The West Dorset Magazine, Edition 35, December 2023

Edition 35

of

December 2023

Monthly, PRICELESS

The West Dorset Magazine Now incorporating Weymouth, Portland.. and now a bit of North Dorset too!

Your multi-award-winning, deeply Dorsety slice of goodness: 25,000 copies distributed Quality insurance, on your doorstep

With regional experience, local knowledge and your best interests at heart, our team of insurance experts will create tailored cover that’s right for you and your business.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Miranda Robertson Editor

Karen Bate News Editor

miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Stuart Wickham Sports editor

Laura McManus Advertising sales director

stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

laura@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Contact us: ( 01305 566336 News, letters to the editor and general feedback: newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk Display advertising: advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk Classified advertising (text ads): classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk Sport: sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk Post: 15 Stanstead Rd, Maiden Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0BL

Nick Horton Chief Sub

Dan Goater Reporter

nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk

dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Bob Holman Advertising sales

Lyndon Wall Cartoonist

bobdiholman@btinternet.com

Contents:

News & features Whasson? (events) Culture Letters Sport Vittles Home & Garden For sale/wanted Down to Earth Puzzles Health & Wellbeing Business Church Politics Agriculture

justsocaricatures.co.uk

3-55 6-14 57-61 62-63 64-66 67-69 70-74 74 74-77 78-79, 81 80-81 82 83 84-85 86

When you respond to advertisers, please tell them you saw their advert in this magazine: It helps them monitor the effectiveness of their advert and helps us cover our costs

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

3

Carer support wins GP staff awards West Dorset GP practices have been honoured for their work supporting patients who are unpaid carers.

The practices were recognised as part of the Better Care for Carers (BCFC) accreditation scheme, a joint project led by Dorset HealthCare working with Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN).

The scheme aims to showcase and celebrate practices which have met “set criteria deemed important to carers”.

This includes practices having a named carers’ lead, maintaining an up-to-date carers’ register, and making the surgery “accessible with flexible appointments”.

Nine GP practices in Dorchester and the surrounding area took part in the scheme. Puddletown

CARING FOR CARERS: Carers leads and GP practice representatives recognised at the event alongside carer Christine Carter and Harriet Stevens, BCFC project lead and carers engagement facilitator, from left, Kate Trevett, of Puddletown Surgery, Tania Baxter of Poundbury Surgery, Christine Carter, Kelly Best of Milton Abbas Surgery, Harriet Stevens of Dorset HealthCare, Norma Coward of Cerne Abbas Surgery, Sarah Milner of Prince of Wales Surgery, Leanne Hutton of Fordington Surgery, Alison Dunbar of Portesham Surgery and Jackie Hicken of Mid Dorset Primary Care Network

Surgery earned a gold award and Cerne Abbas Surgery earned silver.

Bronze plus awards went to Fordington Surgery, Poundbury Doctors, Prince of Wales Surgery, Milton Abbas Surgery and Queens Avenue Surgery. Bronze

awards went to The Atrium Health Centre and Portesham Surgery.

Harriet Stevens, Dorset HealthCare’s carers’ engagement facilitator for GP practices, said: “The practices have worked incredibly hard over the past

year. In mid-Dorset we have seen real change and improvement, not only in identification of carers and the percentage of them accessing support from their GP, but in their own accounts and experiences of using these services.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

What's on this Christmas?

16 dec

Christmas Market

12pm-7pm

Local delights, festive drinks, jewellery, homemade bakes, beauty treasures and more

16 dec

Whitney Houston Tribute

5pm - 7pm

UK’s No. 1 Tribute act Nya King, brings to life the timeless hits of Whitney Houston

23 dec

Santa’s Grotto

1PM - 5PM

Meet santa and his friends

BREWERYSQUARE.COM

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Festive tractors to tour villages A charity tractor parade is being held this weekend – with a stream of festivelylit vehicles trundling through the villages.

Anyone who would like to join the parade can do so for a £10 entry fee.

Meet at 165-179 Roke Road, Milborne St. Andrew, BH20 7JF – What3Words surveyors.courier.canines from 2.30pm (last entry at 3.30pm).

All monies raised goes to #Willdoes charity, which is providing a safe place for young people in Dorset.

This year there are offering refreshments, a bar, Busy Birds food, prize for the bestdecorated tractor, and a photographer.

Pay cash or card on the day. For any further information contact Bryony Vaughan 07368 328018.

The route leaves at 4.30pm and should arrive in Bere Regis about ten minutes later. The parade then visits Bovington, Wool, Winfrith near the Red Lion, then Broadmayne before arriving at the Trumpet Major in Dorchester about 5.30pm. It will then visit Dorchester’s High Streets, West Stafford, then Crossways before hitting Affpuddle around 6.25pm. Then it’s on to Tolpuddle and back to Milborne.

Missing a dog in your life?

Join the Barking Mad Host Family

n Feeling sad, lonely or alone after a bereavement?

The Side by Side Café runs from 2.30pm-4pm every fourth Tuesday of the month in St Ann’s Schoolroom in Radipole Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5HF. All welcome. n Free help with dyslexia is being offered every Thursday afternoon (not Christmas week 21st and 28th December 2023) at the Wellworthy Sports and Social Club, Wyke Regis, DT4 9BY from noon2.30pm.

Free parking.

Lunch is also available at the club by calling Marie’s mobile 07599 512513.

DORSET SHELLFISH wishes all its customers a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year.

We are closed from 1pm on Saturday, December 23 till 10am Wednesday, Jan 3

Companionship, friendship and fun guaranteed!

Barking Mad Dog Sitting Hosts enjoy friendly dogs to visit for short stays and holidays, while their owners are away.

Dogs are carefully matched to suit your lifestyle Helps to combat loneliness Trial stays to ensure compatibility Full 24/7 support and advice A playmate for your own dog Flexible doggy visitors to suit your schedule Providing a home from home dog sitting service

Contact Ann to find out more on

01297 811995 barkingmad.uk.com/dorset

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Email your events to

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Weds, Dec 6 Bridport’s seasonal fiesta the Christmas Cheer will be held all around the town centre from 4pm.

Crowds will gather at Bucky Doo for the big switch-on and shops are open later for Christmas shopping. The WDM will have a stall in the Town Hall, so pop in and see us!

Thurs, Dec 7 Visit Nick’s Dyslexia

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Corner for free help with your dyslexia issue on any Thursday afternoon (not December 21 and 28) between noon and 2.30pm at the Wellworthy Sports and Social Club Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9BY There is free parking, and if you want lunch call Marie on 07599 512513.

with dementia and their carers is being held at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church on the first Friday of the month between 2pm and 4pm.

Come and enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake with music and activities.

Available at £2 per person.

More info from Esme on 01305 812637.

West Stafford Village Hall present an Artsreach event 6.30pm – Forest Forge and Bumblefly Theatre – The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, a swashbuckling tale of derring-do and ridiculousness fresh from the travelling players’ suitcase.

Contact Jacquie.walton@ outlook.com for tickets.

Thurs, Dec 7

The Friends of Holnest Church are hosting an evening of music and readings by the Stanchester Quire at 7pm in the church, DT9 5PU. Seasonal refreshments will be served. Free admission, donations welcome.

Ring Graham on 01963 210632 for booking as there is limited seating for this event.

Abbotsbury: The Ridgeway Singers & Band will perform To Keep Old Christmas Up, an evening of Dorset carols, folksongs, toe-tapping dance tunes, and local poems and stories to welcome and celebrate the coming of midwinter and the festive season.

Formed ten years ago by Artsreach as part of the South Dorset Ridgeway

A drop in cafe for people

Bridport Auction No 1, St Michael’s Trading Estate, DT6 3RR Established and selling successfully for 25 years Michael Dark and his team of Linda, Maggie, Sallie, Mo, Sarah and Judy work hard on your behalf to identify, research and market your goods to get the best prices for you in our popular worldwide monthly live on-line auctions of collectables and antiques.

Entries are now being accepted for our forthcoming auctions.

GIGS IN DECEMBER: Sat 9th 7pm, “THAT COVERS BAND”. Sun 10th 4pm NICK COLEMAN. Thurs 14th 7pm OPEN MIC SI GENARO. Sat 16th 8pm WHAT THE PHUNK. Sun 17th 5pm MARKY MARK DAWSON. Wed 20th 8pm CHRISTMAS JAZZ JAM. Sat 23rd 6pm NINA GARCIA, 8pm THAT CHRIS PAYNE. Sun 24th 7pm STRESS. Thurs 28th 4pm MASAU’U. Sun 31st 7pm NEW YEAR’S EVE FANCY DRESS PARTY. JANUARY: Sun 7th 4pm JACK DANIELS SOLO. Thurs 11th 7pm OPEN MIC SI GENARO

l Full and part house clearance service l Valuations for probate & insurance

Telephone 01308 459400 or email for auction valuations Opening Hours:- 9am-3pm every weekday

Website: bridportauctionhouse.com Email: info@bridportauctionhouse.com

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

7

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Join the journey to

brilliant broadband project, the group specialises in performing the old gallery carols made famous by Thomas Hardy in Under the Greenwood Tree. The singers are accompanied by nine musicians playing stringed and woodwind instruments, and the concerts evoke the fun, friendship and excitement of oldfashioned country Christmases when the entertainment was local and home-made.

The group is led by renowned serpent player and member of the Mellstock Band Phil Humphries, and actor and folk musician Tim Laycock, who is also the artistic director of the New Hardy Players.

This year the Ridgeway Singers & Band begin at St Nicholas’ Church in Abbotsbury, DT3 4JJ at 7.30pm. Tickets from ridgewaysingersandband.org or call 01305 262159 Adults £12, Under 18s £6.

Saturday, Dec 9 Film Night: Merry Christmas at Wyke Regis Memorial Hall at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm).

A 2005 war drama film based on the Christmas truce of 1914. Against all the odds, four unlikely individuals from opposing sides bond during this

bloodless respite, to experience the hope and goodness of humanity.

Written and directed by Christian Carion.

Cert 12. Entry £5.50 including a glass of wine or soft drink.

Reserve your seat at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/ events or on 07710 096174.

Tolpuddle is holding a Christmas Market and Light Up event from 3.30pm at the village hall.

There will be stalls, mince pies and spiced biscuits and hot chocolate and there’s a sleigh and a post box for kids to post their letters to Santa. Villagers will light up their homes and visitors will be given a map to explore the community’s lights. Profits to Ducks and Drakes cancer charity, the hall and the church.

Experience the true meaning of Christmas in Dorchester on December 9, 14, 15 and 16: Journey to the stable is an interactive experience helping to explain the true meaning of Christmas.

This is ideal for adults and children alike. The journey takes 20-30 minutes.

There are seven stations focusing on a person or a part of the Christmas story

Continued page 8

Register your interest at

wessexinternet.com Dorchester

TRINITY

EVE N

Club

TS

DECEMBER 16: Liam Gray as Robbie Williams & Simon King as Freddie Starr dorchtrinityclub@gmail.com 01305 262671

Unit 1, St Andrew’s Industrial Estate, Bridport, DT6 3EX Open 8am to 5,30pm Monday to Friday

01308 456933 dhtownsendeng@aol.com

8

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Dec 9 Ct’d with readings and reflections. At each there is a small activity or object for you to take away, so you leave with a bag of reflections and goodies.

Open at the United Church, South Street, Dorchester Sat 9th Dec, Thurs 14th and Sat 16th Dec 11-3pm, Fri 15th 11-1.30pm.

In the week before Christmas there will be two Family Fun Days on Tues 19th and Thurs 21st 10am1.30pm where there will be refreshments, crafts, biscuit icing and “Getting in the Picture” an opportunity for a photo in a nativity setting.

Baby changing and feeding

facilities will be available.

You can also visit The Stable.

Dorchester Choral Society are performing their Christmas Concert “From Darkness to Light” at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Dorchester DT1 2HJ. Conducted by Colin Howard, with a professional orchestra and local soloists, the programme includes works

by Purcell, Bruckner, Buxtehude and Schutz.

Tickets are available via dorchesterchoralsociety.org or on the night. £20 reserved, £15 unreserved.

Bridport Choral Society

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

presents Ring Christmas Bells, an evening of festive music across the centuries, including traditional and modern songs and carols, with performances of Madrigal for Christmas and the Hallelujah Chorus.

Ring Christmas Bells will be held at 7.30pm in Bridport United Church.

Tickets: £12, available from Smith & Smith, Bridport Music Centre or on the door. Refreshments available during the interval.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club will go on a 7.5-mile walk from Axminster. For further information please ring

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE FROM CLOCKTOWER RECORDS BRIDPORT DT6 3RR – 01308 458077 Come visit us from December 27-30, 10am-4.30pm and spend your Clocktower Xmas gift vouchers in our 25% off New Vinyl Xmas Sale

Vinyl records bought & sold

01308 898484/01308 863340. New members/ visitors welcome.

There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall (DT2 0QL) from 2pm – eyes down 2.30pm.

Children’s games, raffle, tea and coffee.

One Voice Choir is performing Nutcracker Jingles – a delightful medley of beloved Christmas classics and festive tunes, at St Mary’s Church, Maiden Newton at 3pm.

Ticket price £10 including

Ct’d page 10

TICKETS at your

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Leave the car at home

and explore the Isle of Purbeck by train

swanagerailway.co.uk The Swanage Railway reserves the right to alter train times and fares at short notice.

WEST_DORSET_MAG_APRIL.indd 1

29/03/2023 12:44

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

LIVE MUSIC

BINGO

BT, Sky and

Sunday & Wednesday

Amazon Sports

WYKE WORKIES

Whasson? (and where’s it to?) refreshments available from The Village Store, 2 Church Road, DT2 0AA or Paul Wilcock 01300 321112 or cash on the door.

Darts l Pool l Skittles l Quiz Nights

Sunday, Dec 10

FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE TO HIRE

You are warmly invited to monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Eucharist at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Palestrina’s Alma redemptoris mater, Charpentier’s Messe de minuit and Will Todd’s Stay with me Lord. All are very welcome to this free service and for refreshments afterwards.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME * 56 Portland Rd, Wyke Regis, DT4 9AB ( 01305 786867

Maiden Newton in photos.

The Museum Group will be showing a recording of Arthur 'Skip' Squires showing his lantern slides of the village at Maiden Newton Village Hall between 2pm and 4pm.

There’s a large collection of old photos of the village, including an album with photos taken in 1987 of many villagers outside their homes. These copies are available to order.

Please bring any old photos of the village or villagers you would like to share.

We can make copies immediately so you can take your original home.

Entrance is free. Donations towards the cost of hall hire welcomed.

Flexible, affordable self-storage call 07442 845650 or visit

littlepuddlefarm.co.uk Piddlehinton DT2 7TG.

A Christingle Service in aid of the Children's Society will be taking place at 4pm in St Mary's Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2HL The Ridgeway Singers &

Band perform an evening of Dorset carols, folksongs, toe-tapping dance tunes, and local poems and stories to welcome and celebrate the coming of midwinter and the festive season in Wareham at 2pm.

Tickets from ridgewaysingersandband.org or call 01305 262159.

Adults £12, Under 18s £6.

Monday, Dec 11 The Live Wire Choir will give a short and lively Christmas concert at The Old Ship in Upwey. 7pm start, followed by refreshments. For more information email julietharwood@hotmail.com or ring 01305 814940.

Tuesday, Dec 12 Portland Prison is holding a Carol Service and Christmas Pageant at 1.15pm at HMP/YOI Portland, 104 The Grove.

Thursday, Dec 14 Wonderful gifts have been donated to the United Church for children by the people of Bridport.

These gifts will be handed out from 9.30am-10.30am at St Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Tea and biscuits served.

Friday, Dec 15 A Quiet Christmas Service will be held at 3pm in the United Church, South Street, Dorchester.

Do you struggle to cope with a full church service, but want to sing carols, listen to the familiar readings that tell the

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Email your events to

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Christmas story and share the joy and peace of Christmas with family and friends?

Quiet Christmas is the service for you. A short 30minute service with familiar carols and readings, aimed for people who have recently been bereaved, can be confused in the present, but have good memories of Christmases past, for those who find sitting or concentrating for a long time difficult and all their carers and friends.

The service will be followed by tea and Christmas fare. Everyone welcome.

Wacapella women's choir welcome you to a half-hour Christmas concert at St Mary's Church, St Mary Street, Weymouth at 11am.

A perfect break from your Christmas shopping! Join the choir for refreshments in the Simeon Room afterwards. julietharwood@hotmail.com 01305 814940.

The Lifeboat Carol Service will be held at 7.30pm at the Lifeboat Station, Weymouth, DT4 8TX. Music and Carols for Christmas with Weymouth Concert Brass will be held at All Saints Church, Weymouth7.30pm. Free.

Come and listen to some lovely Christmas brass music and also sing some of your favourite carols.

Cash bar and retiring collection with all money raised going to The Nest Community Shop, Weymouth. So please come

11

along and support this event. Bring your friends and families too!

Saturday, Dec 16 A Christmas Coffee Morning will be held at All Saints church, Wyke Regis from 10am until midday.

All are welcome to join us for coffee, tea, cakes, Fairtrade, books, Christmas music and, of course, chat.

Dorchester’s Trinity Club will host another of its popular tribute acts Liam Gray as Robbie Williams and Simon King as Freddie Starr. Call 01305 262 671 or email: dorchtrinityclub@gmail.com Encore Singers host an evening of Christmas music at the United Church in Dorchester at 7.30pm.

Admission is free, but there will be a retiring collection for Weldmar Hospicecare.

A variety of songs, mostly well-known, with opportunities for the audience to sing along if they should wish to.

For more information visit facebook.com/EncoreSinge rsDorchester A special Christmas lunchtime concert will be held at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester between 12.30pm and 1pm.

A vocal consort accompanied by young harpist Marni Lai will perform Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.

We hope this will appeal to everyone who would enjoy a peaceful half hour in the

Ct’d next page

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Email your events to

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

December 16 Ct’d midst of a busy December shopping Saturday.

Admission is free.

Sunday, Dec 17 The Friends of Greenhill Gardens (greenhillgardens.co.uk, 01305 768446) are holding a Christmas Sing-a-Long at 3pm in Greenhill Gardens.

Bridport Quakers are having informal carol singing and mince pies accompanied by the wellknown Bridport musician Andrew Dickson. Join us at noon in the historic meeting house at 97 South Street, Bridport. All are welcome.

A carol service will be held at 6pm, followed by refreshments at St Mary's Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2HL. A carol service is being held at 3.30pm in the Roman Catholic Church, Bridport, with the service starting at 4pm. Mince pies and tea will follow.

Chase the Pudding and Chase the Elf will be held at Weymouth Beach, Pavilion end at 10.30am.

Tuesday, Dec 19 A Wild and Messy Church is being held between 3.30pm and 5.30pm at St. Swithun's Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU Fun activities and tea.

Weds, Dec 20 The Ridgeway Singers &

Band invite you to join them for an evening of Dorset carols, folksongs, toe-tapping dance tunes, and local poems and stories to welcome and celebrate the coming of midwinter and the festive season in the Dorford Centre in Dorchester.

Tickets To Keep Old Christmas Up from ridgewaysingersandband.org or call 01305 262159.

Adults £12, Under 18s £6.

Casterbridge Male Voice Choir Concert will perform at 7pm, followed by refreshments, at St Mary's Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2HL. Retiring collection.

Thursday, Dec 21 Children's gifts donated to the United Church by the people of Bridport will be handed out at St Swithun's Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU from 9.30am-10.30am. Tea and biscuits.

Saturday, Dec 23 Lyme Regis will enjoy Carols Round The Christmas Tree in Broad Street at 7pm, with The Lyme Regis Town Band, the Town Crier as Master of Ceremonies and the Mayor and Mayoress.

Carol sheets provided. In aid of Julia’s House, The Dorset Children's Hospice.

Everyone is warmly invited to a very traditional carol service at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. Alongside fantastic choral settings by composers including Morton Lauridsen and

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

It’s a cracker! Scores

Steve Bulley, chairman of Cracker, with Paddington who is leading the Children’s Santa Hat parade

Dorchester’s Christmas Cracker is coming back with a bang on Sunday, Philip Stopford, you can enjoy singing the bestloved, traditional Christmas carols. Simon Lole is organist for the service.

Sunday, Dec 24 The First Eucharist of Christmas is from 6pm to 7pm at St Swithun’s Church, Allington Bridport, followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

A Crib Service will be held at 3pm at St Mary's Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2HL. Children welcome to come dressed as Mary, Joseph, donkey, angels, shepherds or kings.

Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

Monday, Dec 25 Sung Communion Service with Carols at 9.45am at St Mary's Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2ER. At 11am hundreds of hardy swimmers will gather at Weymouth Harbour for the Weymouth Harbour

December 10 – with a special guest from deepest, darkest Peru.

Offering festive fun for all the family, there will be more than 100 traders selling festive wares in High West Street from 11am to 4pm.

The ever-popular Santa Hat Children’s Parade will set out from the top of High West Street at noon. There will be a stage, managed by local radio station KeeP106 and

Swim.

Every year thousands of people line the harbour to watch and last year 425 swimmers braved the cold to swim the 70m to the other side, raising thousands for charity.

Swimmers are split into up to 10 groups of 50.

Swimmers are required to purchase a ticket at £15, at billetto.co.uk

Thursday, Dec 28 The Quangle Wangle Choir Christmas concert will be on the fourth day of Christmas at The United Church, South Street, Dorchester, 5pm-6pm.

Songs and poems, some joyful, some thoughtful but all beautiful. Free, with a bucket collection for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

This event is supported by Nantes solicitors.

Information from julietharwood@hotmail.com 01305 814940.

Sunday, Dec 31 A New Year Party will be held at The Greyhound in Sydling St Nicholas, under

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

13

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

of stalls to line streets sponsored by Al Molo, with musical acts entertaining throughout the day.

Cracker chairman Steve Bulley said: “Due to the huge success of the event in 2022 we had traders signing up for space at the 2023 event within a few hours.

“High West Street will be transformed into a festive shopping spectacular with over 100 trading stalls, and a Christmas fair with a further

the banner of Hollywood Glamour. There will be a casino and cocktails from 8pm. Dress to impress.

Monday, Jan 1 The Symondsbury Mummers will be performing at a new venue, the Loders Arms, for their traditional New Year’s Day performance at 6.30pm.

Lyme’s Grand Duck Race will be held at noon from Higher Mill Flats, Windsor Terrace. Watch the ducks race down the River Lym, raising money for Lyme's Christmas Lights. Then head to the Sandy Beach for The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis’s annual fancy dress swim the Lyme Lunge at 1pm, raising money for The Alzheimer's Society and The British Asthma And Lung Foundation.

