Issuu

Friday, February 11, 2022

Edition 1

The West Dorset Magazine FREE

Fortnightly

HIGH STEAKS:

Hilltop herd help us launch new magazine

MOOVE ALONG NOW: The Nosey Parkers on Abbotsbury Hill Picture: Neil Barnes

Friendly, honest and reliable mechanic offering the full range of garage services. Next to Yetminster train station, courtesy car available. Great rates. ( 01935 872239 Read all about us on pages 54-55!

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Miranda Robertson Karen Bate Editor News Editor

Nick Horton Chief Sub

Claire Moore Advertising

Alana Robertson Classifieds

miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk

claire@westdorsetmag.co.uk

classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk

karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Welcome to West Dorset’s own news magazine We are Bird Media – two experienced local news journalists who have decided to break free and launch their own news publication, The West Dorset Magazine. Editor Miranda Robertson has worked for a number of local papers, including the Dorset Echo, Salisbury Journal and The New Blackmore Vale. She lives in Maiden Newton with her husband Peter, son Robert, jug Pugsie Mfanwy, pug Hugo and the ginger ninja Kitten Mitten. Karen Bate has worked for the Salisbury Journal, Wiltshire Living Magazine, Bournemouth Echo and The New Blackmore Vale. She lives with husband Stuart,

daughter Florence, dogs Jarvis and Buddy and cat Milton. There’s also a bonkers horse called Mars in her menagerie. Together they incorporated Bird Media in January 2022, knowing West Dorset would welcome its own rural news and features publication – a well-written, quality news magazine that people feel is their very own. We are joined by all round good egg and terrific tub thumper Nick Horton, who was the Dorset Echo’s chief sub for three decades. Nick also worked on the Daily and Sunday Express, Daily Star and Sunday Sport. Claire Moore sells our advertising. She lives with 01305 300830

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

other half Jay and their children Wilf and Anna in the Bride Valley. She’s horse-crazy, loves the countryside and coast and is an amazing self-taught photographer. Joining us to take classified ads is Miranda’s stepdaughter Alana Robertson. She will be on hand to take the small ads everyone loves to scour local magazines for! Despite being in a familiar format, The West Dorset Magazine is very much a new venture for us. We have launched this title using our own funds, with the hope that people will love it and advertisers will support us enough to keep going. We have a clear, transparent

Contents: News & features 3-27 Whasson? (events) 8-9 Trades & Services 28 Births, marriages & deaths 29 Down to earth 30-33 Constituency issues 33 Letters 34 Politics 35 Vittles (food & drink) 38-41

rate card, with lineage ads starting at £20 a fortnight, so it’s not too expensive to give us a go – especially when you think 20,000 copies are around for a full two weeks! Email advertising@ westdorsetmag for the full rate card. Copies will be in every village and town in our area. A list of stockists is at westdorsetmag.co.uk, where you can also book ads online. You can also add to our events list and view our editions, in case you are out of our distribution area. We are incredibly excited to be launching The West Dorset Magazine and hope you will support us.

Gardening Culture Church Business Just the job Motoring Sport Health Puzzles Education Agriculture Property

42 43-47 48 49-51 52-53 54-55 56-59 60-61 62-63, 68 64-65 66-69 70-71

Got a story? Email newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022 We know how you’ve missed seeing a bevy of beauties on page 3 of a newspaper... well, maybe not. We think it’s the perfect place for your lovely wildlife photos though! Email your photos to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk HEART OF HARTS: This brace of roe deer were snapped by our own Claire Moore. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

PAGE 3 STUNNERS!

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Brekkie date Breakfast Church is held at the village hall in Shipton Gorge on the second Sunday of each month, starting at 9.30am. The next event is this Sunday. It starts with breakfast, followed by an interactive Bible story, hymns, crafts, and prayers. There are lots of opportunities to chat with other members of the community and is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Pet service Pets are invited to bring their well-behaved owners to a special service at St Martin’s Church in Shipton Gorge at 3pm on February 20. Humans without pets can come along too!

The road through Yetminster. Photo by Toby Hartwell

Villagers to vote on plans By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A plan for the future of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca goes to a vote on February 22, which could pave the way for 115 new homes, business opportunities and community facilities. An amazing 34 per cent of residents responded to a call for their views on the

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Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan (YRINP) – more than double the usual response. The engagement achieved since work on the plan started in 2015 has been phenomenal, and inspector Andrew Mead praised this and the level of detail within it. Now villagers will be able to vote in a referendum on the plan, which will cover all development in the area until 2036. Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. If the plan is supported by the local referendum it will be used to make decisions on planning applications. One of the primary concerns in this plan was to protect the traditional village character of Yetminster and Ryme. A spokesman wrote: “By 2036 we will be living in a vibrant, supportive community which will value its historic environment and rural setting. “Local people’s requirements will have been met by providing a variety of housing, business opportunities and community facilities. Changes will have retained the distinctive characteristics of the individual villages and will have made a genuinely

positive contribution to our environment in terms of the scale, design, materials, layout and density of development.” Another spokesman thanked residents for their responses and said: “It is clear that people think the plan is going in the right direction but they don’t want wind farms or a new village hall.” The two parishes have a population of about 1,260, says Mr Mead. They include a small hamlet… called Hamlet. Mr Mead said: “The villages are surrounded by open, undulating countryside punctuated by collections of farm buildings and scattered woodland. The River Wriggle, a tributary of the River Yeo, flows through the parishes.” A great many events and consultation meetings were held over six years and the plan was submitted to Dorset Council in July last year. The minimum target for new homes is 115 between 2017 and 2036. Four small sites have been identified, to accommodate up to 14 dwellings. The plan proposes adding more qualifications from the Dorset Housing Allocations Policy to define a local connection which would entitle people to live in any new homes. The polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Tuesday, February 22.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Seeing the light on school solar panels solar panels to enable us to do this. Our vision is to be the best we can be and we feel that by caring for our environment it enables us to do the best we can for our environment. Please let us have solar panels on both sides of the roof to help us help the world. Thank you very much. From Cerne Abbas CE VC First School Council

By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A heartfelt letter from pupils at Cerne Abbas Church of England First School won over Dorset councillors who voted overwhelmingly to increase the number of solar panels allowed on their school roof – despite recommendations from officers to refuse. Pupils on the school council – Alexander Bassett, Madeleine Attfield, Maisie Lipop and Matilda White – wrote to Dorset Council’s democratic services officer George Dare, appealing for 88 solar panels to be installed, 44 on each side of the school roof. Conservation officers had recommended just 44 solar panels for one side of the roof. Dear Mr Dare We are the School Council from Cerne Abbas CE VC First School and we have heard that some people are not happy about our school having solar panels on both sides of the school roof. We want to help our environment as much as we can and do what we can to stop our earth getting polluted.

SOLAR PLEA: Madeline Attfield and, right, Matilda White, Front: Maisie Lipop and Alexander Bassett

We are still quite young and we want the world we grow up in to be a healthy place for us as well as our children and their children too. Having solar panels on both sides will not only help keep our world healthy but will also help

reduce the cost of our bills and we could spend that money on resources to help our learning. We would like to do everything we can to help our world no matter how small. We feel so lucky that someone would pay for

At Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee meeting, the letter was read out after conservation officers gave a presentation, and a debate ensued with eight councillors voting for the increase in solar panels, with one councillor voting against and one abstaining. Head teacher Catherine Cresswell said: “Pupil voice is extremely important at our school. “What the children say matters and they are always listened to, and their ideas taken on board. “The school council planned the letter and wrote it themselves and I am very proud of them. “The successful outcome of their letter proves that what children have to say matters, and this reinforces our ethos, which is brilliant.”

