175,000
An attractive Listed Grade II double fronted commercial premises over 2/3 floors and thought suitable for a variety uses subject to planning. Freehold. RV £14,750. EPC TBC.
Salisbury | 01722 334323
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
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. Henstridge Newton | 01258 473766 Guide £200,000 Sturminster
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. Beaminster Guide £325,000 Sherborne | 01935 814488
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
A workshop premises totalling 1,727sqft, on a hardened site of 0.25 acres. parking to front with large rear compound suitable for onsite storage or further buildings (subject to planning permission). Freehold. RV £15,250 + £3,450. EPC D.
Dorchester Commercial | 01305 261008
A mixed-use Grade II Listed Investment property in the heart of Beaminster. Restaurant currently let at £24,000 pa, and a 3 bedroom flat. RV £11,750. CTB B. EPC (Restaurant) B, (Flat) D. Freehold.
Entries Invited We’re taking entries for our winter Property Auctions in Sherborne on: Friday 20 November Friday 11 December Our September auction raised almost £4.5 million for clients,
Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000 Leigh OIEO £500,000 selling range residential, andwell commercial property. Tucked away a down a no of through lane is thisagricultural, extended and very A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. in touch to see if this fast and 4.11Why acres. not CTB get E.Freehold, No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Sherborne | 01935 814488 efficient method of sale could work for you?
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
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Property
blackmorevale.net
PROPERTY H I2:00PM R E | C O R N WA L L | LO N D O N DORSET | DEVON | SOM E R S E T |AUCTION H A M P S23RD H I R EOCTOBER | W I LT SAT AT MERLEY HOUSE, MERLEY HOUSE LANE, WIMBORNE, DORSET, BH21 3AA
Blandford
Guide £70,000
A spacious GII Listed 2 double bedroom maisonette in a convenient town centre location with period features and a generous garden. Leasehold. 55 years remaining. GR £150pa. BI £850pa approx. CTB A. EPC exempt. Blandford | 01258 452670
Seaborough
Guide £185,000
A 2 bedroom GII listed cottage in a desirable village, enjoying countryside views. In need of modernisation throughout, with a mature, generous garden. Freehold. CTB D. EPC G. Beaminster | 01308 863100
Gussage All Saints Guide £195,000
Shaftesbury
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A semi-detached 2 bedroom property in need of refurbishment and modernisation, enjoying a generous garden and off-road parking in this sought after village. Freehold. CTB C. EPC D.
Guide £195,000
A semi-detached 3 bedroom property with scope for modernisation, and a low maintenance rear garden, ideally located in the town centre. Freehold. CTB B. EPC C.
Mappowder Guide £595,000 A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Marnhull Guide £525,000 A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Frampton
Milborne St Andrew Guide £250,000
Bournemouth
Blandford | 01258 452670
Wimborne | 01202 843190
Guide £250,000
A charming semi-detached cottage, in the heart of the village with 3 bedrooms, a large garden, character features and views of the village green. Freehold. CTB C. EPC F. Dorchester | 01305 261008
Wilton
Guide £250,000
A charming GII listed 2 bedroom cottage, conveniently situated in the heart of Wilton. Rich in character the property offers excellent potential as a successful holiday let or second home. Freehold. CTB C. EPC C. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
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. Farnham, Blandford Guide £395,000 Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 A substantial, detached 3 bedroom bungalow for modernisation or possible extension/remodelling (STPP), with a range of outbuildings and 1.25 acres of gardens and grounds, enjoying a rural setting and far-reaching countryside views. Subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition. Freehold. CTB D. EPC F.
A mid-terrace 4 bedroom property for modernisation, with accommodation over three floors, enjoying a generous rear garden and impressive, far-reaching rural views. Freehold. CTB C. EPC D.
Guide £275,000
A detached 3 bedroom property with off-road parking with EV charging point, and a generous rear garden, conveniently located for local amenities and road links. Freehold. CTB D. EPC D.
North Cheriton OIEO £400,000 An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488
Blandford | 01258 452670
Avon, Christchurch Ilton, Ilminster Guide £425,000 Nr Sturminster An unfinished butNewton habitable “ecoGuide house”Price set in£1,100,000 just over an acre, with potential to create a away 4 bedroom dwelling andisseparate annexe.and Freehold. House CTB Tucked downdetached a no through lane this extended very well D, Annexe A.4SAP rating 87. presented bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766 Ilminster | 01460 200790
77
Guide: Lot A - £995,000 Lot B - 325,000 Lot C - £30,000 Lot A - A historic Grade II Listed 5 bedroom farmhouse, 2.60 acres andOIEO a range£500,000 of Leigh traditional outbuildings. Two4-bedroom of the outbuildings from planning permission to A tastefully improved villagebenefit house with light and spacious convert into dwellings. accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. Lot – A Grade II listed 2–3 F. bed cottage, boasting character features and a garden. NoBonward chain. CTB Freehold. Lot C – 0.70 acres of pasture land with frontage to the River Avon. Sherborne | 01935 814488 Wimborne | 01202 843190
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
78
New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
Property
+
TO LET WORK UNIT TO LET. £61 pw. Smaller options also available. Tel: 07811-837061
Removals throughout Dorset and beyond
SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 892476
ROOM TO LET. Furnished double room, in rural setting, bright and comfortable. Hermitage, £550 pcm, bills included. Nr Sherborne, Dorset, Sharing home with owner. Tel: 07891-785118
BEAUTIFUL, RURAL, CEDAR LODGE RENTAL, nr Shaftesbury, sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, no pets £1500 pcm plus bills. More details: mvwinery.co.uk/cedar-holiday-lodge-to-rent/ Call Clare 01747 854206
Find Us Online
www.blackmorevale.net
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Call us now – 0808 175 1966 ◆ Complete packing services ◆ Overnight and long term storage and delivery ◆ UK wide removals ◆ Fine art, wine cellars, specialist items ◆ In person or remote video surveys ◆ European removals
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(from pages 36-37)
Edition 158
Sudoku 3D puzzle
Cryptic crossword
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New Blackmore Vale, October 9, 2026
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