This has become one of the largest events of its kind in the West Country and attracts participants from all around the country. More info and a sponsorship form at lovelymeregis.co.uk/events /lyme_lunge

75 tables, this year over two floors, in the Corn Exchange, thanks to our fair supporters Farnfields Solicitors.”

The Cracker event has been organised by a committee of volunteers and a significant contribution is made by the Dorchester Chamber for Business, Dorchester BID and Dorchester Town Council. The 2023 event is sponsored by Kingston Maurward College and Everycare Dorchester.

Thursday, Jan 4 Sherborne Historical Society will hear from Ian Fraser on The Death of Nelson at 8pm. The painting by AW Devis examined.

An explanation of Nelson’s final minutes surrounded by eleven of his crew in the cockpit of HMS Victory.

Digby Hall, Hound Street Members free, visitors £5 sherbornehistoricalsociety. co.uk

Friday, Jan 5 An evening of music and readings from Rough Assembly and Debra Bates. A fundraiser for Bridport Millennium Green. Bridport Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 members £8 to include glass of wine and mince pie. Raffle. For information, or to arrange use of the lift, please contact Sandra Brown, 01308 423078.

Saturday, Jan 6 Join Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club on

a seven-mile walk from Hooke.

For further information call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Monday, Jan 8 Inspirational speaker Brian Margetson will be giving a moving and personal account of his pilgrimage to the former East Germany at the monthly meeting of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild.

Visitors are very welcome (£3). The talk will take place in Dorset Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, DT1 3DF just after a short business

Continued next page

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Bride Valley candles made in the workshop 32 West St, Abbotsbury DT3 4JT Open Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri Upcycled furniture created 1pm-4pm, Sat 12pm-4pm, and sold in the shop Sun 11am-2pm Candles made and sold Entrance through Antiques & local crafts garden gate.

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Tuesday, Jan 9 The Blackmore Vale U3A is holding a Grand Winter Quiz at Henstridge Village Hall, BA8 0QB. Doors open 2.15pm.

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Blackmore Vale u3a call 01963 362107 or go to u3a.org.uk Radipole & Southill Horticultural Society will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. The new year begins with a talk at the Southill Community Centre at 7.30pm by local photographer Joe Kaplonek entitled The Wildlife of Dorset – A Photographic Journey, where Joe will also be offering tips on taking photos for entry into the spring show in March. Joe

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Insurance last straw for fire-hit pub A 16th century pub which suffered a devastating fire but was rebuilt before being hit by covid has closed, after its owners were left with ‘no other option’.

Chideock’s The Clock was rebuilt after the blaze, in April 2015, gutted the building.

A chimney fire caught the thatched roof and despite the best efforts of the fire service the pub was all but destroyed.

The community rallied round and Mike and Helen

Long, who moved in to the pub in 2002, were able to reopen in July 2016.

Sadly, since then the pandemic, rising cost of living and quadrupled insurance costs have eaten away at their bottom line and on Sunday the family

reluctantly shut up shop.

They said: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce that “The Clock” in Chideock has closed its doors for the final time today (Sunday 3rd December).

“Whilst everyone is struggling with increased cost of living at the moment, we have had the added pressure of quadrupled insurance (even though the building is safer than it has ever been) alongside rising loan repayments that were

needed after the fire. Then of course we all had covid to contend with.

“We hoped that we could have sold the business over the last couple of years, to someone that didn’t have the increased costs we do, but sadly not and that has left us no other option.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of staff, and each and every one of you, that have supported us over the last 21-and-a-half years, it’s been a pleasure.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Jill’s Longburton book now on sale A book all about Longburton written by one of its residents is now on sale, and will raise money to help maintain the village’s St John The Great Church.

Jill Blacklin took on a real labour of love when she started to compile information about the village.

The result, after about 18 months of work, is a 48-page, in-depth look at all aspects of village life, with some super photographs. Priced at £10, and ready in time for a Christmas present for the Longburton fan in your life, it makes a fascinating read.

Jill said: “It is not intended to be an academic reference, but a gathering together of what I hope is a reflection of how life in Longburton was, and is, now.

“Like many other residents, I am not a native of Longburton and have lived here only a few years. As I got to know more about the village I became interested in how it had developed over time and how modernisation has changed communities and their way of life.

“Shortly after talking with a few people about my idea of recording some of the village’s history in a small book, it transpired that others before me had already done a lot of research. The late Jenny Barnett gave me a file which had been put together about 50 years ago by her late husband, Peter.

“He and a group of villagers had researched and recorded much data and information about our village and its community.

“The Longburton Women’s Institute had also produced a booklet in 1983 which used some of this valuable information. These were my starting points, although it was clear there was a time gap between this research and now.

“I was fortunate, however, in being able to talk with some older residents who were either born or lived in the village up to 70-80 years ago.”

Anyone who would like a copy can email Jill at Coco2017@btinternet.com or call her on 07787 803182.

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

17

Poverty group plea Nappers Mite set to reopen Citizens Advice staff say they are now dealing with cases of destitution – not just poverty – in the Dorchester area.

A recent open meeting of Dorchester Poverty Action heard from Caroline Buxton of Citizens Advice, who said some people are now having to make “really difficult decisions” about whether to eat, heat their homes or buy prescription medication.

A DPA spokesperson said: “Citizens Advice are now finding that however hard their debt volunteers try, for some families, they cannot achieve a balanced budget. There is just nowhere to cut costs to make ends meet. Caroline’s stark warning was Citizens Advice are now not just dealing with poverty, but destitution.”

They added: “In the last financial year DPA saw the number of grants given rise by 47%. Over £62,000 was distributed across DT1 and DT2. DPA cannot keep helping at this rate without the

generous donations of local people. Everyone is having to be more careful financially, but if you can spare just a small donation to help local people, DPA can continue helping as it has done for the last 30 years.”

To find out more and donate: dorchesterpovertyaction.org.uk Or cheques can be made out to Dorchester Poverty Action and sent to DPA c/o United Church Dorchester 49-51 Charles Street, Dorchester, DT1 1EE. n Low-income households in the Dorset Council area can claim £150 grocery vouchers. You can apply if you have an annual household net income of less than £30k and savings of less than £16k and not applied in the last 6 months. Net income should not include PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Child Benefit. dorsetcouncil .gov.uk/household-supportfund or 01305 221000.

Rubbish and recycling days

Dorchester’s historic almshouses The Nappers Mite is opening again, as Weymouth restaurateurs move their popular business there.

Barry Whettingsteel and

Emma Farnworth are moving The Secret Garden Café from Hope Square to the premises on South Street, Dorchester.

They hope to open by December or January.

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Here’s all you need to know about Christmas bin days!

1. Up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin will Email miranda@westdorset be collected on your first collection after Christmas Day 2. No garden waste collections will take place after mag.co.uk or call 07460 205033 December 22 until Monday, January 8.

3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am-4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day 4. Extra recycling – including glass and food – will be collected on your recycling collection day, n Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable Subbuteo, Britains, Lego, Timpo... sturdy container (no bags) that can n Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kits be easily lifted by one person 5. Please help collection crews by n Early Action Man & Star Wars putting your glass out for n Model railways collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping Pastimes, Westbury, Sherborne DT9 3EH prevent overspilling containers.

See what items can be recycled at 01935 816072 | 07527 074343 dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Kate making the news as CPRE’s branch president Famous war reporter Kate Adie has been named the new president of Dorset’s Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

The county branch of the national body welcomed Kate Adie to the new role alongside Roger Mortlock as its new chief executive at their 86th annual general meeting.

Kate Adie, who has lived in Dorset for over 12 years, spoke about her passion for the countryside, having first fallen in love with the great outdoors while growing up in Sunderland.

She talked about the way the world is changing and keeping modern farming in harmony with the countryside.

She added: “We lead busy lives, we need to make our mark, stand up for our principles and be happy to have a chance to help it.”

Peter Neal, Dorset CPRE Vice-President, who chaired the AGM, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kate has agreed to be our president and she will be a great ambassador for our charity.”

Roger, who joined CPRE in May 2023 after 15 years in leadership roles for environmental charities, spoke of the challenges facing the CPRE as it campaigns on many fronts to protect the countryside. A Dorset CPRE spokesperson said: “With a general election in 2024, CPRE is calling

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Shield your home from care costs & inheritance tax with a living trust

HERE IS THE NEWS: Kate Adie, Dorset CPRE president with Peter Neal, Dorset CPRE vice-president,

on all political parties to recognise the true value of the countryside.

“The CPRE manifesto for the countryside includes a focus on a planning system with democracy at its heart, properly balancing our use of land to meet the needs of people, planet, and nature as well as prioritising development on brownfield land. It also calls for genuinely ‘affordable’ housing linked to local incomes and to make solar panels a standard requirement for all suitable new build housing, commercial buildings and car parks to secure planning permission.”

Dr Guy Dickinson, vicechair of Dorset CPRE’s trustees, spoke of the problems facing Dorset in particular, describing the countryside, Green Belts and national landscapes (the new name for what were AONBs) as ‘under threat from development’.

He said: “We strongly

oppose any attempts to redraw the boundaries of either. We believe, as we always have, that new houses should be built on brownfield rather than greenfield sites.”

Looking ahead to 2024, BCP Council is pushing on rapidly with its Local Plan, which is likely to be released for public consultation in the new year with a view to adoption by late 2024.

Dorset Council has delayed publication of the next version of its Local Plan until late 2024 and is aiming for the new Local Plan to be adopted in spring 2026.

Dr Guy Dickinson thanked the dedicated local CPRE members. He said: “A huge contribution is made by our volunteers in examining and responding to planning applications, assisting with campaigns, attending and speaking at planning meetings, writing articles and responding to consultations.”

How a Living Trust protects your estate: 1. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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01305 753998 March date for diagnostic centre The new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Yeovil is expected to be completed by March 2024 – more than six months ahead of the original target.

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Football fan Stuart hits the post in bid for volunteer prize Fundraising football fanatic Stuart Dawson has narrowly missed out on winning a national MS Society Volunteer Impact Award.

Last year Stuart raised more than £17,500 for the society’s Stop MS Appeal by walking 600 miles to visit every English Premier League football stadium in 21 days.

Stuart, aged 64 and from Dorchester, took on the challenge in honour of his friend Nick, who lives with MS. The pair first met in 1994 playing for opposing amateur football teams in Dorset, but went on

to become good friends.

Stuart is one of 20 volunteers who was shortlisted for an MS Society award for their contributions to its fundraising. Sadly he missed out on winning an award during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, November 30, hosted by MS Society ambassador and comedian Ivo Graham.

Explaining his original fundraising challenge, Stuart said: “As Nick and I met through football, I thought it would be fun to do something connected to this. I woke up one morning with the idea to

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

AWAY DAYS: Stuart visits Everton, Chelsea and, inset, Arsenal stadiums

walk to every Premiership stadium in England and I did it unsupported, so I carried everything I needed on my back.

“In hindsight, I recognise that, from a physical point of view, it was a massive effort. When I was doing it

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there were times when I struggled mentally and physically but one of the things that kept me going was knowing I was raising money for a good cause.”

He added: “The mental side was challenging – especially at some points. I

had some injuries and my wife said it probably helped I was a bit obstinate – I had to just grit my teeth and get on with it. As I went on my injuries became a bit easier and I found what worked best for me.

“But the thing that stands out most was how friendly people were along the route. There were lots of moments where people would stop their car and come over and give me some money for the challenge or visit the JustGiving page.”

MS Society chief executive Nick Moberly said: “We are thrilled to once again be celebrating our amazing volunteers with this special virtual ceremony.

“Our brilliant ambassador Ivo Graham brought his unique comedy style to his hosting duties, which made it a night to remember.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Residents to discuss ‘dramatic drop’ Villagers can discuss concerns about the service they receive from Maiden Newton’s Pound Piece Surgery at a public meeting early next year.

Some service users say that since Ammonite Health Partnership took over the surgery in 2018 patients have seen a “dramatic drop” in their ability to access healthcare services.

Maiden Newton resident Marc Pritchard and his friends are now organising a public meeting to discuss the dip in service at Maiden Newton Village Hall at 1pm on Saturday, January 20.

Mr Pritchard told West Dorset Magazine: “Under the leadership of the

CONCERNS: Marc Pritchard, Keith Pritchard, Sue Hinchley, Rebekah Webb at Maiden Newton Village Hall

Ammonite Health Partnership, patients have said they’ve been unable to book appointments at Maiden Newton Surgery –

instead being told to visit Bridport Medical Centre or A&E at Dorset County Hospital.

“They’ve had difficulty

getting their prescriptions – either not getting them or receiving the wrong prescription and being forced to queue outside of the surgery in cold and damp conditions.”

Mr Pritchard claims that “document management has been an issue” at the surgery under Ammonite Health Partnership.

“One example of this is where a patient completed blood pressure monitoring reports and submitted them to the partnership only for them to be misplaced and not passed on to the relevant staff,” Mr Pritchard said.

“This example resulted in a call from one of the partnership’s GPs to the patient demanding the

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

in health service patient complete the relevant monitoring and get it to the Bridport Medical Centre, as they hadn’t received it, even though it had already been dropped into the surgery.”

He added: “The surgery is now completely closed on Thursdays. There’s a real fear amongst patients, based on the lack of service and comments coming from partnership representatives, that the ultimate aim is to shut the surgery at Maiden Newton. This must not be allowed to happen.

“Nobody is taking responsibility of holding the Ammonite Health Partnership to account, least of all the partnership itself.

“I have raised official complaints on behalf of myself and my parents and they have fallen on deaf ears. We are not alone, concerns have also been raised by other patients. These range from alleged data breaches to potentially

dangerous advice on medication dosing, and blockers to general healthcare access.

“Many residents have not raised official complaints and want to remain anonymous as they fear their healthcare service, already lacking, may be further impacted, if they are seen to be raising official complaints.”

Mr Pritchard said next year’s meeting is being held to give a greater number of patients, affected by the lack of service coming from Maiden Newton Surgery as a result of the management of the Ammonite Health Partnership, a “voice”.

Ammonite has said it will provide a full response to the issues raised in January’s edition of the West Dorset Magazine. n Anyone wishing to attend the public meeting should email marcpritchard@hotmail. co.uk by Monday, December 18.

Chance to have your say on neighbourhood scheme Weymouth residents have until Friday, December 15 to give their feedback on the draft plan shaping future development across the town after the public consultation was extended by a week.

And an additional public meeting is being held on Wednesday, December 13 at the town council offices.

The Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan

covers things like protecting 48 green spaces for future generations, identifying land for affordable housing, making communities safer, more accessible, with nearby facilities, jobs and training opportunities. n To comment and see the plan visit surveymonkey .co.uk /r/LKTT63N

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Guerrilla gardeners crack on in clean-up operation HA PPY C TO OU HRIST FRO CUS R LOV MAS TO E D U M J A N M E R LY IR S E FA R C R A & D E !

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GETTING STUCK IN: Stewart Palmer (chair of DTAG) and Robin Potter (Dorchester councillor, DTAG) clear Tesco’s pathway near Sawmills Lane and, right, David Durose (DTAG) tackles some dense ivy Pictures: Giles Watts/Stewart Palmer

A group of ‘guerrilla gardeners’ got their hands grubby tidying up a lane in Dorchester.

Dorchester Transport Action Group said the footpath between Sawmills Lane and Tesco was “very narrow, overgrown with vegetation, hemmed in by chicken wire and potentially dangerous after dark”.

David Durose from the group added: “This path is well used by both pedestrians and cyclists yet nobody seems to accept responsibility for its maintenance. So four group members took matters – and vegetation – literally into their own hands and cleared the path.”

At the same time pathway users were asked to sign a petition to make long-term improvements to the path

to make it more secure and widen it.

Group chairman Stewart Palmer said: “If the town is serious about encouraging walking and cycling instead of using cars, we have to have good quality safe routes for walkers and cyclists. So come on local businesses, Network Rail, Duchy of Cornwall and Councils, let’s have a plan to make a small but much needed improvement.”

Dorchester Transport Action Group, which claims 45 active members, was set up in early 2022 with the purpose of finding solutions to transport problems and to “investigate options for moving Dorchester towards a low-carbon transport system”. The group is supported by Dorset Council and Dorchester Town Council.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Wishing a Fantastic Christmas and new year to all our loyal customers from the Horse with the Red Umbrella, 10 High East St, Dorchester DT1 1UJ

Mental health apps backed DWT appeal Public Health Dorset is now promoting trusted mental health phone apps for young people.

The list is available at ourdorset.orchahealth.com and at dorsetyouth.com where people can read about the specific benefits of each app.

Public Health Dorset’s health programme advisor, Michael Pagan, said: “In a world where young people face numerous challenges to their mental health and wellbeing, it’s crucial that

we provide them with the right tools and resources to help manage these challenges in the moment, and to help reduce their future impact.

“This collaboration with Our Dorset allows us to deliver a carefully selected collection of apps, ensuring that young people in Dorset have access to safe, high-quality, and diverse solutions to support their self-care and wellbeing.”

NHS Dorset’s Christian Telfer added: “Our

population is actively searching for digital mental health and wellbeing support and clicking through to the Our Dorset App Library as a resource.

“Having a dedicated and trusted Youth Mental Health Apps page available is a much-needed section of that library, and reassures people that they are using apps which have met quality standards.” n ourdorset. orchahealth.com

Dorset Wildlife Trust is appealing for wildlife lovers to volunteer at Chesil Beach and Kingcombe, near Maiden Newton. No expertise is required as training will be given but volunteers must be aged 18 or over.

For more details email: n Wild Chesil Centre: Call 01305 206191 or email chesilbeach@ dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk n Kingcombe Visitor Centre: Call 01300 320684 or email kingcombe@ dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Dig ends and demolition starts Archaeologists have hung up their hard hats after 11 weeks digging up Weymouth’s history – and now the former district council offices are being stripped out and will be coming down.

Context One Heritage & Archaeology has spent the last few months investigating layers of history underneath the former Weymouth and Portland y r Borough Council building on the ve side of the harbour. Seven a e as. n centuries of artefacts from the yo stm en r former town high street have e v ri ard e h been examined, and will now be h y C r g ll s i catalogued. p w ap a ou The landmark – both loved and H all y gs, c loathed for its concrete form, n r i which resembles the shape of a Fo uild b ship, was opened by Princess Anne in 1971 and owes much of its design to the 1960s. A rabbit warren of rooms provided space for a legion of council departments before its functions were either passed to Dorset Council or Weymouth Town Council in 2017.

Whether you wanted to discuss a planning application, apply for housing benefit or attend a meeting over the last half a century, that’s where people would head, and some people would have liked to see the building repurposed. Indeed, the interior had many features of architectural and cultural

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value. However the majority felt the chunky, angular building had had its day, and better use could be made of the premium site.

Plans to demolish it and build luxury homes failed, but a plan simply to demolish it was granted this year.

The building has lain empty for six years and cost a great deal of money since, some of that being offset by charging for parking at the site.

Contractors Heidelberg Materials are currently stripping out its interior, before the building is taken apart floor by floor starting in the week before Christmas. The whole building should be gone by late January.

But there won’t be a giant wrecking ball.

Instead, the building will be ‘pushed inwards’ and disposed of gradually.

The dig at the site has fascinated archaeologists, with the rare chance to look underneath a site in constant use for decades and with many different purposes going back centuries.

A spokesman from Contect One said: “The sun has set on our final day of excavation at North Quay but we certainly went out in blaze of glory, with medieval pottery coming out of the ground with almost every scrape of our trowels. What a great way to finish!

“The last 11 weeks have proved to be a fascinating archaeological journey into the history of Weymouth across 700 years and will almost certainly shed new light on this historic town down through the centuries. We are incredibly grateful to Dorset Council for the opportunity to excavate the historic core of Weymouth and to the Old Town Hall, Weymouth for being our home throughout the dig.

“However our warmest thanks go to our wonderful volunteers, all 80 of them! It’s been a privilege to work with such an enthusiastic, dedicated, skilled and friendly team.“ Now we all wait to watch a blank canvas appear, while it’s decided what to create with the site’s share of nearly £20m ‘levelling up’ cash, shared with the town centre and the Peninsula.

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

The names may have changed but Designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Dorset will from now on be known as National Landscapes.

As part of a nationwide change in terms, Dorset and Cranborne Chase AONBs are now officially named Dorset National Landscape and Cranborne Chase National Landscape.

The National Landscapes Association says the name changes reflect the importance of the protected areas to the whole country.

An association spokesperson said: “This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of

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people’s health and wellbeing.

“National Landscapes teams have been at the forefront of delivering natural solutions to the main challenges facing the nation for many years. The new brand underscores their commitment to

redoubling their efforts and engaging with a wider audience. In 2019, teams set themselves the most ambitious targets for nature in the sector and continue to work to meet them.”

By 2030, National Landscapes aim that, within their boundaries, at least 200,000 hectares of the most valuable natural areas (Sites of Special Scientific Interest or SSSIs) will be in a “favourable condition”.

Other aims include creating or restoring 100,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside of SSSI areas, as well as 36,000 hectares of woodland.

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

31

outstanding beauty remains the same Landscapes Association said: “For decades, AONB teams have convened powerful partnerships which have placed them at the forefront of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but since their initial designation, our country has changed immensely, as have the needs and pressures on the environment and communities.

“However, we have great ambition as well as the commitment and readiness to care for and protect these important places, whilst also extending a welcome to more people.

Our ambitious aims build

CUSTODIANS: Councilor Ray Bryan

on AONB teams’ long track record of successful delivery for nature and people and we are confident that we will achieve them. National Landscapes are the landscape designation for the 21 Century and beyond.”

Tom Munro, Lead Officer

for Dorset National Landscape said: “Our work in leading the Wild Purbeck partnership is a great example of how we can bring people together to do bigger and better things for wildlife. Wild Purbeck enabled the creation of the 3,300 hectare Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve, allowing natural processes to be reinstated at a landscape scale.

Linda Nunn, Lead Officer for Cranborne Chase National Landscape added: “The very distinctive, diverse and cherished landscapes of Cranborne Chase continues to be nurtured and enhanced by

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the many hundreds of farmers and landowners who are stewards of this unique National Landscape.”

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Dorset is blessed with natural beauty, and it is a vital contribution to the county’s economy. We are custodians of the natural environment and have pledged to maintain specific habitats and increase biodiversity where possible.” n Learn more at dorset-nl.org.uk and at cranbornechase.org.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Boat building academy on the crest

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Many people will remember the place from its time as an outdoor education centre, where youngsters would do sailing and kayaking and undertake parts of their Duke of Edinburgh.