Project part of bid for low carbon technology Councillor Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education, skills and early help, said: “We know that tackling climate change is something children and young people in Dorset are passionate about. It is impressive to see them actively engage with Dorset Council

to secure the installation of a renewable solar energy source, that will help us work towards a greener, cleaner Dorset. We aim to put children and families at the heart of what we do. “The plan is to install 88 solar panels at Cerne Abbas Church of

England First School, which are expected to save more than six tonnes of CO2 per year. It forms part of a larger project, funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, to improve efficiency and install low carbon technologies in our public buildings.”

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022 By Steve Keenan

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

In the year that the Crimean War broke out in 1853, a pillar box was installed on the edge of the village of Holwell. The first roadside boxes had only been introduced a year earlier, designed with eight sides and a vertical letter box on a hinge. That same octagonal box still sits on the road to Sherborne today – and is officially Royal Mail’s oldest working pillar box still in daily use in Britain. “It is very much a focal point of the village and we are very proud of it,” says Sally-Anne Holt, chair of Holwell Parish Council. “People still use it – and it does get a lot of visitors.” An image of the pillar box graces the front page of the village’s Neighbourhood Plan, a reflection of the pride it places on the historic monument. Which is why so many people drive by to see it. It’s not hard to find (although it is only 5’ tall). When driving through the village towards Sherborne, you will see the red pillar box on the verge as you drive past Barnes Cross Cottage. The road then slips down Cornford Hill to the medieval bridge of the same name – both the bridge and pillar box are among 23 Historic England listed buildings and structures in the parish. But wonderful though it is to have so much history on your doorstep, there is the practical aspect of keeping the treasures maintained. And a 169-year-old pillar box is in constant need of loving care. Twice in the past eight years the Royal Mail has been called in to take action – with West Dorset MP Chris Loder taking the lead in 2014 when

PILLAR TO POST: The historic box today, and right, in 2014

New setting plans for oldest post box

he was a district councillor. He lives in the nearby village of Bishops Down. He told The Daily Mail: “The Barnes Cross post box is an icon of the village with huge historical significance. “It is unfortunate that Royal Mail has let the post box get into a poor state, but I was very pleased that it responded so promptly when I asked for it to be refurbished.” The box was taken back to base metal, rubbed down and repainted, and the VR and Post Office Letterbox signage highlighted. The maker’s nameplates – John Butt & Co, Gloucester – were also refurbished. In 2019, it was again in need of repair. Cllr Loder and Robin Legg, now Dorset Councillor for Sherborne Rural, again encouraged Royal Mail to respond. Yet, three years on and again the box is looking somewhat downbeat. The gilt has faded on the nameplates, the gold paint on the Royal VR initials and crown has dulled and the information plate cracked and discoloured. The worry among parish

councillors is that the Royal Mail may simply remove the pillar box, which was listed in 1987. “It has been closed off before,” says Cllr Holt. “The problem is that the postman slams the door so hard the box sinks into the ground. Cllr Legg had to speak to Royal Mail to ensure it wasn’t being removed. It will be interesting to see if Royal Mail do anything.” But Royal Mail insists it will not whisk Holwell’s prime attraction away overnight. In 2015, Historic England and Royal Mail published a joint policy statement committing them to finding “the best ways to ensure that post boxes are retained and well cared for wherever possible”. It added: “Traditional red post boxes are a valued part of the local scene. They are street furniture which are both a useful local amenity and a reassuring sight. “Our commitment is to retain all post boxes in operational service in their existing positions.” Cllr Holt pledged to visit the pillar box to check on its condition.

And she revealed that the village is planning to enhance its setting as part of a community ‘Improvement Area’ initiative. The ground around the pillar box, fingerposts, roadsigns and working telephone box will all be cleared by volunteers. So although it may be looking not at its best, there is hope that the 169-year-old pillar box will remain at the heart of Holwell. The biggest threat may be something more ominous: theft. Last month, 10 postboxes were stolen from villages in Suffolk and Norfolk. The BBC reported that police officers believe boxes were deliberately targeted as older boxes can be valuable to collectors. In Norfolk, two of the post boxes bore the Royal Cypher “GR”, meaning they were put up during the reign of George V (1910-36). In Suffolk too, police believe the thefts are linked as the boxes stolen are older ones taken from remote and rural areas. Signs of angle grinder and chainsaw use are often left behind at the crime scene. Sgt Brian Calver, Suffolk police’s heritage crime officer, said he believes the post box thefts are feeding a hungry market for collectors. “Historic post boxes are a favourite target of these thieves at this time,” he said. “We know the Georgian ones are more valuable because of their age but also Victorian ones are being stolen. “They vary in value. They can go from a few hundred pounds up to thousands of pounds. “It is a piece of traditional British history from an idyllic rural scene. Some people really value that, just like a fine artwork. “We see a public amenity but others do not see it that way sadly.”

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Carrying a torch for town procession By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Bridport’s famed torchlight procession could be saved after positive discussions organised by the town council lit a way forward. Doubt had been cast over the future of the procession after National Highways (formerly Highways England) chiefs said they were no longer prepared to close the A35, which the procession crosses, due to safety concerns. The news came as a bitter blow to Bridport Carnival Committee, which warned that without the closure, the torchlight procession could not proceed and could ultimately put the future of the carnival in jeopardy, as its funding is partly reliant on the money raised from the evening procession. Up until the last procession in 2019, traffic management on the A35 had been provided for free by National Highways’ own contractor. But a virtual meeting on January 19, hosted by the council, and attended by West Dorset MP Chris Loder and attended by Bridport Carnival Committee and representatives from National Highways and other organisations, has persuaded the powers that be to look once again at the safe closure of the A35 for the procession. The discussion, chaired by Mr Loder, has cleared the way for a road closure application, with National Highways offering no objection in principle.

ICONIC: Bridport Carnival’s Torchlight Procession

The Carnival Committee, working in conjunction with Bridport Town Council, will submit the application in due course. Leader of Bridport Town Council Dave Rickard said: “We’re pleased to have brokered this hopeful compromise between the carnival committee and National Highways, and we’re grateful to Chris Loder for his involvement. “The next steps are to confirm the road closure arrangements and ensure there is funding, and the town council will be working with the carnival committee.” Town Mayor Ian Bark said: “I am so relieved to see progress on the road closure. “It would have been a great pity if this really wonderful event enjoyed by many hundreds of people were to come to an end for the sake of 30 minutes of diverted traffic.” Mr Loder said: “I have been clear from the outset that Bridport’s Torchlight procession must not be shut

Take time for your tots and yourself Tots Time at St Mary’s Church in Burton Bradstock is a weekly, term time, Friday afternoon from 2-3pm, bump to school age group that includes singing, dancing, playing and a bible story – as well as an opportunity for adults to chat over a cup of tea. Free admission.

down. It is integral to Bridport’s much-loved carnival. “We have been able to achieve a plan of action, with only one hurdle to jump over now. “National Highways have now also confirmed that there is now no other issue that

Picture: NEIL BARNES

would stop a Road Traffic Order being granted for the torchlight procession.” Mr Loder said he expected confirmation in the next few weeks that Bridport Carnival Committee will have the allclear to fully organise the procession on Sunday, August 21.

