The West Dorset Magazine, Edition 27, May 2023

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Dan Goater Reporter dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Miranda Robertson Editor miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Karen Bate News Editor karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Nick Horton Chief Sub nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Stuart Wickham Sports editor stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk Lyndon Wall Cartoonist justsocaricatures.co.uk

Holman

Sunflowers contest is monkey business

Goulds Garden Centre and Monkey World have launched a sunflower competition to help bees and apes. The garden centre, just outside Weymouth, is giving away seeds to get you started. There are two chances to win family tickets to Monkey World for the growers of the largest sunflower head and the tallest sunflower plant. People are also invited to bring their fully grown sunflowers to the garden centre between August 26 and September 1, to be transported to Monkey World to be fed to the primates as a nutritious snack. Monkey World’s Charlie Crowther said: “It is great to feed them straight off the plant as this gives the primates a fantastic, natural foraging activity. We have over 260 primates here, so are always looking for new sources of browse.”

The Happy Crab Gallery

Concerns voiced over homes plan

By Miranda Robertson

More than 200 people packed into Dorchester Corn Exchange’s upstairs room to hear about proposals for a 4,000-home ‘garden village’ in countryside north of the town. Many people had to listen from out in the corridor as councillors and Wessex Water’s head of catchment services, Paul Stanfield, addressed the meeting, hosted by the campaign group STAND –Save the Area North of Dorchester – among other speakers.

It’s clear the proposals have hit a collective nerve in Dorchester. Writing to the WDM (see Letters), Furse Swann from Dorchester said: “It was made abundantly clear (at the meeting) that the present Conservative Dorset Council seemed to be set on the policy of building 4,000-plus new homes on land above the water meadows to the north of the town and to transform the small parish of Stinsford with a possible increase in population from the current 325 to something in the region of 14,000, regardless of concerns about the literary importance and heritage of its associations, the practical consequences with regard to water demands, the huge increase in the number of cars to be accommodated, the extra need for parking in town (where?), and the need for new facilities – schools, shops, surgeries, sewage etc.”

Labour’s Claudia Sorin also attended (see Politics). She said: “A young woman put her hand up to speak.

“I was sure she was going to accuse the mostly middle-aged and older audience of nimbyism for protesting the proposed 4,000 homes.

“Instead she said the fields and water meadows were vitally important to her and her friends

for walking, horse riding and generally for their mental health and wellbeing and that they would be devastated to lose this precious space.”

Mr Stanfield told the meeting that the entire development proposed in Dorset Council’s draft local plan is inside the Environment Agency’s water source protection zone. He added: “We are having a town built in our water catchment area.

“The implications of this are what we are trying to work through.

“Wessex Water is not against this development per se, but are working with Environment Agency, Planners and Council to understand the risks , so we can make plans to deal with any water quality reductions in good time.”

Mr Stanfield said it was not possible to put a figure to the cost of a new water supply for the town and new waste water processing but it would run to millions of pounds.

STAND spokesman Alastair Nisbet said nearly 300 people took part in the meeting. He said: “It’s clear people are not happy that a huge housing development in the countryside has been proposed by Dorset Council with inadequate supporting evidence and too little consultation.

“Two years after the consultation ended we still don’t have a viability assessment and many other key reports which should have been published before the draft plan.

“People are worried that this huge urban development will damage their town, their community and their lives.

“It is going to affect our water supply, sewage treatment, environment, infrastructure and much more. We don’t even know if it is viable or if there is a need because the council hasn’t done the work yet.”

Featuring ceramics by Lea Phillips: leaphillips-pottery.co.uk

And fine art sculptures: amamenec-sculpture.co.uk

20A Gloucester St, Weymouth, DT4 7AW (opposite Park St car park)

An Easter Spotters Trail is on at Abbotsbury Swannery every day until April 16.

A community coffee morning will be held 10.45am-11.45am at St Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. Raffle, all welcome.

Kingdom is on 10am-5pm at Redlands Sports Hall from April 7-10. Free entry. Children will have unlimited access to 15 large bouncy castles, a designated under-5s Soft Play Zone. Hot food available, lots of sweets, Slush and ice cream. Session times: 10am-12pm, 12.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-5pm.

A drop in cafe for people with dementia and their carers is held at Weymouth Bay

Methodist Church on the first Friday of every month 24pm. Enjoy a cuppa/cakes/ music and activities. £2. Call Esme on 01305812637

Portland Passion Play –following the success of the Walking Nativity at Christmas, the churches on Portland are performing the Easter story in Easton Gardens. Follow the cross from Tesco at 11.30am and then into Easton Gardens at noon for the Passion Play. Free refreshments. Just turn up. If wet, it will be in Easton Methodist Church building. outreach@portlandpraise.co.uk

A Good Friday Mini Fayre will be held from noon-4pm at The Old Barn Club, Old Barn Way, Yeovil BA20 2NX,

featuring reclamation

creations, candles, wax melts, soaps, Fimo bugs and signs, mosaics, tote bags, original art and prints, bunting glass trinkets, crocheted soft toys, blacksmithing, sweet treats and trays of eggs, origami flowers and acrylic pouring paintings, natural/ resin coasters, tableware, cards. Pub grub available.

Music at St Peter's Church, Dorchester present a performance of Stainer’s Crucifixion at 6pm. The choir will be accompanied by the organist Chris Dowie with Colin Howard and Stefan Oakes tenor and bass soloists. The performance is offered as an act of worship, so admission is free and all welcome.

Weymouth Bouncy Castle

How do you like them apples?

Learn about the importance of the humble apple to the South West’s economy at Beaminster Museum this summer. From April 7, the museum will be hosting a special display all about apples, orchards and cider and their role in West Country life and trade. Children are also encouraged to come to the

Saturday, April 8

A whist drive is held every Saturday, 7.30pm, at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Lysander Road, Yeovil, BA20 2BU. Just turn up, or call Nigel on 01935 862325 for more details.

The Originals band, playing hits from the 60s 70s 80s, are playing at Weymouth Working Men’s Club.

A food fair in association with Dorset Food & Drink is being held at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens from 10am-4.30pm, with around 25 stalls of makers and producers, food, drink and crafts from across Dorset. Tickets (£7,50, kids £5, U5 free) includes entry to the gardens.

There’s an Easter market and egg hunt at Crown Square Poundbury hosted by Boos Toy Shop from 10.30am2.30pm. The Easter Egg Hunt will run 11.30am till 1.30pm.

museum over the Easter holidays to ‘design an ammonite’ with stickers available for those taking part.

Clocktower Music is hosting Psychedelic folk rock collective The Good Beast. All tickets are though Bridport Tourist Information Centre 01308 424901.

Nick Dow and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne head a cast of local musicians at 8pm for a unique concert at The Pointe, Dorchester, The Old Salvation Army Hall, Durngate St, DT1 1NA. Hear songs sung in the pubs and fields of Dorset by ordinary working people – carters, thatchers and labourers. Tickets £7 at Eventbrite.

Monday, April 10

Abbotsbury Gardens is hosting a classic and vintage vehicle display. Usual entry fee applies.

A car boot sale will be held at Alweston Village Hall and

Continued next page

Covers band available for your event

The COVERS are a fivepiece band formed last year by a group of enthusiastic and experienced musicians living in West Dorset and rehearse every week in Piddlehinton. They specialise in playing great cover versions of a wide range of hits and favourites right the way from the 70s through to the present day.

Artists they cover include the Beatles, Eric Clapton, REM, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, UB40, Erasure, The Cure, David Bowie and many more. They aim to give all

their audiences two hours or more of great music that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all. They are well booked up for this year but are keen to add more gigs to their schedule whether they be pubs, parties, social clubs or fetes. For samples of their music and sample set list email thecoversdorset@outlook.com

April 10 continued

Playing Field, Sherborne DT9 5HT. Buyers 7am, Seller 8am. Info: 01963 23436.

An Easter Egg Hunt is being held at Queen Charlotte Nursing Home in Chickerell from 11am-12.30pm.

Tuesday, April 11

Radipole & Southill

Horticultural Society will be holding its next meeting at the Southill Community Centre at 7.30pm, when Paul Atterbury will talking about The Making of a Garden, based in part on his personal experience in Dorset. Open to members and non-members. 01305 788939.

Ann & Neil's Acoustic Night will be held at the Woodman in South St, Bridport at 8pm. Solos & duos play and sing folk, blues, country and all things rootsy in the round. They include material for all to join in with.

Every 2nd Tuesday. New performers and singers welcome or just listen and enjoy. Formerly Val and Dave's Folk Night.

Thursday, April 13

Sherborne and District Gardeners Association will hold their Spring Show at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, at 7.30pm. Entries are members only, but visitors welcome for £2. Call Richard Newcombe on 01935 389375.

Chard History Group will enjoy photos of old Chard courtesy of Chris & Craig at the Phoenix at 7.30pm. Visitors £3.50, members £2.50, membership £5 per year.

Call Chris on 07914 079067.

Outfitters Smith & Smith Bridport will be holding a fashion show of their 2023 men’s and ladies’ collections at 2.30pm at the Town Hall, in aid of the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

Tickets are £10 to include refreshments and an entry to win a gift voucher, and can be purchased from Smith & Smith at 8 West Street.

A talk by local author Bernard Paull on Dorset Bridges –Spanning the Ages will be held at Bridport WI Hall, North Street, at 2.30pm, in support of Bridport Millennium Green. £5/£4 members to include tea and biscuits. Raffle.

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Saturday, April 15

The Bridport Big Band will play at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church DT4 7TH at 7.30pm.

£10 in advance from Pete 01305 812637 or on door £12.

The Dorset Branch of the British Printing Society Wayzgoose is holding an open day at Stratton Village Hall 10am to 5pm. A wide selection of printed items, plus type and equipment on display and for sale. Refreshments available. Admission free.

Richard Foord, MP for Tiverton & Honiton, and Edward Morello, West Dorset Parliamentary candidate, will be holding a public meeting in Uplyme Village Hall at 4pm. Edward will also be holding a public meeting in The Royal Lion Hotel in Lyme Regis at 6.30pm. All welcome.

Sunday, April 16

There’s a folk workshop at Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne, DT9 3NL from 1.30pm-4.30pm, admission £15 on the door or cheaper in at sherbornefolkband.org

Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance. info@sherbornefolkband.org or call Julia: 07527 508277.

Lyme Town Band will play an afternoon of band music at St Andrew’s Church, Charmouth at 2.30pm with tea and cake from 2pm. Free entry, donations welcome. Call 01297 560681.

Dorset Cottage Garden Society will be holding their

April speaker meeting at Puddletown Village Hall at 2pm for 2.30pm.

TV’s Paul Atterbury will speak on ‘The Making of a Dorset Garden’. Plant stall, raffle and refreshments. Members free, guests £5.

An art exhibition will be held from today until April 23 at Weymouth Drama Club, The Warehouse Theatre, 7 Hope St, 10am-5pm daily. How do we define ‘Home’? Is it a physical place, the people we share a space with, or is it more about a feeling, a memory or a sense of belonging? This mixed-media exhibition will explore personal responses to these questions, and more. Free entry. artwey.co.uk/whatson

A Singing Bowl Soundbath will be held 2pm-3.30pm at Bridport Unitarians, 49 East St, DT6 3JX, cost £15. Lie down, relax, and allow the pure sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning take you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. Bookings in advance only 01935 389655 or email ahiahel@live.com

Tuesday, April 18

Dorset Geologist’s Association Group (DGAG) will host a talk on Why do all brachiopods look the same? At 7pm at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester Speaker Dr Keith Holdaway studied zoology and geology at Bristol before researching the distribution of mid

Continued next page

THE COVERS

5-piece band

They’re finger-clicking good!

A fabulous selection of hit numbers from the Beatles, Oasis,UB40, Eric Clapton, The Temptations,The Cure, REM, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac and many more besides. We play pubs, clubs, parties, fetes –anywhere great music is needed. Contact for setlist and music samples

MOONFLEET 2000 INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

The Marsh Sports Ground Knightsdale Road Weymouth DT4 0HU

OPEN DAY

Saturday, April 22, 10am-2pm

Come and try indoor bowls

Fully qualified coaches

FREE PARKING, SHOES AND BOWLS

No need to book

If you need any more information please ring 01305 759106

Cretaceous brachiopods for his PhD in London; carrying out much of his fieldwork in Dorset. After working as an ecologist, he went into learning and development setting up his own company. Keith now manages artist studios on Portland and draws much inspiration from the geology around him.

Lecture Entry Cost: £6 (£5 for DGAG members) collected on room entry .

Thursday, April 20

Bridport & District Gardening Club will meet at WI Hall, North Street, Bridport at 7.30pm. Speaker David Usher will talk about bedding plants, suggesting suitable species and other plants they can be associated with to extend the season.

Friday, April 21

A fun quiz will be held at St Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. Doors open 6.30pm, starts 7pm.

Teams of 6 (max) @ £5 a head, cash at the door bring your own nibbles and drinks. Raffle. Reserve a table in advance 07741 457505.

A quiz night will be held at Moreton Village Hall in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare from 6.30pm.

Prizes, light supper and raffle. Tables of four or six. Bring your own snacks and tipple. Tickets from moretonvillagehalldorset.uk

An afternoon concert with the Delphine Trio (clarinet, cello and piano) in St Mary’s Church, Beaminster at 3pm. Programme to include Beethoven Trio (arranged

2 Poundbury Business Centre, Dorchester DT1 3WA Enquiries@relatedorset.org.uk

• Adult Relationship and Individual Counselling

• Children and Young Person’s Counselling

• Supervised Child Contact

• Domestic Abuse behavioural change programmes

from Septet in E flat major Op.20), Clarinet Trio in D minor Op 3 by Zemlinsky and the Scherzo from Clarinet Trio by Delanoff. Promoted by the Friends of Beaminster Festival.

Tickets £12 from Yarn Barton Centre, Fleet Street, Beaminster, the Bookshop, South Street, Bridport or on the door (cash or card).

Saturday, April 22

A cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong will be held at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music for Easter includes: Parry My soul, there is a country, Sumsion Preces & Responses, Howells Gloucester Service and Stanford Ye choirs of new Jerusalem. Graham Scott is at the organ and Ian Davis directing. Do join us for a glass of wine after the service.

A St George’s Day Fair will be held on Fordington Green from 1pm-4pm. Fun and games for all the family with entertainment, food and drinks on the beautiful village green. Rummage through the stalls for a bargain or enjoy cakes and cream teas in the hall.

The second Max Gate Area

Jumble Trail will be held from 10am-2pm – head for the Trumpet Major pub and follow the signs.

Grab a bargain from the stalls hosted by residents outside their homes.

A school reunion for Hardye's and Castlefield pupils born between September 1972 and August 1973 will be held at Dorchester Cricket Club (may move due to numbers). Email schoolreunion2023@ hotmail.com for more details.

There will be a recital of classical guitar duets played by Anthony Dodds and Colin Thompson at 7pm at The Salt House, West Bay (DT6 4HB). The programme will include music from Italy, England, Germany and Brazil. Tickets £10 from the Tourist Information Centre at Bridport Town Hall.

Bovington Military Wives Choir presents a choral concert at St Mary’s Church, Charminster, DT2 9RD at 6pm. Tickets £10 from 01305 213403 (children free). Wine and nibbles included, proceeds towards church funds.

Dorset Family History Society is hosting a Family History Day 10am till 3pm, at St George’s Church Hall, Darbys Lane, Oakdale, Poole, BH15 3EU. Free Admission and parking.

Family history societies and commercial companies from around the country will be attending. Dorset Family History Society will have its own stall and research advice will be offered especially now the 1921 Census is available at their Treetops Research Centre. Hot drinks and refreshments will be on sale. There will be a raffle with great prizes donated by genealogical companies. dorsetfhs.org.uk

Beaminster Connect Day will be held 10am-2pm at the Prout Bridge Project, Prout Bridge Beaminster.

The event will showcase the wide range and variety of social and community activities and organisations in the town. Over 20 groups will be taking part from the Table Tennis Club to the Horticultural Society. There will be music, tea/coffee

and cake, books for sale and the event is free.

A fund-raising ceilidh for the RNLI will be held in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport, from 7.30 to 10pm. Join the Bridport Folk Dancers for a swing and a stomp. Live music and a caller will lead the dances, so beginners and children all welcome as no experience is necessary. Tea, biscuits and soft drinks available or BYO. Adults £5 children free. Cal 01308 863552 or 459001.

Bridport Choral Society presents Sing into Spring, music for a Spring evening at 7.30pm in Bridport United

Church, featuring songs from musicals, operetta, opera, traditional songs and spirituals. Musical Director: James Crawshaw Accompanist: Peter Parshall. Soloist: Anna-Maria Geare. Tickets £12 (to include refreshments), from Bridport Music Centre, Smith & Smith or on the door.

Clocktower Music is hosting Tom Cox and RJ McKendree with support from Eve Appleton. Record Store Day Special. All tickets are though Bridport Tourist Information Centre 01308 424901.

A plant and gardening fair will be held at Bridport Millennium Green from

9.30am. Tools, books, tubs, etc at reasonable prices, proceeds to the upkeep of the green. If you have any items to donate please bring them along, or phone Sandra Brown, 01308 423078 to arrange collection.

Harbour Rhythms: Liz JamesA delightful exhibition observing the changing rhythms of fleeting sunlight, ripples and reflections will be held at The Salt House, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EL 10am4.30pm today and on Sunday, April 23.

The exhibition celebrates the versatility of coloured pencils on paper. Original works and limited edition prints. The Chard & District

Modellers Club is holding an exhibition at the Chard Guidhall 10am-4pm. Entry £5, children free. Food available.

Sunday, April 23

A 'Vagus Nerve Reset Day Retreat' will be held at Launceston Farm, Tarrant Launceston, (near Blandford Forum) 10am-4.30pm.

Yoga, meditation, culinary adaptogens talk, breathwork session, delicious organic lunch (gluten and dairy free). Bookings essential as limited places. More info: thewelllife lab.systeme.io/dayretreatapril

Continued next page

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

April 23 continued

A glorious two-acre garden, with extensive herbaceous borders planted for colour and bees will be open for the NGS at Broomhill, Rampisham, DT2 0PT from 2-5pm £5 entry. The garden has lawns leading to a less formal area with a large wildlife pond and a small meadow, plus a productive vegetable garden and orchard. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome, wheelchair access. Delicious homemade teas and quality plants for sale. 07775 806 875.

Tuesday, April 25

Bridport u3a will hold its AGM and talk on how to avoid banking fraud at Bridport United Church Hall at 2pm prompt.

The AGM is expected to take no longer than 30 minutes. The HSBC talk will follow

Easter trail for children

Durlston Country Park is offering an Easter Trail and fun activities with the Rangers until Wednesday, April 19.

From ‘Wild Wednesdays’ to ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ and ‘Plant-pot Planting’ there is plenty to get involved with. There will also be a kids’ Easter drawing workshop with artist Mark Page and a drawing workshop with artist

and last for 45 minutes or so followed by a Q&A session before refreshments. bridportu3a.org.uk

A lunchtime concert by piano trio Catriona Bevan (Cello), Jane Bultz (Violin), Walter Brewster (Piano) with music by Haydn and Mozart will be held at St Andrew’s Church,

Madeleine Devenay. There’s a unique art exhibition inspired by seeds and the natural landscape from ’15 Days in Clay’. Go to durlston.co.uk

Charmouth at 12.30pm, with light refreshments from noon. Free entry, donations welcome. Contact 01297 560681.

A Folk Night will be held at The Drax Arms Bere Regis BH20 7HH. A very special evening with finger style guitar virtuoso Steve Hicks

beaminster festival 2023

MUSIC THEATRE ART LITERATURE

JUNE 11 - JULY 2

and singer songwriter Lynn Goulbourn who have a mutual love of folk, jazz, roots and acoustic genres, their musical partnership has flourished and taken them to all corners of the UK, to Germany, France, The Netherlands and the USA. Tickets are £5. Reserve a seat: pipthebass@btinternet.com

Weds, April 26

Wessex (Weymouth) Branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild meet at St Ann’s Schoolroom, Radipole Lane, Weymouth DT3 5HT on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Demonstration by Cassie Brown on cold porcelain flowers and air brushing. Cassie is an internationally-renowned sugarcrafter. Come along and learn new cake decorating techniques and be inspired! All welcome. £7 on the door.

Three Inch Fools As You Like It

Talent in the Town Exhibition

Braimah Kanneh-Mason Violin

Sue Stuart-Smith ‘Well Gardened Mind’

Choir of Clare College, Cambridge Choral Concert

Richard Gowers Organ

Stephen Moss ‘Ten Birds that Changed the World’

Timothy Ridout Viola

Ethan Loch Piano

Sacconi String Quartet and Morgan Szymanski Guitar

Ryan Corbett Accordion

Tom Fort ‘Rivets, Trivets and Galvanised Buckets’

Yuanfan Yang Piano

Faith I Branko Serb/Roma/Jazz

Dominic Alldis and Friends Jazz and Cabaret

Alison Weir ‘Henry VIII The Heart and the Crown’

Zoots Sounds of the 60s and 70s/Dance

Orpheus Sinfonia Gala Symphony Concert

Information and tickets : www.beaminsterfestival.com

Saturday, April 29

A repair café will be held at Shire Hall Museum, High West St, Dorchester, 10amnoon. clothing, textiles and more - our volunteer repairers will do their best to fix them. If you want to check any details before you come call 07870 950666.

Refreshments available, homemade cakes, tea and coffee etc. Volunteer repairers always welcome.

Dorchester Trinity Club will host Elton John tribute Martin Cox & Elvis tribute Craig Jefferson. Book via dorchtrinityclub@gmail.com or 01305 262671.

Royal Manor Workshops are holding a coffee morning at the Methodist Church Easton from 10am-noon to raise funds for the group. Raffle and cake stall.

A hay fever and allergy event will be held at Aquae Sulis Therapy Centre on Damers Road, Dorchester from 10am-2.30pm. Talk to experts in natural approaches to healing allergies, Intolerances and IBS. Featuring 1-1 advice from qualified professionals. Featuring 1-1 with Kinesiologist Martina Weidner, BANT Nutritional Therapist & IBS Specialist Helen Ross and other professional therapists. Book a free ticket at Eventbrite.

The Rotary Club of Bridport will be presenting a Coronation Celebration Concert featuring the Weymouth Salvation Army Band and Timbrels at 7pm for 7.30pm at the United Church in East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ. There will be refreshments and community

Join our Baking Bird at fab show

Gillingham and Shaftesbury’s Spring Countryside Show is back for the second year running, being held at the Turnpike Showground on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23.

Showcasing rural crafts and skills, this is an event for all the family. It’s the first show of the year in Dorset’s rural event calendar, with a line up of over 50 exhibits, demonstrations and attractions – it’s set to be a

singing. Tickets at £12 are available from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre at the back of Bridport Town Hall or from Club members. Profits to Rotary charities.

Monday, May 1

A car boot sale will be held at Alweston Village Hall and Playing Field, Sherborne DT9 5HT. Sellers 7am, buyers 8am. Info: 01963 23436.

Relate will be holding a preloved clothing sale from 2pm-4.30pm in their Poundbury HQ (DT1 3WA, next to Castle Vets). Free entry. To hire space for a rail for £5 or a table for £10 email conference@relatedorset.co.uk

Friday, May 5

A barn dance will be held at Tolpuddle Orchard Meadow with Murphy’s Lore, with a barbecue and bar. Entry £5, pay on the gate – children under 16 free. Gate open 7pm with music, barn dance starts 8.30pm. Dress warmly. All welcome. See tolpuddlevillage .co.uk/events-and-activities

jam-packed weekend. From seeing dancing sheep and cute piglets in the Farmyard Area, to the famous Dorset Axemen battling it out against the clock there really

Yeovil Balloon Festival is at Yeovil Showground from today until May 7.

is a bit of everything. To keep the children (young and old) entertained there are tractor and trailer rides, along with ‘try it yourself’ demos throughout the day. With a shopping pavilion and plenty of Food & Drink stands, there will definitely be something for everyone as we bring on spring. Buy tickets at gillinghamandshaftesburysho w.co.uk

The new festival promises

Continued next page

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

May 5 continued

three days of hot air balloons, live music, family entertainment, stunt shows and much more. Tickets from Ticketsource, adults £7, children £5.

Saturday, May 6

Sherborne Digby Hall

monthly market will feature antiques, arts, crafts and food. Cafe, free entry, parking and toilets. First Saturday of every month, 10am-3pm, March-December. New Digby Hall, next to the library in Sherborne, DT9 3AA.

Sunday, May 7

The Friends of Greenhill Gardens (greenhillgardens.co.uk, 01305 768446) are holding a Coronation Celebration from 3pm-6pm at Greenhill Tennis Courts. Some 400 people are expected to join in, with three hours of live entertainment provided by

The 4 Saxes and Weymouth's own The Originals, who perform 60s, 70s and 80s music.

£50 prize for best royal costume, plus plenty of raffle prizes. Entry by ticket only –£10 from Jane Chandler: janechandler123@hotmail.com 01305 775829/07794 631771.

There’s free Park Yoga at Lodmoor Country Park from 9.30am-10.30am.

Open to people of all ages. No need to book – just turn up! Bring mat, towel or blanket, bottle of water and a friend! If you would like to support the Park Yoga charity go to parkyoga.co/donate or text PARKYOGA to 70560.

month at The Bull Hotel, East St, 6.45pm-9pm. Chat, advice and hot drinks.

be given by Richard Horwood. Further details from Richard Newcombe 01935 389375.

Sherborne and District Gardeners Association meet at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. A short AGM will be followed by a talk on 'Alpines in Troughs' to

Chard History Group will be hearing about Jurassic coast fossils by Nigel Clark at the Phoenix Chard at 7.30pm. Visitors £3.50, Members £2.50, Membership £5 per year. For further details contact Chris on 07914 079067.