Before this, an RAF Marine Craft Unit was initially established in Lyme in 1937 and by 1941, the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service had been formed.

Here, airmen were taught how to ditch at sea, how to maintain the life of a crew when the aircraft been abandoned and how to locate aircraft and bring the crew home safely.

High speed rescue craft were employed and personnel highly trained.

The unit was based at Lyme Regis as Chickerell and Chesil Beach on the other side of Lyme Bay near Weymouth, were established as bombing and target ranges and the vessels from Lyme acted as Range Safety Launches.

The vessels undertook many rescues during their operation, including two Polish airmen who

Outdoor education centre’s history of forces connections

ditched their aircraft in the sea, eight miles south of Lyme Regis and were successfully picked up by the vessel Ministere Lippens.

After the war, a few RAF personnel remained and the boats acted as rescue vessels for civilian and leisure craft, with these being retained into the 1950s. By the early 60s, there were still 26 airmen based at the Lyme Regis Unit with five civilians.

The centre closed in 1964, however some vessels did

continue to act as rescue boats for civilian and leisure raft until in 1967, after the RNLI returned to Lyme Regis after 35 years – many of the RAF crew who lived locally became RNLI lifeboat crew.

Lyme Regis Outdoor Activity/ Adventure Centre ran from 19681993.

It accommodated 30 students in two dormitories who enjoyed a range of water and land-based activities.

Hundreds of skilled creators are emerging from Lyme Regis after a former naval commander had a vision to create an academy for boat builders.

Scores of students, young and old, are producing beautiful boats and fine furniture at The Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, which sits on the most glorious site at the beach.

The academy was established in 1997, in a building that had been, from 1937 to 1964, an RAF Air Sea Rescue Base, then from 1968 to 1993, a Dorset County Council outdoor education centre.

The large building was bought by Tim Gedge, to create an academy teaching traditional and modern woodwork skills which could otherwise have become niche.

Now, 26 years later, around 2,000 people have passed through the academy, learning how to create beautiful, sturdy pieces from a simple wooden toolbox to a 32ft rowing gig.

Mr Gedge is now honorary life president and still involved, alongside trustees and directors.

Director Will Reed studied furniture design at university before arriving at the academy, where he oversees the many courses, from taster days to the 40week boat building course.

He said: “The furniture courses were established in 2009 and have gone from strength to strength.

“We became a charity in

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

33

of a wave and on course for future

Director Will Reed PLUMB JOB: A boat builder examines his craft, which he is taking back to Malta

TAKE A BOW: Students are trained in a range of wood skills

early 2020, so that we could provide bursaries.

The 40-week boat building course costs £18,000, plus living costs and that puts it out of reach for many people, though it is really

good value for money considering the professional training you get. No time is wasted.”

Of the 18 students on each course, about three students build their own

boat, for which they must pay for the materials – anything from £4,000 to £30,000, depending on the vessel.

The bursaries, however, funded by charitable trusts

and foundations, mean many students are being able to undertake the courses, with up to 50 per cent of the course fees funded and in extreme cases up to 100 per cent plus living costs.

The academy has nine rooms for students and a network of local accommodation providers.

They run anything from short taster courses to two and five-day courses, up to the 18-week furniture courses and the 40-week boat building course.

The boat courses teach many of the skills you need for furniture making and students end up with a City & Guilds as well as the BBA’s own certificate.

But the short courses help people to make up their minds as to whether the full course will be for them.

Simon Williams is in charge of planning and regeneration for the n CONT ON PAGE 34

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

n CONT FROM PAGE 33

academy. He said: “I came here to do some short courses. I learned to do things I never would have been able to learn elsewhere – it was very illuminating.

“You don’t have to have any experience in woodworking, even to do the 40-week boat building course – you just need commitment and enthusiasm.”

They are planning on working with care leavers in partnership with Dorset Council, to try to offer support and training to youngsters aged up to 25 who might otherwise struggle to find a career path.

And they are working with schools in the area, offering an introduction to skills with wood to

ENTHUSIASM: Simon Williams helps at the academy after trying a course there, which he says was ‘very illuminating’

Council’s link-up to provide careers youngsters who may not ever have had any experience of it – even home DIY.

Alongside the youngsters are older students building boats and furniture for a range of purposes.

Rob Hounslow, for example, is building a 32ft rowing gig for the world championships in the Isles of Scilly – it must be 32ft exactly and built from elm to compete.

“Even an inch out means he would have to make adjustments,” said Will.

There will be a launch of a newly built boat at the centre on Wednesday, December 6 at 11am and on Friday, December 15, from 3.30pm-6pm there’s a furniture exhibition at the Power Boat Club opposite. All welcome. n To learn more go to boatbuildingacademy.com

Bin collection days Your recycling and waste collections over the festive period will be different from your usual day of the week.



Collection day Usual Monday 25 Dec Tuesday 26 Dec Wednesday 27 Dec Thursday 28 Dec Friday 29 Dec Monday 1 Jan Tuesday 2 Jan Wednesday 3 Jan Thursday 4 Jan Friday 5 Jan Monday 8 Jan Tuesday 9 Jan Wednesday 10 Jan Thursday 11 Jan Friday 12 Jan

Revised Wednesday 27 Dec Thursday 28 Dec Friday 29 Dec Saturday 30 Dec Tuesday 2 Jan Wednesday 3 Jan Thursday 4 Jan Friday 5 Jan Saturday 6 Jan Monday 8 Jan Tuesday 9 Jan Wednesday 10 Jan Thursday 11 Jan Friday 12 Jan Saturday 13 Jan

Refer to your calendar or visit

dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bin-day to check your collection days.

Recycle more This Christmas, don’t let all your waste go to landfill. If you live in Dorset*, you can recycle: • All cooked and uncooked food waste • Wrapping paper**, cardboard and Christmas cards (no glitter) • Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays • Glass bottles and jars (Please keep glass separate) We’ll collect extra recycling in your own boxes.

Thank you for recycling!

If you live in Dorset*, check for changes to your collection * Doesn’t include Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. Check your council website for details. ** Scrunch your wrapping paper! If it stays scrunched, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t, or it’s foil-based or glittery, it should go in the rubbish bin.

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

35

HS2’s £64m diverted to help fund county road repairs More than £64million from the government’s failed HS2 railway scheme will be channelled into funding road repairs throughout Dorset.

The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed £64,749,000 will be pumped into fixing the county’s pothole riddled highways until 2034. A “proposed uplift” of £2,068,000 from the fund will be spent on highways maintenance this year, with the same amount set aside

for next year’s work.

Throughout the South West, the government will spend £800,160,000 on highways maintenance until 2034.

A DfT spokesperson said the

Online advice site for carers is welcomed More than 3,000 carers in Dorset have been helped by a new online advice platform, according to its creators.

Self-help website Bridgit Care has been offering a “one-stop shop” that aims to connect carers to key services and information on local events since it was launched in May. Unpaid carer Fiona King, who took part in Bridgit Care training in the summer, said of the platform: “It is very intuitive, and it comes up with some excellent solution suggestions. You can personalise it and make lists according to your needs. I’ve been using it to get advice on how to find time for myself and have found it really useful. It’s great to be able to log on at any time 24/7 rather than having to wait to speak to someone.”

Bridgit Care founder Darren Crombie said: “Our mission is to support the unpaid family carer community across Dorset. Bridgit Care is more than a digital platform; it’s a vital support network for Dorset’s carers.

“We’re committed to empowering carers with essential tools and information, simplifying their roles with accessible resources.” n For more information search for Bridgit Care online.

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funding will come on top of the local transport, road and rail budgets allocated during the last spending review, and in addition to what local authorities were already expecting for the next decade.

According to the RAC, smoother, well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to £440 each in expensive vehicle repairs from pothole damage, helping motorists keep more of the cash in their pocket.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Adrian is putting cartography back on the map

By Diana Holman “It was my retirement present to myself,” said former Dorchester Town Clerk, Adrian Stuart.

The present he was alluding to was the floor display of all the Ordinance Survey maps of the British Isles that stretched down the entire length and width of the vast Charlton Down village hall floor one Sunday afternoon in November.

“Some years ago I was in a charity shop in Arundel and noticed a forlorn basket on the floor which contained city guides, walks and OS maps. I pondered how I could give the maps a last

run-out, and the idea arose from that,” he said.

“Then, post the 2020 lockdown, I wandered into the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Dorchester and discovered 6 Landranger maps of Hampshire and picked them up.”

After trips to local Weldmar and Oxfam shops, it began to look as if it might be possible to build a whole map from charity shops and Adrian’ collection started to develop.

Scotland was missing, so Adrian and his wife Sue took a holiday up to Edinburgh, driving on up to Aberdeen with limited success. The manager of Oxfam in

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023 one turned up in a Salisbury charity shop where they were stored upstairs because no one ever bought Scottish maps…

Adrian wanted friends to see it, hence the event at Charlton Down. People were soon slipping off their shoes and conducting their own tours around the British Isles, bending down here and there to more closely examine places special to them.

“When you get up as far as Manchester, you think you’re near the top,” said one lady “You don’t realise just how much of Scotland there actually is.”

Adrian is now looking for other opportunities to display the maps, as it clearly resonates with people, and is a great conversation starter. He has has now completed a collection of 190 one-inch

37

DOR GAR SET MAC DEN Wish H I N E R a Me all our c Y LT D u r

SWELL MAPS: Adrian Stuart standing on his collection of maps at Charlton Down village hall

Dundee apologised for having only English maps. The Scottish ones flew off the shelves apparently!

The last map, North Orkney map 5, took seven months to find. After phoning all the

charity shops on the island with no luck, to complete the collection Adrian had to resort to buying a new map, donating it to a charity shop and then buying it back again.

However, just a week later,

ry C hris stomers tmas a Ha ppy 0130 2024 and 5 75 6026 maps from the 1960s, many with pre-Beeching railway lines and very few motorways, and is looking for the chance to put that together.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

39

Volunteer readers wanted for literacy support charity

A reading education charity is calling out for more volunteers to come forward in 2024. READ Easy South Dorset offers free, one-to-one reading sessions to anyone over the age of 18 who either cannot read at all or who finds it difficult.

The course is not time-limited so people can learn at their own pace.

Team leader Della Spurgin said:

“This approach is very successful and more adults are coming forward for help, which is why we need more volunteer co-ordinators and coaches in Weymouth.”

The charity needs coaches, known as “readers”, to work individually with people who have sought help. It also needs co-ordinators to be the first point of contact for potential readers.

“Both roles bring a great deal of satisfaction for the volunteers,” said Della. “What could be better than helping people to learn a skill that most of us take for granted?”

To find our more, call Della on 07984 413145. If you know someone who could benefit from Read Easy’s help, please encourage them to call Irene on 07490 757756.

RAFA stalwarts are thanked for long service Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) area councillor Jon Tomlin, centre, is presented with a certificate for many years of service and outstanding contribution. RAFA area chair Steve Calhoon handed over the certificate. Lorna Tomlin was also thanked for her long term support of RAFA and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by RAFA chair for the Bridport & Lyme Regis Group, Bill Davies.

For further information on joining RAFA contact Bill Davies on 01308 281200.

Storm over village’s sealed post box

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Royal Mail’s decision to seal Bradford Abbas’s post box has been decried as “perverse and anticommunity”.

Parish council chairman Stephen Hillier told The West Dorset Magazine the company took the decision “against the wishes of the villagers and to the anger of the council”.

He continued: “The post box in question is set in the wall of the Old Post Office building in the centre of the village which changed

hands recently.

“The occupiers of the building, which no longer operates as a shop or post office, asked Royal Mail to seal up the post box earlier this year.

“Royal Mail, who are not legally required to consult with villagers, proposed erecting a new post box a totally unsuitable location on a narrow no through road.”

The parish council objected to the suggested new location and proposed an alternative site in the village.

The authority requested a

visit from a Royal Mail representative to view the site and discuss options but so far there has been no visit.

Now the old post box, which is in the village’s conservation area and bears the ‘GR’ (George V) insignia, has been sealed and painted black, leaving residents in a village of around 350 properties without a means of sending a letter.

Mr Hillier added: “This action by Royal Mail is perverse, anti-community and hits disadvantaged residents, the elderly, those

without cars or other affordable public transport hard at a time of great difficulty in the current economic climate.

“On behalf of the parish council and the residents of Bradford Abbas I demand that Royal Mail reverse this action immediately and join in talks with the parish council about the future of postal services in Bradford Abbas.”

A Royal mail spokesperson said: “We’re committed to placing a post box in the village and are working towards finding an acceptable location.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Looking after your health and wellbeing this winter This season can be an exciting time of year, full of festive cheer and celebration and family time.

Winter also provides many opportunities to enjoy our Dorset countryside and benefit from getting out and about, breathing in the crisp fresh air and taking notice of the changes in nature.

But winter can be challenging for some of us, with dark evenings, cold weather and seasonal illnesses on the rise.

It can be especially hard for those of us who have lost loved ones or are feeling low, stressed or anxious.

Public Health Dorset, NHS Dorset and Dorset HealthCare are reminding everyone of some simple things we can all do to take extra care of ourselves and our loved ones and stay safe, well and healthy over the winter months.

If you are eligible, get vaccinated As winter brings an increased risk of catching and spreading respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID-19, it’s important to get both vaccines if you are eligible.

Taking up the offer of getting vaccinated is the best way to stay protected against flu and COVID-19 this winter.

If you know someone who is at risk or works with vulnerable people, please urge them to book their vaccines to protect themselves and others. Invites by the NHS are sent via text, email or letter, so do take up the offer when invited or search ‘COVID vaccinations Dorset’ online to find your nearest vaccination clinic and how to book, as well as clinics offering walk-in appointments.

Children can be vulnerable to seasonal flu at this time of year. It’s important to keep your child’s health strong by making sure they get their free flu vaccine. If your child gets flu, they will need to stay home from school, and you may have to take time off work to take care of them. The nasal spray vaccine means a healthier child, better attendance record and less disruption to your home routine.

If your child is of pre-school age they are eligible for a nasal spray vaccine at their GP practice or school, which is quick, safe, and painless.

If your child is at primary or secondary school (aged 5-16 years) they will be offered a free flu vaccine at a School run clinic, If your child has missed receiving the vaccine at school, or they are home educated, visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ schoolageimms to see the full list of community clinics available and how to book.

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Stay warm and well Whilst cold weather can affect any of us, some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas can register with LiveWell.

Keep young children and babies warm and safe by making sure they wear suitable clothing, and their bedrooms are heated to a comfortable temperature, around 18°C. It’s also important to check-in on those with underlying health conditions and older family members and neighbours to make sure they are safe, well and warm and have everything they need, including medicines and food during spells of cold weather.

Making lifestyle changes to improve your health and wellbeing is just as important now as any time of year. For more information call 0800 840 1628 or visit livewelldorset.co.uk.

Stay well this winter - help the NHS by choosing the right service. If you become ill visit staywelldorset.nhs.uk to find out more.

We know many people will be under financial pressure when considering heating their homes this winter as the cost of living rises. Having a cold home impacts your physical and mental health and can lead to many illnesses. If you can, it’s important to heat the rooms you use most in your home to at least 18°C to stay warm and well and reduce the risk of getting ill.

Help is available in Dorset if you need energy advice to keep you and your home warm. Visit healthyhomesdorset.org.uk to see what free help is available.

If you are stressed, worried or feeling low about the cost of living, it can be difficult to prioritise your own health and wellbeing. LiveWell Dorset offers free support, advice and coaching to support you to make changes to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Whether you want to start moving more, manage your weight, reduce the amount of alcohol you drink or stop smoking, LiveWell Dorset can support you to make positive changes – and it’s all free. All residents over the age of 18 in the Dorset Council and

Support is available throughout the festive season The festive season can be a difficult time for some of us, for lots of different reasons. Some of us may be struggling with loneliness, missing a loved one, feeling overwhelmed with financial pressures or just finding it hard to cope.

If you know someone who may be struggling and feeling alone, let them know emotional support and practical help is always available if they need someone to talk to. There are organisations on-hand 24/7 over the festive period to offer a listening ear: Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time, day or night, 365 days a year. No matter how big or small the problem, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123.

Dorset’s mental health helpline, Connection, provides round the clock support to people of all ages, anywhere in Dorset. If you need someone to talk to or you’d like support and advice about a friend or family member on mental health, call 0800 652 0190.

For free confidential support via text message, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for support whenever you need it, wherever you are.

Find more mental health support at publichealthdorset.org.uk/mental-health.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Where there’s a mill there’s a way:

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A mill built nearly 700 years ago – which was one of about a dozen drawing power from the River Lim in Lyme Regis – is providing an immersive insight into traditional methods of flour production, having been saved by the community.

The Town Mill has been instrumental in two pandemics – the Black Death of 1348, when the deadly scourge entered England at Weymouth and ripped through the population, and during covid, producing flour when it was scarce and feeding local people.

But it wouldn’t have been there in 2020 to do that if the plans to demolish it had been allowed to progress in 1991, by which time the mill had been out of action for 62 years.

A community campaign raised half a million pounds to buy the building, which had been allowed to fall into disrepair after being used as a council depot for decades.

Now it is fully open again, with 11 volunteer millers showing people how it’s done, seven days a week at the fully operational mill. Entry is free of charge, and many small food, drink and crafts businesses have taken up space on the site, providing a super day out.

The mill was first built around 1340, when it received a licence from

THE MILLER’S TALE: Making flour at the Town Mill and, below, the waterwheel

Edward III. The Siege of Lyme in 1644 – just two short months of exceptional violence at the hands of the Royalists – saw the mill damaged, but

it was rebuilt with a new water wheel.

A bigger wheel was added inside the building in 1790.

The Industrial Revolution in the 1800s saw the population double. At that time there were more than 20,000 watermills in the UK. But in 1846 the corn laws were repealed, leading to grain being imported. The cheap imports and faster steamdriven mills piled on the pressure and in the late 19th century new machinery and an iron wheel, then a small roller

mill were installed in an attempt to compete.

But in 1926 The Town Mill closed for flour production. The site did, however, produce electricity for nearby homes and businesses from 1936 and throughout the war, storing the energy in lead acid batteries.

The National Grid reached the town in 1948, ending the need for home grown energy.

Volunteers and visitor experience manager Jacky Birch said: “It’s such a special place.

“We are a charitable trust,

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

43

Historic site saved by the community

DRESSED TO MILL: Volunteers don their aprons at the Town Mill and, below, Michael Green and Steve Frear hard at work

completely non-profitmaking – every penny goes back into keeping the site open. We have a shop selling flour, Town Mill aprons and tote bags and baking kits and we ask for donations.

“And apart from three staff it’s all volunteers here.”

All the volunteers have become immersed in the history of the place and provide fascinating talks.

Volunteer miller Michael Green, a retired computer engineer, said: “It’s a lovely thing to do, working with machinery hundreds of years old.

“The council used this building as a store until the 80s, then it was left to go into disrepair before they decided to demolish it. But the local community got wind of that and a campaign, involving French Lieutenant’s Woman author John Fowles, was started.

“They won lottery funding and local businesses contributed and they were able to buy the site.”

It took until 2001 to get the mill milling again, even with many parts left behind from the old mill they had to source other

bits from pubs, homes and other disused mills to get it all going.

In 2010 they acquired The Malthouse, which had produced malt until around 1830, and turned it onto an art gallery.

Volunteer miller Steve Frear used to be a biochemist and has a special interest in the make-up of the grain – explaining that bran and wheatgerm naturally in flour produced ‘cold’ provides many of the nutrients we need.

However your usual supermarket flour has lost

these, and they are sold separately for a far higher price.

Steve revels in the numerous phrases that come from milling, such as ‘rule of thumb’, and ‘nose to the grindstone’. He was one of the millers producing flour during lockdown and has a host of great stories to tell.

Since that great community effort the site has flourished, with many businesses on the site, with jewellery, pottery, an art gallery, micro-brewery and tapas bar on offer. And there’s a community space available upstairs, which is used for classes and community meetings and workshops.

Volunteers are always needed to run the attraction, and full training is given to the millers.

The Town Mill is open from 11am-1.30pm every day, often longer.

Find it at DT7 3PU – the nearest car parks are Woodmeads and Broad Street. n Learn more at townmill.org.uk or call 01297 444042.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME At St Jude's we believe the most important thing is to remain in your own home and maintain your independence and way of life.

St Jude's was founded on the principle that great care starts at home.

We are committed to providing the highest quality of care – no exceptions.

Whether you need 30 minutes once-a-week to help you to the bank or full time live-in care we can provide experienced professional carers.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

MEAL DELIVERY Serving up delicious meals around Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester and surrounding areas St Jude's provide freshly cooked, locally sourced meals alongside our home care service. These meals are vastly superior to the regular offerings on the market, fresh ingredients, professionally cooked and delivered to your living room ready to eat. Unlike most meals on wheels offerings on the market, all our meals are served by DBS checked drivers on china plates. We believe food should be a treat not a chore so we take the hassle out of it. Think room service with a smile.

Eating fresh fruit and vegetables has been associated with a 5-10% increase in life expectancy.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

LEP helps with business investment Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is calling on local businesses that want to raise equity investment to get in touch.

The LEP is partnering with Dorset-based funding specialist, Focused For Business, to offer subsidised places on their online ‘funding accelerator’ programme starting in January 2024.

A spokesperson for the LEP said: “The tailored threemonth online programme supports start-ups in preparing and gaining feedback on all their

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investment documents.

“Participants learn how to develop and run a funding campaign, including how to identify and pitch to the right investors, and receive an investor “hit list”.

Dorset LEP says it is “heavily subsidising” the online accelerator programme, paying two thirds of the total £3,000 fee per business.

Successful applicants will need to fund the remaining £1,000 plus VAT themselves.

Funded places are limited and the programme starts in January.

For more information email funding@focusedforbusiness.com

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£6,000 grant welcome boost for church A West Dorset church received a £6,000 grant to fund roof repairs and interior redecoration.

Frome St Quintin church has suffered from water penetration in recent years because of problems with its roof.

Villagers have raised a significant sum towards the repairs and Dorset Historic Churches Trust has now donated a further £6,000.

Trust chairman David Grant presented a cheque for the sum to the Rev Tim Greenslade and churchwarden Sophie

Stovin at the church last month.

The cash will go into funding roof repairs and redecorating the building’s interior barrel vault ceiling.

The trust’s deanery area representative Shaun Leavey said: “The cheque presentation was a fitting finale to the combined efforts over the last two years of local people and Dorset Historic Churches Trust to keep the rain out of one of Dorset’s most iconic churches and maintain it in use for many years to come.”