FARM FOCUSED VET PRACTICE with Industry Leading Livestock Services

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Whasson? (and where’s it to?) Thursday, March 10 for a performance opportunity. Fee: £100 per term Email dyd@ activate performingarts.org.uk or call 07970 310786.

n Two inflatable fun days are being held at Dorchester’s prison sports centre during the February half term. Three sessions will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 25 and 26 – 10am-12pm, 12.30pm2.30pm and 3pm-5pm. This will be a pre ticketed event with no tickets available at the door. Free face painting included in the entry fee. Suitable for two-12-year-olds. Call 0330 111 8227 to book. n Legendary reporter Kate Adie, pictured right, will be talking about Women, War & The Pub at Tom Brown’s in Dorchester on Sunday, February 20 at 2pm. The author and broadcaster, well known for her long service as the BBC’s Chief News Correspondent, will be at the pub in High East Street as part of the Celebration of Brewing in Dorchester event. Discover how the role of women changed in the wake of the First World War and how the war changed the face of the local pub. The ‘locals’, once male strongholds, started to be run by women, and women were welcome as customers. The free event will be first come first served so please arrive early. n On Sunday, February 13, at 2pm The Drax Arms in Bere Regis will be holding a Meat Darts Competition. We think you can win

n An Italian-themed supper club will be held at The Great Field Poundbury on Friday, February 18 at 7pm. Pips Poundbury will offer an Italian-inspired menu and a great atmosphere. To book email adelle@pipspoundbury.com or pop in to the cafe. Booking is essential and £5 per person deposit is payable. Bring your own wine and drinks.

n Smuggling and the Dorset Connection will be the subject of a fascinating talk by Trevor Ware for the Beaminster Museum Winter Talk on Tuesday, February 15. Smuggling was widespread along the Dorset Coast in the 18th and early 19th centuries and the talk will give an authoritative review of smuggling, from its reasons to some of its famous Dorset names such as Rattenbury and Gulliver. The talk starts at 2.30pm and entry is £3. meat, rather than chuck steaks at a dart board… Friendly competition starting at 2pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place, £2 per person entry. n Also on Sunday, February 13, from 1pm3pm Dorset Youth Dance Company Classes will be held at Martinstown Village Hall. DYD is a county-wide youth dance company offering high quality dance experiences, for young people who have a real

passion and enthusiasm for dance and want to take that extra leap in training. Focusing on contemporary dance, dancers aged 7-18 are led by inspiring and renowned former Motionhouse dance artist and youth dance leader, Claire Benson. The term runs until Sunday, April 3. No company classes on February 20 & 27, longer days on Sundays, March 6 & 13 for rehearsals and possible Youth Dance Platform, plus an additional date on

n The Tank Museum is hosting the South West Model Show from February 19-20, 9am-5pm. It’s described as the biggest model show in the South West and will feature traders, exhibitors and modelling demonstrations alongside the real thing. A huge collection of model tanks, plus planes, ships and trains – all types and sizes will be available to see, make and purchase. Annual passes are valid for this event. n From Saturday, February 19 to Sunday, February 27, from 9am-4pm there will be a Bugtastic Trail at The Walled Garden Moreton. There’s a fact finding trail all about minibeasts, and a quiz. Find your way around the gardens, learn amazing facts, and use your knowledge to complete the quiz and win a prize. Plus, giant ladybirds are hiding around the garden – can you find them all?

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Whasson? (and where’s it to?) Maps are £2 per child. Entry to The Walled Garden is FREE, and so is parking. n A folk night will be held at the Drax Arms in Bere Regis on Tuesday, February 22, frm 8pm10pm. Enjoy Acoustic Rooster – traditional, contemporary and Irish Folk Songs, FiddleBack – guitar, fiddle & harmony vocals and Boodle – a mix of folk, blues and country. n On Saturday, February 19, from 10am-3pm there will be a temporary exhibition entitled Dorchester and its Brewery: The Life and Times of Eldridge Pope at Dorset Museum. The exhibition is part of a weekend celebrating Dorchester’s brewing and distilling, past and present being held over numerous venues in the town from February 18-27. Exhibitions, tours, tasting and lots more. Keep an eye on our page DorchesterBrewingCelebra tion on Facebook or go to discoverdorchester.co.uk/ whats-on. The Keep Military Museum is hosting another exhibition telling the story of the three Woodhouse brothers from the famous brewing family of Hall and Woodhouse, and their incredible time in the Dorsetshire regiment during the World Wars. You can also visit the rest of the museum as part of your ticket to the exhibition. n Tolpuddle Village Hall & Community are hosting An

n Classical music will fill the Sandford Orcas Village Hall on Sunday afternoon, when the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform a host of winter warmers including Mozart, Copland and Bizet. BSO Resound is a professional disabled-led ensemble forming a core part of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, the six-piece chamber group won the Royal Philharmonic Society Impact Award for its part in improving opportunities for disabled musicians. BSO will perform on Sunday, February 13 at 3pm in Sandford Orcas Village Hall. For details ring 01963 220208. Evening with the Darwins on Saturday, February 26, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, doors open at 7pm. Bring your own refreshments. Limited space to book tickets please email Neil at theduncanjordans@ gmail.com. n Writers Sylvia Townsend Warner and Valentine Ackland, who once lived near Maiden Newton, will be the focus of an online talk hosted by Dorset

Museum on February 12 at 6.30pm. The special LGBT+ History month talk will explore the art and writing of the couple, who lived in Frome Vauchurch (see our property pages, P70-71). Frances Bingham talks about researching in Dorset Museum for her biography Valentine Ackland: A Transgressive Life, and the archive created by Sylvia Townsend Warner as a memorial to her life-long relationship with Valentine Ackland. The talk will

explore Valentine’s life and work, focusing on her Dorset connections, the two women writers’ partnership, and the art that they continue to inspire. Frances will be joined by her partner, lettering artist Liz Mathews, who will discuss her work with Valentine’s poems. Bristol-based artist Amanda Chambers will discuss the inspiration and creative process behind ceramic pieces displayed in the exhibition Quiet Revolutions, on display at Dorset Museum from January 22 to March 27. The multi-disciplinary artist’s interest in Warner and Ackland began in 2013, and in 2014 she produced a series of works inspired by their lives. For more information on this event go to dorsetmuseum.org/ whats-on. n Music lovers can discover the fun of playing folk music with friends at workshops organised by the Sherborne Folk Band in the Digby Hall each month. Julia Catovsky teaches tunes, chords and harmonies by ear and provides the opportunity for an enjoyable informal performance helping to boost confidence and play new tunes. Everyone is welcome to the workshops, which are suitable for all levels and all acoustic instruments. The workshops are held usually on the third Sunday of the month, with the next one planned for Sunday, February 20 at The Digby Memorial Hall between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

How the bear necessities helped me By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A devastating illness could have ruined Sam Peacefull-Day’s life. Aged just 41, the hardworking author and housekeeper was left immobile after a post-viral illness paralysed her legs. The future could have been very bleak. But Sam, who has just turned 56, has actually found a new kind of peace. In tackling the transverse myelitis, a nerve pain condition which hit her like a truck after she contracted flu, she has found ways to cheat her brain and make life work for her. She has also launched a new business, which slots neatly into life and brings her real joy – repairing vintage and antique teddy bears. Sam, a grandmother to an eight-year-old, was living in Burleston, between Puddletown and Tolpuddle, when she became an overnight sensation with a series of books entitled Cooking With Ganja. It was the first book of its kind in the UK. Her recipes, which featured two different measures of the drug for medicinal or recreational purposes, were a hit – she sold 45,000 copies. She also worked as a housekeeper in private homes – her life was