MS Society Dorset is holding a social evening in Bridport. If you have MS, care for someone with MS or would like to volunteer go along on the second Monday of each

Step out for cancer trust this June

Wessex Cancer Trust is asking people to take steps to support them this June by joining in its virtual Walk for Hope. For its sixth annual walking event, the charity is inviting participants to choose their own route, date and distance and asking friends and family to sponsor their steps and raise money to support local people affected by cancer.

FOR SALE

Bosch electric lawnmower in good condition. Bridport. £30. 01308 458999.

High quality Peter Guild three-piece suite (pictured) with feather-filled cushions and a set of spare

When you sign up, you’ll get some recommended routes if you need inspiration, fundraising tips and walking guides. You’ll also get a medal. Tickets are £15 for an adult and £10 for under-16s. The fundraising target is £100. For more information and to sign up: wessexcancer.org.uk/event/walk-forhope-2023

WANTED

covers. Large sofa and two chairs. Ever so comfortable!

Affpuddle. £200. 01305 848262

STAMPS & COINS WANTED by collector/investor. We are keen to purchase small or large collections at this time. Tel Rod 07802 261339 or 01308 863790

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS

Call 01935 428975

Military Wives to sing out

Bovington

Military Wives

Choir will be visiting Weymouth on Friday, April 28 and joining with Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School Choir to present an evening of wonderful music with some favourite songs from the Military Wives Choirs’ repertoire including Stronger Together, a Vera Lynn Medley and Only You

The phenomena of choirs for Military Wives, started in 2010 in Catterick where a choir for the wives and girlfriends of soldiers serving in Afghanistan, was assembled to support wives and families at a very stressful time. Inspired by the friendship and camaraderie in Catterick Garrison, Gareth Malone worked with

women from Chivenor and Plymouth military bases to make music and film the two-part BBC documentary series. The choirs raised £500,000 for charity. By 2013 there were 46 choirs across the UK. Military Wives Choirs is now a registered charity which supports 72 choirs and over 2,000 women. Choirs can be found as far afield as America, Gibraltar and Cyprus. The concert is in Holy Trinity Church at 7pm. Tickets £10 from holytrinityweymouth.org

Church has lots of events this month

All Saints Church in Wyke Regis is hosting lots of events in the next month.

On Saturday, April 15 a coffee morning will be held 10am-noon. All are welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, books and a Fairtrade stall. On Sunday, April 16 there’s a concert at 6.30pm with popular classical favourites and songs from the musicals. Tickets £10, including a glass of wine or soft drink. Phone or text 07710 096174.

On Friday, April 28 the Wyke Regis Community Film Club presents Film Night in the Memorial Hall, All Saints Rd, at 7pm. Les Choristes (The Chorus):

heart-warming story from post-war France. Cert 12. £5.50, includes glass of wine or soft drink. Call or text 07710 096174.

On Sunday, May 7 a Coronation Celebration will be at the church, with a family picnic and afternoon of fun and entertainment for everyone: Coronation Crown Competition, Weymouth Concert Brass, teddy bear zip wire, church and tower tours, quiz, bar, barbecue, refreshments… and much more. Free entry. Everyone welcome. For more details visit parishofwykeregis.org.u k/latest-event-info, or call/text 07710 096174.

Association’s £20k for winter appeal

Sovereign Housing Association has donated £20,000 to Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal. Now in its 13th year, the annual campaign aims to raise £100,000 to support over-50s

in the county with things like heating and food during the winter months.

Hannah Monk, Sovereign’s funding and innovation specialist, said: “Through our Thriving Communities strategy, we are

committed to improving the wellbeing and quality of life of our residents, with one of our key focuses being ‘ageing well’.

“We recognise that many older people are struggling because of increased costs. By giving to DCF, we can direct funding to those who need it the most. Importantly, working with DCF has enabled us to secure a match, doubling our donation.”

Dorset Community Foundation chair of trustees Tom Flood CBE said: “We are very thankful to Sovereign for this generous donation. It will allow us to make more grants that will make a huge difference to older and vulnerable people, many of whom live in fear of energy bills.”

Sovereign’s funding was matched by another charitable organisation, helping DCF reach its £100,000 target.

The money from the Surviving Winter appeal is distributed by Citizens Advice (CA) through £200 grants. This year, CA has seen demand four-and-a-half times higher than last year.

new spring ranges from Adini, Mistral, Orientique, sugarhill now available

Protect your home and assets

Everyone needs a will, but a will does not protect your assets. One of the most efficient additions to your will is a living trust. A living trust has many benefits and protects your hard-earned legacy. Let’s consider some of the benefits below.

Effort pays off as new hall is opened

Years of planning and fundraising has come to fruition as the new Cam Vale Community Hall in Longburton was opened by West Dorset MP Chris Loder to a cheering community. The muchanticipated public opening of state-ofthe-art hall was opened by Mr Loder who has supported the campaign for a decade, starting when he was a local councillor for the Cam Vale Ward. Mr Loder said: “After so much work that has gone into this fantastic new hall, it was a pleasure to thank the whole community for their dedication and determination, which has now materialised in what will be a much loved and much used asset to the

community for many years to come.”

Speaking at the opening, chairman of the Cam Vale Parish Council Nigel Williams said: “We feel this is an unparalleled facility for our community. It’s for everyone within the Cam Vale to use and enjoy along with other established clubs and institutions that we already have. We believe this space has something for everyone in the Cam Vale.”

Mr Williams also acknowledged the support from Crestmoor Construction of Wincanton, Dorset Council for grants and advice and Voltalia for a state-of-the-art solar panel/battery system.

Avoiding probate: By placing assets including your home into a living trust, those assets can pass directly to the beneficiaries named in the trust, bypassing probate. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can help ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance.

Control: With a living trust, you can be both a trustee and beneficiary.

You can maintain control over your assets even after you pass away. You can specify how and when your assets should be distributed to your beneficiaries.

Protects your bloodline: Your legacy is protected from remarriage and divorce, protecting both your surviving partner and children’s legacy.

Asset protection: A living trust can protect your assets from creditors in the case of bankruptcy etc, divorce settlements, and other claims against beneficiaries and yourself. In these days of uncertainty its best to plan wisely and protecting your legacy for family and loved ones. To discover more about living trusts, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594.

IT’S OPEN: MP Chris Loder with members of the community at the opening of the Cam Vale Community Hall, Longburton. Inset: the plaque on the wall

Make a date for return of town Expo

Weymouth’s Community Expo is returning for a second year. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the town council’s expo will return in May at the town’s Jubilee Clock.

The event is described as a ‘twist’ on the council’s annual town meeting highlighting the work of voluntary and community groups in the area.

It also ‘provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to find out more about council services and projects’ and how people can get ‘more involved’ in local democracy. The council is urging charities and community groups who want to get involved to contact them.

Weymouth Mayor Ann Weaving said: “I attended the first Community Expo event which was held at Redlands Sports Centre, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It provided a fantastic opportunity to

slimming-friendly

MONDAY: 7pm

CROSSWAYS

Crossways Youth & Community Centre, Old Farm Way DT2

8TU

Julie 07871 821928

TUESDAY: 5.30pm & 7.30pm

BRIDPORT

St Mary's Church Hall, South Street DT6 3NW.

Sue 07542 649812

TUESDAY: 7pm

DORCHESTER

The Old Salvation Army Hall, Durngate Street DT1 1NA

showcase many of the great voluntary, community and charitable organisations that operate in Weymouth.

“We had around 30 stalls from Nothe Artillery Volunteers to Dog Friendly Weymouth, the Dorset Volunteer Centre, as well as a range of stalls promoting the work of Weymouth Town Council. I hope to see many more people coming along to the drop-in event happening at Jubilee Clock this year, which will be a great way to find out more about all the fantastic work that is currently happening in Weymouth for the benefit of the town’s different communities.”

n The event runs from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, May 20, with stalls located by the Jubilee Clock. If your organisation would like a stall at the Community Expo 2023, email events@weymouth towncouncil.gov.uk

(google The Pointe)

Tracie 07827 710552

TUESDAY: 5.30pm & 7pm

WEDNESDAY: 9am &10.30am

WAREHAM

Masonic Hall, Howards Lane

BH20 4HU

Jackie 07715 438810

WEDNESDAY: 5.30pm & 7.30pm

FRIDAY: 9.30am & 11.30am

WOOL

The D'Urbeville Centre, Colliers Lane BH20 6DL

Jane 07887 866730

WEDNESDAY: 9.30 & 11.30am

St Mary’s Church Hall South St

Natalie 01308 426521

THURSDAY: 9.30am

LYME REGIS

Woodmead Halls, Hill Road

DT7 3PG.

Sue 07542 649812

THURSDAY: 7pm

PUDDLETOWN

Puddletown Village Hall, High Street DT2 8FZ

Call/text Julie 07871 821928

THURSDAY: 9.30 & 11.30am

BRIDPORT

Bridport Christian Fellowship

Hall (East st car park, Long stay)

Natalie 01308 426521

THURSDAY: 5.30 & 7.30pm

BRIDPORT

United Church Hall in East St (side entrance)

Natalie 01308 426521

FRIDAY 9.30am & 11.30am

SATURDAY: 9.30am

NEW CONSULTANT

DORCHESTER

NEW VENUE from April 21:

Dorchester Youth & Community Centre, Kings Road, DT1 1NJ Sam 07814 619200

Lyme will be brimming with joy for Easter

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Lyme Regis is gearing up for a vibrant and colourful Easter weekend featuring its famous bonnet parade and a friendly duck race.

Townsfolk of all ages will be showing off their fancy headgear in a parade through the town on Easter Sunday, with prizes going to the most creative hat makers. Organisers said: “Grab the glue and get your creative juices flowing – you have until 2.15pm on Easter Sunday to produce your masterpiece. “Entrants are invited to assemble in Lyme Regis Baptist Church for 2.15pm for judging with the parade commencing outside the church at 3pm.”

Led by the Lyme Regis Mayor and its Majorettes, entrants

will make their way down Broad Street to Cobb Gate then proceed along Cart Road and Marine Parade to the Jubilee Pavilion. There will be charity buckets along the way where people can donate to local good causes.

The town’s traditional duck

Dorchester Foot Clinic Your trusted podiatrist

race will take place at noon on Easter Monday at Higher Mills Flats in Windsor Terrace.

An event spokesperson said: “Everyone goes a bit quackers at midday on Easter Monday as hundreds of individually numbered bright yellow toy ducks are released into the river Lim at Higher Mill Flats where they hurtle downstream in a mad paddle towards the finish line at Jordan Flats.

“The bath time companions initially negotiate the relatively calm waters by Windsor Terrace before the fearless racers gather pace after descending the potentially treacherous weir at Woodmead Road bridge. They wind their way around the bend at Lymbrook Cottages, before riding out the bumps and dips along the stretch by Jericho with some final jostling for position with the finish line in sight.”

Lyme Regis town crier Alan Vian will officially start the duck race while supporters can cheer on their competitor from the river banks.

The first duck across the line will win £50, with prizes also going to second, third and last place.

Organisers added: “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, as volunteers ensure all plastic ducks are captured in a giant net just after the finish line and stored until they race again.”

Celebration at skatepark

Team GB Olympic skater

practise their skills.”

Routine appointments £40

Toenails cut only (not ingrowing nails, corns or hard skin) £22

Ingrowing toenails £28

Corn removal (up to 2) £28

Ingrowing nail surgery:

1 nail £275 2 nails £375

Verruca treatment (acid) £25

Verruca needling surgery

(local anaesthetic) £190

NEW Omega laser

(for plantar fasciitis, pain, injuries and arthritis) from £28

Orthotics including fitting £70

Alex DeCunha will join in a ‘jam’ at The Marsh Skatepark and Parkour facility in Weymouth on Saturday, April 8 to mark the first anniversary of the park’s opening. The event running from noon to 4pm will feature rider demonstrations, music and competitions for riders in multiple disciplines to join in and win prizes.

Weymouth Mayor Ann Weaving, who will be at the event, said: “It has been extremely well-used since being completed last April, and provides skaters, BMXers, and scooter riders with a bespoke space to

Weymouth Town Council invested £358,000 in the skate park, which was built by skatepark company Maverick, who are organising the jam.

Maverick director Sue Mitchener said: “We are looking forward to the Marsh skatepark jam –rider demos will feature Team Rubicon, renowned BMX rider Scott Hamlin, Team GB Olympic skater Alex DeCunha and sponsored scooterist Noah Tiller. We have also got Jackson from MVM Tribe (Parkour) attending. It’s guaranteed to be a fun day for all who attend.”

TITFER TAT: A previous bonnet parade

Fears for badgers and farming land

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Controversial plans to build a 1,300-acre solar farm and battery storage site in Chickerell have been criticised by local people as bad for the environment.

Statera Energy wants to build the £300million scheme –that would take up the same area as 950 football pitches –on land between Friar Waddon and Buckland Ripers.

Despite the developer claiming the site will help the county meet national energy production targets, nearby homeowners have expressed concerns over the scheme.

Chickerell resident Helen Hazell told The West Dorset Magazine: “This is taking away much-needed agricultural land used for food production and farming

– a topic currently close to all our hearts. Appalling damage will be done to the countryside by the panels, one third of which is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

She added: “The loss of hedgerows and arable farmland will have a detrimental effect on wildlife.

“Currently this provides a habitat for many different species. The proposals to replace these with small planted areas surely is not enough to make up for the loss of the current natural habitat.”

Nottington resident John Paton fears the development will disturb ‘centuries old’

badger setts at the Friar Waddon site.

Mr Paton said: “Badger setts can be found continuously along the line of the greensand outcrop at the site and are identified by their characteristic spoil mounds outside their setts.

“There is one such sett at Friar Waddon, and doubtless others within the proposed development area, which is over 70 metres long and has a huge number of entrance holes. It must be many centuries old and maybe thousands of years old and will lie just a few metres outside the development boundary, but changes to land use and the strong security fencing used around solar arrays will deny the badgers the food they have enjoyed from time immemorial.”

sionally cleaned at least once a week and any damage by the guest would be taken care of immediately by us as per our contract.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: One of Statera’s battery storage plants

Historic fort scoops cash for works

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Weymouth’s historic Nothe Fort has been awarded £320,000 for vital damp proofing works.

The town’s civic society said Museum Estate and Development (MEND) funding will pay for remedial works to address ‘significant water ingress issues’ that have been ‘holding the organisation back from further developing its heritage interpretation’. A society spokesperson said that during its 150-year history, changes to the fort’s structure and the ‘gradual blocking’ of historic rainwater drains have created an ‘increasingly damp’ environment in the exhibition space.

To address this, external walls

Pic by Cleary Creative

need to be repointed, gaps must be sealed and drains and gutters need to be cleared and repaired.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Arts Council England’s MEND team, as well as to Dorset Council, which supported us in securing the grant,” said Nothe Fort chairman James Farquharson. “We have big plans for Nothe Fort but we have been stymied from

moving some of them forward due to the very damp environment in which they would need to be placed. This grant is going to transform what we can do, helping us make Weymouth an even better place in which to live or visit.”

The work is expected to be completed within two years and will be staged to ‘minimise disruption for visitors”.

While works progress, the Nothe team will be developing plans for new displays, including ‘immersive experiences’ in the fort’s Victorian gun deck and the Cold War nuclear fallout shelter.

Fort co-manager Kate Hebditch said: “As a landmark on Weymouth’s coast, the fort gets everything the weather can throw at it. This grant will give us much needed funds to solve the damp problem and preserve this spectacular building for the future. The fort’s growing profile as an events venue demonstrates our importance to the local economy. We had record numbers of visitors in 2022 and we’re working to provide a heritage attraction that is an increasing source of pride in the community.”

PENNIES FOR YOUR FORT: Nothe Fort has won £320k for damp-proofing

IN BRIEF

Dorset Council has expressed ‘serious concerns’ over a proposal to site floating accommodation for asylum seekers in Portland Port.

A spokesman said: “Dorset Council and the local MP Richard Drax have been made aware of conversations between the Home Office and the owners of Portland Port. “We have serious concerns about the suitability of the location for this facility. “The council has had limited input and has no decisionmaking powers on this.”

n Dorset Council is raising parking fees in busy tourist areas. The rates will be seasonal, with some only increasing for the spring/summer period. The changes will come into effect from April 28.

Some on-street pay and display rates will increase for

non-permit holders on busy seafront roads. Prices in the council’s other car parks will not rise, except for some 6 hour stays in multi-use car park areas used by larger vehicles such as coaches, large motorhomes and lorries. The full list of new rates can be found on the Dorset Council website.

n Discount early bird tickets are now available for The Melplash Agricultural Society Show on Thursday, August 24. Enjoy exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture, plus more than 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors… Book your tickets online now to enjoy a 20% saving on the gate price – go to melplash.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets

n Dorset Council has submitted a planning application proposing to demolish the former Weymouth and Portland

Borough Council offices at North Quay.

Dorset Council’s previous application to demolish the former council offices and redevelop the site was withdrawn after the area planning committee voted against the proposals in September 2019. The new planning application seeks only to demolish the former council offices, no plans for redevelopment are included. Any plans for future re-development will be brought forward in a separate application at a later date and until that time, the site will be used to create temporary additional car parking spaces.

n United Diversity Bridport and Sustainable Bridport present: MMMM! Monday Movie, Meal & Mingling every Monday 6-10pm at the Chapel in the Garden, 49 East Street, Bridport DT6 3JX. Inspiring documentaries, short films by local filmmakers,

organic veg curries, bar & hot drinks, Starting Monday, April 17 with the Dorset premiere of award-winning documentary Finite: The Climate of Change. FB event: ud.coop/screenings Info and tickets: ud.coop/mmmm

n Six new paving slabs have been installed in Weymouth, telling the story of the town, extending the popular Heritage Trail. We Are Weymouth, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) has now installed 18 of the ceramic slabs. The six new slabs extend the trail to as far as Bowleaze Cove, showcasing the Roman Temple, as well as the Stone Pier, Hope Square and the Pier Bandstand. Head to weareweymouth.co.uk for more details.

n Alistair Chisholm, Town Crier extraordinaire and good egg, will be Dorchester’s Mayor for 2023/4.

As Weymouth prepares to mark Anzac Day, military historian ALVIN HOPPER breaks down the integral role Dorset played in helping troops recover from the trauma of conflict

In 2005, 90 years after the first contingent of Australian and New Zealand troops were encamped in the area, a memorial monolith was erected on Weymouth seafront to commemorate Dorset’s part in providing accommodation and respite to exhausted, wounded and psychologically traumatised Anzac troops. The camp at Chickerell was the first to be occupied by Anzac troops in England and was known as part of

command depot number two, with the number one command depot at Portisdown. The Chickerell camp was one of four such recoupment camps in and around Weymouth and the surrounding district. The other three local sites were at Westham, Littlemoor and The Verne Citadel on Portland. Other camps coming under the number two depot’s remit were based at Worgret and Bovington.

Many Anzac troops passed through local

to heroism of Anzac troops

hospitals, with Colwell House in School Street, Weymouth serving as one such treatment centre during the war.

The first troops to be accommodated there arrived on May 31, 1915, following action at the famous Gallipoli engagement.

Over the next three years, an unbelievable number of Anzac troops would pass through these establishments – some 90,000 between 1915 and the end of the Great War, with some remaining until 1919.

Whilst in Dorset many troops formed friendly relationships with the local populace, with several local girls later marrying

Antipodean troops and emigrating to Austrailia. Sadly, some of those

Anzac troops would never leave the county, with some 72 servicemen now

laid to rest at Melcombe Regis cemetery. The construction of Weymouth’s Anzac memorial was publicly funded, with cash raised by the Weymouth and Portland Residents’ Association. The monolith’s design and execution was the work of master stonemason John Sellman CF (Churchill Funding) – a post-war apprenticeship scheme promoted by Winston Churchill to help rebuild the country.

n This year’s Anzac Day service will take place at the seafront memorial at 11am on Tuesday, April 25 and all are welcome to come and pay their respects.

Shepherd’s hut maker endorsed by

NEVER FORGET: The Anzac memorial in Weymouth

Water good idea! Go with the flow

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Now I know I’m old. I’ve just got ridiculously excited at the thought of having a water softener! It’s the thought of all the savings I’ll make – from hundreds of pounds a year saved by not having a hot water tank full of limescale, to saving as much as 70% on shampoo, soap and conditioner and hundreds of pounds a year on washing liquid for our clothes. No word of a lie –I am feeling positively gleeful about the prospect – despite never having given water softeners a second’s thought in my life before.

It’s all the fault of Tom Purse, 44, of the Dorset Water Centre based in Broadmayne.

Tom is dad to three boys and was going through a divorce while working as a manager in Tesco. The split made him re-evaluate what he was doing for a living, which involved lots of weekend working, and would have prevented him seeing his kids so much. He retrained as a plumber then, a few years later he bought the established Dorset Water Centre, and his dad Graham joined him in the business.

Graham, now 68, has stayed on as financial director and it’s a proper family affair, with Tom’s son Ryan having built the website and son Blake maintaining it.

The centre started life as Waterwise Investments Ltd in Sherborne in 1977

– one of the first independent water softener companies in the country. Dorset Water Centre was established on the Grove Trading Estate in Dorchester in 1984 before moving to Broadmayne in 2020 after a massive flood. We all know there’s hard water around here, but we

just get on with it. Most of Tom’s customers are incomers, or those with newbuilds, who are used to not having to scrub the bathroom every five minutes: “We reckon you can save 40 hours a year cleaning,” he said. Not only do the gadgets –which come in a wide range of shapes and sizes

for anything from a single person to a 200-bed hotel – save cleaning (and in the case of a hotel significant staff time) they save appliances wearing out prematurely. And – lest I forget, and one of the reasons I am so excited – they will make your hair and skin softer, too. OMG.

The costs of running them are low – a typical softener for an average house will use £3-£4 of salt a month. And the units themselves start at about £500, going up to £1,600 for one that might last 20 years or more.

Tom also does a nice line in Quooker boiling water taps – one of which he shows me dispensing boiling water, then chilled water then – incredibly –sparkling water! At £3,000 this is well out of my

MAN WITH THE VAN AND A PLAN: Tom Purse of the Dorset Water Centre and, below, a Nexus water softener and, right, a heat exchange unit from a combi boiler blocked with scale

and take the hardness out of H2O

budget, but if I were wealthy I’d have snapped this up, too. The taps would be furred up in months without a water softener, so you can see why the two go hand in hand.

Tom has a boiling water tap at his home in Frampton. He said: “As soon as a I got a water softener I got a boiling water tap and I’ve never looked back, I love it.” Demonstrating the convenience of this by making me a cuppa straight from the tap, I am impressed. But one of those will have to wait till I am a publishing magnate…

Meanwhile, I am overwhelmed to have found something relatively cheap that will save me lots of money running the home. Businesses also stand to save fortunes,

especially food and drink businesses and those using a lot of water.

“You use 12% efficiency for every millimetre of scale,” says Tom. “Some appliances and boilers can

completely cut out if the scale has built up too much.

“When I go somewhere without a water softener I can really feel it in my hair and skin. I’d never be without one now. I don’t even have to use washing machine liquid – I use an Eco Egg from Robert Dyas, which even gets oil out without detergent.” It all sounds so exciting I can hardly wait for mine to be fitted. See? I am OLD. n Dorset Water Centre is open 9am-1pm Monday to Friday, and offers salt delivery and collection across Dorset and South Somerset.

dorsetwatercentre.co.uk

Brands attending:

MONEYSAVING

IDEAS: Tom Purse of the Dorset Water Centre

ACTION ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

INSTANT JUSTICE – Dorset has been selected as 1 of 11 areas to benefit from the ‘Instant Justice’ pilot scheme. This will force people who are caught dropping litter or vandalising property to tidy up their mess within 48 hours of being caught. This comes in addition to increased fines and tougher sentencing for these crimes.

BAN ON NITROUS OXIDES

– also known as laughing gas. The Government is placing a ban on nitrous oxides to keep public spaces safer and clamping down on the littering of these spaces with metal gas cannisters.

INCREASED POLICING IN ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR HOTSPOTS –

the Government is introducing a greater policing presence in areas particularly affected by antisocial behaviour and wider capabilities for drug testing and enforcement. Problem tenants will also face eviction to ensure law abiding citizens are given priority on social housing.

These walks are made for booking!

Get your boots on to join in Dorchester’s first ever walking festival this summer. A schedule of more than 40 walks and other activities will take place in the county town from May 13 to 21. The festival will begin in the Borough Gardens at 5am on the first day with a familyfriendly Dawn Chorus walk to identify local birds by listening to their song. The festival’s grand finale will see people Beating the Bounds around the old town joined by the town crier and local folk band Tatterdemalion. Almost half of the walks are free, so there are no financial barriers to taking part. You can join in with friends, enjoy a stroll with family, and connect with new people

outdoors. There are also great opportunities to find out more about the town and its fascinating past, including an Imaginary walk around 17th century Dorchester at Dorset Museum. There really is something for everyone – all ages and fitness levels. The walks are graded from gentle to

moderate, with strenuous walks for the more experienced hiker. Take time out to get healthy and reconnect with nature. Dorchester Mayor Janet Hewitt said: “Dorchester Town Council is proud to be a headline sponsor of the Dorchester Walking Festival. It is a fantastic inclusive

event that can be enjoyed by all. It is also a great way for us to bring visitors to the town and boost our local economy. Dorchester is a brilliant place to walk in and around, we have so much incredible history and beautiful green spaces.” Esther Baker, head of marketing at Kingston Maurward, said “We are delighted to be involved with the Dorchester Walking Festival and are looking forward to celebrating our beautiful estate with the residents of Dorchester and the wider community.”

n View the full festival itinerary at discoverdorchester.co.uk/ dorchester-walking-festival

RIVERSIDE STROLL: Dorchester Strollers on Ratty’s Trail

furniture Sale

15% off Barcelona 6 Seater Set

Was £1499 Now £1274

Hallelujah! Bells

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The bells at St Nicholas Church in Weymouth are ringing out for the first time in five years as part of a major restoration project.