SIGNING: David Grant, the Rev Tim Greenslade and Sophie Stovin at Frome St Quentin Church

Home library service volunteers tell MP what they offer Volunteers and users of Dorchester’s Home Library Service told MP Chris Loder all about the valuable service which offers isolated and housebound people a regular haul of books and talking books.

Maria Jacobson, Service Manager, said: “We were delighted with the chance to tell him about the Home Library Service, how it works, and how much it means to our volunteers and our clients.

“It truly is a lifeline to

people who are often isolated and unable to get out much.

“They love being part of the library service, having an interesting and stimulating selection of books delivered regularly, as well as a much looked

forward to visit by a trusted volunteer.”

New customers can contact the Home Library Service on 01305 236666, or by emailing dorsethomelibraryservice @royalvoluntaryservice .org.uk

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47

New-look post office open for business Beaminster Post Office has reopened with a new look following a full refit that has trebled its retail area.

The post office in the Grade II listed building at 18 Hogshill Street has undergone a major overhaul in the last 12 months since Steve and Teresa Smith took over.

Town Council chairman Craig Monks joined them to cut the ribbon and formally open the refitted store.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Steve and Theresa could see huge potential to greatly expand the retail area in the Post Office.

“They carefully negotiated planning permission and consent from English Heritage to adapt the building to greatly improve the layout by removing an internal staircase and unused suspended ceiling.”

Alterations to the building were done behind hoarding. The shop closed from November 15 to complete the refit, including the new layout, lighting, flooring, counters and display stands. The shop has now fully reopened and is stocked ready for Christmas.

The Post Office spokesperson added: “The range of cards and stationery has greatly increased, including a range of cards and artwork by local artists.

“There is a dedicated area

FIRST CLASS: Owner Teresa Smith, Beaminster Town Council chairman Cllr Craig Monks and Post Office regional manager Debbie Mickleborough at the re-opened Beaminster Post Office

where people can browse.

“Crucially there is also more space for storage of incoming and outgoing parcels for Post Office customers. This is important with the growing amount of parcels being sent, home shopping returns and click and collect parcels for those who want their parcels safely stored at their nearby Post Office as busy people are not always at home.

Steve and Teresa, who also own Crewkerne Post Office at the Dailyztech store, said: “Customers have been very welcoming. They were impressed with our changes when we first arrived. Then they’ve been excited to hear about our bigger plans. We’ve been working flat out to get the new shop, which is three times the size, open and fully stocked ready for

Christmas. We kept the closure of the Post Office to a minimum – just a few days as we know how important Post Office

services are to this community, including banking, and it is quite a distance to Bridport.

Customers are thrilled with the changes. Our big investment shows that we are here for the long-term and how committed we are to serving this community.”

Zoe Sprackling, Post Office business support manager, said: “Steve and Teresa have done an amazing job in Beaminster.

Their customer service is first class and the huge amount of improvements that they have made to the Post Office and shop is impressive.”

A ramp and handrail has been installed internally to help customers with limited mobility. Early next year work will be done to provide level access.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

College opens simulated hospital A state of the art facility where healthcare students can learn in a simulated hospital ward or children’s nursery has been opened at Weymouth College.

Principal and chief executive Julia Howe cut the ribbon at the Tyneham building, which will be used in the teaching of new T Level qualifications in Health and Early Years studies.

Employers for the NHS, n Above right, principal and Dorset Council and the CEO Julia Howe cuts the college attended the opening ribbon outside the new Tyneham building, watched of the new facilities, which are by director of curriculum designed to prepare students and skills Martin Oliver and for life in the working world. head of school for health, The new building was social care and early years Megan Barnes constructed at the college’s

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Cranford Avenue campus over the summer holiday and the 2023 intake of students have already been getting to grips with equipment in the mock hospital ward and nursery.

Director of curriculum and skills Martin Oliver said the up-to-date, industry-standard facilities in the new Tyneham building would “go a long way” to supporting skills to the benefit of local businesses and the community, and he thanked all those involved in the project.

The building was funded by Wave 4 of the government’s T Levels capital investment fund, providing a total of more than £74million to support 86 T Levels projects.

Alongside the mock hospital ward and children’s nursery, the two-storey building includes an open plan entrance

lobby with unisex toilets, four seminar rooms, a breakout area, accessible toilet and platform lift.

Megan Barnes, head of school for health, social care and early years at Weymouth College, said: “Having a new building to support quality teaching, learning and assessment is a significant asset to the care department at Weymouth College. It provides a conducive environment for both lecturers and students to excel in their respective roles. This kind of investment not only benefits the current generation of students as well as enhancing the overall learning experience, but also contributes to the development of skilled professional who will play a vital role in the future workforce.”

MP lands a minsterial role in latest Cabinet shake-up North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, whose new constituency now includes a chunk of the former West Dorset, has been given a ministerial post in PM Rishi Sunak’s latest shakeup.

Hoare, who was given Tolpuddle and Puddletown in a Boundary Commission overhaul, is now Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

He will serve as Local Government Minister in the department, which used to be known as the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

He tweeted: “Delighted and honoured to be joining the Government as the new Local Government Minister. I was fortunate to serve, before becoming an MP, as a parish, district and county councillor between 2002-2015 so it’s ‘nice to be home’.”

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49

SIDs still slowing drivers down on tenth birthday A countywide scheme to slow down drivers in rural Dorset is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) illuminated temporary signs used by local communities to display vehicle speeds and other permitted messages – first came into use in 2013.

Now operated by Dorset Council, the Community SID Programme now involves 77 communities, using cameras at 230 locations.

A council spokesperson said a continued evaluation of the SIDs scheme “endorses the effectiveness of the signs at reducing traffic

speeds”.

A recent evaluation of a Dorset village with a 30mph speed limit, showed a reduction of measured speeds from 37.1mph to 31.7mph.

The number of vehicles travelling under the speed limit increased by 529 to 1,204 per day.

All aboard! Full steam ahead for Polar Express Running out of Swanage railway station, the Polar Express railway experience is back on track until December 30.

Families can board the service every two hours between 12.45pm and 6.45pm, with passengers encouraged to dress in their cosiest Christmas pyjamas and winter warmers.

During the hour-long journey, travellers will be ushered into one of seven carriages, each named after Santa’s reindeers: Rudolph, Blitzen, Comet, Prancer, Vixen, Dasher and Cupid.

Santa himself will be on

JUST THE TICKET: Get on board the Polar Express this Christmas at Swanage Railway

board on Christmas Eve. From Swanage Railway Station, the steam train will head north past an illuminated Corfe Castle.

A railway spokesperson

said: “Families will find themselves on an extraordinary steam train adventure that will immerse them into the enchanting world of the

much-loved film The Polar Express.” n Tickets and information available online at swanagerailway.co.uk

Ward’s refurb ‘cuts op waiting time’ Waiting times for elective orthopaedic surgeries are set to fall at Dorset County Hospital following a ward refurbishment.

NHS England has put £1.4million into overhauling Ridgeway Ward, which now has 24 beds for use by elective orthopaedic surgery patients.

The refurb is the second phase of a £14million project that includes ongoing work at South Walks House in Dorchester to create a permanent outpatient

assessment centre.

It is hoped the new centre will free up clinical space on the main hospital site by offering outpatient clinics, diagnostics and day case procedures.

DCH’s chief operating officer Anita Thomas, pictured, said: “We are committed to reducing waiting times for patients and are working hard to find ways to do this so we can treat those waiting for surgery more

quickly.

“By turning Ridgeway Ward into a dedicated space for elective orthopaedic surgery patients, we will not only reduce waiting times but also the amount of time that people need to stay in hospital, which will help support their recovery.”

She added: “The work with our partners to create an outpatient assessment centre has already proved extremely successful, with clinics, non-surgical interventions and additional support to help people stay healthy while

awaiting surgery.

“Once the work at South Walks House is complete, this will also increase the number of services available on that site, helping us to reduce waiting times even further.”

While the work is underway, patients who would normally be treated on Ridgeway Ward are being cared for in the Portesham Unit, the new modular building in front of North Wing.

The Ridgeway Ward refurbishment is due to be completed in May 2024.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Safe at last: Historic chapel off ‘at

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

After 25 years on the Heritage at Risk register, Tolpuddle Old Chapel has been removed from the list following extensive renovation works.

Described by Historic England as a building of “vital importance” to the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ story, the Grade II*-listed structure has been lovingly restored by committed local volunteers and skilled craftspeople.

Built in 1818, the former Methodist Chapel to the east of Martyrs’ Cottages was reopened in the summer after a nine-year regeneration programme.

The Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust (TOCT) acquired the building in 2015 and began planning its repair and reuse. Supported by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, work began in November 2021.

Specialist historic building architects and contractors were both involved in carrying out careful repairs, informed by research and analysis of the building. The fragile cob walls were repaired

GOING TO THE CHAPEL: The Old Chapel today and, right, how it was

with earth from the chapel site and a historic chalk pit a mile away. Research shows that it was originally built of earth from the site it sits on.

A new extension, which will be used for education and other activities, completes the restoration.

TOCT chairman Professor Philip Martin said: “The

Old Chapel is the first significant material trace of four of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and speaks of the importance of their determination, independence and faith.

George Loveless and Thomas Standfield were both trustees of the original building, and Loveless was a lay

preacher here. The Old Chapel reflects the lives and hardships of the people who built it, and their desire for change.

“We’re delighted to have secured this important part of our local and national story.”

Historic England architect Sarah Ball said: “Although a small building, the repair

Scam warning as careline equipment makes digital switch Careline users are urged to be on the lookout for scammers asking for money while the system switches away from analogue telephone lines.

Some careline equipment is being upgraded as part of Ofcom’s requirement for BT and Openreach to bring in digital telephone systems.

BT and Openreach are moving householders from the old copper network to a new broadband connection. Landline telephone

numbers will remain the same.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “The upgrade will be down to the telecom companies, who will inform people of the changes on a postcode basis, between now and December 2025. The new carelines will need to be installed by care providers before the digital switchover takes place.

People who have had a careline service and equipment installed by Dorset Council since February 2022

will have automatically received a new digital version so will not need to have equipment replaced.”

Councillor Jane Somper, Portfolio holder for Adult Social Care, Housing and Health and Councillor Jill Haynes, Portfolio lead for Corporate Development and Transformation, said it was important for the local authority to raise awareness of the forthcoming changes so that residents could plan.

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

51

risk’ list after renovation work of the Old Chapel has been a huge project. An enormous amount of collaboration and skill was needed at every stage to deal with its challenges and complexities. Our technical advice and grants to the Trust, along with their own fundraising and The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, has led to the rescue and repair and reinterpretation of this important building in England’s national story.

It’s been an honour to have EXTENSIVE RENOVATION: The Old Chapel at Tolpuddle has been on the Heritage At Risk list for 25 years been part of it.” were involved in the The restored Old Chapel is six men who were to original build. become famous as the now open for visitors to Tolpuddle Martyrs: George It continued to be used as a Tolpuddle, and as a social chapel until at least 1843 Loveless, James Loveless, and cultural amenity for after which it was John Standfield, and the local community. converted for agricultural Thomas Standfield. It is The Old Chapel was used for worship by four of the possible that some of them use as an animal shelter. Its

HAPP Y CHR I to all S T M A S custo our lovel y mers at We fr ssex om all 01929 Trailers 46253 4 deterioration led to its addition to Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register in 1998.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Get yourself registered to vote in next local elections Anyone who is not registered to vote is being urged to do so now ahead of local elections in May. Dorset will elect councillors for county, town and parish councils on May 2.

The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election will also take place on the same day.

If you have moved home or changed your name since the last election, you will need to re-register.

You can now apply to vote by post or by proxy online.

Alternatively, you can download an application form from the Electoral Commission website. If you want to vote by post or proxy, you will need

to apply by 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.

If you plan to vote at a polling station, you will now need a photo ID. For more info, go to dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/councillors-committeeselections/elections-and-voting/how-to -vote

Mayfair to advance bus service for community A Beaminster estate agent has pledged to donate cash from each of its property sales to fund the town’s CB3 bus service.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has praised the town’s Mayfair Town and Country branch for backing the service, which runs from Bridport to Yeovil via Beaminster.

While meeting Beaminster Town Council chairman Craig Monks, Simon Neville-Jones from Mayfair Town and

FARE ENOUGH: Cllr Craig Monks, Simon NevilleJones, and Chris Loder MP

Country and bus passengers, Mr Loder said: “This is an

exceptionally generous gesture by Mayfair in Beaminster and

demonstrates the community goodwill behind the excellent CB3 bus. I’ve seen for myself just how popular this bus service is, which provides a reliable and costeffective transport solution for local residents travelling to Bridport.”

Council aiming to be carbon neutral Dorset Council claims it is still on track to be a carbon neutral authority by 2040.

According to a council report, carbon emissions from council owned buildings have reduced by more than 20 per cent in the last year following a “major retrofit programme”.

The government funded programme included installing heat pumps, solar panels and low energy lighting in more than 200 council buildings, including schools, libraries and leisure centres.

A council spokesperson said: “Combined, this work has drastically cut energy use and costs for the

council and its partners, with an estimated saving of over £1million a year.

“The report, which monitors the progress Dorset Council is making towards its climate goals, shows that emissions from other areas of the council have also reduced since monitoring began, and it is making good overall progress towards its 2040 target. Overall, the council has reduced its carbon footprint by 27% since it declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019.”

However the spokesperson admitted: “In the past year progress has been slower than previous years, but

according to the report this was to be expected and reflects the significant drop in carbon emissions recorded globally during the pandemic.

“However, the report does highlight that the council’s efforts will need to be strengthened in areas like travel and post pandemic behaviours will need to be locked-in if it is to remain on track to become carbon neutral by 2040.”

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “It is really encouraging to see that the council has continued to reduce carbon emissions and avoided a

bounce back to prepandemic levels.

“But if we are to remain on track, it is critical that we maintain and strengthen efforts to drive down emissions both within the council and across the wider county. This recent report clearly shows that taking steps now to cut emissions is not only the right thing to do for our planet, but also makes good financial sense.

“I strongly urge residents who haven’t already done so to contact our Healthy Homes Dorset programme to see what support is available to help them take similar steps in their homes.”

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53

Double honour for £1.2m station project A £1.2million project to make Weymouth railway station more welcoming and user friendly has won two awards.

The station project, led by Dorset Coast Forum alongside Dorset Council, using funding from South Western Railway, won two trophies at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2023.

As well as being presented with the Community Award, Weymouth Station Gateway was given the Judges’ Special Award.

Award judges recognised the overhaul for “opening up” the layout of the station forecourt, promoting sustainable transport and helping reduce anti-social behaviour. The scheme also involved the creation of ‘Pocket Park’ from a disused section of track.

The judging panel said they were “impressed with the collaborative, respectful partnership behind the scheme”. The judges described the project as an “outstanding example of infrastructure that unites communities and improves people’s daily lives”.

Dorset Council’s Portfolio

Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, Cllr Ray Bryan, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the team has won these two fantastic awards from the Institution of Civil Engineers. Dorset Council invested significantly in this partnership scheme which has transformed the forecourt into a more welcoming and accessible place for visitors and has already shown a reduction in anti-social behaviour. A big driver of this scheme was to improve connections for sustainable travel, encouraging people to use rail travel instead of

Hess talk for uni’s alumni Cambridge University alumni from Dorset met for their AGM, lunch and a talk at Bryanston School.

Some 72 members of the Cambridge Society of Dorset enjoyed a fascinating talk by Major General Peter Williams about the life of Rudolph Hess – his role in the Nazi party, his close working

relationship with Hitler and his solo flight to England to make an attempt to negotiate England’s exit from the Second World War. If you would like to find out more about future CamSoc plans, contact membership secretary Bobby Knowles at ebknowles62@gmail.com

their cars which helps reduce congestion and improve air-quality in the town.

“I’d like to pass on my thanks and congratulations

to Dorset Council’s officers and our partner organisations for their part in making this scheme so successful.”

ICE South West regional director Miranda Housden said: “The ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2023 showcased a strong field of entries, marking a competitive year that underlines the region’s depth of expertise and achievement. These amazing projects are taking on some of our most significant regional challenges. And with the talent of our apprentices and graduates, the future for civil engineering in the South West looks very promising. Congratulations to all who participated this year.”

54

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Be of festive cheer and donate to mayor’s fund Weymouth Town Council is calling on organisations to come forward and donate to the town’s annual Christmas Fund appeal.

Town Mayor Kate Wheller said: “I’m excited to be launching the Mayor’s Christmas Fund Appeal this year.

“This is to gather essential funds to spread some festive cheer and offer additional assistance to charities and

communities who may be facing financial challenges.

“If you can help, please consider making a donation as it really will make a difference to different communities in Weymouth.”

Last year’s fund raised over £1,000 which was shared between The Lantern Trust, The Bus Shelter, food banks, the Veterans’ Hub, Samaritans,

The Nest, MV Freedom and other groups. Cheques can be made payable to The Mayor’s Christmas Fund and sent to: Mayor’s Christmas Fund, Weymouth Town Council, Commercial Road, Weymouth, DT4 8NG. For more details on how to make a donation, please email mayor@ weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk

Landowner’s £4k planning court bill A land owner in Weymouth will have to pay out more than £4,000 after being convicted for using agricultural land for storage and recreational purposes.

Dorset Council secured a successful prosecution at Weymouth Magistrates Court against Aytach Hasan, 73, of Wyke Regis, for failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice.

Hasan owns part of the land northwest of Pirates Lane.

In 2015, the previous owner sub-divided the site into around 120 plots and started selling them.

Hasan was one of around 45 purchasers who bought plots between November 2015 and March 2017.

The lawful use of the land is agriculture, but many of the purchasers used their plots for unauthorised purposes.

The council said Hasan was found to be using the land for leisure and recreational purposes and for storing non-agricultural items and equipment.

The whole site lies within the West Dorset Heritage Coast, which was established to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of the

AGAINST PLANNING RULES: Some of the buildings on the land at Pirates Lane, Wyke Regis

coastline.

The council said it attempted to “inform and educate” the plot holders regarding the lawful and unlawful uses of the agricultural land, and produced factsheets for them.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, as a significant amount of unauthorised development continued on this protected site, including by Mr Hasan, the council served enforcement notices on each plot owner back in July 2018.

“The notice required each owner to remove all unauthorised assets from their plots by February 2020.

A subsequent appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and the covid-19 pandemic delayed proceedings, but when officers returned to

inspect the land several times between September 2020 and May 2023, no steps had been taken by Mr Hasan.

“This was despite the council writing to the defendant reminding him of the requirements of the notice and the potential for prosecution if he failed to comply.

“This left the council no choice but to pursue prosecution.”

At Weymouth Magistrates Court, Hasan pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice, by failing to cease using the land for leisure and recreational purposes and for using it for the storage of non-agricultural equipment.

He also admitted failing to remove all items used ancillary to leisure and recreational use, including

all caravans, as well as building materials, tools, bricks, and stored timber plus sheds and other structures.

Hasan was fined £300 for each of the two offences and was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £3,477, the full amount claimed.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32.

The grand total being £4,109.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “This successful prosecution should come as a warning to anyone who thinks they can ignore planning enforcement notices without consequence.

“We gave Mr Hasan more than enough time and support to comply with our instructions and, while we’re pleased with the result, it shouldn’t have come to this.

“Many other plot owners in this area have also failed to take heed of our enforcement notices, and we will be taking legal action in due course.

“In the meantime, I want to thank our planning enforcement officers and legal team for their hard work in bringing this case to court.”

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55

How your festive fundraising can take off Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has shared five great festive fundraising ideas to help the crew to be there for patients.

The local life-saving charity is 95 per cent funded by charitable giving and receives no direct funding from the Government or National Lottery. Every mission costs around £3,500 and rising.

You can help by: 1. Dedicating Your Christmas Lights to DSAA If you’re one of those people whose turns their house or

workplace into a dazzling winter wonderland, why not dedicate your display to the work of DSAA? 2. A Mince Pie Morning Bring people together over a cup of tea or coffee and of course, mouthwatering mince pies ... and don’t forget the

cream.

3. A Festive Fancy Dress Day Organise a Festive Fancy Dress Day and embrace the Christmas spirit by dressing up in your jolliest most dazzling outfits in your workplace, at school or a gathering.

4. Holding a Christmas Fair

It’s a fantastic way to combine festivities and make a difference.

5. A Festive Bake Sale Bake an array of festive treats like cookies, cakes and pies and sell them to raise funds for DSAA. n If you feel inspired to get involved with some festive fundraising in support of DSAA, the charity’s fundraising team is on hand to help in any way they can ring 01823 669604 or email: fundraising@dsair ambulance.org.uk

n A vision for nature in West Dorset is behind a successful funding bid by West Dorset Wilding.

The Brit Catchment Recovery Project is one of 34 projects in England to be shortlisted for major support under the government’s Landscape

Recovery funding scheme Round 2.

The project, which involves 53 farmers and landowners, has identified more than 8,000 acres of land which will be improved for nature over the next two decades. This amounts to 38% of the rural

land in the catchment.

The scheme will result in more wetland, species-rich grassland, wood pasture, native woodland and vitally important but often undervalued scrub, increasing the diversity and abundance of birds, insects, mammals, fish,

native wildflowers, and trees.

The project will explore deer management and investigate the reintroduction of species such as water voles.

Find out more at westdorsetwilding.org/brit and by emailing info@westdorsetwilding.org

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56

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

New children’s book promotes inclusivity A new children's book called Horses Can Do Ballet is aimed at inspiring inclusivity.

Jade Leahy from Cattistock has released the book to raise funds for The Riding for The Disabled Association.

The enchanting book embarks on a heartfelt journey of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.

It features Molly, a little girl whose longing for ballet lessons leads her on an unexpected and magical journey.

Jade said: "In Horses Can Do Ballet, I wanted to craft a story that illustrates the beauty of determination and the wonderful bond between humans and animals.”

The Riding for The Disabled Association (RDA) enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities through equinetherapy, with therapeutic horseback riding experiences, enhancing physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Jade added: “Our aim is not just to tell a captivating tale but also to contribute to a cause that empowers individuals facing challenges. Supporting the RDA aligns with our belief in the transformative power of

interaction with horses.”

Horses Can Do Ballet is an exquisitely illustrated and sensitively narrated story that champions diversity, resilience, and the significance of embracing one's unique abilities. It serves as a powerful tool for educators, parents, and children alike to explore themes of perseverance, empathy, and the boundless possibilities of determination.