READY FOR TEDDY: Sam Peacefull-Day with some of her repaired and restored toys

chock-a-block when she suddenly fell ill. Sam, who now lives in Old Poundbury with husband Dave, 55, said: “I just lost the use of my legs and it was like a rug had been pulled from under me. “The flu virus attacked part of my nervous system which left me with numb, heavy legs. I still live with pain all the time and only painkillers help. “But seven years on I

discovered horse riding again, and that gave me the tools to achieve more than anyone thought I could. “I just looked at this beautiful horse and was so determined to ride again. It took three people to get me on a horse but I loved it. It was like learning again, like a child. My brain was stuck in a pattern of telling me, I can’t move, I’m in lots of pain, but the determination to ride helped me move that out of my head. I saw this beautiful horse and that stirred neurons in my brain and in doing that new nerves are formed to pick up the job – it’s called neuroplasticity. It just takes something to ignite your passion and the

ability to block out the pain grows piece by piece.” Today, Sam loans a horse called Tom from Rosewall Equestrian in Osmington. She’s totally smitten. She said: “I started riding him and fell in love with him, we’re part retired together. He’s taken me to levels I thought I’d never reach. We did six jumps in a row, which is a big thing for a 25-year-old horse and an old girl like me. People said to me, ‘you can’t gallop, you can’t jump…’ but we’ve done it all, him and me. “We don’t like pain, me and him. But riding takes my mind into another place where the pain takes a back seat.” She added: “It’s not a

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

deal with my worries and my strife

THAT’S FUR ENOUGH: Sam working at home repairing another well-loved teddy bear

complete miracle but the brain is very clever and if it’s something you absolutely love it’s possible.” At the same time that Sam was rediscovering the joy of horseriding, she was running a small business selling kitchenalia at a store on Lyme Regis. A keen car booter, she would buy and sell items for the household. One Sunday she saw a Paddington bear and couldn’t resist him. She bought him for £20 and took him home. She said: “He needed some clothing and an eye repair and a good clean, which I did. Then I took him to sell on my shelves at Lyme Bay Antiques and Crafts and he sold for £95.

“I thought wow, and that’s what kicked it off. Now I search the auctions and boot sales for really old, knackered bears and I challenge myself to repair them. “A lot of it is matching old furs, old colours. I use donor bears and bought lots of books and just immersed myself in bears. My most comfortable place is sitting in bed repairing them, that’s why they’re called Lazy Bears. I do cleaning, repairing and rehoming. “I get to hear some lovely stories through what I do. “Once I bought two bears at the boot sale and repaired them to put in the shop. They didn’t sell until over a year later, when a lady came to the counter

and told us they were her bears. I met her the next week and handed them back to her. She said ‘I should never have given them away…’ so if you do get rid of your bears, make sure you’re ready to part with them. “Last year I had three Merrythought English bears – one had its nose chewed by a dog and I spent ages repairing it until I thought it looked right. A young girl of about 12 and her dad came in and she was allowed to buy any of the three but she wanted the repaired one because she said that was the special one – that really touched me as she could see the beauty of it.” It’s been a long 14 years of tackling tough challenges,

but Sam now feels that with Tom, Dave and the bears she is happier than when she was fit and well. The illness forced her to make many changes, but one of the biggest is allowing herself to celebrate what she can do, challenge herself as much as she can and just enjoy achieving – knocking down the obstacles one at a time. She said: “I don’t think I’ll ever be mega rich but I’m just glad to have something I can do again. “I have a new website and I’m going to make a new collection for the website. They are all originals – none the same. n Samslazybears.co.uk n info@samslazybears.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Need help with your finances? Here’s some Advice...

Citizens Advice is helping people in West Dorset manage their finances by providing a host of online tools. On the Citizens Advice website, under the category debt and money, people can work how to budget effectively on the budgeting tool.

You can see how to reduce regular costs and how to prioritise credit cards and overdrafts. There is an expenditure section and an income checker to help individuals, couples and families make sure they are receiving the support they are entitled

to and check they are being paid the right wage. Citizens Advice has offices in Bridport and Dorchester with specialist debt advisers available to help with financial concerns. Call 0800 144 8848 or visit citizensadvicedorset.org.uk

Fresh outcry over rural oil well plan By Karen Bate

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A planning application to drill for oil near Puddletown has sparked a national outcry. Campaigners from Friends of the Earth, Extinction Rebellion and Save our Shores have been urging people to sign a petition objecting to the plan for an oil well near Puddletown. The plan, (WD/D/19/002866) is for the ‘drilling of a single vertical well for the appraisal and production of oil, together with the establishment and

construction of the site compound next to Athelhampton Road’. The plan was submitted to Dorset Council by South Western Energy Ltd in 2019 however, the planning authority requested additional information from the applicants before the plan could be considered. If drilling from the pump jack unit on farmland near Athelhampton House proves viable, South Western Energy hope to continue for 25 years. It is thought if the application is approved, up to eight HGVs will

take the oil to Fawley Refinery, 50 miles away each day. Campaigners say the scheme is incompatible with Dorset Council policies and the need to address the ‘climate emergency’, which the council recognised in May 2019. Karen Wimhurst who launched the 38degrees petition to ‘Stop New Oil Drilling in Puddletown’ said: “Many councils and our parliament now recognise a state of climate emergency. But invariably business carries on as usual and CO2 is continuing to rise at a terrifying rate. This application, validated by Dorset Council, for drilling a new oil well is a prime example of this inability to grasp the reality we find ourselves in and to act accordingly. “We demand that you stand by

your stated obligation, show leadership and act locally to prevent the worst ravages of catastrophic climate change.” In January 2020, the Puddletown Area Parish Council objected to the application, stating it would ‘seriously impede’ the use of the bridleway and ‘damage the environment and biodiversity’ and, should the oil well be a success, would ‘contribute to climate change’. Parish clerk Anna Bendall said: “The parish council has been re-consulted as additional information from the applicant has now been received by the planning authority.” The parish council was set to meet on February 8 to agree a response. The expiry date for comments to Dorset Council was on February 9.

Food producers wanted A twice-weekly market in Sherborne is appealing for more artisan food producers to join them. Sherborne Pannier Market, which is held on The Parade every Thursday and Saturday from 9am-3pm, is trying to fill the Thursday market with new traders.

They would like to include a baker, a cheese supplier, meat and fish or shell fish traders and anything else that would bring a good variety of stalls. Anyone interested should email market agent Emma Osment at emma@ sherbornecastle.com.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022 For more than three decades, and with a thriving membership of a laudable 180, The Cerne Historical Society is most certainly not a thing of the past. In fact, ever since its launch in 1988, the society has grown in popularity and indeed, recognition, having been described in the current Archaeology magazine, as ‘the very model of what a local history society should be, but they so rarely are. All societies claim to be ‘lively and active’ but the CHS delivers’. The 2019 exhibition held in St Mary’s Church celebrated 100 years since the village was sold by the Pitt-Rivers family, who owned most of the properties and land. The society organised a re-enactment of the sale, where residents living in the houses which were auctioned, were able to bid for their home at the 1919 sale price and later, published hardback book Cerne Abbas at the Beginning of the 20th Century. This is just one of the many events held by the society over the years. Research underpins the society’s projects on the many different aspects of village history and a substantial archive of maps, photos, diaries, and masses of memorabilia relating to Cerne Valley, has been collected and many books on the history of Cerne and Dorset written, all securing its long and loyal following of fascinated members. Currently the society is on

HISTORY: St Mary’s Church in Cerne Abbas and, inset the Historical Society’s magazine. Below: Neil Barnes’ drone picture of the village showing the famous Giant

research will report on current progress and our future plans. “All members will be able to contribute to the discussion and offer ideas and help to pursue other lines of enquiry. “There is so much more to learn about our village history and there is scope for people to follow their own interests.” The Cerne Historical Society meet in the village hall on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7.30pm and hold eight talks, along with the annual meeting and a drinks party in January. For 2022 subjects include a history of cricket in Cerne, the English Civil War in Dorset and the tunnels under Dorchester. Society chair Gordon Bishop said: “Anybody can join the society, you don’t have to be living in the Cerne Valley. “Indeed, we have a member, with ancestors from Cerne, who lives in New Zealand, and another anglophile member from the USA. All are very welcome.”