Both the bells and the tower of the Grade II listed church have now been renovated, but church warden Susana Malik says the building still needs ‘urgent repairs’ to its wrought iron guttering and two stained glass windows. She told West Dorset Magazine: “I am still applying for grants to various charities for the restoration works needed. So far Dorset Historic Church Trust has donated £10,000 for the bell tower and wrought iron guttering work.

“The Erskine Muton Trust has given £5,000 and the Lllewellyn Edwards Bell Restoration Fund gave us £100 for the bell restoration.

“With the money raised at the charity events for the church, it means the bell tower and the two bells are now repaired, plus the west window above the font.”

She said the work, including hiring scaffolding, has cost

£24,440 plus VAT so far. The bell tower had to be dismantled and rebuilt by stonemasons Robert Frampton and Colin Loader - who Susana said did a ‘fantastic job’. During the dismantling each stone was numbered so it would be put back in the right place when the tower was rebuilt using lime mortar. The bells, which were cast in 1861 by G Meers & Co Founders London, were taken down, repaired and replaced by Nicholson Engineering of Bridport. Photos of the bell tower before the work shows part of it lifting away due to the iron bars rusting, meaning the bells had to fall silent five years ago to prevent further damage to the tower.

Susana said: “Fixing all of this is obviously expensive, so since last June I have been organising charity concerts and quiz nights at the church to raise money for the urgent repairs required.

“However, half of the ticket proceeds always goes to a local charity too. This has included the RNLI, Littlemoor Foodbank, The Veterans’ Hub and Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, who have been given

Take your partners for ceilidh

West Bay Road, Bridport, grovesnurseries.co.uk

01308 422654

A fundraising ceilidh hosted by Sherborne Folk Band is being held at Sherborne’s Digby Hall on Saturday, June 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 in advance at sherbornefolkband.org or £16 on the door. There will be music from Sherborne Folk Band with caller Michael Catovsky, plus a bar, raffle and interval entertainment.

ON THE MEND: The repaired West window

ring out after fundraising campaign

half of the proceeds to date. The Fisherman’s Mission benefited from a recent concert too.”

A coffee morning is held in the church every Thursday to raise funds for the repairs, although people are only asked for a donation if they can afford to give one. The church is hosting its spring fayre on Saturday, April 22 and a quiz night in aid of the Go Girls charity on Saturday, April 29.

On Saturday, May 7, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, the church will host a coronation afternoon tea, with the charity beneficiary yet to be decided.

Susana added: “Through the charity events I have been organising, the church is now becoming a real part of the local community and we have people offering to help in the church, even though they don’t come to the services. It’s really

lovely and people are so kind. “It’s been wonderful to hear the bells ring again, but it’s

fantastic that the church has so much support from the local community.”

n The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers is aiming to recruit the next generation of ringers in time for the coronation of Charles III in May. The Dorset contact for this national scheme is Nigel Pridmore, secretary of the Dorset County Association of Church Bell Ringers, at dcacbr@gmail.com

DING DONG: The renovated church bells and tower

Putting the fun back into fundraising:

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A monumental fundraising push is being given to resurrect Weymouth Carnival.

The new committee is aiming to raise almost £100,000 to bring the once iconic cavalcade back to life after it came to a dramatic end in 2018, blighted by financial woes and loss.

The carnival has been a highlight in the town’s summer social calendar since it began in 1856, and it is believed to be one of the longest running carnivals in the country. However, things turned sour after the last event in

2018. Public trust for the once longed-for event entered an all-time low, with a ‘lack of transparency’ and ‘lack of funding’ blamed for the failure of a revival. However, the new carnival committee are putting integrity at the heart of their objectives, stating on their website:

GOLDEN DAYS: A target of £100,000 has been set to resurrect Weymouth Carnival

“Transparency is important as it allows us to provide information to the public which may usually be hidden and helps us build trust with every community around Weymouth. The requirement for accountability and transparency is most pronounced with regard to

financial management. This is because our organisation is most likely, now or in the future, to receive monies by way of grant or donation to revive Weymouth Carnival. “We will demonstrate our accountability by being able to produce an accurate and verifiable record of how monies are spent from a particular grant.”

Since August 2022, the committee has raised almost £5,000 and is waiting to hear the outcomes of a number of grant applications from the National Lottery and the Arts Council.

Chairman Kallum Gethins said: “We are building

£100k target to bring back carnival

relationships and building trust. We have a strong financial policy based on transparency. We recognise the importance of community involvement and are committed to working with businesses and sponsors to make the carnival a truly collaborative effort. With the continued support from the community and local businesses, the Weymouth Carnival is poised to be a successful and memorable event for years to come.”

Vice chairman of Weymouth Carnival CIC, John Simpson told The West Dorset Magazine that the committee had were some way along the track

and the carnival was being planned for August 14, 2024.

“The carnival is an iconic part of Weymouth and our passion is to see the carnival back,” said John.

“We are a long way along the line, and we have much of the infrastructure in place to hold this one- day event on August 14, 2024. Now we need to concentrate on raising between £90,000 and £100,000.”

n The next big fundraiser is the Back to the 90s Rave at Weymouth Pavilion on April 21. Tickets available from weymouth-carnival.uk

n Funfairs on Weymouth seafront are to be reinstated with some conditions following a council motion. Conditions for the licences for funfair bookings on the Pavilion forecourt include closing the fair at 9.30pm on non-event nights, and no later than 10.30pm on event nights. Operators will be required to reduce the volume of music and announcements for the last hour each day and provide toilets.

On event nights two licensed door supervisors will patrol the funfair area.

Mayor and Chair of Full Council Cllr Ann Weaving said: “The decision to reinstate the funfair bookings on the Pavilion forecourt, along with the additional measures we have agreed the operators must put in place, seeks to address the diverse concerns put forward from members of the public, local organisations, and local businesses.

n The dates for the funfairs are: April 29-May 1, May 68, May 27-June 4, August 1-31, October 2129 and November 5

I’ll be so chuffed if you have any old

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

An archivist who developed a passion for old cine films while working with his late father is calling out for movie reels showing old railway journeys.

Phil Lilley, who runs YouTube channel AarchiveFilm, is urging people to dig though their basements and attics looking for old 8mm film reels they would like to see converted – especially if they show train journeys from the South West.

Phil specialises in remastering and digitising celluloid film, a hobby he inherited from his dad Roger.

“My dad had an 8mm cine projector growing up, so we were always into films,” Phil said.

“When I left school, dad came up with the idea of putting old cine films onto video.

“In 1995 someone came to us with footage of the construction of the Tamar Bridge which we put on video, but now everything goes into digital format.

“Dad passed away more than 20 years ago now but we produced 26 documentaries about the history of railways around the South West.”

Phil added: “At first I didn’t have the confidence to do my own production, but now I do script work and animation and it’s very popular on YouTube.

“I’m on the lookout for footage showing the history of rail in Dorset and

Somerset and around Yeovil way. I can also transfer 16mm and 9.5mm footage and remaster it.”

Phil said he learned almost everything he knows about filmmaking and restoration

“We used to sit and watch and examine movies together,” Phil recalls. “Now

RETURN

JOURNEY: Ilfracombe

I just have an eye for it, I know what looks good and what doesn’t on film.

“Dad was a projectionist –he used to run a business in Plymouth renting out a cine reel projector, with a screen, speakers and films for people to set up and watch movies at home.

“He was also a train buff and we covered train journeys from throughout

TRACKS OF OUR YEARS: Yelverton Station in the 1950s and, right, a still from film footage of a rail journey at Barnstaple shot in 1898

ALL ABOARD: A still from film footage of Tiverton rail junction shot pre-1960 and, right, film footage showing the construction of Tamar Bridge before its opening in 1961

Station in 1898 and, inset below, Phil Lilly

railway cine films

Volunteers wanted for DCH’s Activity Squad

FAMILY ALBUM: Phil's mum and dad Roger and Jill Lilley in 1970, right, Roger looking through his archives and, below, Phil in 1995

Could you spend a few hours a week playing games or doing puzzles with patients at Dorset County Hospital? The hospital’s volunteer service is looking for people to join its new Activity Squad, a group dedicated to helping patients take part in activities to support their mental and physical wellbeing. This could include playing board games, doing jigsaws, singing and other activities that patients may wish to try.

Dorset County Hospital’s volunteer and patient

experience lead, Hannah Robinson, said: “Our volunteers are such an important part of the team at DCH. They give us the gift of time – which is invaluable and makes a huge difference. Our Activity Squad will spend their time socialising with patients and helping them remain active. Little things like playing a game or doing a puzzle can really help support a patient’s recovery and enhance their experience with us.”

To find out more, please email volunteering@dchft. nhs.uk or call 01305 255351.

the country, but I’m happy to research anything interesting that comes in. “The most common comment I get on YouTube is ‘I used to ride that train’ and people remember and share details about the journey and all the stops.

“There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on YouTube who help me fill

in details about these journeys.

“I’ve been editing and restoring these films since 1995. Now I have the confidence and skills to do all this work, I feel a bit annoyed at myself for not starting sooner.”

n Anyone with cine reels to share with Phil is urged to contact him via his website aarchivefilms.com

Where there’s a Will, there’s a long way

PEDAL POWER: Will’s 2006 fundraising ride when he visited all of the UK’s RNLI lifeboat stations, covering 5,610 miles in six months and three weeks

A fundraising cyclist who doesn’t ‘travel light’ is taking a tour of Britain’s coastal castles to support a Dorsetbased cancer charity. Will Blight, from Melcombe Bingham, plans to ride around the country’s coastline, visiting as many castles as possible, to raise cash for Ducks and Drakes. Will said his epic journey will take at least seven months, adding: “Ducks and Drakes is run by volunteers and supports youths diagnosed with bowel cancer who are going through difficult times.

“They could not help without the generosity of fundraisers and supporters.

“My cycling set-up is somewhat unusual. It is a Brompton folding bike towing a large heavy trailer,

Support feeding mums

The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) Dorset is looking for mums who are passionate about breastfeeding to train as breastfeeding peer supports and volunteer across the county supporting parents.

BfN Dorset is commissioned by Public Health Dorset to provide families in Dorset information and support with a range of everyday breastfeeding challenges, as well as emotional and moral support. From pregnancy through to natural term weaning, combi-feeding, expressing or exclusively breastfeeding, all parents are welcome at any stage of their journey.

The free training gives mums the opportunity to gain an OCN accredited level 2 qualification. Mums can go on to volunteer in their local community, offering friendly

support and information to other parents, as well a safe space and a community for likeminded parents.

The next 12-week BfN Dorset Level 2 peer helpers course is running from April 20 and involves one two-hour session per week via Zoom.

The Breastfeeding Network Dorset is looking for volunteers to complete the course and help in: Weymouth (Monday mornings), Blandford (Friday mornings), Dorchester (day tbc), Sherborne (Tuesday mornings)

If you are interested in becoming a peer helper, fill in the application form: breastfeedingnetwork. org.uk/30859-2 More information about the support groups in Dorset can be found here: breastfeeding network.org.uk/dorset

because I don’t travel light and, besides, I’m away for a long time.

“There is no support vehicle unless you count my trailer. “And no, my Brompton is not electric, despite the large solar panel which will be fixed to the top of the trailer. That’s for my phone and charging other devices, the intricacies of which were worked out by my brother Chris, to whom I’m very grateful.”

Will added: “I’m very grateful to Walbridge Motor Company of King’s Stag for modifying, strengthening and repairing my poor trailer. “It has done over 9,300 miles

over two coastal trips in 2004 and 2006.

“It has been battered and broken and lashed together on those trips and then laid up outside for years since but now it is back to new again and better.

“To make the trip even more interesting, I have decided to visit as many castles as I can on the coast, plus a few inland at my discretion. Included in the 319 sites I’ve listed, are a small number of standing stones, towers, palaces and forts, particularly where the castles are sparse.” To support Will’s fundraising visit his Coast and Castles Cycle page on justgiving.

THE DORCHESTER - BAYEUX TWINNING SOCIETY

is pleased to be screening AMELIE in French with English subtitles. Amelie’s quest to spread joy leads her to find true love...

Thursday, April 27, 7.30pm. Doors and bar open 6.45pm. Corn Exchange Cinema, High West St, Dorchester. £5 entry, tickets on the door: Society membership not required. For info 01305 854915. Our next film is Elle s’appelait Sara on May 31. Like to know more about us? Visit dorchester-bayeux-society.co.uk

Student Tom picks up prestige prize

Weymouth College student

Tom Hepburn has “smashed it out of the park” by overcoming severe disabilities to win the Association of Colleges Young Student of the Year award.

Thomas is a wheelchair user who has severe dyslexia and a condition similar to epilepsy that can erase his memories.

Despite these challenges

Tom has completed a level three extended diploma in engineering, is studying for an HNC level four qualification in the same subject and has secured an apprenticeship with a defence company.

Tom said: “My brain can’t connect and control my movement so I’m a fulltime wheelchair user.

“My body decides that when it’s under a lot of stress that its best option is to sort of shut down and go into a seizure that presents like epilepsy.

“My body’s got a defence mechanism – as another

n Dorset Home Library

Service users have praised it as a ‘well-received and organised’ service in a survey. Of 400 service users, 126 gave feedback, with 86 per cent of them finding book delivery arrangements ‘convenient’.

Some 97 per cent of respondents said their book choices were ‘always or mostly’ in line with their stated preferences, while 99 per cent of respondents rated their volunteer librarian as either good or excellent.

Some 94 per cent of survey respondents said they would recommend the service. For more information about the service call 01305 225000 or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

way of trying to defend it from things that are stressing me out it removes the memories. Because of this I’ve often had to relearn or go back through a lot of the lessons.”

He added: “From a very young age I was diagnosed

with fairly severe dyslexia so I always had this thing that people didn’t really expect that I’d achieve too highly.

“It made me want to strive even more so I was always looking at my predicted grades and going: ‘I’m just

going to smash that out of the park.’”

Chris Bonney, deputy head of engineering at the college, said: “The thing with Tom that impressed me as a lecturer – and inspired the rest of the group as well – was that the level of work and quality that was submitted was absolutely outstanding.” He added that the college invested in equipment and provided a one-to-one support worker to enable Tom to complete his studies.

The Association of Colleges describes itself as the ‘national voice’ for further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges and ‘recognises the education and training of more than 1.6 million students studying FE courses in the UK’. Its Student of the Year award celebrates those who stand out from the crowd and have gone above and beyond, whether in college or their local community.

HONOURED: Student Tom Hepburn and Chris Bonney, deputy head of engineering at Weymouth College

Rare £10k gold pendant to go on show

A rare gold and rock crystal pendant dating back to the 6th or 7th century that was found near Milton Abbas is due to go on display at Dorset Museum.

The museum bought the pendant, pictured, after it was declared treasure trove at an inquest and valued at £10,000.

The pendant has been described as a type ‘unknown in Dorset and rare elsewhere’, with specialists at the British Museum unable to find any exact parallels to it among their collections.

It was found in 2019 by metal detectorists Charles Bullock and Stuart Robinson, who reported it to the county council’s finds liaison officer before it was declared treasure trove.

A Dorset Museum spokesperson said: “The composite construction is unusual, with echoes of manufacturing methods spanning the late Roman and early medieval periods. “Objects of this period are very rare in Dorset, which lay to the west of a probable line of contact between the western British kingdoms and people to the East who introduced or adopted more Germanic styles, modes of dress, and objects.”

The spokesperson added: “A finely made and beautiful object, the pendant is subtriangular in form and consists of a gold frame that encloses a slightly bi-convex

piece of rock crystal. The frame is constructed from a gold sheet, with rectangular strips along each upper edge and sub-triangular sheets on the front and back with an aperture cut to house the rock crystal. The gold frame is decorated with strands of gold beaded wire.

“This unusual and special object was probably worn by someone of high status who had connections far beyond the place where it was found. These types of objects often come from graves and it is possible that it originally was part of a burial but displaced over the centuries by agriculture.”

Dorset Museum said it received ‘significant’ grants from the Arts Council England/Victoria and Albert purchase grant fund and the Headley Museums

Archaeological Acquisition Fund in order to purchase the object.

Around £2,000 of donations were also received from local people after the museum appealed to the Milton Abbas community for support. As well as contributions from around 16 individual donors, the museum also received grants from the Milton Abbas Street Fair Trust and Milton Abbas Trust for Community Heritage.

The museum is planning to display the item in their People’s Dorset gallery, along with other finds from the Early Medieval period, in the

next few months.

Museum interim director

Elizabeth Selby said: “We are thrilled to have been able to acquire this rare and special item for the museum’s collections.

“It would not have been possible without the contributions from trusts and foundations, and the generosity of the Milton Abbas community who enthusiastically got behind the campaign to raise the remaining amount needed. “We cannot thank them enough.”

Dorset Council’s finds liaison officer Ciorstadh Trevarthen said: “This exceptional object was reported by the finders as potential treasure through the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, and it is important that the Dorset Museum was able to acquire it as a result of the process.”

Bryan Phillips, a

said:

“The Milton Abbas Local History Group was proud to help in a small way the fundraising efforts of the Dorset Museum to save this fabulous object for posterity and keep it in Dorset.

“Two local charities gave grants and many history group members gave private donations. The pendant adds enormously to our knowledge of the history of this amazing

Make a date for your cardiovascular check-up

Public Health Dorset is inviting residents to have a check on their cardiovascular health after they relaunched the NHS Health Check programme this month. The free check-up can identify if you’re at

higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or stroke.

This screening programme is targeted at the 40-74 age group as evidence shows

member of Milton Abbas Local History Group,

THRILLED: Dorset Museum interim director Elizabeth Selby

The refusal – an islander’s perspective

By Ian Baird

At long last, Dorset Council gave the long hoped for decision – the application to build an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) at Portland Port was refused. To say the relief here was palpable would be an understatement. Those watching the televised proceedings spread the news as it happened and it flashed across the island like wildfire. That evening people were talking about it in pubs and shops, in homes and on the street. Social media was alive with the news. Glasses were clinked, faces smiled and the islanders breathed a sigh of relief. The fight had been long and hard but we had prevailed. It would be wrong to say that no one supported it, but the total number of objections, 3,416, as opposed to the number in support, 35, eloquently describes the strength of opposition to it. Two petitions against also gathered 6,792 signatories. As is often the case, discussion on social media included both sides but not once did I see a well-argued case for building it. Nihilistic statements such as ‘BUILD IT’ and ‘It’s got to go somewhere’ showed a complete misunderstanding of the lack of necessity and the damage it would do to our shared environment, both here and in the wider context of south and west Dorset. I am part of one of the groups that came together early on to fight this proposal, Jurassic Coast Against Incineration. Our fight was made more difficult by the pandemic, but together with our partners in the sister Stop Portland Waste Incinerator group, we raised funds, took part in marches and did everything we could to raise awareness. People came and went from the groups, often feeling burned out by the

issue, but the dedication of two individuals in particular, Debbie Tulett and Paula Klaentschi, kept us on track. They selflessly devoted all their time over more than three years, researching, lobbying and advising on every minute detail. My heartfelt thanks to both of them and I know many others echo that sentiment. By the very nature of where we are, the island as a community is very clearly defined. Bounded by sea, the tombolo, wave formed beach, of Chesil stretches for a mile both to separate and unite us with the mainland. Often people here, with a twinkle in their eye, speak of ‘going over to England’! Humour about our situation that defined former rivalries have now become sources of bonding and banter – Portlanders versus Kimberlins, Tophill versus Underhill or not mentioning the ‘R’ word. Long eared mutton, bunnies or wilfies, if you please… It’s different, and we rejoice in these differences, because wherever you may have come from, Portlander or Kimberlin, if you love the island she will repay you in heaps, with natural beauty, history, culture and friendship. It’s too small a place to rock the boat and because of what and where it is, people know one another and are mutually supportive. I’m originally from a lovely

village in Hampshire. But I always dreamed of rocky coastlines and small stone cottages. I first came here in 1992 on a diving trip and instantly fell in love. The Navy were moving out and it was a dark time for the island, but I could see what was here. It was like someone had taken a slice of Cornwall and deposited it, conveniently, in

the middle of the south coast –dramatic cliffs, rocky coastline and gin-clear sea. My dream. I had no plans then to move, but every time I moved I got closer and closer. I met a woman who loved Portland too. She became my wife and we were drawn in. We’ve been here 13 years now.

This is home, and it is incumbent on us and on everyone here, to protect our home from any damage or harm.

The applicants, Powerfuel, have indicated that they will appeal. So be it. We will fight them again and continue to fight.

We will raise more funds, we will be there to give evidence and oppose it in any and every way that we can until, at last, this awful project is buried once and for all.

Revised plans for a 19hectare solar farm near Maiden Newton have been submitted to Dorset Council.

Applicant British Solar Renewables (BSR) says panels at Wraxall could produce 14megawatts of power per hour at their peak – enough electricity for more than 3,500 homes. The site lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and would include buildings for technical equipment, perimeter fencing and CCTV with loudspeakers that broadcast warnings to any intruders, if the plans get the go ahead.

A BSR spokesperson said: “A number of technical assessments have been carried out with regard to the suitability of the site for the proposed developmentincluding landscape and

5%

proposal would see solar panels moved further away from a Bronze Age barrow on the site’s South West boundary.

ENERGY SCHEME: The planned solar farm at Wraxall

Revised solar farm scheme submitted

visual appraisal, heritage desk based assessment, preliminary ecological appraisal, agricultural land classification and transport appraisal - and have subsequently informed the layout and helped design a scheme that is sensitive towards and compatible

with the local landscape and environment.”

The company says its plans would include wildflower areas and a bird seed grassland area as well as boxes for bats and birds plus landscaping and allowing hedgerows to grow out.

The company said its latest

A number of other solar farm applications are also being looked at by Dorset Council at the moment. They include plans for 600 panels for the roof of Tecan Ltd on Weymouth’s Granby Industrial Estate.

At Incombe Head, Blandford Road, Melbury Abbas, a ‘micro solar farm’ is being proposed on a site which was previously used as a horse menage.

Two rows of panels are being requested capable of producing 35KW.

A scheme for 14 groundmounted panels is also being requested at a house in Burton Bradstock, for a rear garden at Gages Orchard, Shadrach.

Approved Which Trusted Trader for installation, service and repair

Tractor Trundle boost for Air Ambulance

It was a packed meeting at West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club at The Colliton Club, where two cheques totalling £2,611.66 were presented to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The cheques were presented in memory of Les House, one of the founding members and long-standing committee members of the club who died unexpectedly at home in May 2020, during the first lockdown.

The first cheque, presented by Adam Biss, Eric Biss and Simon Mills, was raised during a Tractor Trundle, organised last April by Les’ cousins Sammy Biss and her brother Adam, in a

memorial to celebrate Les. Covid restrictions at the time of his funeral only allowed ten people to attend - and the family knew many of his friends wanted to pay their respects. More than 100

family and friends gathered for the memorial at Manor Farm in Godmanstone. Les also held his own ploughing match each autumn with friend, Peter Symonds, who said: “I met Les over 25 years ago at

the Steam Fair and became firm friends, going to rallies and ploughing matches,” said Pete, “and we started our own ploughing match in Chideock 22 years ago, and any monies raised going to the Air Ambulance.”

The second cheque was presented by Peter Symonds and Michael Symonds from last October’s Chideock Ploughing Match, in memory of Les.

Receiving the cheques, Susan Dredge from the Air Ambulance thanked everyone, saying: “Each time Pegasus flies is costs £3,500, so every penny counts. You help keep us flying, as without you we couldn’t be operational.”

THANKS VERY MUCH: WDVTSEC members Eric and Adam Biss, Simon Mills and Peter and Michael Symonds hand over £2,611.66 to Susan Dredge from Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Digging deep to unearth history of

Archaeologist Chris Tripp from Maiden Newton has led a fascinating exploration of what was once one of Dorset’s largest stately homes.

The house at Stalbridge Park was once home to the 17th century scientist Robert Boyle who, along with Isaac Newton, Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, was a founder member of the Royal Society, patronised by King Charles II.

Stalbridge House was Robert Boyle’s main home from 1644 to 1655. Here he began his pioneering laboratory experiments into colours, respiration, disease, combustion, sound and air pressure. The latter led to his famous air pump, capable of creating and sustaining a vacuum. He also discovered the inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a confined gas, known to the world as Boyle’s Law. Boyle was one of the leading scientists of his day and one of the most important figures in the history of scientific development, virtually founding the concept of experimental science and establishing chemistry as a science in its own right. In 1643, Boyle inherited Stalbridge House from his father Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork. It was considered the fifth largest house in the county at that time. But just how big was it? Chris and his team, comprising Dorset Diggers Community Archaeology Group and the Stalbridge History Society, set out to find the answers, carrying out archaeological investigations over four years.

Chris said: “After locating the exact position of the surviving foundations we wanted to find out just how big the house was, so we concentrated on finding the corners then joining the dots.”

Using geophysical survey this was accomplished, and

by digging small trenches at various points, the foundations were unearthed. Much of the stone foundations had either been taken away during demolition or altered during refurbishments, but what has survived gives an approximation of the house,

at maximum size, of 46m x 30m.

The team were surprised to discover a ‘Great Drain’ and a stone well structure. Chris said: “The drain was built with large slabs of stone and was a metre square and ran next to the house and down the sloping site to

GOLDEN AGE: The house at Stalbridge Park was home to scientist Robert Boyle

WHAT A FIND: Charles I farthings, hamstone balusters, and, below, a 17th century silver thimble, the great drain and house wall and, right, egg and cup decorated stone

one of county’s largest stately homes

for over a decade and led archaeological investigations in Maiden Newton, Nether Compton and now at Stalbridge in partnership with the very active Stalbridge History Society. They run a Facebook page and blog at dorsetdiggers. blogspot.com)

where a large pond was once.”