To order a copy, price £8.99, go to Amazon or email jademleahy@gmail.com

Families’ charity branch handed lifeline A charity supporting parents has stepped into the breach after Home-Start West Dorset was forced to close.

Home-Start Wessex is extending its reach to support families in West Dorset after Home-Start West Dorset – an independent charity – could not secure enough grant funding to continue.

Home-Start has been around for half a century, offering a team of volunteers to help families cope.

For the last 15 years, there has been a branch for West Dorset, and over that time hundreds of volunteers and have helped hundreds of local families. Now HomeStart Wessex are working closely with staff at HomeStart West Dorset to ensure the safety of families the charity supports and retain the dedicated volunteers in the area.

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, CEO of Home-Start Wessex, said, “All of us here at Home-Start Wessex are

REACHING OUT: Kathy Fryatt-Banks

very sorry to hear about the closure of Home-Start West Dorset. With immediate effect, we are extending our reach to cover West Dorset, including Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and down to Lyme Regis.

Our reach now covers a large part of the Dorset Council area, including the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport and the whole of the BCP Council area. We also work across the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire, going as far north as Cranborne and Fordingbridge and as far east as New Milton. The population of this area is

over 600,000 with many pockets of high-level deprivation.”

The closure of Home-Start West Dorset highlights the funding crisis affecting charities, driven by issues including the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Back in 2016/7, the majority of the groups’ fundraising came from local authorities, the NHS and the Lottery. However, that funding dramatically reduced, and the organisation had to find totally different ways to raise the funds to continue.

Since Home-Start was set up 50 years ago, over 1.5 million children have been supported to have a better start in life. But society has changed significantly. Back in 1973, only 2% of families were single-parent families. Now, the figure stands at 22%. 90% of those single-parent families are women bringing up their children alone, and in line with that, 90% of the families Home-Start

Wessex supports are single mums.

Kathy added: “Our service is in greater demand than ever before, with more and more families struggling to cope.

“We see families going through considerable stress and hardship, including a rise in families who have suffered domestic violence, mental breakdowns and been forced into homelessness. We are keen to do what we can to ensure that families in West Dorset can still access the support they need. Because childhood can’t wait.”

Their service is in more demand than ever. If you can commit to 2-3 hours each week to help transform the lives of young children and their parents in our community, please contact michelle@homestartwesse x.org.uk. No special qualifications are necessary, and full training will be provided. Find out more at homestartwessex.org.uk

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Parents unite on autism book Assessments A group of creative parents has teamed up to produce a book about the challenges and joys of raising children with autism.

Members of Bridportbased community support group ASCape wrote, illustrated and have now published Parents Like Us. An ASCape spokesperson said: “Bravely and generously these parents give voice to the damage done by a society that doesn’t seem to care about their children.

“They also share their deep, boundless love and hope for their amazing young people.

“Their poems and prose are beautiful testimony, giving rare insight to the, often lonely, struggles and

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Parent Katie Rescola with the book Parents Like Us

unwitnessed celebrations of raising an autistic child or young adult.”

Co-author Lisa Pinch from Bridport said: “It was lovely to have an opportunity to speak from the heart about the small everyday things that have

such a big impact on everyday life.

“I hoped that my experience could help others know that they too can be heard and understood.”

Carolyn Emett from Beaminster said: “Parenting a neurodiverse child - or three, in my case - can be very challenging.

It’s also very rewarding, and occasionally bizarre and hilarious. As our experiences are often hidden, it’s great to be able to shine a light on them for the rest of the world to see.” n Copies of Parents Like Us can be obtained from ascapegroup.org/product/ parents-like-us-book-byascape

£1.5m boost

More than £1.5million has been made available to help reduce the number of people waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment for conditions including autism.

There are currently around 3,500 people in Dorset waiting for an autism assessment, sometimes waiting as long as two years for an assessment.

The additional funding, from NHS England, should support faster assessments of at least 1,000 people currently on the waiting lists around Dorset.

Assessments usually take place following a GP or school referral with a small team of specialists.

Culture

We’re singing along with ancient tales of the sea REVIEW Caught in the Net Royal Manor Theatre Portland

By Viviane Horne A collaboration between Portland wordsmith Sarah Acton and international harpist Sarah Deere-Jones was always going to be something special, but add to the mix Grace & Growl Dance Company and the combined talents of choreographer Anna Golding, actors Phil Smith, Anna Takashime with costumes by Sophie Fretwell and you have something quite extraordinary.

The first performance was outside Fleet old church in August and overlooking the Fleet, the perfect spot as the story is all about traditional Seine fishing off Chesil beach. Following the publication of her book Seining Along the Chesil, Sarah Acton was inspired to create a performance piece.

A chance meeting with Sarah Deere-Jones led to the original folk music score and the result is a tale of fish, smugglers and

treasure with music to sing along to.

Re-written since the August performance, the show now has a flavour of Moonfleet, with Jack the smuggler, his lost treasure, a modern day treasure hunter, as well as the original play featuring the queen of mackerel and her shoal visiting Chesil for the summer, the fisherfolk and their struggles. At the recent Royal Manor Theatre performance on Portland, we

were coached by Sarah Deere-Jones on the choruses before the performance started. Visually it’s beautiful and it’s good fun singing along. I particularly liked the fabric ‘sea’ waving its way over the audience, a really good effect.

The team are delighted that they have been given the support to tour next year. It is the 200-year anniversary of the great gale along Chesil beach of 1824.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Culture

Enjoy the experience of This Christmas this Christmas A festive, feel-good comedy about finding love later in life, penned by Dorset writers, will be performed next month.

This Christmas, by James Cuthill and Vince Jones, encompasses themes of regret and the possibility of redemption and is being presented by Dorchester Arts.

With a cast full of local acting talent,

the play is directed by co-writer Vince, with assistance from professional actress Sue Wylie (‘Kinetics’).

Rehearsals have been taking place since September, and have involved several Christmas trees, numerous suitcases, and lots of mince pies.

James says of the rehearsals: “The cast have been having a great time

bringing the story to life, and we’ve been making ourselves laugh out loud with every scene. It’s shaping up to be a great production.” n This Christmas is at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange Saturday, December 16 and Sunday 17. Tickets are available at www. dorchesterarts.org.uk or by calling 01305 266926.

Players’ £600 boost for women’s refuge A top performance of Stronghold of Happiness by the New Hardy Players to a full house at The Corn Exchange raised £600 for West Dorset Women’s Refuge.

The book, written by Devina Symes, is set in Dorset during the Second World War and 2005, and takes a dive into the lives of the women left on the home front.

Devina said: “I wanted to turn the tables on the usual narrative about war and look at the unspeakable traumas sometimes experienced by vulnerable women left on the home front.

“And as the story includes the need for a women’s refuge, I could think of no better charity to give the

THANK YOU: Devina Symes presents the cheque to Molly Rennie. Back, from left: Mark Cummins, Andy Worth, chairman of the New Hardy Players: Barry White, Peter Allison, Sonia Morris, Rod Drew, Brian Caddy, Alistair Chisholm and Chrissie White Picture: MARK NORTH

profits to than the West Dorset Women’s Refuge Welfare Committee.”

On behalf of the Women’s Refuge, Molly Rennie said: “For those of us working within the Welfare Committee this has been a huge opportunity to raise

awareness of domestic abuse locally. The need is as relevant now as it was in the time portrayed in the play. Many families live in fear. The money raised at the event will help families locally with the everyday things many take for

granted, especially at Christmas and into the year ahead. A huge thank you to Devina and the New Hardy Players.” n Please call Paragon anytime 0800 032 5204 for help or advice regarding domestic abuse.

Have your swash buckled with Robin’s merry men Can Robin and his barmy band of brigands save the poor people of the Forest from the scheming Sheriff?

Can they thwart his greedy plans, and can they find a way to level up?

Come see for yourself as The Travelling Players head to Dorset this December to perform The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood with Artsreach, the county’s touring arts charity.

With quirky storytelling, merriment and mischief, the Travelling Players present a stout-hearted tale of epic proportions.

Expect a great deal of swashbuckling, a number of ridiculous fights and some improbable archery.

Packed with live music, puppets and far too many trees, this co-production

by Bumblefly, Forest Forge and Mischievous Theatre is sure to hit the

target for families this festive season. n Artsreach is delighted to present The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood at West Stafford Village Hall (07968 633834) at 6.30pm on Friday, December 8, and at Burton Bradstock Village Hall (07821 363316) at 6pm on Saturday, December 9.

For tickets and further information visit artsreach.co.uk

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Culture

Snow business like snow business!

December at Dorchester Arts promises to be quirky, entertaining, and seasonal in equal measure – with a dusting of snow as well.

There’s cabaret artists Charlie Bicknell and Louise Innes’ shamelessly festive and unhinged Snow Angel, Lyngo Theatre’s attempt to fill Dorchester Corn Exchange with Snow Play (it’s going to be messy!), and DA favourites Living Spit’s irreverent portrayal of A Christmas Carol.

There will also be traditional music in Noel Noel from the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir, and a new Christmas play This Christmas from local playwrights Vince Jones and James Cuthill.

On Friday, December 8 Snow Angel will celebrate all that is Christmassy, from Michael Bublé and Tiny Tim to ‘Frozen’ mash-ups, the John Lewis Christmas ad and one small, ever-popular Eskimo. Mad-capped, joyous and at times preposterous, this is an evening of festive frivolity with a tiny sparkle of magic that will delight the unhinged and charm the pants off everyone else. (Age guidance 13+).

On Saturday, December 9 there’s Snow Play – a

FESTIVE FEATURES: Snow Angel, Lyngo Theatre’s Snow Play and, below, Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir’s Noel Noel

showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who must go away.

So please come and help Mr Green against Mr White in this highly interactive smash-

hit production. You get to make a giant snowman, cover a whole house in snow and have a super snowball fight! (Age guidance 3+).

On Saturday and Sunday,

December 16 and 17 there’s This Christmas – a heartwarming, feel-good romantic comedy about love in later life, from local playwrights Vince Jones and James Cuthill. When strangers Tim and Jenny meet on a train, they share the story of their lives, only to find that when they reach their destination, they have much more in common than they could ever have imagined. Will this Christmas be the one they’ll always remember?

On Wednesday, December 20 there’s Noël! Noël! With Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir – a celebration of the season with uplifting music and readings. Carols old and new, close harmony arrangements and traditional favourites. On Friday, January 5 Living Spit will perform A Christmas Carol – a two-man unique take on the eponymous anti-hero of Dickens’ festive masterpiece.

With silly songs, pitiful puppetry, and more Dickensian daftness than you can shake a selection box at, Living Spit’s Christmas Carol promises to be a feast of festive foolery that you will never forget. n dorchesterarts.org.uk

BBC team to perform writer’s one-minute pantomime A writer from Weymouth will hear his work on the radio after a producer spotted a story about his mini pantos in the WDM. Iain Campbell writes short versions of traditional pantos for people to perform to each other, in community groups, care homes, pubs and more. BBC Radio Solent liked the idea so much they

approached him to perform a one-minute excerpt live on air.

Iain said: “I thought I could do one better and produced a one-minute panto about Cinderella. It’s “One Minute Cinders!”

Four of the Radio Solent staff will be taking the parts of Cinders, The Ugly Sister, The Prince and The Fairy

Godmother.

Iain added: “It’s an unusual and quirky presentation of the traditional Cinderella story and so, so funny. Like all the other mini pantos One Minute Cinders! requires no rehearsals, no line learning and no costumes.” minipantos.com

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Culture

Music By The Lake is back, bigger and better Weldmar Hospicecare’s popular Music By The Lake fundraiser festival is set to return in the summer bigger and better than ever before.

Now featuring three live acts per show, visitors will now be able to book luxury picnic boxes, rent chairs, and even book a pitch for their motorhome or camper van during the event, which runs from July 5 to 7 at Dorchester Showground.

Nine of the UK’s leading tribute acts will be taking to the stage, with the Spice Girls, Pink, and Robbie Williams on the opening Friday night. The iconic girl band will mark their 30th anniversary in 2024, as will Weldmar

TRIBUTE SHOW: Music By The Lake returns next July

Hospicecare, the organisers of Music By The Lake.

Saturday night is one for those who love classic pop from the 1970s and 80s, with a headlining Abba tribute, as well as the music of Madonna and

Duran Duran.

There’s a legendary feel to Sunday afternoon, where tributes to Motown icons Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie will be performing live.

Once again, children under the age of 14 can

attend for free, and discounts are available for those who work for the NHS, emergency services, and the military in Dorset.

Weldmar organising committee chairman Matt Smith said: “This will be the third Music By The Lake event to be held at Dorchester Showground, and it gets bigger and better year after year.”

This year’s Music By The Lake raised £45,000 for Weldmar Hospicecare, which all goes towards specialist end of life care for people in Dorset with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones. n More info and tickets at musicbythelake.net

Writer Lucy poison pens debut novel Frampton-based debut author Lucy Ghose is putting the finishing touches to her first novel The Poison Balance which is due for release on January 23.

Set in an acid rain apocalypse, The Poison Balance is described as a “gripping” eco-thriller about two people finding love unexpectedly as society draws ever closer to collapse.

In The Poison Balance, trees across London are dying for no reason, and it is up to flawed yet feisty lab intern Amy Weston and socially repressed professor Joel Harket to make the world understand why.

With the Earth rapidly reaching its toxic limit, and increased acid rain levels morphing humans into zombie-like ‘howlers’, this unlikely couple are forced to trust one another as they fight to stave off an impending apocalypse.

Before becoming an author, Lucy Ghose worked in local newspapers since she was 17 and has since written

short stories for a national magazine.

She says she loves reading and writing about the 1980s, zombies and endof-the-world scenarios.

Having studied in London for university, she moved from Leicester back to her birthplace in Dorset, where she lives with her family.

Lucy said: “Science fiction is a male dominated genre, and many sci-fi novels and films have male protagonists. As a female author, I was determined to change this, and have created a feisty, mixed race female protagonist who is fighting to have her voice heard. I also wanted to make romance a key theme as most dystopian novels

ignore this key aspect of human existence – after all, at the end of the world, who would you turn to?

Strangers, or your loved ones? For me, the answer is a simple one.

“In addition, the science included in my novel is loosely based on fact – acid rain damages plant life, destroys buildings and can even affect the brain – though as a disaster novel, these effects are seen in the extreme, making the world a very dangerous place to be.” n Published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, The Poison Balance (ISBN: 978-1-80378-159-4) is available in paperback and Kindle format.

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Culture

Woman in Black leaves us white with fright REVIEW The Woman in Black Lighthouse, Poole

By Diana Holman The theatre was well-filled for the opening night of The Woman in Black, a play by Stephen Mallatratt set in a theatre in the early 1950s.

The play was based on the book of the same name by Susan Hill, and was a ghost story with the main themes of fear, isolation and the influence of the past. It was originally based on the

true story of a woman called Janet Humfrye whose child died in an accident. She was driven mad with her desire for revenge with emotion so powerful that she pursues revenge beyond the grave and returns to haunt other people.

“Prepare to be terrified!” the audience was warned.

The lady in the next seat and I glanced fearfully at each other and each of us admitted to being of a nervous disposition.

Were we going to cope

with this we asked ourselves. Should we have come?

The two main characters – the lawyer Arthur Kipps (Malcolm James) and the actor (Mark Hawkins) gave a powerful performance.

The third and last performer was the woman in black herself, who drifted mistily across the stage from time to time.

Original this, to have a ghost who was actually present rather than simply alluded to.

The stage set was simple

but very atmospheric, a sparsely furnished room with a door to a child’s nursery mistily visible through a filmy curtain.

Blood-curdling screams chilled us all from time to time - not many – just enough to cause us to fear the next one.

The audience loved it, and many people gave the talented actors a standing ovation. A school party of teenagers was part of the audience, and it was obvious that they loved the play.

Crime and punishment book on sale A Bridport author is raising money for the Women’s Refuge with a book on the Dorset Assizes.

Villains, Victims and Tragedies, Stories from the Dorset Assizes is available from its writer Brian Bates priced £10 plus P&P. At the Lent assizes, in 1856, 15-year-old servant Flora Everitt stood in the dock accused of trying to poison her master, and in that same year Elizabeth Martha Brown was tried and hanged for killing her husband with a hatchet. In 1818 James Bowditch stood accused of abducting a 16-year-old heiress, and in 1841 widow Jane Winter sued sea captain James Butt for breach of promise, after she became pregnant and he disappeared to London. Such was the diversity of cases heard in Dorchester, but most had one thing in common, and

that was tragedy, whether the principal actors were of the lowest social orders or landed gentry.

Tragedy not just for the convicted, who faced imprisonment, transportation to the other side of the world, or death, but also for their families, many of whom were plunged into poverty and the workhouse.

Collectively, the stories paint a fascinating picture, not just of nineteenth century crime, but also of the prevailing attitudes to what was acceptable behaviour, what punishments were appropriate, and the rights of the accused. In their address to the Grand Jury Judges freely gave their opinions on the state of society and newspapers were quick to comment on what they saw as incorrect verdicts or sentences. The judicial decisions of the courts and

the debate that arose from them sometimes led to major changes in thinking and government policy.

Before the coming of the railway to the town, the judges’ entourage was met at Yellowham Hill by the High Sheriff and proceeded into the town with great pomp, trumpeters playing fanfares and the bells of St Peter’s church ringing out a welcome. Inside the Shire Hall the dramas took place, all recorded by reporters.

Dramas like the one which occurred when Edwin Preedy, who had killed a prison warder at Portland prison, tried jump from the dock and had to be strapped down before the court could proceed. Such events were witnessed by a full public gallery which regarded the assizes as a place of entertainment.

Contact brianbates@trayfoot.co.uk or call him on 01305 263824.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Letters

Wrong wasp sparks swarm of protest Thanks for publishing the article warning of the perils of the Asian Hornet. However, unfortunately, the pictured insect is not the Asian hornet but our relatively harmless native hornet. The Asian hornet is a little smaller, an inch long for workers, a little larger for queens.

They are mainly black but have an orange face, a thin yellow stripe near the waist, a single broad orangeyellow stripe near the tail and yellow legs.

At this time of year most of the workers will be gone but the queens will over-winter and in the spring each will try to start a new nest, often in a garden shed or similar.

When she’s raised enough daughters they will evacuate and build a much larger nest in a tree or brambles or an attic. They’re versatile!

Chris Slade (beekeeper) Maiden Newton

your supporting picture, only confuses an already badly informed public about our bees wasps and hornets and how to identify them.

Please take time to find a real picture of an Asian hornet which has a very distinctive marking and yellow legs and does not have a yellow head.

I know there are many available on the BBKA website. I am certain I will not be the only beekeeper to ask you to let the public know that the picture you printed with the article was not an Asian hornet.

Love the mag and the articles but just couldn’t let that error go without a comment.

M Hague (bee keeper, retired)

I was pleased to see the article on Page 43 of the November edition of The West Dorset Magazine about the invasive Asian hornet, sometimes referred to as the Yellow-Legged Hornet. Asian hornets are highly invasive and If established would pose a serious risk to butterflies and bees all types. Honeybees make up about 50% of their diet.

It was an informative piece but unfortunately the picture will mislead your readers. Your picture is of a giant Asian hornet (Vespa mandarnnia) which is not in this country.

Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina). are slightly larger than wasps. They are mostly dark in colour and, unlike most other wasps/hornets, have yellow socks.

Please do not confuse the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina with the Giant Asian hornet (Vespa mandarinia), sometimes referred to as the “Japanese hornet”. Or Giant Killer Hornet in tabloid newspapers.

Richard Norman, President, Dorset County Beekeepers

Just reading your article on Asian Hornets … whilst on holiday from Jersey, visiting my parents in Bridport. We currently have destroyed 330+ nests this year - and my husband is part of a “tracking” group there, to locate nests.

Sadly the picture is not an Asian Hornet – they are easily identified by their yellow ‘socks’!

Mrs Karen Hidrio

I was surprised to see your article in the November edition of The West Dorset Magazine, with a picture of nothing like an Asian hornet.

The warning of their problematic increase and threat to British beekeepers is growing but poor examples such as one would assume was supposed to be represented in

I was completely astounded by Messrs Pitt and Clifford (WDM November 2023).

Their hysterical slagging off of our MP Chris Loder, clearly they have no idea what good and positive things he does, their negativity is beyond belief.

About a year ago I found myself in a very awkward situation through no fault of my own, the situation was indeed going to be a financial catastrophe.

I asked for help from Chris Loder, he diligently went about contacting the necessary organisations, Dorset Council and other bodies, he was contacting me by email at 7am on weekdays and also Saturday mornings.

He was emailing chief executives and very senior solicitors on my behalf and the situation was positively resolved.

I cannot and many others I know speak highly enough about our MP

Chris Loder.

Paul Coggins, Poundbury Further to Andrew Knowles’ article, WDM November, regarding keeping websites up to date, I wish to add my own frustrations to his comments concerning pub opening times. My wife and I very much enjoy going for a drink or meal in a pub we have never visited. Having chosen a likely candidate to visit it should be a simple job to quickly look up their website and check their opening times.

Unfortunately, many is the time I have given up, exasperated at either the time and effort taken to find the information, or in some cases not found it at all. As Andrew states this information should be visible from the start or at the very least ‘signposted’ on the front page. And this also goes for additional and up to date information regarding seasonal variations, such as differing winter hours, or as sometimes is the case closing in January after the festive rush.

Come on pub trade – a lot of you are desperate to attract custom. I know it is probably not at the top of your list of priorities, but please make it easier for us to visit your establishments safe in the knowledge that it will be open, and welcoming.

James Douglas, Lyons Gate First I would like to say how I have enjoyed The West Dorset Magazine this year – thank you.

Secondly, can you help with where we can recycle our medicine blister packs? There must be thousands and thousands of them throughout the county just put into the landfill bin.

Some retailers like Superdrug were recycling them but now they say they have stopped.

Hope you can help.

Mary Herron, Weymouth Hi Mary! If you go to terracycle.com you can download a prepaid postage label to post them to Aldi for recycling. We are told Boots in Weymouth still recycles them too.

I imagine that something like 99% of your readers are completely unable to confirm or dispute the contents of the very worrying letter from Robert Theobald in your November magazine. Apart that is from the comment on the

inadequacy of the current grid system, not the only shortcoming in our national infrastructure I might add.

So given that oil and gas are a finite resource too, will the remaining 1% let us know what the solution might be given the current environmental concerns? Also, how are they going about bringing this matter to national attention, rather than just confining it to one small corner of the UK? Future generations will not be well served by pursuing a policy which cannot be carried through successfully. We have had enough false dawns in the past as it is.