Learn about Cerne at Historical Society

a mission to find the site of the Abbey Church. Committee member Mike Clark said: “At present its focus is to discover as much as it can about the buildings that formed the former Abbey and where they stood. Remarkably,

the site of the Abbey Church remains unknown. “At our next meeting on February 24, which hopefully will take place in the village hall, will be a symposium where members involved in aspects of our Abbey

n For more details visit cerneabbashistory.org. Annual subscriptions are currently £10.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Something I aspire to do if possible and that is show our coastline or landscape without any human interference whatsoever and this image of Charmouth Beach illustrates that perfectly. Right, a misty morning by Colmer’s Hill, the conical-shaped mount synonymous with Bridport

I saw the rainbow whilst travelling east along the A35 and drove into Poundbury to see if I could get it with the Queen Mother’s Statue, very opportunist. Right, West Bay harbour at night with a full moon overlooking the boats

A pair of new born lambs: They were just a few hours old when I photographed them and, right, probably my most popular picture and incredibly has been compared to work by the legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams

Making the West look its best: Our You could say that most things have passed through Neil Barnes’ cameras, certainly everything from royalty to rainbows. His photography career spans six decades and for the past ten, he has turned his lens towards the beautiful west Dorset landscape. And we at The West Dorset Magazine consider ourselves extremely privileged to have Neil on

board as an associate photographer. Neil started his career in 1978 as a trainee photographer on an evening newspaper and after a succession of posts in the media industry including chief photographer at British Gas, his passion guided him to set up home and business in Bridport in 2012. “I grew up in the flat lands of The Fens in East Anglia and spent many

years working in various cities so as you can imagine the wonderful rolling countryside and spectacular coastline of west Dorset has been quite a revelation both inspirationally and photographically,” said Neil. “A large proportion of my career was spent deep in the cut and thrust of newspapers, photographing people from all walks of life and

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Neil pictured with his faithful companion Betsy on his Bridport Market stall

I patiently waited for a passing shower out in the English Channel to pass behind St Catherine’s Chapel as the sun went down and, right, taken from near the beacon on Abbotsbury Hill looking towards Portland after a particularly dry spell

lensman Neil’s putting it all in focus covering many major events and stories. “But now living in the relative peace and calm of Dorset, I’ve found a much quieter and altogether friendlier environment to continue my passion. “Photography has never been a hobby, always a profession but I consider myself to be very lucky in doing something that even

after 44 years of work gives me pleasure every day. “I still do the occasional jobs for newspapers, only last month I had pictures published in the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail amongst others, but my main focus is to create images that visitors to the area like to take home with them. “It’s almost like being an

ambassador, I try to promote west Dorset and in particular West Bay as a beautiful place to come and visit.” n Neil’s work can be found on his regular Saturday market stall next to the Bull Hotel in East Street, Bridport, at the gallery in the Customs House in West Bay and of course online at neilbarnes.com and westbaypictures.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

£20k to open up Digital Doorway to residents Laptops and tablets are being made available to residents in West Dorset who are digitally excluded. Dorset Council has been awarded £20,000 for its new Digital Doorway scheme, which will see it issue around 60 tablets and laptops with up to two years’ worth of data, to people who have limited or no access to the

digital world. Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation, said: “In Dorset we still have 11% of residents who are completely offline and another 20% lack all the essential digital skills needed. This means nearly a third of our residents are

digitally excluded in some way.” To apply for a device, or to refer someone for a device go to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/digitaldoorway-application-form For those needing help accessing the form should ring 01305 221048 between 10am and noon, Monday to Friday.

By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Countryside charity Dorset CPRE is ‘looking forward to the outcome’ of communication between the Secretary of State Michael Gove and Dorset Council after council leader Spencer Flower asked the government for a two-year delay on the county’s Local Plan. Cllr Spencer Flower told government officials that a shake-up of Dorset’s Local Plan based on sustainability and local needs is needed rather than chasing housing targets. Cllr Flower said he had discussed with Housing Secretary Michael Gove and his officials about offering a ‘constructive, bold and ambitious alternative’ for the way Dorset develops its plan. Dorset CPRE welcomed the statement from Cllr Flower, claiming it ‘shows a willingness to develop a Local Plan more suited to Dorset and its residents’. Previously Dorset CPRE stated that the Dorset Local Plan is being developed too quickly and without an adequate evidence base. It deplored the lack of any meaningful engagement in the creation of a shared vision for the Dorset Local

GREEN AND PLEASANT: Dorset’s Local Plan for housing could be delayed and, inset, Housing Minister Michael Gove Picture: NEIL BARNES

By Gove! CPRE pinning hopes on Local Plan delay Plan. Such a vision should be its bedrock. Peter Bowyer, chairman of the Trustees of Dorset CPRE, said: “We now hope that following Councillor Spencer Flower’s statement that there will be positive dialogues with community organisations and residents in Dorset to arrive at a housing figure of closer to

22,000 up to 2038, adequate provision of affordable/social housing, and compatibility of the Dorset Local Plan with actions to address the Climate and Ecological Emergencies. We look forward to the outcome of communications between the Secretary of State and Dorset Council and welcome the opportunity for an extension of the Local Plan period, as well as the potential

development of a new approach to Local Plans that reflects the needs of the residents of Dorset. “Any efforts to re-think the Dorset Local Plan will be supported by CPRE, but only if revisions reflect the real needs of the residents in Dorset and the exceptional environmental circumstances of the county. Dorset deserves better than what has been proposed to us to date.”

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY: Swathes of snowdrops carpet the woodland walks and gardens of Mapperton House as visitors were welcomed to two Snowdrop Sundays

£15m emergency refurb for hospital The £15m refurbishment of Dorset County Hospital’s emergency department is set to be completed this summer. The alterations, carried out by Willmott Dixon Construction, include two extensions - one in the courtyard at the rear of ED and one at the front entrance – along with a new entrance and waiting area, larger resuscitation rooms and bigger cubicles. Dorset County Hospital is developing plans to expand over the next five years, which include building a new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit on site. The

SUMMER TARGET: One of the cubicles at Dorset County Hospital’s emergency department

refurbishment work that is underway will help provide additional space and pave the way for the new building. Two new areas are now in use, offering bigger cubicles, more space and

new medical equipment and the work is being carried out in stages to minimise disruption. Dr Steve Meek, Emergency Department Clinical Lead, said: “Every year our Emergency Department

sees more than double the number of people it was built for, so we are excited about the developments that are happening on site over the coming months and in the next few years. “It’s great to be able to start to use some of our new clinical space. “It will give us some much-needed extra room and better facilities to care for our patients. Construction work is ongoing but patient care, safety and seeing people in a timely manner remain our top priorities. I’d like to thank patients and staff for bearing with us while these improvements are made.”