The well was built just after the house was taken down and was located by the team

due to a square parch mark of dead grass during the hot summer of 2018. It sat in its own little stone house and was found to be at least 8m

deep.

Dorset Diggers Community Archaeology Group has been helping local communities to research and develop projects

Chris is running an archaeology course entitled A Digger’s Life: 30 Years in Archaeology from May 10 at The United Church, Bridport DT6 3LT 2pm-3.45pm, costing £60 for six weeks. You’ll hear stories of the sites, the finds and digging with fellow finders of the past working in London, Dorset and the southwest. Email tripp.chris60@gmail.com or call 07513 006432.

WATER FIND: Uncovering part of the well structure at Stalbridge Park

Open gardens fundraiser

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is asking people to open their gardens to raise funds for its lifesaving work. The charity’s Open Gardens initiative runs year-round, with all shapes and sizes of garden. Last year, a fantastic array of open garden events were held, raising over £8,570. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance receives no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and relies on the generosity of the public to help raise their operational costs of over £5 million per year.

Fundraising manager Emma Jones said: “You could host a picnic, serve tea on the lawn or just keep it simple and let people sit or potter at their leisure.

“If you have neighbours that might like to showcase their gardens on the same day, then why not organise a village opening to bring

people together and showcase your local community?”

Go to dsairambulance. org.uk/open-gardens

GOOD CAUSE: Open up your garden and raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

An extremely rare dinosaur skeleton ‘discovered’ by a pet dog in Lyme Regis is now on display at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. One of only a few 3D Lower Jurassic plesiosaur in the world, the 200 million-year-old fossil has been loaned to the centre to display.

This incredible fossil was discovered by Tracey Barclay and her dog Raffle in 2007. It has taken a team of experts 16 years of painstaking and intricate preparation to be able to finally mount and display this unique threedimensional specimen. Plesiosaurs were longnecked marine reptiles that thrived in the Jurassic seas of Dorset. They had powerful paddle-like limbs, which allowed them to swim through the water. Plesiosaurs here in Dorset are some of the earliest well-preserved specimens in the world. The first ever complete plesiosaur was found at Lyme Regis in 1824 by Mary Anning. This specimen is 70% complete. The missing bones have been cast and modelled from the other existing bones of the skeleton.

The skeleton has been named after Tracey’s dog Raffle, who was sitting on the first exposed bone which led her to the

Dinosaur bones ‘found’ by pet dog set to go on show

discovery. The plesiosaur was preserved in the famous ammonite pavement of Monmouth beach in Lyme Regis. The site was monitored over the next year and natural erosion revealed more articulated vertebra.

Tracey and her partner Chris Moore then got

permission from Natural England to extract this very rare skeleton. Monmouth beach is covered by the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve Fossil Code. You must get permission from Natural England or the Jurassic Coast Trust before extracting fossils from

within the rock ledges or cliffs.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a small independent charity funded by donations. It is open all year round and free to visit.

n Find out more at charmouth.org/raffle-theplesiosaur

Anyone for croquet? Club seeking new members

Winterborne Valley Croquet Club is calling out for new members ahead of this year’s playing season.

The club, based in Winterborne Stickland, is due to open its lawns on April 3, weather permitting.

A club spokesperson said: “The club is now entering its fourth year and we’re keen to attract new members from the surrounding villages and hamlets.”

In collaboration with Winterborne

Stickland Social Club, the croquet club is holding an open day on April 15 where anyone can come along and give the game a try. For further information visit wvcroquet.co.uk or email wvcroquet@gmail.com

OLD BONES: The plesiosaur skeleton at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and, right, Tracey Barclay and Raffles

Combat Lab giving everyone a real

By Andrew Diprose of dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Jordan Garnett’s life had reached its lowest point. He had fallen out with his family, was increasingly getting into trouble and was facing a very bleak future.

In his words: “Life was rubbish for me.

“I got to the point where I was suicidal and struggling with my mental health really badly.” And then he thought back to his teens.

Watching movies starring Jackie Chan, the Hong Kong actor, filmmaker, martial artist and stuntman, had inspired Jordan to take up martial arts from the age of 12. He trained hard and ended up fighting in local and national events, notching up a number of successes.

Jordan said: “It was the only time I was happy and in control of my life.

“Back then it was to be cool, now it was to be able to look after myself.

“I decided to go back to my old gym and just get involved.

“It was to make myself feel better and try and improve my life.

“Something had to change and it was the only thing that was going to save me.

“It turned out I had learned quite a lot in my teen years and it wasn’t long before I was coaching classes and travelling around the UK competing again.

“I picked my life straight back up.

“The next thing I knew I had a team of 20 or 30 guys following me around

saying ‘we want to compete, you taught us this, you taught us that’.

“Very quickly I was teaching most of the classes at my old gym and we had proper athletes at this point.

“I don’t know what happened but somehow I started to create gold medallists.

“They needed massages, protein and really looking after.”

Four years ago Jordan, who’s now 27, founded The Combat Lab. Just under two years ago the martial arts and fitness centre relocated to a former bar in St Thomas Street, Weymouth.

Jordan said: “I went around every possible estate agent, person and friend until I found someone who was willing

to trust a bunch of youngsters who were all depicted as cage fighters. “Luckily, we found just such a company. “We literally demolished the whole place and then rebuilt from the ground up.”

Today The Combat Lab, which

than 200 members. Its classes range from Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and NoGi wrestling to boxing and Muay Thai (ThaI boxing) including children’s and women’s classes.

It also has an abilities class arranged with Dorset Abilities Group and another run through The Lantern Trust helping vulnerable individuals. Apart from racking up an increasing number of medals for its members, The Combat Lab has established itself at the heart of community and – says Jordan – is turning around lives.

includes a health-inspired cafe, recovery centre and massage room, has more

He said: “It’s just got busier and busier, especially since lockdown ended last year.

“We’re doing amazing

POSITIVE STEPS: Jordan Garnett at The Combat Lab in Weymouth town centre. Inset below: Jordan’s inspiration Jackie Chan and, bottom right, youngsters at the gym

fighting chance

things for the community every day.

“Outside of our local sportsmen and women winning on a national and international scale, we have huge effects on our community, the mental health and homeless sectors and working with young people to help them achieve goals.

“We turn our students into good members of the community and then they go out and achieve things.

“I’m influencing people, they’re influencing people and we’re turning lives around.

“It’s like a ripple effect.

“I call it the cream in the coffee and the cream is just floating to the top.

“You get in a room like this and see the dentist is on the floor having a chat with someone who’s got a court date next week.

“You think that those two would never speak but now that young lad who’s been getting into trouble has just been offered a job by the dentist.

“I just love it.”

In addition to Jordan, other key members of the team include head coach Paul Hines, who was formerly with London Shootfighters

Gym, regarded as one of the world’s top mixed martial arts and combat sports gyms, and Ceri Walker, head Thai Boxing coach.

Despite its community track record Jordan said funding is a constant challenge for The Combat Lab.

He said: “It’s a nightmare and we’re constantly fighting for funding.

“We don’t get offered any.

“No one rings us and says:

‘Oh I think what you’re doing is amazing.’

“We literally fund from our own pockets.

“We’ve just set up a CIC (Community Interest Company) so we can apply for a few more grants but it really is a battle.

“I’m a young businessman and I’m still learning, and that includes reaching out to the right people for funding.

“I admit I wasn’t the best kid growing up and that I was a mess.

“But I’ve sorted my life out and feel incredibly passionate – and proud – at what we’re doing here.”

n The Combat Lab is on Facebook and Instagram.

Landowners urged to propose sites for plans

Dorset Council is asking landowners to propose land for new housing, Gypsy and Traveller communities, employment and renewables as it prepares for the next stages of the local plan. Any submission will be considered as to its viability for development.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, pictured, said: “It is important that we maintain an up-to-date picture of available land for all types of development for the future of the council area. “We are custodians of the

area, and as such need to balance the future needs of residents for homes, work, health and leisure with managing and maintaining the environments that makes Dorset unique.”

For guides for submission and to submit a site using the online survey, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/landavailability

For information about the draft Dorset Council Local Plan and to view comments submitted during the consultation visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset -council-local-plan

Community’s groups united

More than 150 people came to a celebration of community groups and activities at Maiden Newton village hall. Representatives from 20 local organisations, including playgroups, art classes, youth football teams and a running club, came to the event.

Organiser Penny Johnson said: “The event was an overwhelming success. It achieved our goal of raising the profile of the great groups and volunteer organisations that we have in the village, as well as helping us create an up-todate list of contacts and information.”

Edward Morello

West Dorset Liberal Democrat candidate

Edward Morello secured an 8.5% increase in his share of the vote at the last election – winning 32% of the votes. Our story said he won 8.5% in total – we apologise for that!

The Bridport resident will stand as the Lib Dems’ parliamentary candidate in the next General Election, which must be held before January 24, 2025. Local elections are to be held in May 2024.

Imagine not being unable to read a book or fill out a form, read the back of a food packet or help your child with their learning. This is what life is like for the 2.4 million adults in the UK who cannot read.

Read Easy Blackmore Vale North, affiliated with Read Easy UK, covers Sherborne and is offering free, confidential, and local support to anyone wanting to learn to read.

By improving literacy in the Blackmore Vale area, Read Easy aim to improve their readers’ employment opportunities, break the inter-generational cycle of literacy difficulties, increase confidence, help people take an active part in the community.

Read Easy Blackmore Vale North links adults who wish to learn or improve their reading with a volunteer coach who is fully trained. They meet on a one-to-one basis for half an hour, twice a week at a venue private enough to maintain confidentiality but always in a public space. This is all at no financial cost, with no timescale and minimal pressure to the reader.

The standard reading program uses the phonicsbased Turning Pages manuals (published by

Help at hand for literacy support

Shannon Trust) which has a proven history of success and suitable for those with dyslexia or similar learning difficulties.

Sarah, came to Read Easy because she could not read bedtime stories to her children. She learnt to read with a Read Easy coach, and then went on to give

interviews on national television. She also published My Dyslexic Journey

If you know anyone who would like Read Easy’s help, please contact Mindy on 07857 159431

n Visit readeasy.org.uk/ groups/blackmore-valenorth/

READ ALL ABOUT ME: Sarah, with her twins, received help from a literacy coach

Telling the tails of animal sanctuary

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

An author from Broadwindsor has written the fascinating tale of an animal charity launched in response to a crisis at the start of war.

Adrian Dixon was captivated by the story of the somewhat unlikely saviour of thousands of domestic pets threatened by the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1939, as war loomed and families were evacuated from their homes in cities, their pets faced being put down –some 750,000 are thought to have been put to sleep as families were forced to seek sanctuary.

Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, was so upset at this she asked the BBC to put out an appeal for people to foster as many of the displaced pets as possible. Mr Dixon said: “It is believed that some confusion regarding this broadcast resulted in a large number of people arriving at the Duchess’s London home, accompanied by their pets, in the hope that the Duchess herself would take them in.

“Unable to turn away any animal in need, this proved to be the case and it immediately became apparent that more

suitable accommodation and facilities would be required.

“War was declared on Sunday, September 3,

1939 and the following day the first consignment of animals was transported by road from London to the Duke and Duchess of

Hamilton and Brandon’s country home on the Ferne Estate near Shaftesbury. “During the war years alone the Ferne Animal Sanctuary cared for some 6,000 rescued animals.” Mr Dixon and his cowriter Dr Sarah Cutler were anxious that the history of the sanctuary and the Duchess’s story should not be lost and compiled a book, with all proceeds helping animals. They have drawn much of their information from an account of the first ten years of the sanctuary written by the Duchess herself.

In 1975 the sanctuary moved to the Blackdown Hills near Chard, where it is renowned for being the beautiful, peaceful homes to more than 300 animals.

n Ferne Animal Sanctuary, the Dorset

Years 1939-1975 is £9.99 at ferneanimalsanctuary. org/product/the-dorsetyears

All proceeds will go to animal welfare.

Pre-loved clothing sale set to boost coffers of Relate

A pre-loved clothing and accessories sale will take place at Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire’s headquarters in Poundbury in Dorchester on May 1. The counselling and relationship

support service is hosting the free event from 2pm to 4.30pm in their offices next to Castle Vets. There will also be a raffle prize draw, with all proceeds going to Relate.

If you’re interested in hiring hire space for a rail at the event for £5, or space for a table for £10, send an email to conference@relatedorset. org.uk

ANIMAL LOVERS: Adrian Dixon and co-author Dr Sarah Cutler with, inset, Nina Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon and, above, horses Susan and Kitten outside Ferne House near Shaftesbury

Building sights: Forever Timber’s designs

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Ever looked out at your garden after watching Grand Designs or similar and wished you had a vision for the space that would make life blissful?

I think I may have the answer, in a West Dorset firm’s amazing offer to show you just what any garden building would look like installed at your home.

The very jolly Chris Coghlan and Ben Cude of Forever Timber have maxed out on the tech to be able to show you what’s possible in your garden, and can show you a picture of exactly how a barbecue hut, or sauna, or hot tub would look in your back yard. They can do all this for free as part of their quoting service – or you can also use their visualisation software on their website, which tots up the cost as you add more features.

They will even help fill out planning applications and deal with Building Control. Or, once your dream building is designed, you can just order the kit and assemble it yourself.

The pair, both 44, have been in business together for seven years, offering landscaping and building services alongside timber buildings –often travelling hundreds of miles to install amazing buildings for people, such as the shepherd’s hut they placed on the roof of a nightclub in Wales. Both family men, devoted to their children, they would much rather work closer to home, however.

Chris and Ben supply and install log cabins, garden

rooms, camping and glamping units, shepherd’s hut-style rooms, wood-fired hot tubs and aluminium verandahs. They also provide composite decking, fencing, sandstone and porcelain, from their base on the edge of Dorchester, near the Sun Inn. Ben used to be a chef at the New Inn in West Knighton, which his dad owned, before taking a job in grounds maintenance, then setting up his own business Forever

Green landscaping 12 years ago. Glaswegian Chris, who moved down south in 2000, had gone from being a crew leader with Babcock at Bovington Army Camp, to engineering with Universal and then DEK, to making musical instruments: “But musicians don’t have any money, so I thought I’d go from making little boxes to making big boxes instead.” After striking up a firm friendship, they decided to go

into business together, based in Dorchester and covering West Dorset and beyond. During the pandemic, they found themselves in high demand, and established a building arm so that they could tackle any garden project. They became approved dealers for Lugarde, which offers the ‘configurator’ allowing you to design your own building. The timber is cut fresh for each order –never stored.

MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE: Chris Coghlan and Ben Cude of Forever Timber and, below, one of their garden buildings and, right, a very stylish barbecue hut

transforming gardens

Medal for library stalwart

Eileen Osgood from Wool was honoured for 15 years of volunteering for the Royal Voluntary Service’s Home Library Service.

They have also become dealers for the Polish firm Bertsch Holzbau, which offers bespoke buildings, anything from the wacky and wonky to the more traditional, all made to order.

Chris said: “Our business is more about people than profit and our customers are very happy with that. We work very hard to make sure our customers and staff are happy and we can keep doing what we love to do.

“There aren’t any hidden costs – we are very open about our prices, which are in the midrange of the market.”

The prices can be brought right down if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves, says Chris. Or you can use Forever

Timber’s team of installers, builders and landscapers. “You can build your own from the kit or we install them,” he said. “I’m all for people giving it a go themselves, and we’re always on the end of the phone if they need help.”

The pair have been in demand for garden rooms, garden offices, and even school buildings – such as a playing field building at Maiden Newton’s Greenford Primary School and several buildings at Employ My Ability’s Walled Garden at Moreton. Hobbit houses and other unusual shapes are also popular.

Orders are currently being fulfilled in six weeks, which means if you get your skates on your new garden building could arrive before summer.

n Go to forevertimber.co.uk or call 01305 564864 or email info@forevertimber. co.uk to make an appointment.

Eileen, who originally joined with her husband and who also volunteers for Wool Community Library, said: ‘I have enjoyed every minute of it! I have met so many interesting and fascinating people over the years, and being able to continue volunteering has helped me too. The volunteer team here at Wool Library are fantastic,

and it’s great to be part of it.’ The service is provided by Dorset Libraries and delivered by RVS volunteers. Books and talking books are delivered every three weeks. If you are unable to get to the library call 01305 236666 or email maria.jacobson@royalvolunta ryservice.org.uk

Village hall to be disposed of

Trustees of Melplash Village Hall have decided to close the hall and dispose of the building and site.

This decision was reached despite several years of effort by the trustees to improve the condition of the hall and to win grants to totally refurbish or replace it. At two well attended meetings the community agreed that the condition of the building and the lack of users meant there was no alternative but to close the hall. Arrangements are underway for the sale.

of the site. Consequently most of the contents of the hall must also be disposed of, including furniture, stainless steel kitchen floor units, sundry kitchen equipment and other items. Any village hall or community group in the area which might be interested in any of these items should contact trustee Alan Moss on mos34524@gmail.com or 01308 488789 for further information. A donation to the continuing charity will be required.

Retro aerobics raise £170

There was more Spandex than you can shake a stick at a retro aerobics charity fundraiser in Dorchester.

The Blast Off PT mental health and exercise gym session raised £170 for Red Nose Day. A slightly sweaty spokesperson said: “This gym

is a very special place with a dedicated mental health and exercise coach and a huge variety of classes including Life in Balance, which is a wellness and movement programme for older people.” Find out more on Facebook @BlastOffPTFitness

GLORIOUS GARDENS: One of Forever Timber’s buildings at Greenford School in Maiden Newton, and, below, a playhouse

Lions’ grand gesture to help mobility on beach

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club donated £1,000 to Weymouth Town Council to go towards buying a new beach wheelchair for use on the seafront.

The wheelchair would provide those with restricted mobility the opportunity to be able to go down to the water’s edge at Weymouth’s award-winning beach.

Weymouth Town Council already has two beach wheelchairs which are made available to the public to use for free and this donation will help towards the cost of buying a new chair once the rest of the funding is secured.

Club vice president Ryan Hope said:

“I am delighted that the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club has been able to donate £1,000 which will help towards a new beach

wheelchair. This will provide those with restricted mobility access to the beach front.”

Weymouth Mayor Ann Weaving said: “It was lovely to receive this cheque on behalf of Weymouth Town Council. This money will go towards buying something that is valued by a lot of people who come to enjoy Weymouth beach over the busy season.”

If any other local communities or clubs would like to donate towards the cost of a beach wheelchair, or if you have any questions regarding the wheelchairs, please email resort@weymouthtowncouncil. gov.uk

Wheelchair scheme is up and rolling

West Bay’s beach wheelchair scheme is up and running – enabling disabled people to access the beach and even go in the sea.

Elaine Leader, who has led the campaign to make access to the sea at West Beach available to all, said: ‘It’s going to make such a difference to so many people with disabilities and restricted mobility who previously have not been able to access the beach and sea at West Bay.”

Elaine has worked with the town council, Dorset Council and Parkdean Resort, which runs West Bay Holiday Park, to get the scheme up and running.

Mayor of Bridport Cllr Ian Bark said: “I’m hugely impressed by the energy and effort Elaine and other volunteers have put into making this wonderful initiative happen.

“We saw last year how much the beach matting

was appreciated – for some, this was a first opportunity ever to go onto the beach – and the wheelchairs will give people the freedom to venture off the matting, even into the sea.

“It’s truly heart-warming and we at the town council are proud to have been a

part of it.”

Parkdean will facilitate free hire of the wheelchairs and will be putting in a changing facility toilet at the West Bay Holiday Park. Another will be installed by the town council at West Bay Road car park. Each will have a toilet, an

adult changing bed, shower and a hoist and will offer a crucial but basic need for people with complex disabilities so they can enjoy a whole day at the beach instead of having to go home when they need to use the facilities.

There will also be a wheelchair that can float in the sea and can be used in conjunction with a qualified swimming coach so that the carers do not necessarily need to be in the water.

There will also be a special platform for people who need a specific wheelchair and cannot transfer to one of the beach ones to enjoy the beach and the sea. This is being funded by West Dorset Mencap.

Further funding for the scheme has come from individual donations through Crowdfunder, Bridport Round Table and Magna Housing Association.

CHEQUE THIS: Weymouth Mayor Ann Weaving, Lions vice president Ryan Hope, Lions member Kevin Brookes and senior resort officer Zach Williams

IT’S THE WHEEL THING: The mobi-chair and, below, the sand cruiser and, right, the hippocampe at West Bay

Anyone have a tank bag?

Bovington’s Tank Museum is appealing for a WWI ‘tank handbag’ for a new exhibition. During the Great War the accessory was produced by Mark Cross in London and it is one of the few tank-related items the museum doesn’t have. A new exhibition opens on April 1 called ‘Tanks for the memories: The Tank in popular culture’.

Staff would love to find one of the handbags and perhaps even have it on display.

The ‘Tank handbag for ladies’ was introduced in 1917 after the new invention had made a real impact after its introduction the previous year. Britons were hugely interested

Second homes tax delay

in the new weapon of war and they caused a sensation when news of their successes filtered back to Blighty. Souvenirs were made and the invention became a rallying point for fundraising and encouraging the population to support the war effort. The leather bags were on sale at the Mark Cross shop in London’s Regent Street for 60/- and were available in black or blue. The bags helped raise money for the war effort.

The museum is also appealing for proof that Rudyard Kipling suggested the idea of the museum in 1923.

Email archive@tankmuseum.org or call 01929 408951.

HEAVERS HEAVERS

3rd Generation Award Winning family business, over 60 years in the industry

All types of glazing; PVC-U, Aluminium, Timber/Clad

Windows, doors, guttering & fascias

Garden rooms, conservatories, & orangeries

Insurance backed guarantee

Covering all of Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall & further afield

Brand new, state of the art Glazing Studio

Dorset Council says it has been forced to delay discussions about council tax hikes following a delay in new government legislation. The council said its members were recently discussing proposals for council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties - in anticipation of ‘new flexibilities for councils’ set out in the government’s forthcoming Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Councillors were banking on the bill receiving the royal assent and becoming law by April 1. Authority members were due to vote on proposals at a rescheduled Full Council meeting on March 30, giving them a year to introduce any tax changes by April 2024. A council spokesperson told West Dorset Magazine:

“However, we now understand from government that there is no likelihood of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill becoming law before the end of March and therefore a decision on this matter cannot be taken by Full Council on March 30 as planned.”

Dorset Council deputy leader Peter Wharf added: “The proposal to introduce council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties continues to be something we are keen to explore, following constructive discussions at overview committee and cabinet. We will watch the progress of the government’s new Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill closely and bring this to Full Council once the legislation has passed.”

Seaweed-coated products showcased

Surprising products coated with seaweed were showcased to Dorset businesses in West Bay. Notpla, the firm behind the Earthshot Prize-winning materials, joined Burton Bradstock’s Hive Beach

Café in hosting local mayors, TV star Martin Clunes and local businesses. The café, which uses the product in its takeaway boxes, received a letter from Sir David

Attenborough wishing them luck and supporting their goal to make the Jurassic Coast more plastic free.

Notpla’s business development manager Jan Neilson had set out a colourful and fascinating collection of products including not only the food containers but beautifully illustrated cards, signs, and trays of individual exoticlooking bubbles containing either olive oil or fruit drinks designed to burst naturally on the tongue –all made in the same way coated with seaweed. Adrian Wood, MD of Advantage Digital Print in Dorchester, was one of the guests.

He said: “We have been working with Notpla for around six months.

“I first became aware of Notpla through one of our customers Molesworth & Bird, who make gifts from seaweed they collect from

You’ve gotta bin it to win it on new LitterLotto

Dorset Council and LitterLotto have joined forces to launch a new initiative aimed at tackling littering and rewarding people doing their bit.

Users of the LitterLotto app in Dorset have the chance to win an extra £100 each month, on top of the £1,000 weekly jackpot and spot prizes already available.

LitterLotto, an app that uses gamification to encourage people to dispose of litter properly, allows users to keep tabs on the amount of litter they dispose of as well as a chance to win a prize on each submission. Each entry also goes into the draw for weekly and monthly jackpots. The scheme was launched in Dorset last year. Simon Ford from Sherborne recently won £100 on the app.

n The Great Dorset Beach Clean is taking place between April 15 -23 across 17 beaches from Lyme Regis to Christchurch.

Emma Teasdale, Litter Free Dorset Coordinator, said: “Last year’s Great Dorset Beach Clean saw more than 200

amazing people take part in 17 cleans across the Dorset coast. By working together volunteers cleared 100 bags of rubbish, as well as bulky items such as oil containers, tyres, a door, and ironically a bin!”

Lizzie Prior, Beachwatch Manager at the Marine

Conservation Society, said: “We have been collecting litter data for almost 30 years. It has helped us inform our UK Governments to introduce policy such as the 5p bag charge and a ban on plastic cotton bud sticks. Getting involved in beach cleaning projects like the Great Dorset Beach Clean is a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors, give back and protect our ocean.”

How to get involved: Check out Litter Free Dorset’s social media platforms to sign up for an event near you! Remember to spread the litter free message by sharing your clean-up pics on social media, using the hashtag #GDBC23 and tagging @LitterFreeDorset into your photos so we can share your content.

Members of Sherborne Stop The Litter group with recycling officer Dave Levi, Cllr Laura Beddow and LitterLotto winner Simon Ford

at delicious evening hosted by café

beaches in Lyme Regis & Cornwall. We did some test prints on the Notpla Paper of some of the MB images we hold. Since then I have produced promotional material & Bcards for Notpla, and we have just done a range of notebooks for M&B.

“We have also printed menus, and have a book jacket to print on it for a new book about British seaweed from a university.”