Graham Cole Robert Theobald's letter in WDM November 2023 cites what are intended as alarming figures to cast doubt on the viability of alternative energy sources such as wind, water and sun. It looks as if these figures originate in meta-research work by Barry Butterfield and Daniel B Bullen. Butterfield is a retired energy engineer from the strongly Republican state of Nebraska who evinces strong support for coal mining, the use of fossil fuels in general, and for nuclear power generation. Bullen is also an experienced US engineer with a career spent almost entirely within the nuclear industry, whether defence or power focussed. I don’t doubt their credentials in their specialised research areas.

Credentials are one thing but it’s a logical fallacy to assume that such possession leads necessarily to accurate understanding of related areas which, however, cite quite different factors and then argue from that faulty position that black is white. This is what Theobald seeks to do here.

The approach which through the first industrial revolution around 1760 brought Britain to worldwide economic dominance is now recognised beyond doubt as existentially dangerous for that same world. Concerns around environmental and health factors began to arise early and by the 1950s it had become entirely clear the continuing use of fossil fuels was hugely damaging to the environment. Oil companies are on record as understanding the dangers and working to interfere with public knowledge of the growing

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Letters problems. It’s now recognised, virtually without exception among scientists concerned with climate issues, that without rapidly ditching fossil fuel use the earth is on a clear path to disaster and probable life extinction. This is essentially on account of climate change and consequent weather malfunctioning but also through widespread and consequent loss of biodiversity.

Scientific invention may help slow matters but without urgent ditching of fossil fuels the earth is too far along the route to disaster.

It’s no longer a matter of slowing down to avoid economic damage.

That train has left the station and the only realistic choice is to speed up the shift away from fossil fuels to mitigate the damage they are now known to cause. This is particularly an issue for us in the developed world while the effects of climate change threaten most strongly those who have had little responsibility for the damage. It’s important also, however, to note that while individuals can and should react to the changes needed far and away the most important shifts that are needed are from the fossil fuel and polluting industries. Yes, there are problems in that approach but I remain optimistic that human ingenuity can devise answer to the problems raised – not to halting climate change and its fallout, that being far too advanced and by now far too complex a problem for easy solution, but the economic and related isses around making the shift from one energy source to the far more plentiful and efficient one of renewable energy.

Murdoch Mactaggart, Swyre I have sympathy for Steve Bick (Letters, Edition 34), over the holly tree that had been cut down which had been there for years as it’s like the one here in Bridport, between the LSI building and the dentist’s in East Street. When the LSI was renovated and the scaffold was removed, the tree had gone. It was always trimmed into shape by someone. I have a postcard, postmarked 1906 showing the tree there then. I did not dream that it would go or I would have said something – did no one care?

Geoff Pulman In the November issue you quoted Steve Tyler, performance director for South Western Railway, saying they are delighted to announce some new services on the Exeter to London Waterloo mainline starting in

system surely this cannot go on indefinitely. As an avid reader of WDM it would be interesting to know if more of your readers share my concerns.

Mike Harwood, Bridport

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall

December. Whilst I welcome this, I wish they would first concentrate on running the existing services reliably. The 05.56 from Sherborne to London was cancelled yet again on Friday, November 10. According to the train indicator board this was due to a shortage of drivers. So imagine my surprise when the train ran empty at high speed through the station. What was even more surprising, it was on time.

Gordon Lethbridge Sherborne I hope people are aware of the very real long-term risk of our beloved NHS being privatised by stealth!

It has been so under-funded by governments for so long, despite all the rhetoric to the contrary. It has been pushed at times almost to breaking point.

Our wonderful NHS personnel working under enormous pressure and at great risk to themselves, carried the nation through the covid pandemic. They’ve been rewarded, if you can call it that, by year-onyear cuts to their living standards, caused by derisory pay increases.

They have been forced into taking strike action against their will, to get

justsocaricatures.co.uk

some sort of reasonable settlement.

GP surgeries are under constant pressure and many people find it impossible to get NHS dental treatment.

I saw some surprising statistics on TV recently, reporting that Germany has three times more hospital beds per thousand people than the UK. France has approximately double.

This must partly explain the horrendous waste of valuable time for all so dedicated paramedics and ambulance crews often queued for many hours waiting to get patients admitted. Many small hospitals have been closed in recent years, exacerbating the problem. We now obviously have a two-tier health system, where those that can afford to pay jump the queue, and use the private sector. Those that can’t are often in pain and sometimes forced to wait for years for treatment.

Private hospitals are not restricted on paying staff which allows them to entice stressed and poorly paid NHS personnel to the private sector. Most of the staff moving to private hospitals are trained at NHS expense. After the short-staffed NHS are forced to call in agency personnel at enormous cost to the

I attended the Maiden Newton meeting hosted by West Dorset MP Chris Loder. It was an interesting gathering where many contentious points were raised. It was disappointing to hear Mr Loder blame a host of factors rather than take responsibility for a Conservative government that has repeatedly failed over the past 13 years. The blame was targeted towards the media, covid-19, potential toxic culture, lack of monitoring of the environment and train drivers! I felt incredulous – he was taking his audience for fools.

After 13 years of misrule and gaslighting it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Conservative Party are no longer fit to govern. Will this safe West Dorset seat fall to another party for the first time? Let’s hope so, but this will only happen with collective responsibility to take the time to vote at the next election thereby facilitating the change this constituency, county and country desperately needs.

Dr Dave Aplin, Maiden Newton On page 51 of the November 2023 issue, under the headline £2 bus fare, the No 7 bus service does not visit West Bay. It clashed with the more direct First bus service from Weymouth to Bridport and was therefore not being used, and pensioners travel on First buses for free after 9.30am. It seems there has been no reason to alter this as the First bus service changes its pick-up times from West Bay several times throughout the year whereas the No 7 is consistent with its timings.

I would add that although West Bay is in the parish of Bridport there is only one bus approximately every two hours during the winter, allowing residents roughly half an hour to get their shopping done, otherwise they have to wait twoand-a-half hours to get a bus back. Although First has on its app the No 6 bus service when inputting West Bay to Bridport and viceversa: the No 6 only travels south as far as the Hollow Lane stop, which is over one-and-a-half miles from West Bay but only half a mile from Bridport town centre.

Sarah Herring

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Sport

IN MEMORY: Players from both teams join in a minute's applause in memory of the Daggers' first captain David Williams Bridport 30 inside their own half.

East Dorset Dockers 17 The ball was moved down Report by CHARLIE SAMWAYS

Players, officials and supporters joined in a minute’s applause in memory of the club’s founding member David ‘Shandy’ Williams, who was the first captain of Bridport rugby club.

The Daggers fittingly produced a strong home performance to overcome East Dorset Dockers on a perfect day for rugby.

The game began with Dockers reclaiming the ball from their kick off and attacking hard at the Daggers line.

The Daggers’ defensive line held firm, as it would throughout large sections of the game, and a breakdown penalty enabled Daggers to clear from their half.

From the resulting lineout, Daggers opened their attacking set spreading the ball from width to width, bringing their wingers Jack Pellow and Harrison Wilkins into the game.

Both saw plenty of ball on

Daggers turn in a great show in Shandy’s honour a day when the Daggers set out to entertain the strong crowd which had come to support.

The result of this sharp attack saw fly half Rory Greening successfully land a penalty to give Daggers the early lead.

The next phase of the game saw Daggers pushed in defence by Dockers, only to be held out for a large period of time.

This came to a sudden end, when Dockers saw space in the backfield and a clever chip over the Daggers’ defensive line put the Dockers’ flanker over in the corner for a well-taken try.

Daggers responded immediately though and after several phases of strong carries by the forward pack, Cameron Frank Waite sniped around the fringes to work his

way over. This was followed shortly by another Greening penalty from the 10m line in the Dockers’ half.

The attacking rugby from Daggers continued in the latter stages of the first half, with the ball worked down the wing to Wilkins, who showed great footwork to cause trouble for Dockers.

Having tied in the Dockers’ full back, Greening saw space and scored a stunning try from a chip over the top.

Daggers got straight back at it after the break, with number eight Hugh Vivian carrying strongly off a scrum to pop the ball up to Daragh Mcloughlin, who went over under the posts for a converted try.

Daggers saved their best try of the day for last, starting with a scrum

the back line, with a perfectly timed pass from debutant Camille Bird to set Henry Everitt and Wilkins in space. Wilkins stepped his opposite man and fed the ball inside to Mcloughlin who drew the fall back and passed to Nathan Herbert who went over in the corner.

In the closing stages, Daggers began to fade, following some enforced changes caused by injury and Dockers seized their opportunities.

Two quickly taken tries followed, leaving Daggers having to regroup to ensure that they didn’t fall to a late loss after their strongest performance to date.

The team tightened up their defence and managed to hold out for a welldeserved win on a special day for the club. n Daggers’ next game is at home to Oakmedians on Saturday, December 9 in the Counties 2 Tribute Dorset and Wilts South division.

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Sport

Pickleball club’s open day draws a big crowd Experts were on hand to welcome budding pickleball players at St Osmund’s Sport Centre in Dorchester as the club hosted a free open day to drive further interest in the growing sport.

Coaching clinics were provided by Stuart Parminter, an IPTPA Level 2 coach and 5.0 rated player with international experience.

A member of the organising team said: “We are really pleased at how

TRY THIS: Getting advice from an expert at the Pickleball Open Day

the day went. We decided in the end to make it a free event so we could attract more local participants. We had over 50 players from as far afield as Wells,

Purbeck, Ilminster, Weymouth and Bridport clubs. We welcomed local families and other newcomers to try out the game. We used all our four indoor courts and overflowed onto our four new outdoor courts once the frost had melted.

“We were very fortunate to have Rob and Nic from Pickleball People attend the event with their extensive pop-up shop.

They brought an overwhelming selection of

over 70 different paddles to try. They are very knowledgeable and shared our passion for the game.

“We offer beginner sessions for anyone interested in trying Pickleball. All equipment is provided, just £4 per person.”

The club are hoping to run similar events in the future.

For more details or to book a session, contact Nicole Smith via email: sportscentre@stosmunds. dorset.sch.uk

Ace Jack is all-round junior champion Young angler Jack Copp was a triple winner at the end of the DDAS Junior’s final points match, the Martin Vine Memorial Cup, held at Whitemoor.

Jack’s impressive haul of 24lbs 15ozs in difficult conditions was enough to win the cup, secure the junior league championship and also be crowned the 2023 Silverfish Champion.

Seven juniors fished the match, undeterred by a flood close to the entrance of the lakes.

Recent rainwater at Chester’s Lake had upset the fish somewhat, yet nothing was going to stop Jack and the other two title contenders, Austin ScottKennedy and Josiah Wells-Parkes from trying to get their hands on the trophies.

All three had an opportunity to finish top after a competitive season and it was Jack who proved to be the most consistent

TIGHT LINES: Jack Copp and part of his winning catch of 39lbs 5ozs.

on the day to emerge as the eventual winner.

The fishing was more difficult than the organisers had hoped because the fish

had been disturbed by the weather, however all competitors caught a few fish despite the additional challenges.

The top three for both the match and the championship were: 1: Jack Copp, 24lbs 15ozs, 213 points 2: Josiah Wells-Parkes, 12lbs 9ozs, 204 points 3: Austin ScottKennedy, 12lbs 5ozs, 201 points n Jack had regained the advantage over his

competitors in the penultimate round of the DDAS junior championship, managing to catch some better fish from a rather out-of-sorts Luckfield Lake in Broadmayne to weigh 39lbs 5ozs. Behind Jack on the day, with 27lbs 10ozs was angling novice Kenzie Toulson in only his second competitive event.

Third place in the match was former champion Oliver Smith with 21lbs.

Long-time championship leader Austin ScottKennedy slipped to third place behind fellow championship contender, Josiah Wells-Parkes. Austin and Joshua ended the match on level points, with the latter taking the second championship place on the number of wins over the season. n For more details on the club and competitions, please visit ddasjuniors.co.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Sport

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The chairman of Sherborne Town has been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about the club’s season so far and adapting to life in the Premier Division of the Wessex League.

John Bowers is pleased with the Zebras’ start to the campaign, although their fortunes have been somewhat mixed, with five defeats sandwiched in between some strong opening results and a current six-match unbeaten run.

John said: “I would have snapped your hand off at the start of the season to be where we are. We’re in the quarter finals of two cups, the Dorset County Cup and the Wessex League Cup, and eighth in the table. We’ve got a new manager, it’s a new league for us, so I’m definitely pleased with where we are. We’ve put together a great squad and we’ve had a few players unavailable and more than our fair share of injuries. We signed Ben Wood from Bideford just this week and brought in the experienced Gary Bowles a couple of weeks ago, and we’re always looking to bring in the right kind of players.

“We played all the top sides in that disappointing run and I hope we can consolidate our position in the top half as we play some of the teams around and

WELL PLAYED: Zebras chairman John Bowers presents the man of the match award to Henry Lawrence-Napier following the 2-0 victory over Fareham and, inset below, new signing Ben Wood

We’re doing fine as we are thanks, says Zebras chief below us in the table.

There are a few owners who are bank-rolling their teams and it’s really hard to compete when they’ve got such massive budgets.

Some of their players cost more than our entire budget, but we have to accept it. We want to keep doing things in a sustainable way and be as competitive as we can, and play in the right way of course. Our team are really

tight, they’re really good mates and we don’t ever want to lose this ethos.”

The Zebras completed the double over Fareham Town on Saturday with first-half goals from Alex Murphy and Ollie Hebbard securing a 2-0 win. The result lifted Sherborne to within one point of the final play-off place, however promotion is the last thing on John’s mind.

“Going up would mean Southern League football and that simply wouldn’t be sustainable as we are.

We’d fight in every game of course but think realistically it would be better for us to consolidate where we are. It’s our first

season in the Wessex League and our second at step five, so finishing in the top half would be a fantastic result for us and there’s no reason to think we can’t do that with the squad we have.

“My only real disappointment is that we didn’t do better in the Vase and the FA Cup. It would have been nice to progress in these competitions and it gives us a bit more revenue.

“Both games came early on in the season when we had a few players unavailable and you need a bit of luck in the early rounds I always think.

“We’ve seen our attendances drop from last season too, and aren’t getting many away fans making the trip. There are a lot of closer teams geographically, overall there’s 600 miles fewer travelling in this league, but we haven’t seen clubs bringing even 10 or 20 fans and it makes a difference. I think a few floating fans might be going to watch Yeovil as they’re having a better season.

“We have kept our prices down and, for £7 or so, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours. We have a new hot food outlet, cheap beer and always guarantee a fantastic welcome to all.” n The Zebras entertain Hamble at Raleigh Grove on Saturday, December 9 with kick off at 3pm. For full fixture information, please visit the club’s website sherborne townfc.com

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Vittles (food & drink)

Spoil yourself, because you’re worth it RESTAURANT REVIEW Summer Lodge, Evershot

By John Clements, chef at The Olive Tree, Bridport Isn’t it interesting how expectations can often influence our experience of something? Magical (and expensive) things like summer holidays, Christmas and meals out are a few examples. In the restaurant we cook to music and invariably one of Santa’s cheeky little elves will surreptitiously slip on a Yuletide playlist – in November! Once the seal is broken Mariah Carey, Slade, Chris Rea and the choir of King’s College, Cambridge all move in and by the time we actually get to Christmas… we’re over it. It’s the same with going out to eat.

Long-planned, special occasion, expensive meals in rarefied restaurants tend to raise our expectations and that, more often than not, can lead to disappointment. Oh well, deep breath and Ho, ho, ho.

Saddle up the Melbury reindeer, it’s in the deep midwinter, so we’re off to The Summer Lodge to drop some eye-wateringly serious pre-Christmas coin.

The menu was upscale French (tweezers not tongs) and the ambiance formal fine-dining. Starters of rabbit, mackerel, confit duck, salmon, beetroot tartare. Mains of turbot, cod, duck, venison and

wild mushroom tart. I chose a “Tasting of Lyon’s Hill Iron Age Pork”. A magnifique Alsace Francofest. Annoyingly it was £10 extra for new potatoes and vegetables. Really? My guest opted for the sirloin steak, which was perfectly cooked and packed with flavour. To finish we shared a delicious selection of cheeses from all over the southwest. Between courses were amuse-bouche with the mushroom arancini providing the biggest smile.

In a season where magic is the currency, The Summer Lodge food was spellbinding and the service enchanting.

Overblown expectations didn’t lead to disappointment on this occasion. Sometimes you’ve just got to check yourself and spoil yourself.

Sending peace for the holidays.

PS: Disclaimer – Alas, The West Dorset Magazine doesn’t do its Christmas party here….

MAGICAL: Lyon’s Hill Iron Age Pork and, right, the selection of cheeses at Summer Lodge, Evershot

We’re all about supporting and selling West Dorset produce and creating delicious South African and Zimbabwean delicacies.

Make sure to visit, we look forward to meeting and serving you

4 Market Street, Abbotsbury, 01305 871235

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Vittles (food & drink) 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.

Christmas begins ‘NOW’ for me.

As I write this, I have moist spiced rum Christmas cake orders to fulfil, and lots of edible Christmas gifts, but that is nothing new for me.

Having grown up in the hospitality trade, Christmas has always begun on December 1 with endless Christmas parties to be catered for.

When I worked in schools, December 1 marked the day when Christmas plays were planned; the countless and sometimes vexing rehearsals, challenging stage building with some comical disasters, inventive costume designs, along with the odd prayer that the inevitable winter ‘bugs’ wouldn’t decimate the entire cast.

Cooking lessons with the children was always Christmas themed and making Cinder toffee was a firm favourite. Excited faces and squeals of delight as buttery toffee rose perilously close to the saucepan edge after the addition of the ‘magic’ powder

Give a gift of kindness AKA bicarbonate of soda.

Working in social care, however, gave me a darker perspective on Christmas.

It was my role to ensure that people were discharged from hospital in time for Christmas, and then there were some who would wish to remain in hospital as it meant that they would get a good meal and someone to talk to on Christmas day.

Such a contrast and so sad.

Every Christmas I treat some of my elderly friends and neighbours to some delicious treats.

This recipe has always gone down a treat. Rich, sticky and creamy, it’s an

easy recipe one which you can involve children, with care as hot sugar burns.

Think of someone who is alone this Christmas, a knock on someone’s door can make all the difference.

Give a little gift of kindness.

Ingredients Vegetable oil, for greasing 70g Butter 300g Soft light brown sugar 125g Evaporated milk 225g Marshmallows 350g Milk chocolate, chopped.

Method 1. Grease a 20cm/8in

Mum’s Kitchen...

Twice Baked Stilton Souffles These delicious little individual souffles make an ideal starter for a special meal and can be prepared and baked once before freezing.

Then, all that is needed on the day is to pour cream around them and bake for the second time. Serves four as a starter

Ingredients 40g butter, plus extra to grease ramekins 40g plain flour 200ml full fat milk 2 large eggs, separated 120g Stilton, crumbled 50g Parmesan, finely grated 300ml double cream

square cake tin with vegetable oil, then line with greaseproof paper.

2. Put the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk in a pan over a low heat and melt gently. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the marshmallows, and turn up the heat. Boil the fudge for 5-6 minutes.

3. Take the pan off the heat and add the chocolate.

Leave for one minute, then stir the mixture together until everything is melted.

4.Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and leave to set for a couple of hours.

Once set, remove from the tin, and cut into 25 squares.

5. Enjoy!

with Diana Holman Method Butter four small 150ml ramekins and line them with non stick baking paper. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and slowly beat in the milk. Return to heat and bring the mixture to the boil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Simmer

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Vittles (food & drink) Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker and has recently moved into her own bakery. She also 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.

Yummy! It’s the panforte that counts Chocolate Panforte It is such a busy time of year so here’s something quick and simple that you can make.

A nutty, chocolatey and slightly spicy treat. Make panforte for Christmas as a lovely gift or snaffle it yourself.

It will keep easily for a month or so and can be made in November ready for the festivities. The best peel for this recipe is bought whole and chopped finely.

Although you can buy the mixed peel that is readily available. The nuts suggested can be substituted with any of your favourites.

Once cooked and cold these can be wrapped in parchment and foil and tuck them away until ready to gift (or eat). Keep airtight.

Ingredients: 20 slices Gas mark 2/ 150C 120g dark chocolate 100g flour

IDEAL FESTIVE GIFT: Homemade Chocolate Panforte

20g cocoa powder 2 tsp cinnamon 125g dried figs, chopped 35g orange peel (chopped) 420g almonds, pistachio nuts and cashews 120g honey with 4 tbsp water 75g caster sugar 75g soft brown sugar

gently for two minutes until thickened. Cool a little before pouring into a bowl. Beat in the egg yolks well so that they do not curdle and then stir in the crumbled Stilton and Parmesan. Set aside.

Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan and boil a kettle of water. Whisk the egg whites until they form medium

Method: Prepare a 20cm (8 inch) tin by lining with baking parchment. Melt the chocolate in the microwave (or in a bowl over hot water) taking it slowly so that it doesn’t burn.

Tip the flour, cocoa and cinnamon in a bowl and mix in the fruit and nuts.

peaks, and stir into the cooled cheese mixture to loosen. Fold in the remaining egg whites gently with a spatula. Fill the ramekins to ¾ full and put them into a roasting tin. Pour boiling water into the tin until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for

With the honey, water and sugars in a small pan gently heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring to a gentle simmer and leave it for 5 minutes.

Pour the hot syrup onto the dry ingredients, add the chocolate and mix well.

Pour the mixture into the prepped tin and press down with a wooden spoon.

Put in the oven for around 40 minutes until it set and slightly firm.

Take the panforte from the oven and leave to cool in the tin.

When cold remove it and the old baking prachment.

Wrap and store until you fancy a wedge. Serve in slices with strong, hot coffee. n Lizzie is selling her wares at a variety of events over christmas and you can find her on December 23 at Poundbury Farmers Market or in The Old Ship inn.

Check out what she’s up to @lizzibakingbird or www.lizziebakingbird.co.uk

20 minutes until just set. Take the souffles out of the oven and leave to cool. Run a knife around the edge of each ramekin and turn out each souffle, either into individual oven proof serving dishes, or wrap individually in cling film to freeze.

When ready to eat, pour the cream around the cold souffles and place in a preheated oven 180C/160cfan and bake for 20-25 minutes until well risen and brown.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Homes & Gardens x

Festive thoughts for healing energies Andy Cole is a reiki healer at The Potting Shed in Middlemarsh. He specialises in planting for healing.