Testing times if you’re visiting your loved ones People visiting loved ones at community hospitals in Bridport, Sherborne, Shaftesbury and Weymouth (Westhaven) now need to take a lateral flow test to provide proof of a negative result before visiting. Cara Southgate, Dorset HealthCare’s

Deputy Director of Nursing, Therapies and Quality, said: “We recognise the very important contribution that seeing loved ones makes to the wellbeing of our patients. However, while Covid-19 continues to be in circulation, we must remain vigilant and follow

guidance which will help protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, communities and staff.” Before visiting our sites, visitors should contact the ward to discuss local arrangements and to remember patients can see just one named visitor.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Take your pic: Here are the entries n Sea kale growing from the shingle at Cogden Beach, east of West Bay Picture by Dave Aplin

n Bumblebee by Anne Harris

n Chesil Beach at West Fleet by Dave Aplin

n Caterpillars by Anne Harris

n Skipp's Field, Higher Frome Vauchurch by Dave Aplin

We had an overwhelming response to our appeal for a photo for our front page. Here are some of the entries we received, which cover the whole of the area in its breathtaking beauty. We love to receive your photos! Send them to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

for our front page photo competition

n Poppies in Tolpuddle by Sally Cooke and, right, Lyme Regis by Mark Clothier

n Colmer’s Hill by Colin Varndell

n Turners Puddle Church by Sally Cooke and, right, Yetminster by Toby Hartwell

n Sunset by Nick Way, Castle Road Sherborne by Jo Chaffey and, right, red sky at night Anne Harris MORE ON NEXT PAGE

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

n Colmer’s Hill by Colin Varndell

n Pageant Gardens in Sherborne by Michelle Demkiv and, right, Poundbury by Hilary Charman

n Yetminster by Toby Hartwell and, right, Mangerton Mill by Shara Beddows

n Kingston Maurward by Leana Gosney and, right, a field of poppies by Laura McCormick

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

n Little Bredy by Rachel Hayball and, right, cows by Anne Harris

n The Jurassic Coast by Graeme Mclaren and, right, Chesil Beach by Joe Hinder

n Oxeye daisies in Tolpuddle by Sally Cooke and, right, photo by Fobo Bright

n Sherborne Castle by Anders Mattsson

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Sting in the tale of By Sara Hudston newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Domestic, agricultural, commercial & industrial electrical installations

Once known for hosting the World Nettle Eating Championships, The Bottle Inn at Marshwood could have another claim to fame. Eating raw stinging nettles turns your tongue completely black. I know this from watching the nettle-eating contest that used to be held every summer at the pub. I was never brave enough to enter, but I was often part of the crowd that watched daring and often inebriated competitors tackle heaps of fierce, bristly greenery. The plants were served chopped into two-foot lengths ready for contestants to pull the leaves off and the idea was to eat as many leaves as possible in one hour. They would then present the bare stems at the end as proof of their valour – winners usually managed at least 70 feet! The pub became famous for the nettle-eating championships, but is it notable for another historic reason? Was it once the drinking place of poet William Wordsworth,

his sister Dorothy, and possibly even their friend, Samuel Taylor Coleridge? For two years at the end of the 18th century, William and Dorothy lived less than two miles up the road from The Bottle at Racedown Lodge. They had very little money and had to grow most of their own food. During the hard winter of 1797, William wrote to a friend: ‘I have lately been living on air and the essence of carrots, turnips and other esculent vegetables not excluding parsnips, the produce of my garden.’ Towards the end of the Wordsworths’ second spring at Racedown, Samuel Taylor Coleridge arrived, leaping over the stile at the bottom of the garden, having walked all the way from his home in West Somerset. He stayed three weeks, completely entrancing William and Dorothy, and persuaded them to join him on the Quantocks. It was, as they say, the beginning of a beautiful friendship. But Coleridge wasn’t the only reason the Wordsworths left Dorset.

TUCKING IN: The glory days of the nettle eating contest at the Bottle Inn Picture: EMILY PYKETT

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

historic pub’s links to Wordsworth

AT RISK: The Bottle Inn at Marshwood. Left: Pilsdon Pen Pictures: SARA HUDSTON

They were only here in the first place because they were offered a house rentfree. Racedown Lodge was owned by John Pinney, son of John Praetor Pinney, an affluent Bristol merchant and member of the Bristol West Indies Trading Company. The Pinneys owned sugar plantations on the Caribbean island of Nevis, worked by African slaves. Young John Pinney was slightly more idealistic than his father – Wordsworth had met him originally through a circle of radical friends. It’s thought that when hardboiled John Snr found out the house was being let for nothing, he ordered that the Wordsworths

should pay rent, or leave. Praetor Pinney’s decision might also have been influenced by angry complaints from his farming tenants. Some claimed that William was a wizard who had been casting spells on their cattle. This is not such an outlandish interpretation of his behaviour as it might first seem. Wordsworth generally composed and then refined his poems by reciting them aloud while walking. Every day he and Dorothy took long walks of two hours or more across the surrounding countryside – Pilsdon Pen was a particular favourite. As they walked, William

would mutter his latest poem in his strong Cumbrian accent, pausing now and again to survey the view through a pocket telescope. The local Dorset folk couldn’t understand what he was saying, and because of the incantatory rhythms and the fact he kept pointing a strange, possibly magical instrument at their cows, they concluded he was bewitching them. It is quite possible that during their long walks, the Wordsworths sought refreshment at local hostelries. The Bottle was going strong in those days – it had gained its name earlier in the 18th century when it

became the first inn in the area to serve bottled beer. The place had been associated with strong drink since the 16th century, when people paid church tithes in a barn on the site of the present building. Parishioners handed over ten per cent of their annual income and were given a cup of mead to soften the blow. When the Revenue men closed an alehouse nearby for selling unlicensed, possibly smuggled, liquor, the barn took its place as the local drinking den. It was first documented as a pub in the Crewkerne to Lyme Regis Toll Road deeds of 1760. We will probably never know whether Dorothy, William and Samuel sat by the fire in The Bottle and refreshed themselves. But we do know that their time in Dorset inspired much of the social commentary in Wordsworth’s early poems, such as The Ruined Cottage, where ‘nettles rot and adders sun themselves’. Sadly, the pub is now closed and has fallen into a state of semi-dereliction, ironically reminiscent of Wordsworth’s ruined cottage. It was recently placed on the national Buildings at Risk register. The parish council has applied to Dorset Council to register it as an asset of community value in the hope that it might be saved. There are moves afoot to find a new owner willing to invest the considerable sum needed for renovation before the pub can reopen.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

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

COUNTRY LIFE: John Wright is a newcomer to Dorset, having lived in the county a mere 42 years

The early part of the year is a peaceful time for me as it is then that I sit at home writing my books. Writing came to me as a rather unexpected occupation after thirty years as a Dorset cabinet maker, but it is enormous fun. At the moment, I am trawling through the 3,000 photographs of plants, fungi and invertebrates that I took on a series of eight walks throughout Britain last year, a selected few destined for the book I am writing now. I do this sort of thing a lot, with my previous book also involving many photos that needed to be sortedthrough. This was A Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries, and came out last October. Its subject is all the things that one sees in the British countryside for which no explanation comes readily to mind. These are generally weird biological entities that few people understand and agricultural furniture whose purpose has been lost from the pool

of common knowledge. I was wondering how many of the photos I used had been taken in Dorset. I guessed seven or eight, but a count discovered there to be 34 – around half the total. Although there are weird things all over the country and many things in the book are found everywhere, Dorset seems to have more than its fair share of weird. My Dorset photographs were of such things as Choke, a white-thenorange fungal collar on grass stems, Strip Lynchets, terraces built to increase arable land in time of famine, and Watermeadows. The last is a true Dorset specialty built to provide early grazing for sheep, but ultimately to serve an efficient agricultural system called ‘sheep-corn husbandry’. In Dorset, water-meadows run the length of the Frome from Maiden Newton to Wareham, and were, effectively, invented in Dorset and perfected at Puddletown by a fellow

PM backs MP in bid to restore direct rail links Dorchester, Sherborne, Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne and Axminster are expected to have direct trains to London restored on February 19. West Dorset MP Chris Loder, pictured, gained support of the Prime Minister to force the U-turn on South Western Railways train timetable, which saw direct train services slashed in half last month.