Bird Media’s advertising salesman Bob Holman and Mum’s Kitchen’s Diana Holman went along and

enjoyed lovely food while hearing about Notpla. Diana said: “My husband Rob and I spent a most enjoyable and uplifting evening at the Watch House, West Bay hearing all about a new product used for takeaway food boxes which contain no plastic and used no chemicals, but were coated with seaweed, meaning that they biodegrade and disappear quickly and naturally.”

advantagedigitalprint.com notpla.com

hivebeachcafe.co.uk

ON THE WRACK: Left, Martin Clunes and right, Mayor Ian Bark

Along the coast road from Portesham to Colfox school I have probably scared a few other road users. For this I am sorry. This is not due to my lack of driving abilities but to my facial expressions en route!

We went through a particularly stressful period of time where I was quite ill and had seemingly exhausted all traditional remedies. I realised my illness was instigated by a stressful event and set out to de-stress myself. Once my sons were loaded into the car I would start loudly singing The Laughing Policeman. When they could bear it no more I would drive with a set grimacing smile, ear to ear which I had read would send happy serotonin chemicals all around my body thus helping to de-stress me! It did really make me feel a

Exercises make me gurn with the wind

lot better but I think our youngest still has nightmares of the death mask as he called it!

Occasionally, I attempted pelvic floor exercises as I drove. I could not seem to manage to do pelvic floor exercises without it making me gurn! In an article entitled Fascia – The Mysterious Tissue I learned that, “the connection between the jaw and the pelvic floor begins even before you are born.

Inspired by the corbel table at Studland I started writing a

column on gargoyles and grotesques – the water spouts and contorted faces you sometimes find decorating churches. Quite a few of the 47 at the 12th century church St Nicholas at Studland show people and animals with emphasis on their open mouths. The official reasons given for having these seemingly inappropriate carvings on a church are firstly to warn the congregation against the sins of the flesh or and to frighten away evil. I don’t really buy

that. My fledgling theory may be just as wrong but here goes.

When I first started doing reiki healing, the flow seemed to be blocked. A trick someone told me was to put your tongue on the roof of your mouth or to clench and then release your pelvic floor muscles.

It worked for me. Could those face pullers and contortionists be more than side show acrobats? Could they be relics of an ancient story board teaching about healing?

Plant that thrives on neglect makes for interesting

I have relatively little interest in garden plants – provided they look pretty, I am content. Not so those organisms that make their way into our garden uninvited – these are often a great joy. During the long dreary spell of wet weather in March I noticed a green splodge of vegetation growing in the bare soil of a (deceased) potted plant on the patio. It was a liverwort. The liverworts are bryophytes, along with the familiar mosses and the much less familiar hornworts of which only four

JOHN WRIGHT is a naturalist and forager who lives in rural West Dorset. He has written eight books, four of which were for River Cottage. He wrote the award-winning Forager’s Calendar and in 2021 his Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries was published.

species grow in Britain. I went for a walk with a bryologist friend some years ago, collecting photos for a book, and spotted an ash trunk covered in a moss. My friend told me that the single moss species I saw was, in fact, seven different mosses plus one liverwort. Not knowing one moss from another is

down to not being particularly interested in them, but confusing a liverwort with a moss requires an explanation. It is simple enough – most liverworts are indistinguishable from mosses to the untrained eye – they are similarly ‘leafy’. The liverwort in my garden was, however, obvious because

REAL REAL GURN: St Nicolas church in spring sunshine with the line of corbels running along the top of the pink flowering tree and inset, one of the corbels pulling a face

PAGAN VIEWS by JO BELASCO

Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown-up sons and spotty rescue dog. She loves to photograph and write about the everyday wildlife she sees in her garden and on her daily dog walks. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle or contact her with your wildlife observations at sally@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The early bird catches the lark in April

I am definitely a morning person and love to be ‘up with the lark’. My early dog walks at this time of year are to a wonderful backdrop of birdsong – blackbirds, thrushes, wrens and robins are all up early too, singing in the hedgerows, but the bird that ‘up with the lark’ is named after and stops me in my tracks to listen to, is the skylark.

As April is the start of the breeding season, the glorious sound will most likely be males singing to attract a mate. He sings as he rises vertically hundreds of feet into the air. His song, a fluid, warbling sound, fills the surrounding countryside and as a brown bird not much bigger than a sparrow, he soon becomes the ‘dust-spot in the sunny skies’ as described in John Clare’s poem ‘The Skylark’. He may

sing uninterrupted for 20 minutes or more, though once he’s paired up his song will be shorter and will be signalling to other skylarks that this is his territory. His song was so highly thought of in Victorian times that skylarks were very desirable cage birds, a good singer costing as much as 15 shillings! Fortunately, skylarks are now protected by law.

John Clare was far from the only poet to feel inspired to write about the

described it as an ‘ethereal minstrel, pilgrim of the sky’ and Shelley thought it a ‘blithe spirit’ and ‘like an unbodied joy’. The poem by George Meredith, entitled

‘The Lark Ascending’ inspired the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams to write one of my favourite pieces of classical music, under the same title. In it, the solo violin becomes the skylark, recreating Meredith’s ‘silver chain of sound of many links without a break’. I feel very lucky to hear skylarks close to my home, but nationally they are in drastic decline, numbers halved in the 1990s and they are still declining. As ground nesters, the main cause of their downfall is believed to be changes to farming

practices, particularly the switch from spring-sown to autumn-sown crops and the use of weedkillers and pesticides. But it is not all doom and gloom for our skylarks. Nationally, the RSPB are advising farmers on ways to encourage skylarks and locally the Dorset Wildlife Trust have reported an increase in skylark numbers since the start of their Wild Woodbury community rewilding project. The carefully managed meadows of two wonderful country parks, Durlston near Swanage, and Ham Hill (just over the North Dorset border into Somerset) are great places to see and hear skylarks. Remember though to obey notices to keep dogs on a short lead close to where the skylarks are nesting, but do go and enjoy this special sound of the English countryside.

study on procreation – and more fun than dahlias!

it was of the alternative general form for the group – it was ‘thallose’, forming a single leaf-like structure, more or less flattened against the soil and with curled-up edges. I call my liverwort a ‘green splodge’, but that does it no justice. The thallus was irregular and ornamented with a stylish snake-skin pattern. It was also covered in little cups. A bit of research found it to be the very

common Marchantia polymorpha (bryologists despise common names for their objects of desire, so a Latin name is all I will offer). One of its favoured habitats is in the bare soil of garden pots, with poorly managed and very wet lawns a close second. In the latter regard it is considered to be a nuisance to gardeners. Liverworts indulge in sexual reproduction, with male and female

plants, but they also save time and trouble by reproducing asexually. My specimen was of the latter persuasion. Inside each cup were multiple green, lentil-shaped ‘gemmae’. These are ejected forcefully by raindrops that fall into the cup, or ‘splash cup’ as it is known. A gemma will then develop into a new plant if it lands in suitable place. You must admit this is much more fun than dahlias!

Down to earth

Hamm habitat is gently restored

‘How do you get to the Isle of Portland?’

‘You drive along Chesil Beach’ most folks would say, and they’d be wrong. They’re driving along Hamm Beach, the side bordering Portland harbour.

It’s a popular dog walking and watersports spot but actually, there’s a lot more to it than that. It’s a diminishing and important natural habitat, once home to some very rare species of animals and plants and hopefully, soon, in part at least, to be restored to its original condition.

People tear along in their cars to and from the island, barely giving it a second glance, although a sunrise there is a sight worth seeing, with the sun twinkling on the water, the blue-grey harbour arms and White Nothe and Purbeck in the distance. But once this green strip, fringed with pebbles was a beach of low sandy soils and

dunes that supported some very specialised plants and fauna. Sea holly, familiar to many of us as a garden favourite, was once abundant there and harvested by locals but lesser-known plants such as Sea bindweed and Sand Cat’s-tail also thrived there. It was also the only UK site hosting the micro-moth, Scythris siccella, but recent surveys have failed to find it. The construction of a railway, long since gone, the harbour arms and other human activity changed the conditions here, allowing tall

grasses to thrive and edge out these weaker plants of more specialised ecology. A thick layer of humus developed on top of the low dunes, pebbles crusted the once sandy shoreline, and the appearance and nature of Hamm Beach began to change irrevocably. But there is good news. In 2022 work started with a partnership between the island’s manorial Court Leet, the representatives of the landowner, The Crown Estate, Natural England and local conservation groups to return some of Hamm

Beach’s lost habitat. An environmental management plan has been drawn up by Dorset-based ecological consultants Footprint Ecology as part of the Creating Space for Species Project which will recreate the conditions to reinstate the natural dynamic processes that were once present and made Hamm Beach the unique habitat it once was, and may become again. It is a place where you can lose yourself. Despite the busy main road behind, when you stop and look around you, at the sea and the island, it encourages you to linger and look down, observing the things under your feet and around you. Then you begin to see, damaged though it is, the extraordinary diversity of life present in this narrow strip of land and the possibility of what can be returned, to thrive here once again.

Energy efficiency cash for low income families

Dorset Council will share in a £4.34m government grant to make off-grid homes more energy efficient. Cash from the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme will go to the county, BCP Council and Public Health Dorset to provide low carbon heating to low income homes that are off the gas grid or have an energy rating between D and G.

Dorset Council’s cabinet lead member for environment, travel and harbours, Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, said: “We have been lobbying and submitting numerous bids to central government for additional funding to deliver services, so we’re delighted to have been awarded this money. We’ll be able to utilise these funds via our Healthy Homes Dorset

programme – funded by Dorset Council, BCP Council and Public Health Dorset –and make sure many more people are able to install energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating at no cost to themselves.”

He added: “Dorset has many low income households, and large rural communities that do not have access to gas,

often leading to higher bills than those connected to the grid. Considering the current cost-of-living crisis and our collective long-term ambition to reduce our carbon footprint to net zero, the Home Upgrade Grant will help us save our residents’ money, as well as help preserve our natural environment by using fewer resources.”

KIM BERLIN – A newcomer to the Rock

HAMM IT UP: Hamm Beach is glorious in the sunshine

Much to look out for in the April skies

Kevin Quinn is a Dark Sky Custodian for the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve who lives in Piddletrenthide. Read his blog at theastroguy.wordpress.com

Here are some of the night sky highlights to look forward to during April. The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of April 22-23, with up to 20 meteors per hour visible under clear, dark skies. The pieces of space debris that interact with our atmosphere to create the Lyrids originate from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which takes 415.5 years to orbit the sun (its last close pass was in 1861). As the Moon won’t be up to spoil the view, this is definitely one to watch. Speaking of the Moon, it’ll be full (known as a Pink Moon) on April 16, 2023, and will be visible throughout the night. New Moon occurs during the weekend of the 25th.

As for the planets, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible in the pre-dawn sky during April; in the southeast and southsoutheast respectively, just before sunrise. Mars, Venus and Mercury will be visible in the west in the evening. The constellations of Leo, Coma Berenices and Virgo

will be visible in the south and east during April, so this is a great time of the year to scan around looking for galaxies. Even moderate binoculars or small telescopes will reveal a great many.

For the early risers, Scorpius and Sagittarius will be visible in the south, so this is a great time to look out for the center of the Milky Way; low on the horizon in the pre-dawn sky. Again, even low power binoculars will reveal countless stars, star clusters and nebulae in this area.

A must-see object this month

has to be the Beehive star cluster in the constellation of Cancer. Look to the south, quite high up, and to the right of the ‘backwards question mark’ asterism in Leo and the Beehive should be visible to the naked eye as a faint ‘cloud’. Focus a pair of binoculars on it, though, and you’ll be amazed to see this cloud resolve into around 1,000 stars…

There are a number of spectacular conjunctions on show this month. On the night of the 11th, Venus will be very close to the Pleiades star cluster (both viewable

within the field of view of a pair of binoculars. Then, on the evening of the 23rd, Venus will pass close by the slim waxing crescent Moon. Finally, on the night of the 27th, the first quarter Moon passes the Beehive cluster. All well worth looking out for, and should present good photographic opportunities.

Up to 200 EV charging points set to be installed

Dorset Council has announced ambitious plans to get 80 per cent of Dorset households within a 10minute walk of a public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint by 2030. The plans, which will play a key part in preparing the

county for the government’s 2050 net-zero target, will see as many as 200 electric vehicle chargepoints installed in communities across the Dorset Council area over the next three years. Funding will mostly come from the government’s local

electric vehicle infrastructure (LEVI) scheme and Mer, a European EV charging company, with an additional contribution from the council. According to Ofgem, it’s expected that one in four UK households will buy an electric vehicle in the next five

years, and by 2030 electric vehicles will make up nearly a third of all vehicles on UK roads.

Dorset is one of 20 pilot councils in the UK to benefit from government funding to improve local electric vehicle infrastructure.

VENUS IN BLUE JEANS: a Binocular view of Venus and the Pleiades

sponsored by Valley Drains Homes & Gardens

DRAINS & GUTTERS CLEANED

Blocked drains, drain repairs, gutter cleaning. CCTV. 24-hour service. No call out fees.

Call Darren on 07958 335973 | valleydrains.co.uk

Planting companions to ward off pests

Mike Burks is the managing director of The Gardens Group, with garden centres in Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury. Mike is a former chairman of the Garden Centre Association and is a passionate advocate of eco friendly gardening practices.

Companion planting is a technique that has been used for centuries by farmers, growers and gardeners. It involves the putting together of plants or crops that either confer a benefit upon each other or where one provides a boost to the other.

The types that most gardeners are aware of include the use of marigolds or tagetes amongst tomatoes, usually in the greenhouse. Either the whitefly are confused by the smell of the marigolds and don’t realise that the tomatoes are there or they don’t like the smell and head off somewhere else.

Other examples of this are the use of garlic and onions alongside many crops, including carrots. The smell again stops attack from carrot fly. Other forms of companion planting include the benefit some low growing plants get from the shade provided by taller plants. It is also true for some shallow-rooted plants which thrive if next to deep rooted neighbours who bring much needed nutrients from lower down in the soil.

Elsewhere in the garden, nasturtiums for example can be

planted alongside cabbages to attract cabbage white butterfly caterpillars away from the crop, to reduce damage. Flowers such as limnanthes, the poached egg plant will attract beneficial insects such as Hoverflies into crops where they will then feast on insect pests.

Mixed planting in itself is a good idea. In nature, monoculture is extremely rare which should give us a clue. Some organic gardeners will grow vegetables amongst ornamental plants in the herbaceous border. This may appear to be a strange thing to do but the result will be that should one clump of lettuce be attacked by a pest its unlikely to spread to another batch hidden by other plants, whereas in a traditional vegetable garden the pest would run riot up and down the rows, something that we have made so easy for them. Another benefit of using these methods is that your garden as an environment will become more diverse and this starts a process where

balance returns and dramatic pest and disease explosions are

less likely to happen. Not only this, but a range of larger animal friends will start to appear, including birds, frogs and toads, slow worms and hedgehogs, all of which love to chomp away at garden pests. I would bet that we have forgotten many more companion planting combinations than we have remembered, but over the next few years we’ll rediscover how useful it can be.

n thegardensgroup.co.uk

W A R D O N H I L L

T R A D I N G P O S T

Therapy garden opening for Easter

Andy

months moving the Potting Shed to its new site at Middlemarsh.

It will be great to see the sunshine again to dry and warm the ground – it has been a long, wet winter. The birds have started singing and the rooks are nest building, spring is on its way. The grass is growing and the sound of the occasional lawn mower is being heard as the gardens are starting to come alive. A few odd bees have been seen and ladybirds have started to appear. We have had a full-on ten

The ethos is as it was before –organic, sustainable, wildlife friendly and the principle of recycling can be seen everywhere from the pallet fencing, reused paving and recycled timber.

The herbaceous shrubs and fruit pots have been weeded out and repotted as required, ready for sale, fences and café painted and the planting has continued as weather permits. The community garden is starting to flower and the shrubs are budding up nicely, although not completely finished there is still a lot to see and enjoy. The potting shed area is full of shrubs, perennials, climbers, trees and

fruit bushes. The wonderful trachycarpus is doing well and the planting around it is coming into bud. We have an area for bespoke metalwork designed and constructed by a local craftsman, Kevin Brown. There will be a range of items on sale from arches, plant supports, obelisks and more, all handmade and unique. A choice of pots, statues, and garden ornaments along with compost and other garden sundries will also be on sale. We can now open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. On Thursday to Sunday Reiki healing and card readings will be on offer. No appointment is necessary. Just turn up. Therapy rooms are for hire, if

you would like a unique site to work from with a view over the wildflower meadow, please feel free to drop in and enquire about the use of these. Cream teas with homemade scones and jams, gluten free / vegan scones also available. The healing properties of plants will be on display. Come and join us over the Easter break to relax, unwind and be inspired at The Potting shed’s Wellbeing Nursery, Therapy garden. Don’t forget the Easter bunny and our egg hunt in the garden, (weather permitting). The garden is a space for all the family to enjoy and with the fun and laughter this creates, your body and spirit will gain valuable healing at the same time.

FREE local

& erection of garden buildings

a reiki

based in Middlemarsh. He

Vittles (food & drink)

Appearing daily the word ‘inflation’ has become an influential but somewhat tedious little word managing our lives. Prices are rocketing before our eyes. The promise of the UK becoming a ‘self-sufficient Isle’ no longer dependent on the produce of other countries is clearly untrue as evident from the shortages on our supermarket shelves. This was never going to work; we rely heavily on other countries for the variety of choice that we demand, especially unseasonal salad, fruit, and vegetables. History shows our dependency on our neighbours across the channel and beyond. The Romans introduced us to stinging nettles which they used as a salad, cherries, and green vegetables, including the popular pea. They also built the roads that made transportation easy across the country. The Saxons were prolific growers of herbs, and the Danes and Vikings brought us skills of drying and

SIMPLY

These Easter bars are scrumdiddlyumptious

smoking fish and meats. The Normans however, were our greatest influence, introducing us to wine, mutton, beef, and oranges from Jaffa! Tudor times saw the introduction of coffee, spices, and potatoes. We have always been a nation of traders, so why do we need to change the habits of a lifetime? What typifies typical British cuisine, Roast beef?

Mum’s Kitchen...

Bean and Vegetable Gratin

Serves 4

Sachet of microwave rice

Fish and chips? Today it is also curry and Peking duck –Britain has always been a cosmopolitan country constantly changing and evolving with different cultures influencing our cuisine.

As I write this, Easter is approaching fast and our thoughts drift to the joys of chocolate, thanking the Aztecs

for that, so my recipe may not appear as the prettiest of recipes, but it’s melt in the mouth bliss and great fun to make with little helpers.

Messy Scrumdiddlyumptious

Bars

Mix melted butter and a little caster sugar with crushed digestive biscuits, press the moist mixture into a prepared tin. Gather together a few other ingredients e.g., Toasted coconut, nuts, oats, marshmallows, dried fruits, chocolate chips not forgetting two packets of chocolate mini eggs and some Creme Eggs. Be imaginative!

Top the biscuit base, starting with the dry ingredients e.g., oats, coconut, nuts. Drizzle with a tin of condensed milk. Top with chocolate chips and crushed mini eggs. Bake for approximately 25 mins until golden brown at the edges. If you are using marshmallows, now is the time to add them. When cool, chop some cream eggs and place on the top a allowing them to ooze over the top.

with Diana Holman

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons rapeseed oil

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

3 sticks celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced

50g dried cranberries

Pinch dried oregano

Pinch chilli flakes

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper

400g tin of chopped tomatoes

175g broccoli cut into florets

Bunch fresh coriander, chopped

400g tin kidney beans

300g tin of sweetcorn, drained

100g hard

cheese of your choice, grated. Extra mature Cheddar works well

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan oven. Boil some water in a pan and cook the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and fry the onion, celery and sliced pepper over a gentle heat for one minute, then add the crushed garlic and fry for another

minute. Add tinned tomatoes, cranberries, oregano, chilli flakes and cumin, and 5 tablespoons of water. Bring back to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Drain and rinse the kidney beans and add them to the vegetable mixture with the rice and sweetcorn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the broccoli florets and spoon the mixture into an ovenproof dish. Push the broccoli florets underneath, as these can burn easily. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the vegetable mixture and cook for around 20 minutes to melt the cheese.

Karen Broad lives in Burton Bradstock, with her husband and two mad dogs. She ran The Mousetrap in Dorchester, has lived in France and loves discovering new food producers.

TOPPING: Let your imagination run wild

Vittles (food & drink)

Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker, who has a stall outside The Old Ship Inn in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.

Spring into action with spanakopita

Lamb Spanakopita

Spanakopita is ideal for a spring lunch or supper. You'll find lamb mince considerably cheaper than buying a joint and, when served with salad and potatoes, this makes an impressive dish that will feed three or four people. I often use frozen spinach rather than fresh - either is fine. If you are in a hurry when making lunch then spread the cooked lamb filling on a cold baking tray and it will cool pretty quickly. Do not add hot filling to the pastry as it will make it soggy.

There appears to be loads of ingredients in this recipe, but most you will have in the cupboard. A slight variation on the herbs is no problem.

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion

250g minced lamb

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp thyme

Salt & pepper

100g spinach

75g feta cheese

270g filo pastry

2-3 tbsp butter, melted Put the olive oil in a pan over a medium heat. Gently fry the

onion, 10 - 15 minutes, until the edges are slightly brown. Pulling the lamb apart, add it to the pan along with the onion, garlic, spices and herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer until the meat is cooked through and you can smell the spices (about 10 minutes). Add the spinach and crumbled feta and cook for a couple of minutes. Give it a stir then switch off the heat and leave it to turn cold. Heat the oven to Gas 6/ 200°C. Lay out two sheets of filo pastry, end to end, with an overlap of approximately 5cms. Brush the pastry with melted butter. Repeat twice more laying each set of pastry on top of the other.

Place the final piece, buttered, across the middle seam to strengthen. it.

Spoon the cold lamb mixture along the centre of the pastry around 3 cms wide. Leave either end clear by about 5 cm. Fold both ends over the filling then roll it up into a very long sausage. Starting at the middle, curl it into a spiral. Put the spanakopita on a baking tray lined with parchment. Brush with the last of the butter and get it straight in the oven. Alternatively you can keep it in the fridge until you need it. Cook for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.

n Lizzie is at the old ship in Upwey, on Saturday mornings, so hunt her down for some delicious food. If you try this recipe out then do tag her on instagram lizzibakingbird.

Sublime dishes made me decidedly less crabby

Restaurant Review: Crab House Cafe, Wyke Regis

By John Clements, chef at the Olive Tree, Bridport

Crabs are powerful memory makers. Whether it’s dangling a line in West Bay harbour, wandering down to the beach crab shack in Selsey with your grandad for dressed crab or enjoying crab linguine and a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc by the sea with your favourite people. Jeopardy too with the dreaded ‘Dead Man’s Fingers”.

Called to book for lunch. Redirected to voicemail several times and not in the mood to talk to a machine.

Right ho, online then. Boom, a robust reservation policy is definitely in place. Credit card needed. The few not honouring their reservation have cost the many here too. Depressingly, my dental hygienist has paddled her own gum boat down the same canal. It makes me crabby. The Crab House Cafe looks like what a crab house should look like, nestled, as it is, next to the edge of The Fleet, aside their own oyster beds, surrounded by crab pots. My lunch guests have arrived and they are some of my favourite people so we ordered Sauvignon Blanc. The

unapologetically pescatarian menu changes daily as a seafood bistro menu should. We chose fish bhaji’s, crab remoulade and fresh oysters to start. Mains were gurnard on skewers with a red lentil curry, red mullet, beetroot and goat

cheese salad and lemon sole fillets stuffed with white crab meat. The seafood here was sublime. For pudding we had panna cotta. Service was top shelf, unpretentious and understated classy. The vibe from the open kitchen and front of house was confident and focused. Halfway through lunch two chefs lumbered through the restaurant carrying a cauldron of bubbling, fishy goodness. The man on the next table had a huge hammer to crack his brown crab. Hold your breath stuff.

My crabbiness is now replaced with another magical crab memory.

Race to the Greyhound for a warm welcome

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The Greyhound sits peacefully in the heart of Sydling St Nicholas. With roaring fires and fresh flowers, this unspoilt 18th century inn is a welcoming spot. Situated on popular walking routes in one of the most idyllic parts of west Dorset, it is tucked away in the deep valley, hidden from the busy Dorset tourist trail. Inside the stone walls, I sit and drink coffee, listening to the hum of a pub an hour or two before opening, and chat to the two local lads who are busy getting the pub ready for the lunch service.

“For years I was the only teenager in the village,” laughs Archie, who has worked at The Greyhound between studying since he was 12 years old. “It feels like home.”

In an hour or so, owners Kimberley and Chris Maingard will open the pub doors to the locals – who love their pub, hungry walkers, families, and their dogs. Everyone is welcome here. “I’m sorry, I know you are not yet open, but could I book a table for lunch please?” says one stray walker, who had parked in the ample car park ahead of his walk with his beloved Labrador. Kimberley smiles as she books his party in and the dog gets a biscuit for standing there!

When Chris and Kimberley walked through the doors of The Greyhound last year, the pair fell in love with this rural building, heavy in character yet open for contemporary ideas.

It once belonged to former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips and her husband Martin.

Looking to relocate from Amsterdam, where the pair have been living since 2015 after Chris was asked to set up a kitchen for the Soho House Group, they knew this charming and unspoilt beauty was the perfect place to put down roots and give their three children, Max, Leo and Evi, a childhood to remember.

Kimberley said: “The Greyhound has the wow factor. The village is beautiful, with its thatched cottages, country lanes and the area verdant. Chris and I knew we had made the right decision.

“I had never been to this part of the country before. I grew up in a small village outside Swindon and then lived in London before moving to

WE ARE FAMILY: Kimberley and Chris with Max, Leo and Evi

Amsterdam with Chris. We had a great life in Amsterdam, but I was being drawn back to be close to my family, at least to live in the same country.”

Kimberley and Chris took the plunge in June 2022, bought the lease and moved in.