At this time of year our thoughts are of family and friends and preparing for the coming Christmas festivities – mulled wine, mince pies and perhaps turkey with all the trimmings. The decorations are going up and the Christmas tree is on display.

The healing energies of the conifer help to

relieve fatigue and increases your energy, help to counteract insomnia and reduce nervousness. Although after a full Christmas dinner and sitting in front of a warm fire you could be forgiven if you had a power nap. The holly energies aid you in creativity and honesty, the plant is evergreen and good in shade.

The ivy plant energies provide you with determination to reach through obstacles, it grounds you and makes you think things through with a clear and solid foundation, stopping your mind from wandering into the realms of unrealistic expectations.

So even during the festive season the plants around us are still able to provide healing and relaxation.

If you are thinking of planting trees or hedging, now is the time to do this as the plants are dormant and they can be purchased as bare root plants which are cheaper than root ball or pot grown stock.

During the winter the berries are running out fast for the birds, so now is the time to feed them high calorie foods so they have enough energy to keep warm. A good source of feed for them is fat balls or suet pellets.

Not all birds will like these though, so peanuts and wild bird feed are also a must as these different types of feed will attract different birds into the garden.

We have been lucky enough to have some volunteers to help us recently and they have just loved the variety of birds and the ambience of the Wellbeing Nursery, Therapy Garden. We would like to thank them for their help.

This year has flown by, and we have just had our last Qi Gong of the year – it will start again in April. The outdoor yoga will still be carrying on, weather permitting, so please contact Dawn at Yoga Sherborne (07817 624081).

Mary’s energy healing is still available on Thursday mornings, and Cathrine from Snapdragon Therapies is still taking appointments.

Due to major construction works being undertaken over the next couple of months The Potting Shed is closing until the spring, apart from the therapies above.If you would like to volunteer, please email us: michele.secretgarden@ gmail.com I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my articles and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

BEAMINSTER UPHOLSTERY AND FURNITURE REPAIR Please ring Mike for a quote on 07470 007588 or go to beaminsterupholstery.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

71

Homes & Gardensx

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A grandmother from Sherborne will be celebrating Christmas with a stunning six-foot tree after winning The West Dorset Magazine’s competition in association with Groves Nurseries.

Lucky Daphne Langdon, who was born on Christmas Eve, was delighted to hear she had found the eight reindeer hidden in the pages of our November edition.

And as such would soon LOTS IN STORE: Groves Nurseries has an impressive display of festive decorations and, be collecting the below, prize-winner Daphne Langdon magnificent Noma Buckingham Pine artificial Christmas Tree worth £187 donated by Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre.

Daphne said: “I don’t usually pick up the phone to unrecognised numbers, but I thought it was the doctor ringing, so imagine my delight when it was Karen from The West Dorset Magazine with news of my win.

“I do enter a few competitions, but this is the first time I have won anything, so I am thrilled.

“I really wasn’t sure what the tree was that I had won and was thinking it was quite expensive for a real tree, so when I looked on Groves’ website, I was we would all be preparing Christmas, the awardartisan makers and traders even happier to learn it is winning Groves Nurseries at its Ivy House Kitchen, the vegetables ahead of an artificial tree with real pinecones. It looks so and Garden Centre is a this gorgeous garden Christmas Day!” realistic, and we can use it Groves managing director feast for the senses in the centre has Christmas every year. I am so month leading up to the wrapped up.

Charlie Groves said: “It’s pleased.” big day.

The Mini Market opens been good fun to run this Daphne added: “I will be From trees and Monday, Tuesday and competition and it has 67 years old on Christmas been really nice to be able decorations to sparkling Wednesday 10am to 4pm, Eve. We didn’t really have to spread some Christmas light displays and the Thursday 10am to 3pm, a party or anything when I cheer.”

Groves Festive Mini Friday 10am to 4pm and was growing up because When it comes to Market featuring local Sunday 10am to 3pm.

Tree-mendous! Daphne’s delighted with her prize

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Homes & Gardens x

Christmas is in January Mike Burks, pictured inset, is the MD 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.

The fantastic displays that you see at The Gardens Group centres begin their life in January, when Louise Burks and her team travel to the big trade fairs in Harrogate, Birmingham and London to see the exciting new products and displays from over 50 different manufacturers, but we prefer suppliers who are as local as possible.

The team work hard every year to improve the sustainability of the range and look for items made from recycled material including glass and candles.

We also favour wooden, metal, felt and recycled cardboard and paper

Ashley Cooper Turf & Transport Turf supplied and laid if required Top Soil

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decorations, while our soft toys are all made from recycled plastic. At this stage we decide and plan all the main Christmas themes and how we are going to display them.

The stock starts to arrive in July and is then sorted out by a team of staff who unpack and price up each individual bauble and angel.

This bit is quite exciting as, although Louise says she can remember roughly what she bought, it is like Christmas morning every day as we

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Homes & Gardensx

for hard-working staff at trade fairs

open a box for the first time and see what is inside.

In October we start to build the displays.

Every member of staff at each centre gets involved in putting the displays together. It takes about a

week at each centre from start to finish and involves erecting walls, partitions, painting, stapling fabrics onto surfaces, decorating Christmas trees and getting your creative juices flowing to come up with lots of new

ideas. Many of the display materials are reused from year to year.

We work into the night, only stopping for a quick supper in the restaurants.

There are some really talented people working at

our centres who are brilliant at making displays.

The result of the hard work put in by the staff is that people keep coming to the tills and saying: “Do you get professional shop merchandisers in?” We reply: “'NO – we do it all ourselves!”

We were delighted that Castle Gardens has won first prize in the National Garden Centre Association Christmas display competition 11 times in the last 13 years with Brimsmore gardens winning the prize in 2022 and Poundbury is regularly in the top three regionally.

We enjoy creating the displays and we aim to create a wonderful magical experience for you to enjoy.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Homes & Gardens x

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Idyllic spot with A little more than 60 years ago, a boat, probably a small fishing boat, hoveto one night in Church Ope Cove on Portland’s eastern shore, launched a tender, and shortly afterwards, two people scrambled onto the rocky beach.

They were met by a shadowy figure waiting for them and disappeared into the darkness. And so, this beautiful and secluded spot played its part in one of the United Kingdom’s greatest espionage stories. An episode that is still remembered today on MI5’s public website.

Harry Houghton, a former Royal Navy Master at Arms, had taken a clerical job at HMS Osprey after leaving the Navy but had subsequently been posted to the British Embassy in Warsaw in 1951.

Houghton, a man with a drinking habit and an unhappy marriage, spotted an opportunity in thencommunist Poland and began to import and clandestinely sell goods from the UK at inflated prices, such as coffee and medicines. His activities were noticed by the Polish intelligence services and Houghton was soon recruited as a spy, handing over documents for

money to bolster his lifestyle.

His mercantile activities had also been noticed by his embassy employers, as had his unusual lifestyle.

He was returned to the UK and, despite warnings from his estranged wife to the security services, was given a job at the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment (AUWE) on Portland, where he continued to have access to classified information. Supplied with a tiny Minox camera (that would pass off as a cigarette lighter) by his now Russian handlers, Houghton became prolific at stealing and photographing documents relating to submarine technology, supplying 1,927 pages of documents in 1954 alone.

Once again, the authorities became suspicious of his demeanour and moved him back to HMS Osprey where he had less access to sensitive documents.

By now, with his troubled marriage finally behind him, he began seeing a lonely single woman, Ethel Gee, who worked at the AUWE and still had access to the necessary documents for his Russian handlers. Houghton introduced Gee to Konon

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a history of deception and espionage

RING OF SPIES: Church Ope Cove on Portland and, below, Harry Houghton and Ethel Gee and, left, the AUWE site at Southwell

Molody, a Russian intelligence agent posing as US naval officer Commander Alex Johnston. Molody had lived in the US and had a double alias as Gordon Lonsdale, a Canadian businessman. Posing as Commander Johnston, Molody convinced Gee that the Americans just needed to keep an eye on what the UK were doing and that the passing of information would help their alliance. Gee agreed

to supply the information through Houghton, and so the flow of documents and money recommenced.

The trail of documents was once again prolific.

Molody conveyed the documents to another couple in Ruislip, Surrey, who transmitted them to the Russians. The final pair in what became known as the Portland Spy Ring were Lona and Morris Cohen, American communists living under the aliases Helen and Peter

Kroger from New Zealand.

Lona had, in the US, been the courier that supplied the Russian consulate with a complete diagram of the atomic bomb, stolen from the Manhattan Project, allowing the Russians to develop their own atomic weapons. The Cohens had sophisticated transmission equipment and were able to communicate the secret information to Moscow.

In 1960 a Polish spy acting for the CIA alerted his handlers to a Russian spy working in the Royal Navy. Houghton was quickly identified and a joint MI5 and Special Branch Surveillance operation began.

Houghton, Gee and Molody were arrested meeting in London in 1961. Secret documents and undeveloped film containing 310 photographs of sensitive

information were found in Gee’s handbag. The Cohens were arrested the same day. A search revealed a cornucopia of espionage equipment at their property.

The trial of the members of the spy ring was held in March 1961. Lasting nine days, all five were found guilty and given long prison sentences, Molody 25 years, the Cohens 20 years and Houghton and Gee 15 years. Molody was exchanged to the Russians in a spy-swap in 1964; the Cohens similarly in 1969.

All three were honoured by the Russian state in 1998, having postage stamps with their portraits printed.

Despite being handed the shortest sentences of the five, Houghton and Gee served the longest times in prison of the five members of the ring, both being released in 1970. Gee returned to her home on Portland, but she and Houghton subsequently married and lived the rest of their lives in Poole.

Houghton is thought to have twice landed Russian agents in Dorset. Once at Church Ope Cove and again at Lulworth, driving them to Blandford where they were met and spirited away, but it is extraordinary to think of these beautiful, peaceful places as once having been in the crosshairs of a Cold War spying scandal.

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The West Dorset Magazine, March 2023

Down to earth

Vintage jewellery: 66 million years old

BEACHCOMBING with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

If it was your neck I was gawping at then I do apologise! I was just scouting for swan-like necks to display my creation on . This necklace was made from old smoking pipe stems found on coves from Weymouth to Lyme Regis. Recycled beads from a favourite broken bracelet are interspersed and strung on found fishing line.

Finding treasures which already have a hole in them is a very useful but most sea glass requires drilling. I researched and watched countless DIY videos on YouTube before venturing into this practice as it looks a bit dangerous

CRAFTY: Ammonite ear rings and, right, the necklace made with tobacco pipe stems, recycled beads and a hag stone and, below, three sea glass pieces one already drilled with a Dremel

but the results are pleasing. I use a Dremel drill and an old ice cream tub with a little water in the bottom. Yes, I know , water and electricity sounds terrifying!

However, without the cooling effect of the water the glass overheats and fractures so you just need to keep gently swilling water over the sea glass as you drill. I use a piece of wood to stabilise the sea-

glass while I drill and sometimes a blob of sponge too under the seaglass to ensure it doesn’t slip.

While learning don’t practice on your best pieces, as you can see in the photo, I left the heart shape and the teardrop but practised on the uneven piece as you don’t want to lose your best pieces.

Attacking from both sides to meet in the centre the

whirring pitch of the drill goes up and the resistance from the glass ends in a satisfying drop.

I love finding ammonite shell fossils.

The tiny ones I often use to make ear rings, ear rings at least 66 million years old – eat your heart out vintage jewellery!

Ammonites are very fragile fossils and need careful handling when you are cleaning them.

Clay makes a great glue and often this is all there is holding the fossils together so once bathed they become fragments. I only use a little washing up liquid, warm water and a fine paint brush to wipe away the mud and hope for the best. My favourite finds of ammonites are when they are coated in pyrite or fools gold so have a natural varnished look. My ears are not exactly photogenic so I gave up trying to take selfies to show the ear rings off, so if it was your ears I was gawping at…

Anamorph, teleomorph?

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 such mysteries I Calendar and in 2021 his Spotter’s Guide to Countryside found out what it was Mysteries was published. years ago – it is a species of fungus, an Recently, while I was sorting through Inkcap, or (much more accurately) a a stack of wood destined for kindling, particularly striking life stage of a I spotted a couple of the pieces left species of Inkcap. Everyone will have over from a demolished shed that were seen an Inkcap of one sort or another. covered in a bright orange and slightly They are characterised by a general wiry fur. Perhaps you have seen this ‘mushroom’ shape and a domed and yourself, wondered what it was, and sometimes tall cap, plus a habit of disintegrating into an inky mess as then passed it by as yet another of they mature. The most familiar is the nature’s mysteries. Unable to suffer

edible Shaggy Inkcap, Coprinus comatus, pictured. It is tall and mostly white, and often seen on grassy roadsides. Should, incidentally, you decide to pick any next year, then make sure they are young and white, with no sign of pink gills or black anything.

There are, however, many more ‘inkcaps’, most of them now in different genera after mycologists decided they fell into several distinct groups. One group was so very

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

77

Down to earth 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.

A barn owl is not just for Christmas The start of December brings the first of the Christmas cards. We don’t get as many as we used to as many friends choose to send electronic greetings or make charity donations instead. But I do still enjoy receiving them, particularly ones from old friends and relations with their annual chatty bits of news.

The cards have definitely changed over the decades, there are still plenty depicting snowmen and reindeer, but I now expect to see almost as many illustrations of Christmas barn owls as I do Christmas robins! The stunning barn owl with its heart-shaped face, golden wings and white underparts makes a beautiful subject in a frosty scene under a starry sky and bright moon.

During the short winter days, I often walk my dog

at sunset as the light fades.

This is the time when if I’m lucky I may see a barn owl out hunting over the water meadows.

The barn owl usually hunts by ‘quartering’ – slowly and deliberately flying low in lines over the fields. Its soft feathers give it silent flight and its good eyesight and exceptional hearing help it to locate its prey of voles, mice and shrews, which it will pounce on with its sharp talons.

One dark night just before Christmas a few years ago I drove past one sitting very still on a fencepost looking for prey, a strategy it uses in very cold weather when it wants to conserve energy.

Sometimes they will hunt by day, a couple of years ago in early spring many villagers were excited to see the barn owl hunting over the water meadows in the afternoon. My friend and neighbour Medea photographed the owl as it rested on a fencepost, quietly observing her daughter on her tree swing at the bottom of the garden!

In the past people weren’t always as pleased to see barn owls as I am. Their silent white ghostly form and their hissing and screeching calls led to them being known as ‘ghost owls’ or ‘demon owls’ and had much superstition attached to them. If a barn owl screeched by the window of someone who was ill

then death was imminent and the poet Wordsworth referred to them as ‘birds of doom’. Bizarrely though, in very early English folk medicine it was thought alcoholism could be cured by eating owl eggs and owl broth was given to children to cure whooping cough!

If you’re not lucky enough to see a barn owl out in the wild this Christmas, you can take a look at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nestbox camera (dorsetwildlife trust.org.uk/wildlifeweb cam).

The owls use the box as a roost during the winter and can be seen quietly snoozing during the day, or catch them as the sun sets as they stretch and preen their feathers before heading off for a hunt. n Barn owl picture by by M Gravelle

You’re a fungi, but make your mind up please... distinct that it was shunted to another family, the equivalent of moving the Lime tree species to the Mallow family (as actually happened!). One such newish genus is Coprinellus (effectively, if not literally, ‘little inkcap’), and the one responsible for those orange fibres is Coprinellus domesticus, more memorably known as the ‘Firerug Inkcap’. I presume it earned its

common name to it looking like a rug on fire, but without the smoke. It is small, rounded, buff-coloured and often covered in small, pale scales.

Fungi are considerably weirder than most people think: their sex lives being more complicated than that of any EastEnders episode, and many having two wildly different life stages. The mushroom stage of our little inkcap is the sexual stage and thus known as the ‘teleomorph’, while

its wiry-orange stage is asexual and known as the ‘anamorph’. Having two stages with little or no visible connection between them has caused thousands of species to be named when they may well have had a name already. Once the existence of such stages was established, they had to be matched, anamorph with teleomorph, and united under one name – a massive task that continues today.

78

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

PUZZLING OVER YOUR ADVERTISING?

EASIER PUZZLES

Email advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk | Call 01305 566336

Arrow words Deuce

Crossword Party invite request (inits)

Agreement

Method

1

West African republic

Ghost’s shout

2

3

7

5

6

8

Gemstone

9

Saddle fall

Inhabitant

Free __ _ bird (2,1)

Carbonated water

10

Stopped living

Oxtail, eg

Elaborately ornamental style

4

Former vocalist, ___ Vicious

11

12 13

Whirled

Logic

14

15

16

17 Strain

18

19

20 Scottish port

Abducted

Helpful contacts?

And so on (abbr)

Male child

Sloth

Threads

Longing

21

Across 7 Stead (6) 8 Small job (6) 9 Iranian monarch (4) 10 Zodiac creature (8) 11 Expediency (11) 14 Investigatory (4-7) 18 Supreme (8) 19 Very short hairstyle (4) 20 Immediately (2,4) 21 Wrote an inventory of (6)

Also

Rolling news channel (inits)

Wordsearch

Down 1 Possibly (7) 2 Route (4) 3 The distance something is out of line (6) 4 Complain about (6) 5 Offered marriage (8) 6 Silver bar (5) 12 Formal speeches (8) 13 Liked (7) 15 Vestiges (6) 16 Paragons (6) 17 Wind instrument (5) 19 Barrel-like container (4)

Invertebrates

T S T I C E T I M R C I O Q O P M G K S E I P U S I C A I L E T C D Q S R S O S L O U S E C E P B R K L E H O P E S K C T C N S O C O C C T C O P C T ANT BEE CICADA COCKROACH CRICKET FLY LEECH LOUSE

K E D U T E S T R I E C E P L

I N S E T Y I L D I U Q P O T C I M C K A S C U S C Y I C C R A C C O G H R D T K S M D D L K Y O I E L E N P F E L A S

C T S O H C C C A D A C I C H

T S E T K H I C C L D B R K C

MOTH OCTOPUS SCORPION SLUG SPIDER SQUID STICK INSECT TERMITE

S C L I M C O T E E O T Q U T I D N S S O O O I A C P K I R A R O I L C E E S E L R T N A

Sudoku

4 6 4

2 9 6 1

8 8

For the solutions turn to page 81

3 7 2

5 9 5 8

7 1 5

5

6 1

7

4 1 8

Brain chain (Easy version) 12

+50%

+18

×1/4

×9

RESULT

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Working together to give the customer the very best service

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

6 1

9

6

5 9

3 1

5

5

8 1

8

1

2

5 7

9

4

1

2

4 5

9

8 1 7 4

3

7 7

3

8

3

2

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15+

11

12

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8

16

8

9

17

14×

2

3

22

336×

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4

26+

16+

432×

160×

20+

1134×

1

1

Brain chain (Hard version) 86

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-102

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18

19

20

3+

1

15

7

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72×

14

13

4

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7

21

4

6

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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.

35×

4

10

9

2

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8 7

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3

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HARDER PUZZLES

Cryptic Crossword

2 9 1

6

4 2

4 6

7

2

7 4

79

×2/3

+60

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.

RESULT

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.

23

Across 1 Be sparing writing about money (6) 5 Short trip with repertory held back US actor (6) 8 Badly behaved youngster beginning to bait retired sailor (4) 9 More cowardly chap covering head when in the old river (8) 10 Winter footwear present among varied hoses (8) 11 I love tense atmosphere initially? A small amount (4) 12 Real deed for all to see by a learner (6) 14 Record player in this way encapsulating two notes (6) 16 Last character in college in element (4) 18 Inexperienced side limited healthy drink (5,3) 20 Free division that’s definite (5-3) 21 Approach in one area (4) 22 Good Pole’s recreated the truth (6) 23 Harmonious pattern? It could be an aspect of verse! (6) Down 2 Longstanding Republican about to be seen amid elegance (7) 3 Religious books in the Isle of Wight being pulled (2,3) 4 Hitchcock film with good reason is affecting one’s mental state (13) 5 Fairground slide is in a confused hurry (6-7) 6 Supply supporting argument with a lot of film footage (7) 7 Put in office European lecturer (5) 13 Remove fastening from a French Catholic with odd pals (7) 15 Detective noticed upset husband? That’s nonsense (7) 17 Island with a lot of darkness as arctic home (5) 19 Indian food clearly lacking content in French city (5)

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Health & Wellbeing

Ups of the downs make for an enjoyable stroll BEAMINSTER WALKING IN DORSET

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

This is a long walk so allow plenty of time. Park not in the town but in the free car park just off the road to the north of the town across Beaminster Down (that should be Up!) Cross the road and take the path northward down towards West Axnoller Farm, then turn right and head eastwards.

Soon you’ll come to Beamister Down which, being access land you’re free to roam and explore, climbing the tumulus to enjoy the splendid views of the

landscape. Make your way across the Down back to the road and join a bridleway that takes you south west down past Higher Meerhay Farm and Meerhay Manor to arrive at Newtown. Walk down the road past the school and into the town. Cross over the square and make your way

down to the lovely church. If you arrive on a Wednesday morning you’ll get coffee, cake and chat with crafters.

Leave the church and head east alongside a stream that takes you to the Bridport road which you take southwards for about a quarter of a mile, then turn left and make your way up a track that becomes a hollow way leading up Coombe Down Hill. At the top turn right down another hollow way between sandstone cliffs that contain all sorts of carvings. The path leads through an orchard down to the Bridport road.

Turn right, then left along a bridleway that leads you across the parkland of Parnham House. There’s a tiny

cemetery in the next field that contains the grave of Rhodes Moorhouse VC. Beyond that take the path that leads you north back towards the town.

When you reach the main road turn left for a furlong then weave right, joining a path that heads north up a gwyle. After half a mile turn right to join Tunnel Road which takes you north for a short distance to join a path that heads east to Chantry Farm, then north to join the road at Buckham Down. Turn right and in half a mile you’ll be back at your car, having walked 10 miles.

81

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Health & Wellbeing

Bereavement cafes next week Oggy’s Footcare

People who have lost loved ones are welcome to drop-in to the Bereavement Café in Weymouth and Dorchester this month.

Hosted by Dorset Open Door, Mosaic, Dorset Youth and Dorset Mental Health Forum, the drop-ins are taking place at: The Front Skate Park, Weymouth

DORSET FOOT HEALTH CARE

on Tuesday, December 12 at 4.30pm-6.30pm and The Gallery at Dorset Mental Health Forum, Dorchester on Thursday, December 14 at 4.30pm – 6.30pm.