At Prime Ministers’ Questions, Mr Loder said: “South Western Railway has totally cut off Dorset, Somerset, most of Wiltshire, and Devon from its direct train services to London, as well as slashing our service in half, most of

which is totally unnecessary. Will my Right Honourable Friend support me and my neighbouring MPs in getting direct services back to West Dorset, and having a new timetable that is fit for our region?” The Prime Minister expects the operator to return direct services on the February 19.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

biological entities and Smut Fungus called George Boswell in the late 18th century. The general idea is not so much to make the valley-bottom wet as to keep it warm. Grass will only grow when the temperature is at least five degrees Celsius, and river water was used to maintain a higher temperature. Water was channelled in an ever-flowing ‘film’ one-inch thick over the multiple banks that can still be seen in some places. Eventually, the sluice gates would be closed and a week or two later the sheep taken from the hills each day to graze for a few hours and then returned. They would helpfully deposit their dung in fallow cornfields, hence ‘sheep-corn husbandry’. As a Hampshire Hog, I am a ‘relative newcomer’ (so I have been called) to Dorset, having only been here for 42 years. Our first home here was a remote, rented farmhouse, perched on top of the chalk downlands. Our first friend, Alan, worked on the neighbouring farm.

Strangers in a strange land that we were, we needed Alan to explain things.

always had water in it, even in a drought, but had no obvious means of supply. It was, Alan told us, a Dew Pond, kept full by condensing water vapour from the air. I was very taken by this highly romantic notion. Dew Ponds are very useful because rainwater just disappears into the upper layer of the crumbly chalk of the downs and never sits on the surface or runs downhill to form a stream except in the valley bottom. If one manages stock on such land, a long walk to the river will be needed to water them. Enter Dew Ponds. These are made by digging a wide, shallow, dish-shaped hole in the ground and waterproofing it with clay or finely crushed chalk. The crushing of chalk is called ‘puddling’ and will be known to most of you RURAL DISCOVERIES: Author, naturalist and forager John Wright from the puddles of water found wherever One of the puzzles, one of cattle congregate and those ‘mysteries’, was a crush the chalk with their pond near the cottage. It hooves.

Sad as it must seem to the romantic, numerous investigations have failed to support the dewy hypothesis. Scientifically, it is unlikely to happen as dew only condenses of surfaces that are colder than the air from which it might condense, and the surface of a pond is almost invariably warmer. Fog can just ‘land’ on the surface of a pond, as it is just droplets of water that do not need to condense. Unfortunately, fog provides very little water in this way. It is generally understood that Dew Ponds are just ‘rain ponds’, and that they keep reasonably full because of their large catchment area, waterproof lining and a lack of transpiring vegetation which would otherwise evaporate gallons of pond every day. One day I hope to tell you about my favourite mystery from the book. It is a ‘Smut Fungus’ that infects Red Campion. Its life story is every bit as indelicate as you might imagine from the name, so perhaps it will need to wait until we get to know each other a little better. Or should just I keep it to myself? You choose.

Volunteers wanted to help with coffee morning Volunteers are urgently needed to help with a weekly coffee morning in Puddletown. Every Thursday from 10am-12pm there is a coffee morning in the church room, which is open to everyone from the village and beyond. Sadly over the years the volunteer group has dwindled, and some of its

members are no longer able to help. Vicar Sarah Hillman said: “If we are going to keep this valuable meeting point for people – many of whom live alone – we need more help. “Volunteers set up the tables/chairs; bring cakes (home-made or bought) or biscuits; make tea and coffee; clear up afterwards - and most importantly – offer a friendly welcome to all.

“The gain the opportunity to help us continue to offer a much valued space, hospitality and friendship to a varied group of people; grateful thanks; the joy that comes from serving others and maybe new friends.” Call 01305 848784 or email sarah.c.hillman@outlook.com if you’d like to help.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Expanding museum taking care of By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The idea for a museum in Beaminster was first floated before the First World War – the proposer fancied a space in which to showcase several collections, including birds’ eggs – however the plans were scotched by the war. Almost seven decades later, in the 1980s, the notion was rekindled and in 1990, the Beaminster Museum Trust bought the non-viable Congregational Church and converted it into a museum, which slowly opened to the public. And on March 28, 1998, Beaminster Museum was officially opened to play a crucial role in preserving local culture. Today Beaminster Museum has become a community treasure. From its conception, the institution has been run entirely by volunteers, all committed to its impressive space which covers the history of all 14 parishes in its catchment area, just for the love of it. The band of 50 volunteers, led by chairman of trustees Murray Rose, who has been part of the museum since its beginning, is the ‘secret weapon’ behind the success of the museum, which although small, conforms to national museum standards and accredited by the Arts Council. Over the years, collections have grown, and research has resulted in a deeper understanding of local

IT’S ABOUT TIME: Brian and Jenny work on a time line and, below, polishing a horse harness, children exploring prehistoric ancestors and a visitor researching online

heritage. Displays have improved and the museum boasts several permanent exhibitions, many of which interpret the past from millions of years ago to the most recent in a way which captivates visitors of any age. The exhibitions include a

social history of the area from the first pre-Neanderthal huntergatherers to modern day people. It’s a potted sequential history of Beaminster as a community and features parishes further afield, how ordinary people lived

and worked from the Roman invasion onwards, from schooling to fighting and everything in between. There’s also a geology and palaeontology exhibition from when the area was a shallow, tropical sea. Here Beaminster Museum has partnered with Jurassic Coast Trust and Natural England, particularly of note to the unique fossilrich Horn Park Quarry. The volunteers who help with genealogical research have an extensive local library, and recorded social

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

the past and planning for the future

HELPING HANDS: Volunteers outside the building and, below, Lord Lieutenant Sir Angus Campbell presents the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. Inset: A hand-held axe

history which evolve and are regularly refreshed. Beaminster Museum has a long tradition of temporary exhibitions, lasting one season. These include a mixture of artefacts, ‘props’, traditional wall-based panels, visitor-

managed video, audio and point-and-click learning, rolling slideshows and games suitable for all. It is fair to say Beaminster Museum is a hive of activity boasting universal appeal. Its online presence attracts

virtual visitors from all over the world. The museum relies on a variety of income streams, such as subscriptions from Friends of Beaminster Museum, shop sales and fundraising events and donations. Three major cash injections from the Lottery have enabled the purchase of the building and to commission a special study of the flax and hemp industry. In 2018, the trustees instigated an expansion project, to include new extension to the Grade II listed building. This longawaited new extension, funded by the Lottery, will

open at Easter this year. Chairman Murray Rose said: “We occupy an irregular-shaped plot on a bend in the road. What was previously a back yard with assorted sheds was transformed into a twostorey irregular-shaped rear extension. The main external construction work was done during lockdown; internal completion by volunteers and local tradesmen is currently in progress. “The Chesterman Room downstairs is a multipurpose area mainly earmarked for volunteers and visitors to meet and do research work. The Rose Gallery above gives us added display space, offering more scope for interpretation throughout the museum. “The newly extended building enables us to make an even greater contribution to the community, enabling people from a wider range of groups to visit us than has been feasible in the past. Much effort has been expended in setting up activities like a Memory Café, school holiday fun sessions and closer collaboration with Beaminster Festival as an official festival venue. “Only the pandemic has stopped us having these already in place. It’s a longterm vision since we’ve no real idea how the world will change. But the Expansion Project means that we’re better equipped to deal with whatever those changes might turn out to be.” n beaminstermuseum. co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Trades & Services

See your listings here for just £20 a fortnight! This is the section for you if you own a business offering trades and services in this area. For just £20 a fortnight, you can be included in our directory of local trades and services. Two weeks’ advertising for just a score? Bargain!

We aim to make this section a bible for people seeking trades and services in the West Dorset area. You can either take advantage of our special offer of five lines of text for £20, or there are options to have larger display ads in this section.