“While The Greyhound is a destination pub, it is vital that our community is happy. We welcome children and dogs, we want our locals to feel relaxed and comfortable, this is important to us.

“We serve ethically produced, locally sourced, seasonal, delicious food. Chris, who has worked all over the world, loves designing the new menus and finding the best local suppliers for our ingredients. We are very lucky that Chris and I are supported by a strong team, especially Beth, Charley and Neil who were at the Greyhound before

Chris and I arrived and have been instrumental in the running of the business.

“And we have exciting plans! “Jazz supper clubs, summer barbecues and lots of live music.”

The Greyhound also offers six beautifully decorated rooms complete with plump pillows, crisp white sheets, and fluffy towels. Little surprise this pub has received two Good Pub Guide Awards. And even your dog can stay.

I finish my coffee and say bye for now. I will be returning!

W: dorsetgreyhound.co.uk

T: 01300 341303

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

I knew there was a reason I did this job. Being sent home from an interview with oozing, creamy, delectable gorgonzola such as I’ve never tasted before is right up there with my favourite experiences.

Italian mum of three Ilaria Padovani, 35, has the sort of deli that would send any food lover into raptures. One of the many wonderful cheeses is a gorgonzola she has exclusive rights to sell in the UK, and it’s out of this world.

And now she has added a pizzeria and wholesalers to her offerings at Mercato Italiano on Bridport’s Dreadnought Industrial Estate, which has seen her go from market trader to mumpreneur.

Ten years ago, after having her first child with partner Robert McVey, Ilaria was living in London working for an Italian company and “wasn’t finding it fun as a young mum in the city”. She had studied agriculture and then gastronomy in Italy and she wanted to start something for herself, and she wanted to bring up her child with more space and freedom.

Robert, 43, a musician, had been told there was a special vibe about Bridport and the couple moved down. Two further kids followed after they moved to Dorset and these days Ilaria is mum to a trio aged 11, eight and five, as well as running all the different arms of her business. Soon after moving down Ilaria started importing Italian foods and selling them at the market, getting to know everyone

Magnifico! Here’s why the taste of Italy is a smash hit

and settling into her new surroundings. “Now I am a proper grockle,” she says, grinning.

As her business began to grow legs, she imported more and more and in 2021 she moved into large premises on the Dreadnought, where she could stock a wide range of wholesale Italian ingredients to supply customers across the south west and store the delicious cheeses and meats for the deli. She also opened a café.

In October that year Ilaria decided to also launch a pizzeria, with an informal setting where people could just enjoy good food without breaking the bank. She runs

occasional DJ nights and has plans to launch Sunday jazz sessions once a month in summer.

The pizzeria was an instant hit, and now she employs ten members of staff to man it three nights a week. “I have a really nice team of people who live here in Bridport,” she said. “I’m really proud of that.” Her customers love it so much they nominated Ilaria for a Bridport Business Award this year and she won the Café, Pub, Dining category. “The support has been great,” said Ilaria. “I’ve been building up customers for ten years, with the markets – Bridport twice a week and Axminster on

Thursdays, then having the deli and pizzeria.”

She added: “I will never change the quality of the products I use. Lots of people sell pizza, but if they care about making good quality Italian food, they should buy their ingredients from me.”

Having tasted a small selection of her offerings, I’d agree 100 per cent.

n Mercato Italiano’s deli at Unit 3B (DT6 5BU) is open Monday-Wednesday 9am4pm and ThursdaySaturday 9am-9pm. The pizzeria is open ThursdaySaturday, 5pm-11pm.

Go to mercatoitaliano.uk or call 01308 459274, or pop in.

ITALIAN JOB: Ilaria at Mercato Italiano in Bridport, with cakes, cheese and the amazing deli counter

It’s lights, camera and interaction as

Film lovers can immerse themselves in five days of screenings and speaker events at Bridport’s Film Festival, From Page to Screen, between April 26 and 30 at The Electric Palace.

Double Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher Hampton will curate and present the rich mixture of iconic classics plus brand new releases and will be discussing the making of film adaptations with guests throughout this unique festival. The festival will feature 21 films and 10 speaker events, kicking off with Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf on April 26. The 1966 depiction of a marriage imploding over one boozefuelled night stars the celebrity couple of their day - Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor - and won five Academy Awards.

That evening Christopher will open the gala preview screening of The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry, starring Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. It is a chance to see this new adaptation of Rachel Joyce’s debut novel before the rest of the UK.

At 2pm on Thursday, April 27 there’s a rare opportunity to hear the inside story of cinema’s

revolutionary European New Wave and New Hollywood era with producer Andrew Braunsberg.

Andrew will be in a Q&A after the screening of his 1976 thriller The Tenant, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Isabelle Adjani, and also discussing his work on Being There and The Postman Always Rings

Twice. This will be followed by a screening of Letter From An Unknown Woman, introduced by broadcaster Francine Stock who describes the 1948 masterpiece as ‘a seductively devastating tale of obsession, blending high European and Hollywood style, this luscious adaptation of Stefan Zweig’s novella

pairs destiny and delusion in a Viennese waltz. Like Lisa, we can’t tear ourselves away’.

Day two of the festival finishes with Emily, starring Sex Education star Emma Mackey as the most rebellious of the Brontë sisters, for which she recently won the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

The film imagines what inspired Brontë to create

ON STAGE: Screenwriter Christopher Hampton, broadcaster Francine Stock, and, right, screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz and director Richard Eyre

Page to Screen festival comes to town

psychoanalysis, is followed by a Q&A with Jack Wightman talking with Christopher about his experience of working with its director David Cronenberg.

That evening there’s the chance to see She Said starring Carey Mulligan, and hear about how the New York Times journalists’ account of exposing the film industry sexual predator Harvey Weinstein was adapted for cinema with its screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz.

Wuthering Heights and is the directorial debut for British-Australian actorand now writer-directorFrances O’Connor who will join a discussion and Q&A after the screening. The centre piece of Friday, April 28 is an in depth conversation between Francine Stock and Christopher Hampton about the complexities of adapting theatre for film.

From Stage To Screen will include excerpts from the films discussed like Dangerous Liaisons and The Father, for both of which he won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay. This will be followed by an evening screening of The Son starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern and Vanessa Kirby. Co-written by Christopher with the

original playwrightdirector Florian Zeller it’s a companion to their outstanding collaboration on The Father and another reflection on a family in crisis. Francine will lead a post-film Q&A with Christopher.

On Saturday at 5pm the screening of A Dangerous Method, starring Keira Knightly as a patient in the early years of

The festival closes on Sunday, April 30 with Allelujah - the moving, all-star adaptation of Alan Bennett’s play about a care home fighting for survivaland one last speaker; acclaimed film, theatre, television and opera director Richard Eyre, whose previous films include The Ploughman’s Lunch, Iris, Notes On A Scandal and The Children’s Act Richard Eyre is looking forward to being back in The Electric Palace, which was the cinema of his youth.

n Programme details and tickets at Bridport Tourist Information Centre or frompagetoscreen.info

ON SCREEN; Burton and Taylor in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?, Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton in The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry, Roman Polanski and Isabelle Adjani in The Tenant, Carey Mulligan in She Said and the cast of Allelujah

Islanders are b-side themselves over

Portland’s b-side festival has announced a ‘vibrant repertoire’ of artists for its 2023 outing.

The theme for this year’s internationally recognised arts festival is the island’s intriguing history and heritage, which is being marked by the commission of four new artworks. For their first b-side festival, digital artists Anna Heinrich and Leon Palmer will deliver multimedia installations themed around the island’s cottage architecture which ‘blur the boundaries between real and virtual space utilising light, material and audio’.

Landscape theatre company Wildworks have created a new piece for the festival entitled Uncommon Land, sharing their view of the island’s unique landscape through workshops, stories and interactive experiences. After 18 months of research, artistic duo Ishwari Bhalerao and Leonie Rousham – aka Kneed - will return to Portland to create their Weather or Not Station. The pair describe the performance as a ‘portable DIY radio station made up of anecdotes, conversations, rumours and diary entries that represent the heart of Portland’.

London-based artist Emily Tracy will be showcasing a new artwork created by many hands at the Portland Bird Observatory. Her

piece explores the 60 years of close observation of Portland skies undertaken by the observatory and its dedicated volunteer birdwatchers.

b-side director Rocca

Holly Nambi said the main event at this year’s festival will be This Land. She said: “We are delighted to share the culmination of our two-year programme, This Land, at b-side’s 2023 festival.

“Residents of Portland

have been working with national and international artists to excavate knowledge and acquire new skills to protect, preserve and propose new futures for natural and built heritage sites on our unique Isle of Portland. Together we are celebrating what community building and contemporary art can do for the places we live, visit, and love.”

With land protection at the

forefront, This Land focuses on two fragile and unique natural and built heritage sites identified as at risk: the last remaining area of original Portland landscape at Portland Bill and the ruins of a Tudor cottage on the seafront at Chiswell.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, community-led research has inspired artists to create work that highlights the potential future of

KEEPING IT WEIRD: The Keep Portland Weird parade from b-side 2022 and, below, Tyrolia Mundus and Rocca Holly Nambi exploring the island Picture: PETE MILSOM

‘vibrant’ festival

these sites as well as their stories’ connection to wider global challenges. National Lottery Heritage Fund director for London and the South, Stuart McLeod, said: “We are delighted to support the bside festival project, which thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will mean that more people can learn about the exciting heritage right on their doorstep at Portland Bill and Brandy

In-demand artist Teresa launches new exhibition

A new exhibition at Gallery On The Square at Poundbury offers a rare chance to catch up with the recent work of Dorset painter Teresa Lawton. Teresa is an artist firmly rooted in Dorset and the SouthWest, but her work can be found in collections all over the world.

artists have always been an influence throughout her career. She is an associate member of The Penwith Gallery, St Ives.

Teresa works nowadays from her studio between Weymouth and Dorchester. She says:

Row. Heritage has a huge role to play in instilling pride in communities and boosting local economies, and this project is a fantastic example of achieving those aims.”

n The full programme and artist line-up for bside 2023 will be confirmed later this year. Now in its 11th year, bside will run from Thursday, September 7 to Sunday 10.

Her paintings have been acquired by a number of well-known figures, including singers, songwriters and playwrights, as well as by the chief executive of Christie’s and the chairman of Phillips Auction House London/New York. Born in Dorset and a graduate of Winchester College of Art, Teresa lived for some time in Cornwall during her developing years as a painter, and the mid-20th century St Ives

“Beyond all the technical skills of constructing a painting, which is about knowing your craft, there lies a magic which is unexplainable.

“The thing that can’t be taught is being able to totally immerse yourself in your own world and your imagination, which is instinctive”.

The exhibition at Gallery On The Square runs from March 25 to May 3.

Gallery On The Square

Queen Mother Square Poundbury, Dorchester

DT1 3BL

gallerypoundbury.co.uk

ON SHOW: Teresa Lawton will be exhibiting at Gallery on the Square at Poundbury. Inset below: The Fleet

PULPIT ROCKING: One Night Only from Babar Suleman and, below, the Twilight Walk around the Bill

Culture

Arts collective Chasing Cow Productions has released its adaptation of Katherine Mansfield’s short story The Wind Blows, as we mark the centenary of the author’s death.

The short film, directed by local artist Grace Crabtree, is available to watch online at chasingcow.co.uk and YouTube.

The film is shot in West Dorset, including Lyme Regis, Beaminster and Salway Ash and takes place over the course of a day, capturing a series of fleeting moments and encounters experienced by the film’s young protagonist Matilda, played by Tilly Boulay. Grace said: “I felt Katherine Mansfield’s writing would lend itself perfectly to a filmed adaptation –the brief story creates a rich texture full of glimpses and interruptions; a diffuse atmosphere accentuated by precise detail and a startling clarity of emotion that at the next moment slips through the fingers. “In Mansfield’s short lifetime she wrote

Familiar backdrop takes a top role in The Wind Blows

numerous short stories, and often returned through the imagination to New Zealand. It becomes a world of her own that is half-real, half-fictive, and in adapting the story we could echo this, with our retelling unfolding in the landscape of an invented Edwardian West Dorset.” The film premiered last year as part of Chasing Cow’s Evening of Modernism and was also

screened at the Bridport Arts Centre as part of 2022’s From Page to Screen Festival.

DOP and editor Fred Warren said: “This was probably our most ambitious Chasing Cow project so far. Not just because of the practical challenges of creating a period film but also because tonally the story is so complex – on one level you have this

adolescent turbulence where it feels like the world’s coming to an end for no reason but then, underneath this, there is a deeper sadness of places and people remembered yet fading away.

“Trying to capture this in a short film and in the editing was a real challenge and it’s a pleasure to be able to share our efforts with a wider audience.”

Home is where the art is for Artwey exhibition

Artists from the Weymouth area are exploring how we define ‘home’ in an exhibition this month.

Artwey members are putting on an exhibition of their work at The Warehouse Theatre in Hope Street, Weymouth from April 16 to 23. The exhibition is the brainchild of textile artist Antje Rook, who said: “I had the idea for the ‘home’ project some months ago and asked my

fellow Artwey artists if some of them would like to join me to see where it would take us.

“We now have 17 artists all working in different disciplines of painting, printing, textiles, glass, encaustic wax, photography, mosaics, 3D installations and more.

“The work in the exhibition is very personal to each individual –sometimes painful and dark, at other

times bright, warm and compassionate.

“All of it will be created from the heart. I urge you to come along and meet some of the artists, perhaps challenge your own thoughts and ideas.”

The exhibition, which is sponsored by Fleur Printing and supported by bside, is free to attend from 10am to 5pm.

WINDSWEPT: Tilly Boulay as Matilda in The Wind Blows

By Ruth Hayes

Three years after its covid postponement, Dorchester’s seventh community play finally takes to the stage this month.

Spinning the Moon, which opened on Tuesday, April 4, is set in and around Wolfeton House near Dorchester just after the Wars of the Roses. Lord Trenchard returns home from battle to find his affairs in financial disarray, and the mitigating steps taken by his family have grave consequences that impact everyone living and working on their land. Add to the mix some lessthan-brotherly monks, a group of ‘cunning’ women determined to improve their status by fair means or foul, greedy servants and a feckless lordling and you have a captivating play that blends historical fact with storytelling and unspools its plot of poignancy and drama with power and humour.

Spinning the Moon was written by Stephanie Dale, who wrote Dorchester fifth community play A Time to Keep and also wrote Poole’s first community play Salt, which is being performed this summer.

She said: “It feels as though the play is in a really good state and it’s all starting to come together beautifully.

“The most exciting thing about community theatre is it happens in and around the audience. You can be there watching it,

Moon rising at long last and everyone’s welcome

standing next to someone and they suddenly do something unexpected and extraordinary, and I think that is one of the most exciting things about community theatre.

“You are part of the play, part of the process. You’re not watching it, you are amongst it and living the experience, living the play.”

The play has a cast of more than 90 of all ages, experiences, some having acted before, others new

to the stage. The play’s publicity officer Ruth Hayes said: “I’ve never done anything like this before and I always thought acting would put me firmly outside my comfort zone. But in rehearsal last night I was playing an angry sheep in a flock of furious sheep and was having the time of my life, which three months ago is something I’d never have thought I’d be saying!”

Penny Levick, the play’s

assistant director and movement director, said: “We are nearly there and I think people are realising this is coming to an end. “It’s seeping in that the last show will happen and we will go back to our normal lives and I don’t want to do that because I’m having way too much fun and making friendships that will last for life.”

n Spinning the Moon is at the Thomas Hardye School Theatre, Queens Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2ET from April 4-15 with no performances on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Full details of times and ticket prices can be found at dorchestercommunity play.org.uk and tickets are available from Dorchester Arts on 01305 266926.

MOONSTRUCK: Some of the cast of the Dorchester community play Spinning The Moon

BAA! GRRR! We are the angry sheep

A drama group formed nearly a century ago is gearing up for its next production from April 1315.

Weymouth Drama Club was formed in 1931 and has performed at many venues around the town, including the Burdon Hotel (now the Prince Regent), Weymouth Arts Centre (now Weymouth Town Council), The Nothe Fort, Portland Castle, The Verne and their own Warehouse Theatre.

Their next show All My Sons by Arthur Miller is due to be performed at The Bay Theatre, Weymouth College.

The group has staged plays every year since 1932, except in the war years and during the height of the pandemic.

They started performing large-scale pantomimes in 1978 and have reached the final of the All England One Act Play Festival three times.

The club has recently taken part in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Stages festival and

n The story of All My Sons concerns the fortunes of the Keller and Deever families. During the war, Joe Keller and Herbert Deever ran a machine shop which made aeroplane parts. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out defective parts, causing the deaths of many men. Keller, however, went free and made a lot of money. The twin shadows of this

Miller’s tale next up on drama club’s to-do list

some of its members have appeared as extras in film and television.

The club’s junior section, The Curtain Raisers, was formed in 1982 and today there are about 60 members.

In 1992, after many years rehearsing in various pubs and church hall, and holding meetings in members’ homes, the club was able to buy its own premises, with support from the National Lottery,

catastrophe and the fact that the young Keller son was reported missing during the war dominate the action. The love affair of Chris Keller and Ann Deever, the bitterness of George Deever returned from war to find his father in prison and his father’s partner free, are all set in a structure of almost unbearable power. The climax showing the reactions of a son to his

the foundation for Sport and the Arts and the local council. They converted a disused brewery warehouse into a studio theatre, housing props, scenery and costumes. The club is now a charity. The club puts on about five shows a year. Membership is open to all, and all plays have open auditions. Learn more at weymouthdramaclub.com or email Simon_Raynes @msn.com

guilty father is a fitting conclusion to a play which is electrifying in its intensity.

The play is set in the USA in the fifties, but as with many great plays it has great relevance to our time and place.

The show is on at The Bay Theatre, Weymouth College at 7.30pm on Thursday, April 13 to Saturday, April 15.

Tickets are available from weymouth dramaclub. com and cost £15. There will be an interval and a bar.

A whopping great line-up of events featuring singers, paranormal investigators, herbalists and environmental experts has been chalked up for this year’s Cerne Giant Festival.

Running from April 15 to May 8, the first day of the festival will begin at 10am with Wild Brew! The Making of the Beltane Brew, in which herbalist Eleanor Gallia will lead foragers around Lower Barton Farm gathering spring herbs to be used in brewing workshops that afternoon.

The morning’s forage, including homemade soup and a roll, is £15. The all-day event, including the afternoon brewing, is £20. Those getting involved are urged to wear ‘appropriate’ shoes and clothes and to bring secateurs. No dogs will be allowed as there is livestock on the hill.

From 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Cerne Abbas Brewery, Eleanor will explain how she prepares herbs for brewing, before people take turns tossing them into the wort (pre-brew liquid) as it is heated in copper pots. The afternoon event alone costs £7.50 to attend, including half a pint of beer.

People can join in free guided meditations at St Mary’s Church in Cerne Abbas on April 16 from 3pm - donations will be welcomed.

On April 19, one of Britain’s

Review: Noughts And Crosses

The Lighthouse Theatre, Poole By Diana Holman

The theatre was packed for the opening night of the Pilot Theatre’s presentation of Noughts and Crosses.

Adapted from the book of the same name by Malorie

DRAMATIC: Rob Tripp, Poppy Hardwicke and Charlie Westlake in rehearsals for All My Sons

most highly regarded writers on the environment, Michael McCarthy, will lead a talk called Seeing All Britain’s 58 Butterfly Species in One Summer from 7pm at St Mary’s Church. Mr McCarthy is a former environmental correspondent for The Times and was later the environmental editor for The Independent. Tickets are £7 to include a glass of wine or a soft drink.

Paranormal investigator Matt Arnold will lead an event called Encountering Ghosts: Storytelling Bring and Share from 2pm to 4pm on April 21 at St Mary’s Church. Tickets start at £7, including a glass of wine or a soft drink. On April 22, there will be a discussion called Ghosts: Breaking Open Ancient Wells in the Bible from 10am

Blackman, it is a powerfully written and strongly played story of racism, division and tragedy, and of youth, innocence and growing up. A tender teenage kiss between Sephy (Effie Ansah) and Callum (James Arden) that goes a little bit wrong sets the

to noon at St Mary’s Church. Organiser Matt promises an exploration of depictions of ghosts in early JudeoChristian texts.

Tickets are £8, including coffee on arrival and during the break with soup and a roll at the end.

A Drumming and Singing Workshop will be held at St Mary’s Church from 3pm to 5pm on April 23. Songwriter Magdalena Atkinson – lead singer of Magdalena and the Mystical Birds – will lead a workshop where people can choose how much they want to join in by either listening, singing or playing an instrument. Tickets £5 for ages 8 to 17 and £10 for adults, including refreshments. On April 26, retired stained glass artist and lecturer John Drabik will lead a talk called

theme for this Romeo and Juliet tragedy. The story takes place in an alternative universe where, instead of Europe colonising other parts of the world, people from Africa colonised Europe. Sephy is a prime minister’s daughter from the

Dorset Churches: A Stained Glass Journey Through Time from 7pm at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £7, including a glass of wine or a soft drink.

On April 27, there will be a Drink to Dorset quiz testing people’s knowledge of their county from 5.30pm to 7pm at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £5, including a drink. Professor Veronica Strang will deliver a talk about water deities from around the world at 7pm on April 28 at St Mary’s Church. Tickets for Water Beings: From Nature Worship to the Environmental Crises are £7, including a drink. Band Tatterdemalion will provide the music at the Coronation Ceilidh at St Mary’s Church from 7pm to 10pm on April 29. Tickets are

powerful black family of Crosses, and Callum is from the Noughts, an impoverished white family, and is the son of a dangerous Nought agitator. Their desire to be together threatens family loyalties and sparks a political crisis. The dramatic set design with

£7 for adults and £3 for children.

Sir Jeremy Mackenzie, who has more than 60 years’ fishing experience, will lead a class on How to Cast a Fly in Vicarage Field from 2pm to 4pm on April 30. Tickets start at £5 and all equipment is provided.

Also taking place at the same time and place will be a riverflies safari, teaching people how to monitor the health of a river by catching and identifying invertebrates. Tickets start at £5. On May Day there will be a Wessex Morris procession and dancing by the Royal Oak at roughly 6.15am followed by a short celebration of the season in the Celtic tradition at the Silver Well at about 7.30am. Organisers say people of all faiths or none are welcome. On May 5, former government advisor and industrial sustainability advocate Richard Gueterbock will give a talk called Rural Decarbonisation: Global Issues and Local Solutions from 7pm at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £7. Rounding out the mammoth festival on May 8 will be the Minterne Spring Fair, featuring a fun dog show, classic cars and a range of stalls. Entry is £8 for adults with proceeds going to the RNLI and Minterne Church.

n Cerne Giant Festival tickets are available via Facebook and Eventbrite and at cernegiantfestival.org

unusual colours and a simple abstract space was skilfully created by designer Simon Kenny. The story was dramatically portrayed by a very strong cast, and received enormous appreciation from its audience, many of whom gave them a standing ovation.

W h a t ’s t h a t c o m i n g o v e r t h e h i l l . . .

I s i t a G i a n t f e s t i v a l ?

Developer paid lip service to residents

Firstly, I’d like to say how much I look forward to each new edition of the WDM! Thank you.

Today I write also as a resident of the Bridport area for over 60 years (I shall be 93 this week), Four weeks ago, the developers whose contractors destroyed an ancient hedgerow and felled several mature trees held a (sort of) exhibition/ getting to know you/this is what we are bringing to Bridport at Bridport Town Hall.

I feel that far from allaying fears the outcome has had the opposite effect.

There were about half a dozen A-boards with information, but being so displayed meant only a couple of people at a time could see each.

There were several people there to answer questions. The only way to identify them was to linger near a group and hope to work out who was offering information, ie no identification lanyard or similar.

As I mentioned I am almost 93 and like to sit down as much as I can! So I was unable to linger on my feet for very long. But eventually I got the attention of a young man and asked him what I thought were not unreasonable questions. How many off-road parking spaces will there be, I asked. “I don’t know exactly.”

What is the time frame for replacing the hedgerow and when is it expected to reach maturity? “I don’t know.”

When do you expect the first houses to be offered for sale?

“Summer 2024.”

How many? “About 50 or 60.” So that’s about 15 per cent?

“Oh no, not that many. Oh, I

don’t know. I haven’t done the maths. I only started yesterday...”

He was perfectly pleasant and obviously felt uncomfortable. I asked him if he could find the answers to these and a couple of other questions and he took an email address and assured me he would get the answers as a priority. Four weeks later – nothing.

I very strongly feel the developers are treating the people of Bridport with contempt – the meanness of the display, the untrained staff to answer questions and that’s before I mention (again!) the destruction of the hedgerow and the habitat therein.

Norman Saunders-White, Bridport

I refer to your article featuring the Tolpuddle Martyrs in your February edition.

The trial and sentencing of the 6 labourers were legal, although very unfairly

conducted with the magistrates and jury specially selected from landowners and farmers. As stated in the article there was a public outcry at the sentences imposed. This resulted in the London Dorset Committee being formed, which organised demonstrations and raised funds for the wives and families of the transported labourers who had been refused Parish Relief. (On the labourers’ return to England there was enough money to purchase leases on two farms in Essex for them.)

Whilst the public outcry raised awareness of the injustices of the men’s trial it was not the main reason for their free pardon. The free pardon was granted because of Royalty and members of the establishment being involved in swearing illegal oaths (which is what the Tolpuddle men were convicted of).

King William IV’s brother, the

Duke of Cumberland, was Grand Master of Orange Lodges with over 200,000 members, many of whom were politicians and members of the upper echelons of society. The subject of illegal oaths was brought up in Parliament and in newspapers. In July 1835 there was a debate in the House about Orange Lodges and the swearing of illegal oaths and John Hume brought up the case of the Tolpuddle labourers. After further debates, petitions and even a letter from the King, Lord John Russell announced a free pardon for the Tolpuddle men on March 4, 1936, thereby avoiding the possible arrest etc of the prince and his fellow Orangemen.