There is no need to book a place, Looking after your feet at home anyone can come along for a chat and a coffee. For more information Janet Ogden DipFH MCFHP MAFHP about the sessions A quali昀ed foot health visit bit.ly/BereavementCafeDorset

Enjoy a free jive

Mobile foot care in the comfort of your own home. Enquiries call 07917 683569 More info @ dorsetfootcare.com

practitioner who will visit you at home to look after your footcare needs.

• Routine cut & 昀le • Callus

West Dorset Jive is holding a • Verruca freezing • Corns Community Evening at 7.30pm on • Fungal nails nails • Ingrown December 8 in Chideock Village • Thick nails • Diabetic footcare Hall. All dancers from all types of www.oggysfootcare.co.uk jive welcome – an Introduction to Call: 07824 486356 a modern jive class by Dee Email: oggysfootcare@gmail.com Lanning. No need to book – free.

Book at: oggys-footcare.selectandbook.com

From pages 78-79

Puzzle solutions Sudoku

5 8 3 2 4 9 7 6 1

1 6 7 3 8 5 2 9 4

2 9 4 7 6 1 8 5 3

9 5 2 6 1 8 3 4 7

4 3 8 9 2 7 5 1 6

7 1 6 4 5 3 9 8 2

Crossword

8 4 9 1 7 2 6 3 5

3 2 1 5 9 6 4 7 8

6 7 5 8 3 4 1 2 9

Brain chain 12

18

36

9

27

3

Killer Sudoku Pro 35×

7

2

4

3

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5

8

2

3

6

1

15+

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6 9 1

14×

2

160×

4 8

2

4

105×

5 3 7 1

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9

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P P O B P I B E H A L F E R R A N D R T F M O G S H A H S C O R P I O N A E A O T O P P O R T U N I S M S R E E F A C T F I N D I N G F T R D J U L T I M A T E C R O P U O C A A Y A T O N C E L I S T E D E S S S K D

Jumbo 3D Sudoku 5 7 2 9 6 8 1 4 74 3 1 4 6 5 9 2 5 8 8 6 4 3 1 7 6 9 3 9 2 5 8 3 7 2 9 5 3 2 7 8 6 1 2 7 3 4 5 4 1 3 1 3 5 9 1 3 1 9 8 6 1 8 6 2 2 8 6 5 8 7 4 5 7 7 5 99 4 7 4 8 16 2 4 5 2 9 9 2 6 7 3 3 6 6 2 4 1 8 4 3 7 8 8 7 5 4 9 9 5 8 7 1 2 1 2 9 4 6 3 1 8 7 1 6 3 2 9 9 1 6 4 5 1 6 4 5 6 3 9 2 3 2 3 5 3 2 5 1 6 4 8 4 8 7 2 4 8 7 9 3 4 8 7 5 6 7 5 1 1 6 9 5 7 3 5 7 9 8 9 2 8 3 3 2 6 6 9 1 4 7 2 8 2 4 1 3 7 5 1 7 4 5 9 5 6 8 35 8 3 1 6 86 2 7 2 9 4 9 1 6 9 3 8 7 2 1 4 5 4 7 9 1 5 8 4 2 6 3

Arrow words T W A R O C C S O P R K I D L L A Y Y A R

B B M Y O P A L O C O L S I D D A O I E S S U R E N A P P E D I U A Z I N E S S E N T O O N S C N N

Brain chain (Hard) 86

129

27

81

54

114

Cryptic Crossword S C R I M P H O P P E R H N S E R L B R A T Y E L L O W E R O O C T V C S N O W S H O E I O T A I O R D A C T U A L S T E R E O N O K Y Z I N C G R E E N T E A G L I L A W C L E A R C U T N E A R O S A E C S G O S P E L R H Y T H M

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Business Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES is based in Wyke Regis. He helps to support and train hundreds of small business owners.

Selling should be a pleasure, and not a pain

Sweaty palms. Head full of cotton wool.

An overwhelming desire to be somewhere else – anywhere rather than here. This is the moment that many business owners, particularly freelancers, dread. The moment of closing the sale. This is when you convert someone who’s ‘just looking’ into a paying customer.

Curiously, this moment of discomfort often follows days, weeks or even months of high anxiety, as the ‘just looking’ keep doing just that, and don’t commit to buying. It’s no surprise that many business owners say their least favourite job is selling.

It doesn’t need to be this way. You can change the sales game so everyone enjoys it. By everyone, I mean both you and your potential customer – the one who’s ‘just looking’. Most people looking to buy something are wary of being sold to. We’ve learned not to trust salespeople.

Here are my suggestions for how you can build some trust and get more comfortable

THE LAW COLUMN

with selling. It starts with acknowledging there are people with a genuine need or desire for what you sell. While they’re seeking value for money, they understand there’s a fair price to be paid. These are your ideal customers.

Unfortunately, there are people who just want the cheapest deal, or who aren’t that serious about buying. They will waste your time, entice you to give away a lot of information for free, and keep delaying a decision.

Learn to distinguish between these types of people. Don’t be afraid to ask how much they’re willing to spend and what’s holding up a decision. The moment you feel you’re being taken advantage of, you’re probably right.

It’s important to detach your emotions from the sales process. Be prepared to walk away. It’s better to invest time in finding your ideal customers, rather than chase those who are probably wasting your time.

My experience is that people who take up a

lot of time before buying, and who haggle over every detail in price, become difficult customers.

How does this make selling more comfortable, for everyone?

It works, because before you start selling, you listen to what they say. You ask about what’s motivated them to come to you. You want to know what problem you can solve for them. If you’re confident you can help, take control of the process. Be open about potential costs. Don’t be afraid to ask about how they’ll decide whether to buy. Give them permission to stop the conversation if they decide it’s not right for them.

Potential customers will appreciate your openness, and your willingness not to pursue the sale if it’s not right. You’ll find that being open and taking control makes the process less uncomfortable.

Selling to people who want to buy, who have the authority to make that decision, and who have the money to pay, is the way good business is done.

01305 819696 | pharaohlaw.co.uk

Communication the key to a separated Christmas Lisa Pharaoh is a qualified and registered mediator with the Civil Mediation Council.

Contact her on 01305 819696 or at info@pharaohlaw.co.uk As the festive season approaches, families around the world are preparing for the joy and warmth that this time of year brings. However, for separated parents, navigating the complexities of maintaining contact with their children during the holidays can be a challenging and emotional task. In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and legal considerations to ensure a positive and memorable festive season for separated families.

The first step in creating a successful holiday season for everyone involved is open communication. It’s crucial for parents to discuss and plan well in advance, considering the needs

and desires of both parents and their children. Establishing a clear and realistic schedule for contact with the children during the festive period can help minimise misunderstandings and conflicts.

Legal considerations play a significant role in these discussions.

If there is a formal contact arrangement in place, it’s essential to adhere to its terms while keeping the best interests of the children in mind.

Flexibility and compromise can go a long way in fostering a positive coparenting relationship, allowing both parents to share in the joy of creating lasting memories for their children.

It’s also important for parents to be mindful of their own emotions during this time. Separation can be emotionally charged, but focusing on the joy and happiness of the children can provide a positive perspective.

Encouraging open communication with the children about the holiday

plans can help alleviate any concerns they may have.

In conclusion, while separation brings its own set of challenges, the festive season offers an opportunity for both parents to come together in the spirit of creating positive and memorable experiences for their children. By prioritising open communication, adhering to legal agreements, and fostering a cooperative co-parenting relationship, separated families can navigate the holidays with grace and ensure that the children feel loved and supported by both parents.

In cases where communication is challenging, seeking the guidance of a family law professional may be beneficial. Our solicitors specialising in family law can provide invaluable advice.

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

83

Church

Gift of love is the wisest of all presents

By Canon Deb Smith What gift will Christmas bring us this year?

Perhaps we yearn more than ever for lasting gifts. To see light shattering the gloom, to hear stories of hope despite the odds in these dark and difficult days. To know more of generosity and love in the world?

So, I share a story of love and hope written more than 120 years ago by the by the American writer Henry O. Why not give it a read this Christmas? Henry O’s beautiful story is entitled The Gift of the Magi in which the writer compares the gifts that the three wise men, or the Magi, brought to the Baby Jesus, to the gifts his

characters, Jim and Della give and receive one Christmas.

Della and Jim are a young couple who are poor but very much in love. Life is hard, but as Christmas approaches, they want above all to give a heartfelt gift to each other.

Jim adores Della’s beautiful hair and knows how much it means to her, and longs to buy her lovely hair combs to wear in her glorious locks.

Della knows Jim’s gold watch is his most treasured possession and wants to buy a gold fob chain for it, so he can wear it in his waistcoat.

But neither has much money to spend.

When Christmas Eve comes, Jim is so excited to give Della the sparkling hair combs

Services Wednesday, December 8 Sherborne Abbey 10am Mother’s Union Carol Service Sunday, December 10 Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 2.45pm Dorset Provincial Grand Lodge Carol Service 5pm Christingle St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30am Parish Eucharist St Paul’s at The Gryphon 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary Magdalene 11.15am BCP Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 9.30am Celtic Worship St Saviour’s, Dottery 10.30am Morning Worship St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell 11am Benefice Eucharist Monday, December 11 Sherborne Abbey 7.30pm Christmas Concert Thursday, December 14 The Lady Chapel, Sherborne Abbey 7pm A Quieter Christmas Friday, December 15 Lady Chapel, Sherborne Abbey 11am Remembering the Fallen St Saviour’s, Dottery 6.30pm Carol Service Sunday, December 17 Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 1.30pm Shoppers’ Carols 2.30pm Shoppers’ Carols 5pm Festival of Lessons and Carols St Paul’s at The Gryphon 10.30am All Age Nativity Service St James the Great, Longburton 4pm Carol Service

which will make her crowning glory lovelier than ever. As he gives them to her, she starts to weep, and takes her hat off to reveal she has cut her hair short. Della presses her parcel into Jim’s hands, and he sees she has given him a beautiful fob chain, so he can wear his magnificent watch in this waistcoat pocket. He looks sad, and says he no longer has the watch.

It turns out Della sold her precious hair to buy a gift for Jim and Jim sold his watch to do the same for his wife. The young couple gave everything they had to give a gift of love to each other. The story ends with these words: The magi, as you know, were

with Nativity St Martin of Tours, Lillington 6pm Carol Service St Mary Magdalene, Loders 9.30am Celtic Worship St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 11am Benefice Eucharist St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 6.30pm Carol Service St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton 6.30pm Carol Service Tuesday, December 19 Sherborne Abbey 5pm Festive Evensong St Peter’s Church, Eype 6.30pm Carol Service Thursday, December 21 St Paul’s, Broadoak 6.30pm Carol Service Friday, December 22 St Mary Magdalene, Loders 6.30pm Carol Service Sunday, December 24 Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 3pm Crib Service 5pm Crib Service 11.30pm The First Eucharist of Christmas St Paul’s Church 10am Said Communion St Mary Magdalene 11.15am Mattins Rose and Crown pub, Longburton 4pm Crib Service St James the Great, Longburton 11.30pm Midnight Mass St Michael and All Angels, Askerswell 6.30pm Carol Service St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton 9pm Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 11pm Midnight Mass St Mary Magdalene, Loders 11pm Midnight Mass St Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport 6pm The First Eucharist of Christmas followed be mince pies and mulled wine.

St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester 3pm Crib Service. Children welcome to come dressed as Mary, Joseph, donkey, angels, shepherds

wise men—wonderfully wise men— who brought gifts to the newborn Christ-child.

They were the first to give Christmas gifts. Being wise, their gifts were doubtless wise ones. And here I have told you the story of two children who were not wise.

Each sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other. But let me speak a last word to the wise of these days: Of all who give gifts, these two were the most wise. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the most wise.

Everywhere they are the wise ones.

They are the magi.

or kings. 11.30pm Midnight Mass Monday, December 25 Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist with Carols 11.30am Festal Mattins St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30am Family Holy Communion St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10am All Age Celebration St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 11am Lessons and Carols followed by BCP Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 9.30am Family Crib Service St Michael and All Angels, Askerswell 9.30am Eucharist St Saviour’s, Dottery 9.30am Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 11am Carol Service Tuesday, December 26 Sherborne Abbey 10am Feast of St Stephen Eucharist with Carols Sunday, December 31 Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 6pm Choral Evensong St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30am Morning Service St James the Great, Longburton 10am Morning Service St Paul’s at The Gryphon 10.30am All Age Worship St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 11.15am BCP Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 4pm BCP Holy Communion Sunday, January 7, 2024 St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 9.30am Morning Prayer St Mary Magdalene, Loders 11am Epiphany Eucharist St Paul’s at The Gryphon 10.30am Morning Worship

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Constituency issues

with West Dorset MP Chris Loder

Trying to help with cost of living crisis

Before I proceed, I’d like to wish all readers of the West Dorset Magazine a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Whatever your plans are this December, I hope that you all have a thoroughly restful festive period.

I know that the cost of living difficulties are a very real concern for many people and a key priority for me is to ensure as much as possible is done to help. So far, the Government has provided – and continues to provide - a package of financial support measures worth over £78 billion across 2022-23 and 2023-24 to help households and businesses with the cost of living. This includes schemes such as the flagship Energy Price Guarantee – a cap of £2,500 for the average household on dual-fuel tariffs – to tackle rising bills, and a similar raft of schemes designed to help those households and businesses that are off-grid. Incomerelated support also exists, along with help for those who are aged over 60; parents with childcare costs; and those living with a

disability or health condition. If you would like to know more about any of the above or what schemes you may be eligible for, please do contact me.

A topic which ultimately impacts all of us who pay Council Tax in West Dorset is the funding of rural councils. Late last month, I lead a well-attended debate in Parliament on this topic. I’ve spoken on many occasions in Parliament to call for reform to enable a fairer system of taxation and service provision for rural residents – only in January did I lead debate on the related topic of government grant to councils.

I don’t believe that we in rural areas receive fairness on matters that affect council finances – and ultimately affecting council tax. On average, those living in rural Britain pay 20% more Council Tax per head than those in urban areas. In everyday terms, this means that your typical band D council tax bill in West Dorset – or in any rural constituency for that matter – will be over £2,000 per year. In addition,

urban councils receive 38% more in government-funded spending power per head than rural councils. Taken together, the above demonstrates the need for reform to rectify this taxation imbalance.

The frozen Local Government Funding Formula, provision of adult social care, and retained business rates are all reasons for an excess burden of taxation affecting those living in rural areas.

I’m glad to have secured the debate in Parliament to outline the gravity of the situation facing rural residents in West Dorset.

I will continue to push for reform of rural councils’ funding in Parliament, which would ultimately reduce the burden on West Dorset’s local taxpayers.

As always, I’d be most interested to know your views on this topic. You can contact me at: hello@chrisloder.co.uk and you can keep up to date with my latest news by visiting: chrisloder.co.uk

Politics

All I want for Christmas is a General Election Christmas is my favourite time of year. I am an unabashed Christmas enthusiast.

I love everything to do with Christmas; putting up the tree, decorating the house, singing carols, nativity plays, going to Christmas markets, watching terrible rom-coms, giving gifts, sending cards, and eating my body-weight in cheesey nibbles. I drive my wife mad, but I love the magic of this time of year and as the father of a small child I want to share that wonder with him too.

Christmas is yet another reminder of how incredibly blessed we are in West Dorset. There will be

By EDWARD MORELLO West Dorset LibDems

Christmas events in the high streets, the villages, the churches, and halls across the region throughout the month. Many of them will be advertised in this magazine.

Gift giving and shopping have become a huge part of the festive season and increasingly we rely on the internet and doorstep delivery for ease. However, December is a hugely important month for local businesses, many of whom will be relying on buoyant sales to see them through the

rest of the year. Wherever possible I would encourage you to support local businesses and buy local.

Especially when it comes to food. We have so many brilliant food producers in West Dorset who work incredibly hard year round and deserve our support.

We must also remember those less fortunate at this time of year. If the message of Christmas is anything it is the importance of the kindness of strangers. As I sit wearing a thick jumper and contemplating whether I should run the radiators a bit longer in the morning, I am reminded that the Government’s failure to deal

with soaring energy bills or the cost of living crisis means many families are making tough decisions this winter. If you are able to support just one of the huge number of local charities, or your local foodbank, helping people over the Christmas period please do.

Finally like many people I will also be looking forward to a New Year and also like many my Christmas wish will be for a General Election. I can only hope that Father Christmas decides I have been good this year.

From my family to yours I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

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Politics

Confused? Just wait until the election campaign I’m confused. The source of this confusion is a Conservative Party newsletter that was handed to me by a resident of West Dorset after being posted through his door.

I’ve since heard that other residents of West Dorset have received the same.

Nothing unusual there you may say. No, except it was from the MP for Honiton and Sidmouth.

But worse than this confusion as to where the parliamentary boundary is, the outside of it seems confused as to which party it’s from – using the same colours as used by the Green Party. I suppose I should be flattered that they want to pass themselves off as green.

And I would be, were it not

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

for the contents of their supposed green policies.

Inside, under the headline ‘A better way to reach net zero’ the Tories boast of “supporting new oil and gas in the North Sea”, claiming that this will make us “less reliant on foreign imports – making sure tyrants will never be able to hold us to ransom.”

To be honest I don’t know whether they are trying to deceive the public or whether they are just deceiving themselves.

The vast majority of the oil produced in the North Sea is not of the correct type for British refineries and will be sold on the open

world market – the market that dictates the price we have to pay for oil.

This was a point made by a recent open letter from more than a hundred actors, authors, climate scientists and academics.

They argue that the UK government is ignoring the scientific reality of the climate and ecological crisis, and is instead pushing ahead with new fossil fuel developments.

“Rather than listening to reason or scientific fact”, they write, “the UK government continues to hand out contracts for oil exploration in the name of false ‘energy security’”.

If they really want the UK to be self-sufficient in energy the obvious way would be through a

massive investment in both off-shore and on-shore wind farms, together solar panels on as many buildings as possible and a plan to make all buildings energy efficient.

A ‘Green New Deal’, a massive public investment in green technology, would achieve all the Tories claim that they wish to achieve, with the added bonus of actually being a green policy.

The irony is, I suppose, that if they did this they would claim this Green Party policy as theirs and say so in their more traditional blue newsletters.

And if you are now as confused as I am, just wait until their General Election campaign starts for real.

Give what you can to help the homeless The Christmas lights are on in towns across our region, preparations and parties are the order of the day and the excitement of anticipation is visible on children’s faces.

Hopefully this Christmas will be a happy and peaceful time for you with family or friends. Sadly, this year will see greater numbers of homeless families and those in poverty than we have seen for many years.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has the highest number of rough sleepers outside of London, according to figures from 2022. Government figures showed 64 people were sleeping rough in the BCP area in autumn 2022. It was also more than double the

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

previous year’s figure.

The news in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that the Local Housing Allowance freeze will be dropped is welcome, but homelessness is at a record high and pushing this to April 2024 will leave many families facing an uncertain winter with the threat of homelessness and spending their Christmas in unsuitable, grim, one-room temporary accommodation.

Figures from the charity Shelter state that The number of households in temporary accommodation in England is at the highest ever

level - 104,000 households.

This is almost twice as many as just ten years ago.

There are over 131,000 homeless children living in temporary accommodation in England.

A recent report by the union Unison highlights the impact of cost-of-living pressures on both children and school staff. A UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers reveals that staff – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – are buying food, clothes and stationery for their hard-up pupils. At the same time these staff are worried about not being able to pay their own bills. One in seven workers (14%) have used food banks in the past year,

and more than two-fifths (45%) say they’ve had to borrow money to stay afloat financially.

Weymouth Foodbank has had more than 4,573 clients picking up food, compared with 2,616 in 2022, representing a 75% increase.

Food donations are no longer enough to meet demand and they spend £2,000 a week to buy extra provisions to meet the increasing number of families needing help.

For those struggling to make ends meet or worried about keeping a roof over their heads, this time of year can only add to the mental and physical stress they already face. Please spare a thought for them and give where you can this Christmas.

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The West Dorset Magazine, December 2023

Agriculture

Society volunteers scoop top honour Melplash Agricultural Society has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. The award recognises the work of voluntary groups that do things differently, consistently and outstandingly well. The society is one of only four in Dorset to receive this award this year.

Society director James Vickery, who was instrumental in attaining the award on behalf of the society, said: “This is such an amazing achievement. We are delighted that the dedication, hard work

CUPS RUNNETH OVER: Volunteers Jennifer Horsington and Julia Stantiford loaded with trophies PIC: Alan McNamee

and enthusiasm of all our volunteers, committee members and stewards, who work tirelessly throughout the year, has been recognised.”

Established in 1847, The Melplash Agricultural Society – a charity – relies on hundreds of volunteers each year to help deliver the wide

range of activities promoting and supporting local agriculture and inspiring young people to make it their career. As well as organising Melplash Show, many competitions are held, including farms, crops and flocks, gardens and allotments, young farmers’ stock judging and the annual hedgelaying and ploughing match, as well as Discover Farming, their education programme.

The society will receive the award crystal and certificate from Angus Campbell, LordLieutenant of Dorset later in the year, and two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

How to save money and the planet with battery storage on your farm

By Amy Wilson, Head of Marketing at Wattstor The UK’s agricultural sector is facing a number of challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. On one hand, farmers are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact and comply with the government’s target to reach net zero by 2050. On the other hand, farmers have the potential to benefit from the latest technology in renewable energy, which can help them lower their energy bills, increase their energy security, and generate additional income.

However, renewable energy sources are not always reliable or consistent, as

they depend on the weather and the time of day. This means that farmers often have to rely on the grid or diesel generators to meet their energy demand, which can be costly and carbonintensive. Moreover, farmers may not be able to take full advantage of the electricity they generate, as they may have to sell it back to the grid at a low price or waste it when there is no demand.

Battery energy storage, coupled with an energy management system, empowers farmers to store surplus electricity generated by on-farm solar panels or wind turbines.

This stored energy can then be utilised when needed, reducing reliance on the

grid or traditional diesel generators. This efficient use of renewable energy not only contributes to environmental conservation but also minimises dependence on fossil fuels, thereby lowering overall energy costs.

Selecting the most suitable battery energy storage system for your farm might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a seamless process. At Wattstor, a leading company in the field of battery energy storage, we leverage over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector. Our expertise has enabled us to assist hundreds of farmers and businesses in implementing tailored battery storage

solutions. We understand that each farm is unique, and our team works closely with clients to assess their energy needs, recommend the most efficient systems, and provide ongoing support.

By partnering with experienced industry leaders like Wattstor, farmers can start a sustainable journey that not only benefits their operations but also contributes to a greener and more resilient agricultural sector.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 2023

GIVING

LIVING

COOKING

WEARING

Merry Christmas

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