On their return to England the labourers went to the farms in Essex where they were at worst detested and reviled or at best misunderstood and feared. In 1844 the Lovelesses and Brine emigrated to Canada followed by the Standfields in 1846. In Canada they did not tell anyone about their past and they became stalwarts of their new community. It was only after they had all passed away that their story was made public in Canada.

I feel that little is known about the involvement of Parliament and royalty and think it important that this aspect is known and in view of recent events one wonders if much has changed.

Janet Johnson, Tolpuddle

Dear Miranda, I’m really surprised at the grammar mistake in your column. You should always put the other

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

at ‘information’ event with no details

person first, which you did, but if she wasn’t there you then become ME. TSK TSK!!

Daphne Patrick, Yeovil

You are absolutely right! Oh dear... I think I rewrote the sentence then forgot to amend. I am off to give myself 50 lashes!

Thank you for having the courage to print a letter that dares to challenge the ‘groupthink’ on climate change. So often any of us who agree with the letter get shouted down as not listening to ‘the science’ when in fact true science is constantly open to challenge. I believe it was Einstein who said that even if hundreds agreed with him it only required one to prove him wrong. The true pollution of the planet comes not from CO2 but from all the plastic, sewage, etc. etc that is dumped everywhere, often as a byproduct of all the solar panels, windmills etc, and that’s before consideration is given to the spoliation of vast areas of the world in pursuit of the rare earth metals required. I suppose it will require the next ice age to bring us to our senses?

Tim Tarling, Bridport

In your March issue you included an article on HMS Glowworm. My father served on her with his brother Edwin. They joined the navy at the same time – Albert was 18 and Edwin 20. They were not twins as stated in your magazine.

Veronica Harris (nee Harris)

In his denial of man-made climate change Robert Theobold (letters, March)

correctly informs us that carbon dioxide is the chemical that feeds the world via photosynthesis, but you can have too much of a good thing. There is now too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and unless we do something about controlling the concentration large parts of the earth will become uninhabitable as a result of global warming. Mr Theobold is correct that climate change has taken place throughout the history of the earth, but it is currently occurring up to 50 times faster than the most rapid changes seen in the past. Ice core analysis has shown that for the 800,000 years leading up to the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere never exceeded 300 parts per million (ppm). Since then it has risen to 420 ppm today. He is correct that ice core data indicates that in the past rises in temperature have preceded rises in carbon dioxide. He mistakenly claims that this proves that carbon dioxide cannot therefore be the cause of climate change. What these observations actually demonstrate is that the solubility of carbon dioxide in water decreases as temperature increases so it is released into the atmosphere from the oceans and permafrost following a rise in temperature.

There are many other incorrect interpretations of the data bandied around by man-made climate change deniers. They are dangerous, because some may appear to be convincing to those who do not follow the science closely and it may lead them to think that they do not

need to take the problem seriously.

The overwhelming scientific consensus is that the climate problem we currently face is real, serious and we have caused it. The good news is that we know what to do about it, but the challenge is enormous and climate change denial isn’t helping. If we are to succeed it will require political will, international cooperation and personal commitment by us all. The omens for success are currently not good. There may well be too many vested interests pulling in different directions for us to be successful. Ultimately, we may just be too selfish to save ourselves.

Dr Gordon Lethbridge, Sherborne

At a packed meeting in the Town Hall in Dorchester organised by Stand it was made abundantly clear that the present Conservative Dorset Council seemed to be set on the policy of building 4,000+ new homes on land above the water meadows to the north of the town and to transform the small parish of Stinsford with a possible increase in population from the current 325 to something in the region of 14,000, regardless of concerns about the literary importance and heritage of its associations, the practical consequences with regard to water demands, the huge increase in the number of cars to be accommodated, the extra need for parking in town (where?), and the need for new facilities – schools, shops, surgeries, sewage etc. But perhaps the most worrying

and significant information imparted at the meeting was that the council was intending to delay any decision on a discussion of the proposal to go ahead with its plan until after the next local elections in 2024. Is this simply kicking the matter into the long grass? And why has there been no discussion to date, on the whole proposal with the local public and the planning authorities?

One of the key points made at the meeting was, yet again, the refusal to make major provision for affordable housing, especially for young families. Developers insist on their need to build larger and more expensive housing, simply because it is more profitable for them. Likewise, the profit to be made by landowners. But as everyone knows, the need for affordable housing is greater now than at any time since the end of the war. Why, therefore, is it seemingly impossible for the Government to tackle the need? If it were possible then, why not now?

When I came to work and live in Dorset in the early 70s it was immediately apparent that Dorset was still remarkably feudal in its attitudes. One of the distinctive evidences of this was that only one of the many ‘great’ country houses was owned by the National Trust – Kingston Lacy – and this had only been left to the trust in the 60s.

It took six farm labourers from Tolpuddle to initiate a transformation of society in this county nearly 200 years ago.

Why is Dorset still dragging its heels now?

Furse Swann, Dorchester

Constituency issues

with West Dorset MP Chris Loder

Lots of good news for West Dorset area

n I met with students at Sherborne School to speak about life as an MP and what Parliament can do. It was also an honour for me to open the new Cam Vale Community Hall in Longburton –something I worked on as a district councillor for the area nearly 10 years ago! Huge congratulations to all those who have worked so hard.

n Chancellor Jeremy Hunt read his new Budget. He has made clear our economy has been far more resilient than many expected. Indeed, many had predicted a recession early this year, which the Chancellor has fended off with diligence and care.

n West Dorset will benefit significantly from many of the announcements made.

Politics

Firstly, he announced a multimillion-pound package for pothole repairs. Of that, Dorset will receive £2.9 million. Secondly, 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged from 9 months to 4 years old. Fuel duty will remain frozen to keep prices down as much as possible. The Energy Price Guarantee will also be kept until July. Pubs across West Dorset will be granted a more level playing field through the freeze on draught beer. This coincides with a rise in alcohol duty for products sold in supermarkets, making it on average 11p cheaper for a pint in your local pub than a supermarket. Our economy is 97% small and micro-sized

businesses in West Dorset. I petitioned the Chancellor to ringfence our small businesses from 25% corporation tax rate and that is what he has delivered with £250,000 profit being the threshold. My preference is that we continue a policy of lower taxation and whilst I consider these protections for small businesses a positive step, I will continue to make the case for tax reduction. n Some very positive news for our environment. It is simply not acceptable shareholders could receive hefty payments through water companies failing customers and failing the environment. After coordinating a substantial lobbying campaign, I was

delighted to hear that OFWAT have backed my calls and have announced new powers to link water company dividends with their environmental performance. It has now been confirmed that water companies will face unlimited fines for breaches. Water companies failing to protect our waterways cannot expect to splash the cash when it comes to paying dividends to their shareholders.

n Finally, the RMT has now accepted the pay offer from Network Rail. I will continue working hard to improve the service in West Dorset however, whenever and wherever I can. The train drivers union ASLEF is still in dispute.

Lib Dems will listen to farmers and help them flourish

Regrettably bad weather means the scheduled point-topoint at Chilfrome on 1st April is cancelled. Such a shame, as I was looking forward to it. Last year was gloriously sunny and both the ice-cream van and the beer tent were doing a roaring trade.

The point-to-point, like much of rural life, is at the whim of the weather. But it is not just the weather that has resulted in empty shelves in our supermarkets. West Dorset’s farmers and producers have been repeatedly stung by numerous ill-conceived policies over the past decade. The Conservatives have long claimed to be the party for farmers, the countryside and

By EDWARD MORELLO West Dorset LibDems

our rural traditions. Recent history has proved that is not the case. Right now times are extremely hard in the countryside.

Farmers have seen government subsidies cut while their costs have skyrocketed due to the Conservatives’ failure to control inflation.

Supermarkets continue to squeeze them on price, even while increasing the cost for shoppers. It’s a nightmare for both producers and consumers. Farmers have lost the ability to easily export to our nearest neighbours, whilst

simultaneously the Conservatives have signed away their competitive advantage (as well as our food standards) in trade deals with countries on the other side of the world.

Who’d be a farmer?

I am yet to meet a farmer who grew up wanting to farm solar panels, but the Government says they must diversify. For all of the talk about food security we refuse to discuss the true value of good quality, locally produced food. We have amazing food producers here in West Dorset. They are also the custodians of our stunning landscape. It is time they felt supported.

Over the coming weeks I’ll be

meeting with local farmers, businesses, and the NFU. I’m going to listen to what they need, not tell them what to do. Then we are going to get it for them. They’ve had enough of being told and not heard! Hopefully the point-to-point at Chilfrome will be rescheduled soon. Fingers crossed for nice weather so we can all enjoy an ice-cream, and maybe a beer. But most of all so we can support our rural community. The Conservatives are no longer the party of the countryside. There is an alternative. I want West Dorset to know that the Liberal Democrats will help make sure our farmers and rural economy flourish. It’s time for change.

Is it right our utilities should be profit making?

Our MP has claimed in the local press that he has “secured a major victory on holding water companies to account on their environmental performance and dividends to shareholders”. From my perspective the solution isn’t simply about holding these companies ‘to account’, it’s that they should not be a ‘for profit’ company in the first place! The delivery of clean drinking water to our homes and the safe disposal of our sewage is a basic human need, an essential public service, and should in the hands of publicly owned and run organisations. The raison d’etre of any private company is to make money for their shareholders. Their

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

service delivery is simply a means to this end. Another essential human need is energy to keep our homes warm. Here the situation is even worse. As world energy wholesale costs have soared, and we worry about finding the money to pay for our rising energy bills, British Gas owner Centrica has reported record profits. Their operating profits for the recent financial year were a staggering £3.3 billion, up from a meagre £948 million the previous year! These profits will be used to pay shareholders dividends far in excess of any work they may have done for the

public good, and to pay obscenely high salaries to their senior executives. The real problem here is our economic model, the belief that the main purpose of our economy is growth, and that the best way to achieve this is through a free market. This model is founded on the belief that the profits from our water and energy companies will somehow filter down to us all and improve our lives. This model is clearly wrong; it mainly improves the lives of the shareholders and senior executives of our large corporations. There is an alternative way to model our economy, one that was the recent subject of Radio 4’s The Moral Maze. Asking the question ‘Is growth a false God?’

this programme explored what has become known as a ‘wellbeing economy’. Rather than measuring our economic success in terms of economic growth, this alternative way of modelling our economy focuses instead on various measurements of our wellbeing, for example the extent to which everyone has access to warm and secure housing, the extent to which people have access to medical services, and the extent our rivers and seas are free from human sewage. Rather than money or wealth being the end we seek it is simply relegated to its rightful place as the means to the end – the end becoming instead human flourishing.

Let’s show the young we care with policy changes

At a recent very well attended meeting, organised by campaigners against the North of Dorchester development, a young woman put her hand up to speak. I was sure she was going to accuse the mostly middleaged and older audience of nimbyism for protesting the proposed 4,000 homes. Instead she said the fields and water meadows were vitally important to her and her friends for walking, horse riding and generally for their mental health and wellbeing and that they would be devastated to lose this precious space. Later, thinking about what this brave young woman said I remembered that I too have walked those same fields and river paths at some of the

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

most challenging times of my life, gaining strength and perspective from that contact with nature and wide-open space.

We are lucky to have this on our doorstep and we must safeguard it for children and young people who are facing a bleaker future than we did at their age. They need homes, too.

We find ourselves in the midst of a rental crisis where rents in West Dorset and Weymouth have increased by almost 20 per cent in the last two years. However, 4,000 private market houses on green fields is not the solution; analysis of the

housing register shows the greatest need is for one or two-bedroomed homes and when private sector rents are 50 per cent of average incomes, many just can’t afford to live here at all or are reluctantly living with parents. Social housing for social rents should be our number one priority. Dorset councillors are blindly sticking to grossly overinflated government housing targets while retirement flats sit empty, the former Dorchester Prison is land banked by developers, and every former council-owned building is turned into luxury flats far beyond the reach of most local people. No wonder there’s a crisis of mental health amongst children and young people, it feels like

those in power don’t care about their future. We need to see some decisive action from Dorset Council:

n Start investing in social housing for social rents, smaller scale developments such as the proposed 80 affordable homes in Broadmayne.

n Audit potential brownfield sites in our towns and villages for development.

n Allow change of use of shops and other buildings. Bring in a use it or lose it policy to stop land banking. n Work with community land trusts.

n Bring in increased council tax for second homes and empty homes.

n Call on government to bring in rent controls and landlord licensing.

THIS IS THE PAGE TO ADVERTISE ON!

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku

Pro:

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

Cryptic Crossword

Across

6 It’susedonbedoftheFrenchdoctor (5)

7 Detectivewithfineuniversitylecturer, attractivetype (6)

9 DiaryMPcomposedasasolidfigure (7)

10 Markplacefornotes? (5)

11 Resolutioninclub (4)

13 Sonwithmiserablejournalistgetsdelayed (6)

15 Groupsofplayersinsheds (5)

16 AshinymetalwornbyEuropeanthat’svery traditional (3-3)

17 IrritabilityfrombishoponFrenchisland (4)

20 ConsumesometimeatUpminster (3,2)

22 Drivesshownbygolferfacedby competition (7)

23 Loweroneselfhavingtroublearoundfoot overlookingarea (6)

24 HostilefigurestirredupYemen (5)

Brain chain (Hard version)

20

RESULT +11×4-105+119+50%

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

Down

1 Envoyfreewithoutfellowtoworkforall (8)

2 Impressionmadebyreveredfigure,a politician (5)

3 Verytinyduchy’slimits?It’sinsignificant (5)

4 Containers,onesthatoperateatsea? (7)

5 Elementofgrandeurovercoin (4)

6 CupI’ddealtoutiscopied (10)

8 Provokesleadersofsomeleftistyouthsin unnecessaryfashion (10)

12 Wifeoveradaygettingbundle (3)

13 Remainavoidingafilthyplace (3)

14 Additiveforcoffee?SmallamountFrenchman rejected (8)

15 Cutoffperson,swiftmover (7)

18 Extentofclimb (5)

19 Arabreceivingawardinyellowishcolour (5)

21 Musicalinstrumentneighbour’stakenup (4)

Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES is based in Wyke Regis. He’s been freelance for nearly 15 years, including work with Dorset Growth Hub, helping to support and train hundreds of small business owners.

Don’t let FOMO take control

Oh No it’s FOMO

FOMO. Fear of missing out. This can be a big deal for business owners –particularly right now, with the digital revolution crackling around us. Every day there’s a new app, a new technique, a new solution to the challenge of running a small business as efficiently and costeffectively as possible. Almost without exception, these innovations are digital. Right now, most of them seem to feature AI – artificial intelligence. If just the mention of those two words sets your head spinning with confusion about what it means for your business, you’re far from alone. This article isn’t about AI. It’s about that much bigger issue

made me feel that as a business owner, I was being irresponsible by not paying the hefty fee to attend. It promised that AI was about to change my life. In just 12 months it will either seriously damage my business, or make me a lot of money. Attending this event could make or break my future.

This invitation is appealing to FOMO. If I don’t go, I’ll be missing out.

There’s no doubt that AI is already changing how we work and do business. There may be real benefits in going along to learn more.

responding to these messages. They didn’t want to miss out.

is usually unsustainable. When you run a business, you can’t ignore change. If new tools, new trends and new products are going to put your competitors way ahead, you can’t afford to miss out.

FOMO

When FOMO is bad for business

Every day I receive invitations like this one, not just about AI. Through social media and email I’m inundated with promotions for events, apps and books that could transform my business.

Perhaps their biggest lesson was that these can all be a massive distraction from getting business done. Putting time and energy into the basics is usually more valuable than chasing after today’s hot solution. When FOMO is good for business

Which means some FOMO is good. It helps you stay in touch with your industry and your market. It keeps you inquisitive and informed. This is the FOMO to cultivate. Do it by being wise about what you listen to and read. About who you speak to and learn from.

The other day I received an invitation to a big event about AI for business. It was a long invitation – several pages. It

Each invite could provoke FOMO. I know people who, in their early days of business, spent a lot of money and time by

Do you know a business where time has stood still? There are a few around –often as quaint shops where nothing has changed for decades.

They’re rare, because running a business that way

This FOMO doesn’t provoke anxiety, sleepless nights or the rush to sign up for something (often expensive) because of, well, FOMO. Stay in control of change. Don’t let fear of change take control of you. SAVE

Why choose print advertising?

Does print advertising still work, in this day and age? Surely, a quick post on Facebook will be cheaper and get to the right people? Well… Figures show advertising in the right publication is a good investment for many businesses.

More than double the numbers of people trust what they read in local publications than trust what they read on social media. And they are much more likely

to absorb your message in print – our readers are more engaged than those scrolling through countless posts. They will remember you, through our advertising and features.

The West Dorset Magazine offers the best penetration in this area, with an estimated 70,000 readers from Portland to Lyme Regis, up to Sherborne. Give us a call, on 01305 566336 or email advertising@ westdorsetmag.co.uk

FULL & PART TIME CAFÉ ASSISTANTS

£10-£11 per hour

We’re looking for energetic and vibrant individuals with top notch customer service skills to work in a lakeside café in Litton Cheney. You'll be the face of Litton Lakes, greeting visitors when they arrive, preparing quality food and drink and delivering excellent service.

Requirements:

n Aged 17+ n Full UK driving licence and car

n Confident, polite and helpful n Reliable and punctual n Ability to think on your feet and stay calm under pressure n Ability to deliver first class customer service n Sense of humour

Visit littonlakes.co.uk for more info or email your CV and availability to littonlakes@hotmail.com

Get involved with trust

The team behind West Bay Discovery Centre and Bridport’s LSi building are seeking trustees to help improve social, economic, and cultural opportunities. Bridport Area Development Trust is a very active group improving educational and business outcomes in the town and surrounding parishes and benefiting the community. It is

also involved in shaping the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan. The trust is looking for several trustees – one for social media, one for grants and funding, one with legal experience and one with IT skills. Trustees are appointed for three years and work about two or three hours a week. Email mail@bridportadt.org.uk to express interest.

Business & recruitment

Good rates of pay for town centre bar staff

A social club which has seen its membership grow to around 1,000 people is looking for bar staff.

Experienced bar staff are needed at Dorchester’s Trinity Club.

Good rates of pay are on offer. Committee member Ian Titterington said: “We had an increase in members after the pandemic. We’re doing well.

“A few people never rejoined after covid, but ever since I’ve found myself putting a list of people forward for acceptance at each committee meeting. “Now we have over 1,000 members and have a stable market.”

The club’s regular darts, pool and skittles leagues keep them busy during the week, while

cash bingo on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays always proves popular. The committee also hosts a few gigs during the year, with the next being Elton John tribute Martin Cox and Elvis tribute Craig Jefferson on Saturday, April 29.

Ian said: “People come along for the gigs and some come and join the club. It’s still quite cheap here. I think we’ve done pretty well after the pandemic –we’ve made people welcome and provided a familyorientated environment.”

Membership is £5 a year, but non-members can enjoy the Wednesday bingo (2pm).

To apply for the bar staff posts email dorchtrinityclub@gmail.com or call Debbie on 07833 155221.

THE LAW COLUMN

Fire safety, your business and the law

Lisa Pharaoh is the West of Dorset’s only qualified and registered Mediator with the Civil Mediation Council

Fire safety legislation was reformed in October 2006 by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It applies to commercial buildings and residential blocks of flats but excludes single private dwellings. UK Fire Services ensure that the Fire Safety Order is complied with and where necessary, prosecute employers, occupiers, and owners

(responsible persons) for numerous fire safety offences.

Following the Grenfell Tower enquiry, additional duties have been placed upon responsible persons under The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. These duties include regular checks of fire doors, front doors to flats and external wall system surveys. A Fire Service may serve Alterations Notices that prevent changes being made to a building, Enforcement Notices that require remedial safety works to be undertaken

within a specified timescale and Prohibition Notices that prevent a building or part of a building from being used until specified works have been completed. The notices that are served by Fire Services may be appealed through the Magistrates Court where a

responsible person can show that they have been incorrectly served, are too onerous or are not proportionate to the risks identified and so on.

Introducing Angus: as an exfire safety enforcement manager turned advanced paralegal, he has specific expertise in the field of fire safety. Working as part of the Pharaoh Law team, Angus can provide advice if you believe that you have been unfairly served a notice or where you conflict with a Fire Service and the requirements that they seek to impose upon you.

Win is so sweet for Honey’s Cameron

By Andrew Diprose of dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Never has success tasted sweeter.

Cameron Small, Managing Director of Honey Asset Finance, admitted feeling overwhelmed after his company scored a hat-trick at yesterday’s Dorchester Business Awards.

The 23-year-old was named Overall Winner and also Young Entrepreneur of the Year while Honey Asset Finance was declared B2B Business of the Year.

Cameron, who co-founded the business with his father, Guy, when he was just 18, said: “I feel overwhelmed but over the moon.

“These are the first, proper awards where we’ve won something and it’s just fantastic.”

Fellow Director, Guy, pictured left, who accompanied his son to the awards, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what he’s done.

The West Dorset Magazine won another award!

We were named New Business of the Year at the Dorchester and Poundbury Business Awards.

We are incredibly grateful to Marketing West for the opportunity.

Its MD Nigel Reeve, 70, for whom it was his 18th awards ceremony, said: “I got very frustrated at the negativity in the national media and wanted to do something to boost local businesses. The first, in Bridport was such a success it’s now become a business in its own right.”

“Cameron has led the business from the start.

“He’s built a brand, brought the traditional values of old fashioned customer service and ensures that every client is seen face to face.

“That, in today’s market, makes the big difference.”

More than 70 people attended the awards ceremony held at The King’s Arms in Dorchester.

The 14 winners ranged from

the Shire Hall Museum and coffee and meetings hub, Pips Poundbury, to The West Dorset Magazine and Jordans Jewellers. There was a tie for Independent Business of the Year with both Basilico and Dodgsons of Dorchester declared winners.

Host Nigel Reeve, of organisers MW Events, told guests: “The businesses here today – local businesses – are

the backbone of the UK economy.

“Whether they’re large or small, local businesses are what drives that economy.

“Areas with a strong local business presence are successful and prosperous.

“They generate employment, innovate, come up with ideas, boost the local economy and open new markets.”

Cllr Janet Hewitt, Mayor of Dorchester, who presented the winners with their framed certificates, said: “I’m very passionate about business because you are the backbone of our town.

“We owe a lot to Dorchester businesses so thank you very much for all you do for the community.

“It’s so important.”

Headline sponsor for the awards is ActionCOACH.

DorsetBizNews is proud to be the county-wide Media Partner for the 14 awards organised by MW Events across Dorset. dandpbusinessawards.co.uk

(Bird Media).

Excellence in Customer Service: Meraki Poundbury. Retail Business of the Year: Jordans Jewellers.

Young Entrepreneur: Cameron Small, Honey Asset Finance.

Family Business of the Year: Sprint Digital Print.

Café, Pub, Casual Dining: Pavilion in the Park (PIP), Poundbury.

All the winners

Best Use of Digital Innovation: Shire Hall Museum.

Independent Business of the Year: Dodgsons of Dorchester.

Independent Business of the Year: Basilico.

Green/Eco Business of the Year: The Rhubarb Candle Company.

New Business of the Year: The West Dorset Magazine

Best Place to Work: Purple Office.

B2B Business of the Year: Honey Asset Finance Ltd. Health, Beauty & Fitness: The Highbrow Skin & Laser Clinic.

Cameron and Guy Small from Honey Asset Finance with Mayor Janet Hewitt and James Hart from Purple Office Pictures by Paul Collins/PC Visuals

Family business going from strength to strength

A windows and shutters company has become a real family affair after a second generation joined them in the business.

Mark Sherratt, 40, started Lighthouse Windows aged 27, after working for The Window Man for a number of years and deciding to branch out on his own.

His wife Michelle, 50, launched Lighthouse Shutters in 2020 after working in family law for 14 years. Now her son Elliott, 23, has joined Lighthouse, dividing his time between installing windows and shutters.

Michelle said: “I think it was quite an achievement for Mark, starting a business at 27. He’s done so well, building up from one team of installers to four.

“I became interested in plantation shutters when I moved to an ex-council flat and I know shutters would transform the look of the place. But I couldn’t find a local firm that could do what I

wanted, so I went to a national firm and I was so disappointed with what I got.

“It was a few years before I started Lighthouse Shutters, but I knew I wanted to be very hands on and get to know customers well and give them a good idea of what could be achieved.”

With an eight to ten-week lead time for making the shutters, Michelle knows any mistakes could be critical.

She said: “Shutters have to be

made to measure, so there’s only one chance to get it right. I make sure the measurements are right to minimise the chance of any problems, and I’m there when the shutters are installed.

“I give people time to consider my quotes as it is an

investment. But they are very popular with AirBnBs and with people from the cities and they are growing in popularity from there – people go on holiday and love the shutters, and when they come back they call me.”

Mark’s arm of the business has the exclusive rights to use Truframe windows – the highest rated windows you can find.

Michelle said: “He’s going from strength to strength because he’s so knowledgeable. He can advise on planning permission and building regs to make everything easier for customers.”

Michelle takes time to find the right solution for customers too, whether that’s hardwood or MDF and finding a way to achieve symmetry even in the wonkiest windows.

“Symmetry is everything, inside and out,” she said. Go to lighthouseshutters.co.uk or lighthousewindows.co.uk or call 01305 786786.

Restaurant scoops top gong against 450 entries

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

They’ve done it again!

Les Enfants Terribles has been crowned Business of the Year at WeyPort (Weymouth & Portland) Business Awards.

The seafood restaurant’s success came a year after it was named Restaurant of the Year at the 2022 awards – and overall Business of the Year in 2021.

Now in its eighth year, Les Enfants Terribles is owned by chef Eric Tavernier and his wife Joanna.

It was among 13 businesses and individuals

winning awards at this year’s lunchtime ceremony, held at Weymouth College. Framed certificates were presented by Weymouth Mayor Cllr Ann Weaving and Cllr Pete Roper, Mayor of Portland.

This year’s WeyPort Business Awards saw a record number of entries and nominations.

More than 450 were received since the awards were launched in October last year.

Nigel Reeve, of the organisers MW Events, said: “Entries and

nominations were coming in daily.

“We expected around 250 but we underestimated the interest.

“It seems a number of members of the business community promoted the awards to all their contacts

and those contacts spread the word even further.

“It created its own momentum.

“I’d like to thank all involved for such a great effort.

“It just shows what can be achieved.”

IN THE FRAME: Elliott, Michelle and Mark at their display in Goulds Garden Centre and right, one of the bespoke shutters they have installed

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The headteacher of a West Dorset secondary school has raised over £1,700 for a cancer support charity, by arranging a training afternoon at the British Bobsleigh Launch Centre at Bath University, home to the British bobsleigh team who won silver at the World Championships earlier this year.

Dan Watts, headmaster at Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis, arranged the Bobsleigh event to raise vital funds for Axminster and Lyme Regis Cancer Support (ALCS). The day featured 12 people launching down the track repeatedly, learning how to jump into the moving sled as quickly as possible. Dan donned the famous Jamaican team colours for the day, as featured in the 1993 film Cool Runnings. Dan said: “We wanted to have a fun day and raise money to support the charity. We have had a wonderful day, worked hard pushing the bobsleigh and managed to raise money to support an amazing charity. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the day a success.”

Kelsey Lawrence, the fundraising chairman of the charity was one of the 12 taking part on the day.

Kelsey said: “It is important that we continue to raise

How Cool is that? Head’s bobsleigh run nets £1.7k

funds to keep the activities of the charity going. I have really enjoyed today and thank Mr Watts for arranging the event and for his work with our charity.

Support and raise funds for us. We look forward to further events with him.”

The Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support charity aims to provide support for anyone living with and beyond cancer in our community, including relatives and carers. It provides information, support services and recently held a successful Let’s Talk About Cancer talk.

If anyone wishes to contribute to the fundraising, they can still sponsor Mr Watts at: localgiving.org/ fundraising/Watts Axminster and Lyme

Cancer Support exists to provide help and support to anyone affected by any cancer. Please see their website for full details of their services.

BOB’S YOUR UNCLE: The cancer charity fundraisers ready for action and, below, Dan Watts in Cool Runnings attire and, right, it’s not as easy as it looks

I’m all right, Jack! Club marks century

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Bridport Bowling Club is holding a number of special events throughout the season, to commemorate its 100 year anniversary.

In a busy spring and summer programme, the club will play host to invitational teams from Bowls England and Bowls Dorset in May and will hold a Centenary Day in August with an open invitation to former members to come and join in the anniversary celebrations. The club are delighted to welcome such esteemed opponents to help them commemorate the occasion. Men’s captain Neil Kennedy said: “We feel really privileged that Bowls England and Bowls Dorset are both sending teams to compete against our members. It’s a real feather in our caps and it’s fantastic that they are each finding time in their busy schedules to give us a game. I think it’s a reflection of our status as one of the oldest clubs in West Dorset, with one of the finest greens.

“In August, there will be a Centenary Celebration Day, which will be a chance for club members to get together, enjoy a game and socialise. Apart from the games there will be lasting legacies planned for the club that the members can benefit from for years to come.”

A local bowling club was first mooted in March 1921 at the AGM of the Bridport Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club, and it was agreed that a green would be laid at Brewery Field, now the site of Bridport Leisure

Monday, May 8

Saturday, May 13

Saturday, May 20

Saturday, May 27

Centre. The green was laid within a year at a cost of just £200, with Mr Heath duly appointed the first secretary of the Bowls Section. After initial practice games, members played their first friendly against the Railwaymens Athletic Association on the Corporation Green at Greenhill, where the newcomers were roundly beaten 52-25, before the club secured its first win in a home friendly against Rampisham. In the modern day, the club compete regularly in a number of leagues for both men and ladies, with upwards of 40 friendlies also played throughout the season against neighbouring clubs from Somerset and Devon. Bridport is always popular with touring teams and regularly host prestige friendlies between counties due to their impressive facilities and well-regarded green.

The club also has a reputation for being a friendly club, with a

TASTER DAYS 2023

12.00 noon to 2.00pm

10.00am – 12.00 noon

10.00am – 12.00 noon

10.00am – 12.00 noon

Please contact the club for details or just come along, have a try. The only stipulation is to wear suitable shoes, such as trainers or flat-soled shoes.

strong social aspect to the matches. Neil said: “It has been known for us to have a good old sing song after a match, and we like to think we’re a very hospitable bunch, with members often staying behind after games sitting idly on the veranda enjoying a drink and a laugh. “Bowls may have been seen as being a bit stuffy, but we are not alone in moving away from that image. Bridport is known to be a very welcoming and friendly club and there are many passersby who press their faces up against the gates, peering in on match days wondering what goes on beyond them.”

Like many other clubs, the pandemic has been a challenging hurdle. Neil said: “Covid played a significant part in the club’s ability to operate during 2020. “However we managed to come through it with some good

fundraising and grant approval sourced by the club’s diligent Treasurer and the generosity of its members who still paid their membership or part of it to contribute to the clubs survival.” The club are always open to new members and are running several taster sessions in May, where residents of Bridport and surrounding villages can come and try out the game in a very relaxed, inviting and jovial way. These taster sessions will be run over four consecutive weekends in May commencing with the Bank Holiday Monday of the Coronation. Anyone interested are encouraged to come along and try the game for themselves, meet the members and no doubt be pleasantly surprised what the game of bowls can offer in both health and socialising to the point that hopefully they will want to become a part of it.

qêó=çìíÇççê=Äçïäë=~í Bridport Bowls Club

FREE two-hour taster sessions: Mon, May 8 2pm4pm, Sat, May 13 10am-12, Sat, May 20 10am-12, Sat, May 27, 10am-12. No experience necessary

01308 480930

GREEN PARTY: Bridport Bowls Club boasts a lovely setting, perfect in the summer months

Build it and people will come: Here’s

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The President of Martinstown Cricket Club has been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about the club’s latest recruitment drive as they look to continue their legacy of developing bright young talent.

John O’Brien, together with Jim Godding, was instrumental in bringing back cricket to Martinstown in 1988, and the move to their current rural home at Winterborne Monkton. In a nod to the Kevin Costner’s 1989 baseball film, John is keen to welcome the next

generation of players and visitors to their own Field of Dreams.

John said: “We are so proud of what we’ve achieved at Martinstown but the hard work goes on and we always want more people to come and join us, whether they’re players, volunteers or

supporters. It really is our field of dreams, and as the film says ‘if you build it, people will come’. We can certainly guarantee them a great welcome.

“We’re really close to Poundbury, and would love to see more people come from there. It’s not a bad way to spend time –

come out for a stroll, have a drink in the Brewers Arms, and be involved in this wonderful game of ours.

“We are always looking for people to come and join the real MCC, particularly children. We have a fantastic tradition of fostering young talent and turning some of them into great cricketers. We have put a call out for more junior coaches to be involved too. We have the ECB Clubmark accreditation and would love some more people to come and help out.

“I’ve definitely seen a drop in numbers getting involved over the years. I don’t really know why,

Pengillys are pleased to support Martinstown Cricket Club

pengillys.co.uk

HOWZAT? An MCC XI were the visitors for Martinstown's opening fixture in 2000

the real MCC’s own Field of Dreams

maybe because of social media and other interests. I wonder if the prospect of injury puts some off youngsters too.”

Martinstown have risen up through the divisions, largely owing to the development of their youngsters, and, after a mixed campaign in 2022, can look forward to another season in Dorset’s top flight.

Since they moved to their current home in 1999, club members have worked hard to improve facilities at the ground, dedicating countless hours of time to the cause. Ahead of their opening game against an MCC invitational XI, club members and village

volunteers had levelled the five-acre site, improved the drainage and built a pavilion. Improvements are an ongoing process and John is conscious of the need to continually improve the facilities. John said: “It has been discussed that the League may introduce certain

Pub backing village sport

The owner of the local pub, The Brewers Arms, spoke to us about their relationship with Martinstown, and the important role that the community plays in grass roots sport across West Dorset.

Ben and Leanne Carter bought the freehold of the Brewers Arms in 2016 and have fostered strong links with the club.

Ben said: “We see the cricket as being an integral part of village life and love welcoming the team to our pub after a game.

“We created an outdoor bar area which the club use, and which is also popular with football and rugby teams who come and see us. It’s great to have a positive, symbiotic relationship with these clubs.”

Two of the couple’s three children play for Martinstown.

Ben said: “It helps that I’ve

always enjoyed cricket, but my eldest two certainly love the game, and our three-year-old is showing some early signs of interest too.”

Oldest son Noah, 12, features for Martinstown U13s and U15s and has also been part of Western Thunder’s title-winning team in Dorset’s Indoor Cricket U12s. Noah has also impressed at county level and is part of the Dorset Academy setup. Younger brother, Joss, 10, is a talented leg spinner with a style that Ben likens to former England bowler, Paul Adams.

Ben said: “Noah is shaping up to be a good all-rounder and has really improved as a pace bowler.

He took 7-3 in one match for Martinstown last season, just keeping it on the top of off stump, like all good bowlers should!”

criteria for Premier clubs. “Things like electronic scoreboards, minimum boundary lengths, grass wickets rather than artificial. This may mean that membership of the top flight will be restricted to the larger towns, as some smaller clubs won’t be able to comply. We will be

doing our best to make sure that we get our facilities to the highest standard we can, in case these rules change.”

Building a successful ladies’ team at Martinstown is also on John and the committees’ list of things to do. John explains: “We’ve had a few false starts with the ladies team and we really want to get this up and running properly, so would love to hear from ladies looking to get involved.”

n Please see the club’s website for details on how to be involved martinstown-playcricket.com or contact via email therealmcc@ hotmail.com

IDYLLIC: Martinstown CC's Field of Dreams nestles in the sheltered valley at Winterborne Monkton

CHAMPS: The Western Thunder U12 side

Sport

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Portland Borstal Officers’ Bowling Club are hosting open days in search of new members. The club will be opening up its six rinks for visitors between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23. The club was first formed in 1890 and is thought to be the oldest bowling club in Dorset. The greens were situated at two other locations in the area before moving to their current site on the clifftop in the 1950s.

Club secretary Dave Prowse said: “We have an open invitation to anybody who wants to come and see what we can offer as a club, or maybe try bowls for the first time. Bowls is just something different, it keeps you active and it’s a great way of making friends and meeting people.

“If people just want to have some fun, that’s fine, but new players could go straight into a team if they wanted to.

“We compete in various leagues. The men have three teams, competing in the county league on Monday evenings, against the likes of Sherborne and Bridport. Then there’s our South Dorset local league, and the Percy Baker trophy team on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.

“We have three league teams in the ladies too and they’ve been more successful of late, although the men also got promoted last summer.

You’re welcome! Borstal bowls club open invitation

IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE: Everything stops for tea at the Portland Borstal Officers’ Bowls Club

“There are still links to the YOI. The Governor is our Honorary President, and we often see warders having their lunch around the green. It’s a beautiful spot. There used to be married quarters nearby but everybody lives away now.”

“We have noticed a few younger people coming along in recent years. Normally we get interest from people in their sixties and seventies, or older, but we have noticed much younger people coming along, in their thirties and forties. We had 16 new faces at our open events last year, and would love to see

something like that again. “We have around 50 members, roughly 30 men and 20 women, but there’s always room for more.

“It started off just for borstal workers, now there are none – now of course, it’s called the young offenders’ institution, rather than the borstal.

“The club is now open for anyone to join.

The club is situated in the YOI gardens off Grove Road in Portland, with free parking for cars on site, and for coaches nearby.

Visitors are encouraged to go along for the open days with no need to book. For more information, please contact Dave on 07397 223862 or via dave.prowse@tiscali.co.uk

GAME ON: Portland Borstal Officers’ Bowls Club is one of the oldest in Dorset

Signs make us certain that God is ever present

By The Rev DEB SMITH Rector of Bridport

We all rely on signs to help us understand the world and the people in it.

We read one another’s signs – in the expressions on our faces and in body language – just to sense if someone is in a good mood, or if they are grumpy, or sad, or worried.

We pick up on signs to help us see the changing of the seasons, the longer days, the warmer weather, new life coming as we move into springtime. Signs in the mood of a community, a nation, within our family and friends. We are connected to each other; we affect one another and the world in which we all live. And we can’t always put into words what those connections really mean. All of us rely on all sorts of signs to help us know what’s what, to get a sense of the life we share

we others, even at times to understand our own deepest feelings, fears and delights. The church has always made use of signs to help us navigate life, to help make sense of the journey we’re all on. Whether we regularly attend worship or not, many people speak of the power of churches to communicate beyond words. Its why often people find themselves sitting in a church in times of great sorrow or intense thankfulness. Times when we are beyond words, and we just need to be. Perhaps it is about being still for a little while in a place where people have come throughout generations to pray, to ponder.

As we come to Easter, we also rely on signs to help us understand the journey through the season of Lent we have made and where it’s leading us. To travel through Holy Week and the darkness of Good Friday and then to celebrate new life at

Saturday, April 8

Sherborne Abbey

8pm The Easter Liturgy

Easter.

If you came into church on Good Friday, you would have seen it bare, no cloths covering the altar, certainly no flowers, no candles. A stark place as a sign of the bleakness of that day. A few days later you see the place is bursting with colour, so many flowers, and a sense that we have come back into the light and that new life can be seen and celebrated. The Early Church Father, Irenaeus said the glory of God is to be seen in a person fully alive. That image of glory is about connectedness, about being rooted as the person we are created by God to be. It is about vitality and verve. God is other than us, often unseen and unknown. And the mystery of God, what the poet Gerald Manley Hopkins calls the ‘incomprehensible certainty’ of the presence of God, even when we don’t think we can see him, feel him, or even want him,

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury

6.30pm Saturday Easter Vigil & First Communion of Easter

keeps us searching for him, straining for glimpses which are often right under our noses. Easter is about coming face to face with the glory of God. And most of the time that happens in very ordinary ways, in our life together, in cherishing those we love, in our worship, in living out our faith as the body of Christ, in the ways in which we treat one another and the earth, and how we serve Christ in the world.

Easter brings new life; it brings change and transformation and new ways of seeing and understanding. My prayer for us all is that we will catch a glimpse of real life this Eastertide, that we see the signs, as we journey onwards.

Wednesday, April 5

Sherborne Abbey

7.30pm Compline (Said)

Burton Bradstock: 11am Holy

Communion & light lunch

Maundy Thursday, April 6

Sherborne Abbey

Noon Holy Eucharist

7.30pm The Last Supper, washing feet and vigil

Burton Bradstock: 7pm Holy

Communion with washing of feet

Good Friday, April 7

Sherborne Abbey

Noon Readings and Reflection

1pm The Good Friday Liturgy

2pm The Last Hour of the Cross Devotion

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton

10am Devotional Service

St James the Great, Longburton

10am Devotional Service

St Paul’s at The Gryphon

10.30am Reflective Service

Shipton Gorge: 10am Litany

Litton Cheney: Noon Musical

Reflections for Good Friday

Easter Day: Sunday, April 9

Sherborne Abbey

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Parish Eucharist

11.30am Festal Mattins

6pm Choral Evensong

St James the Great, Longburton

10am Village Communion

St Paul’s at the Gryphon

10.30am All Age Celebration

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton

11am Festal Mattins and shortened BCP Holy Communion

Burton Bradstock: 11am Easter

Morning Sunrise Service at the Hive Beach Café

St Mary Magdalene, Loders

9.30am Eucharist

St Mary Magdalene, North

Poorton: 9.30am Eucharist

St Saviour’s, Dottery

10.30am Morning Worship

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell: 11am Benefice

Eucharist

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock

11am Eucharist

St Peter’s, Eype: 6.30pm Eucharist

Sunday, April 16

Sherborne Abbey

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Parish Eucharist

6pm Choral Evensong

St James the Great, Longburton

10am Family Communion

St Martin of Tours, Lillington

10am Morning Service

St Paul’s at the Gryphon

10.30am Morning Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton

11.15am Mattins

St Mary Magdalene, Loders

9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock

11am Benefice Eucharist

St Paul’s, Broadoak

6.30pm Evening Prayer

Sunday, April 23

Sherborne Abbey

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Parish Eucharist

6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington

10am Morning Service

St James the Great, Longburton

10am Said Holy Communion

St Paul’s at the Gryphon

10.30am Morning Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton

11.15am Mattins

St Saviours, Dottery

9.30am Holy Communion

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury

11am Benefice Eucharist

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell

6.30pm Service

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton

6.30pm Service

Sunday, April 30

Sherborne Abbey

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Festal Eucharist

6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington

10am Morning Service

St Paul’s at the Gryphon

10.30am Morning Service

6pm Songs of Praise

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton

11.15am Festal Mattins

St Paul’s, Broadoak

11am Benefice Eucharist

Health & Wellbeing

The debilitating effects of allergies not to be sniffed at

RUTH MITCHELL is a West Dorset energy therapist. She is mum and step mum to a blended family of five children

‘O, TO be in England now that April’s there’

Robert Browning’s famous poem gives us a wonderful description of springtime, and there is no lovelier place to be than Dorset. But for many it comes with runny nose, tickly throat and stinging eyes. Hayfever can be totally debilitating – but what about other allergies? These can depend on life experience or genetics, with fatigue being the most common sign.

Allergies are energetic blocks that drain your energy and stop you from realising your full self worth and life potential. Allergy is resistance. An immune reaction to an internal or external response. Adverse reactions to pollen, dairy, wheat, animals, dust or mould are quite usual but some are more bizarre – who remembers the film about the boy who lived in a bubble?

A girl at school was allergic to sunlight. Those greens you thought were so healthy… you can be allergic to those too. Believe it or not we can even be allergic to our home – the ‘things’ in it (not just dust and mites), to certain people (particularly if linked to trauma), to money, to exercise, not to mention the dentist!

How is allergy created?

Negative association due to trauma, overwhelm and stress is a huge way we can become allergic.

Resistance to certain emotions can give rise to allergic symptoms – shame, guilt, unworthiness for example. But it’s not just negative emotions that

can elicit an unfavourable response. There can be a rejection of positive emotions too – not being able to accept compliments or feeling you can’t give or receive love. The more sensitive we are, the more likely we are to have allergies.

According to Dr Bruce Lipton of the HeartMath institute “the cell doesn’t know the difference between a pathogen, a toxin, an emotion, belief or trauma or any other energy patterns of low vibration...” Pathogens are attracted to trauma stored in our body. All of this creates inflammation and forms part of our pain patterns. Health challenges continue as the inflammation continues. Then follows more dysfunction, more health issues, then pain and then chronic disease. Energy therapy helps to calm this. Clearing your trauma patterns can help clear patterns stored in the cells associated with the allergy. I work on the physical, mental and emotional to release deeply held unresolved trauma and then I literally ‘whoosh’ positive energy back in. I also work extensively on the main energy centres and the bio/energetic field to peel back and clear the layers to get to the underlying root cause. By clearing the resistance in you, you clear the allergy and the body can begin to heal

Hayfever and Allergies: Ruth will be available at Aquae Sulis Therapy Centre in Dorchester on Saturday, April 29 10.30am-2.30pm.

The parish of Radipole was hi-jacked by Melcombe Regis decades ago but it’s still possible to find the parish boundary on old maps. This walk takes you in a gentle anti-clockwise circuit of less than three miles, mostly through lovely countryside. You will stray over the boundary in places.

Start at the ancient St Ann’s Church, which is next to an old Manor House and opposite the old school Room which is approaching 200 years old and is now used as a church hall, offering warm space and a free bowl of soup on Wednesdays.

After visiting the interesting church, enter the cemetery on a slope over the road behind the School Room. At the top you meet a path leading you left, northwards, through Radipole Wood, which is full of wildlife and is maintained by volunteers. Before long, the path takes you down to the road which leads you up to Radipole Primary School.

Between the School and the sports ground is a public footpath that weaves its way westwards to a junction of paths where you turn right and head north with a housing estate on your right but lovely countryside views

on your left. After a while, at a junction, take the path to the left heading north westwards across fields then over the boundary into

Nottington. The well signed path takes you left and jiggles you southwards through paddocks. You now find the River Wey wending its way on your right. After several fields, take the bridge across it and continue south westwards. When getting close to a road, turn left for a short distance, then left again, over a bridge, left then right heading east to join the village road which takes you eastward back to your starting point.

Puzzle solutions

From pages 80-81

Lambs appearing with a very interesting mix of markings

The relentless mud continues to put a damper on any jobs that need doing on the smallholding. We have had a light hearted moment though meeting King’s offspring. The local care farm borrowed our ram lamb king last Autumn to put in with their ewes. The ewes were Dartmoor/Jacob cross and our ram was a pedigree Zwartbles. It was with some trepidation

that we waited for the arrivals, not quite knowing what to expect. The first set of twins arrived slightly early and were black and curly with a little white splash on the head, this is how we expected them to turn out. The next set were much the same, and then things started to get a bit crazy. All we can think is that King ran out of the black gene the more he partied….the final set of twins are in the photo, absolutely gorgeous, but with some very confused markings. Their temperament is lovely and the children have been handling them with ease. We are still two weeks away from lambing and the girls are putting the last minute weight on. They are being supplemented with vitamins and

minerals to keep twin lamb disease at bay and we are really starting to dent the stores of hay now. The pregnant ewes love the stuff and eat it with vigour, the ewe lambs not so much they almost seem confused by it. It is hard to believe that it will only be a matter of months before we are starting the whole cutting baling process again.

The dry spell in early March saw many farmers chain harrowing the fields as the ground was dry, some even were rolling. Their timing was perfect, since then the rain has been relentless as most fields are now ankle-deep in mud. The grass has started to grow and sheep chess continues, constantly moving them to rest paddocks and promote growth, unusual too to find ticks already, a sure sign of warming up. The first swallow was seen in the village this week, a time to celebrate the incoming warm weather. Time soon to turn out the livestock to enjoy that lush grass.

Mud-phobic

Ploughing guru is Melplash’s new chairman for 2023

Melplash Agricultural Society has announced Philip Hardwill as their chairman for the 2023 event. As the society’s vice chairman since 2020, Mr Hardwell succeeds James Vickery who chaired the society from 2020 to 2022, a year longer than usual due to the pandemic.

Mr Hardwell has been involved with the society since he started helping arrange annual hedgelaying and ploughing matches. He said: “Becoming chairman of the Melplash Agricultural Society is a great honour for me. I very much believe in the values of the society. Thanks to the work of our members and

the foresight of our previous officers, our society leads the way in the promotion of West Dorset agriculture to the public and in the provision of education to local young people, something I am keen to champion over my time as

chairman. I am incredibly grateful to all of our members for putting their faith in me to lead our society for the next two years. I hope to serve you well.”

Mr Hardwell’s experience in organising the Crewkerne Young Farmers’ ploughing match has been greatly valued by the society. Mr Hardwell joined the society’s board of directors in 2009, and since then has become more involved with the annual hedgelaying and ploughing match and with the annual young farmers’ dairy stock judging competition. The new society chairman grew up in Blackdown and

went to school at Marshwood Primary School and Woodroffe before gaining a degree at Salford University. On his return to Dorset he joined his father Peter and younger brother Michael in the family business in Blackdown – P H Hardwill Ltd – designing, fabricating and erecting steel framed buildings for agricultural, commercial and industrial uses. He moved to Kittwhistle following his marriage to Sarah in 1995. The agricultural society’s vice-chairman for 2023 is Simon Wakely of AJ Wakely & Sons in Bridport. Simon will be working alongside Philip before taking over the reins in 2025.

Farmer Fooks steps up as show president

Farmer Michael Fooks has been announced as the new president of the Melplash Agricultural Society. Michael has been involved with the society for more than 60 years.

He said: “I feel very honoured and privileged to be elected. Coming from a farming family living locally in North Poorton, the society has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. “When I was at school, Melplash Show was the last day out before going back to school for the autumn term.

When I left school at 15 years to work on the farm I started helping as a volunteer with the show and competing in the annual ploughing match, which I still do today.

“The only years I haven’t entered the ploughing match was in 1984 when I was society chairman and in 2020

when it was cancelled due to covid.

“Now as a farmer and father myself, it is the same for my children and their children too. All of them are actively involved with the society. The Melplash Show is a fantastic shop window for us local farmers and those that work on the land.”

Michael and his three brothers David, Jeffrey and Francis farm at Manor Farm North Poorton, the farm that their

grandfather took on in the 1920s.

He also has two sisters, Hazel and Christabel, who both live locally. Trading as Fooks Brothers they have a mixed farm on 800 acres, dairy herd of 150 Holsteins, a flock of 250 ewes, Dorset Horn & Poll Dorset and 80-90 acres of arable.

Two of Michael’s nephews have now joined them on the farm, which has meant that Michael only now milks the

cows once a week or when required!

Michael is married to Pam, and they have two daughters, Helen and Julia. All of them are actively involved with the society. Helen helps with the dairy section, which her husband Kevin Wallbridge chairs, and Julia helps organise and run the handicraft section. Pam, as well as supporting her family, does the ploughman’s lunches for competitors at the annual hedgelaying and ploughing match! Julia’s daughter Abigail, 16, has been helping her grandfather Michael steward the Jacob sheep classes on show day for a number of years, and this year with him being President will be managing it on her own. This year’s Melplash Show takes place on Thursday, August 24.

Go to melplashshow.co.uk

NEW BROOM: Michael Fooks is Melplash’s new president