If you would like a box around your text advertisement, this is an extra £3. The rates for display advertisements are on page 28. In addition, each edition we will be featuring one of our advertisers with a fun Q&A – see our first one

below. You can head over to westdorsetmag.co.uk or email advertising@ westdorsetmag.co.uk to book, and if you fancy answering the questions yourself, email newsdesk@ westdorsetmag.co.uk

Advertise at westdorsetmag.co.uk or call 01305 300830

Ask a tradesperson...

with Tristan G Murless Ltd

Each edition, we will be asking a local tradesperson for the low-down on their day to day. This week, Tristan & Cameron Murless of Tristan G Murless Ltd answer our questions. Where do you live? Tristan (Weymouth) Cameron (Bridport) Where is your business? Weymouth & Bridport What area do you cover? Dorset What do you do? Domestic, agricultural, Commercial & industrial electrical installation, maintenance & repairs. Scheduled electrical testing including fire alarm & emergency lighting. Why did you decide to become an electrician? Tristan: I followed in my father’s footsteps. He was an electrician based in Bridport for over 50 years. Cameron: I wanted to be

involved in the family business. What is a typical day like? Tristan: Overseeing day to day running of the business. Managing client relationships. Cameron: Estimating, purchasing & organising

engineer schedules. What do you love about it? Tristan: Client relationships, we have been very fortunate in business to work for some very nice genuine people and to work for many local large companies, whilst still

looking after Mrs Smith down the road. Cameron: Everyday is different and ensuring customer satisfaction. What do you like least? Tristan: Nothing! Cameron: Nothing! Good earning potential? You reap what you sow. Do you have any advice to youngsters who want to enter your trade? It’s a fantastic industry with lots of potential if you work hard. If you had your time again, would you do anything differently? Tristan: Astronaut Cameron: Nothing different What do you offer customers? Outstanding workmanship, good honest communication and reliability at a fair price. TGM Electrial 01305 778284 cam@tgmelectrical.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Births, marriages and deaths By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A procession of Minis followed the funeral cortege from Misterton to Crewkerne to pay tribute to much-loved family man, rally driver and motor trader Geoffrey Frank Restorick, who died on January 13. Geoff, 79, was carried to his funeral on the back of his daughter Val’s flowerladen recovery truck. His friends and family followed in 42 Minis, from decades-old classics to newer models. Geoff was born in Charmouth on June 15, 1942 and made many friends during his school years, many of which would last a lifetime. He and his friends would spent long, happy hours racing around the cycle track they made in Wootton, calling themselves the Charmouth Racing Club. They would also go go-karting at Stonebarrow Lane. His passion for vehicles was ignited after leaving St Michael’s Senior School in Lyme, when he began work for Whellers Motors in Yeovil. He began courting Charmouth girl Pat, and they married and moved to Tatworth before creating a home for their growing family in Misterton. Geoff would attend rallies either behind the wheel or

LAST RESPECTS: The procession of Minis makes its way through Crewkerne for the funeral of Geoff Restorick. Geoff’s coffin is carried on his own recovery truck. Left: Geoff with one of his Minis and, inset below, the popular rally driver and motor trader

Minis on parade for Geoff’s final journey finding a good spot to watch along with Pat and their children, who could often be heard shouting: “Put your foot down dad!” “Our dad had always had a passion for cars and used to rally, first in an Anglia and then a Mini,” said Geoff’s daughter Lesley. “He particularly loved Minis and was a member of East Devon Mini Club and Mini Mooners.” Geoff set up as a motor trader, repairing vehicles and selling cars and would later focus solely on repairing and recovering vehicles, setting up a workshop at his Misterton home.

Lesley said: “Our dad has six children, 16 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren. “He was a lovely man and he spent hours and hours in his workshop with them, teaching them so much about repairs and cars. “His love of Minis has certainly rubbed off on much of his family and he was always there with interest and advice.” Community-minded, Geoff loved ‘all things local’, making many friends over the years. He served as vice-chairman of Misterton Council and was a huge animal lover, often bringing home animals which needed a home. On one occasion he went out on a recovery job and came home having adopted two ponies.

“He could never say no to giving any of them a home,” said Lesley. She added: “After our mum passed away, I spent more time with him, taking him to the beach for fish and chips or for steak and chips, which was his favourite. “Our dad was a kind man, who made friends for life. He loved his family and has left a huge hole in our lives.”

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Down to earth

Make do and mend: Repair Café’s By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A school hall in Dorchester is buzzing with activity by the time I arrive on a bright, cold January Sunday. The town’s Repair Café is in full swing just moments after the doors open at 10am, with lots of people clutching items to be fixed by the amazing band of volunteers. Repair cafes may be a fairly recent phenomenon, sparked in part by the popularity of such TV programmes as The Repair Shop and in part by the reusing and recycling movement. But they certainly seem to have taken off. Numerous villages and towns around Dorset hold their own monthly drop-ins for people to bring their broken items in the hope they can be saved. In Dorchester, Bob and Jo Masters from Frampton are here to get a doll and her pushchair fixed after years of vigorous play by their grandchildren “The pushchair is many years old,” says Jo.

WE’RE ON THE MEND: Jo and Bob Masters and, below, Repair Café organisers Emma, Lisa and Katy and, inset below, Rosie Noorlander repairing a mobile phone

“Probably over 20 years old. And the doll they tell us may be 40 years old or more.”

The poor doll, Delilah, has lost an arm, and repairer Lisa recommends a fix using glue and warm water that will take more time to set than the café is open. But the couple will be able to carry out the repair themselves with this knowledge. “Poor old Delilah,” grins Jo. Also waiting for a repairer to become free is retired sheep farmer Meg Holmes from Poundbury, with her not-so-trusty Kenwood

mixer she bought a decade ago to replace the one she had as a wedding present in 1963. “It’s kaput,” she said. “It just died on me. My old mixer went on for 40 years and more, but they don’t make things to last any more.” The old Kenwoods are legendary for going on and on, and Meg had plenty of use out of her original model, baking for four children. These days she only

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Down to earth

new lease of life for broken items

usually bakes when the grandchildren visit, meaning this mixer has seen a great deal less use than its predecessor. “I expect things to work,” says Meg. “Then they die on me. Hopefully they can tell me what’s gone wrong with it.” Elsewhere in the hall, Julian Wardlaw from Piddlehinton has brought his record player, as the arm keeps bouncing up and refusing to play his records.

desk is Rosie Noorlander, who has run Fix-It Phones in Dorchester for a few years now. She now runs her repair business from a purpose built workshop at 7 Kensington Walk, Fordington Fields. She has two broken iPhones, one of which will be a donor for the other. She said: “One has a broken screen, but the board inside is good. The other one has a broken board. I’ll open them both up and swap the parts.” Rosie uses double-sided ALL GOOD: Hayley tape and a magnetic bar to Walker sewing, hold all the teeny tiny Graeme mends Julian Wardlaw’s record screws in formation, so the player and, left, Meg phones go back together Holmes and her just as they came apart. Kenwood mixer At the back of the hall, Hayley Walker is busy Dorchester Repair Café is held rescuing pairs of pyjama every month at different bottoms from landfill. venues and times. The next Their owner loves them will be held at The Duchess of Co rnwall pub in so much they want them Poundbury from 5p m-7pm on to have a new life, Monday, February 28 . New volunteers despite the elastic are always welcome . Follow the having failed. repair cafe on Face book and Hayley, from Instagram for upda tes, and email Dorchester, for whom repaircafedorcheste r@gmail. sewing is a hobby, said: com for a volunteer form “We are turning over the if you might be waist and putting in a able to help. Repairer Graeme is drawstring, so they can be investigating. Amanda pulled tight.” Julian said: “I have a lot of records and can’t play any Evans from Chickerell has One of the organisers brought in her Miele Emma Teasdale said: “We of them. A new record vacuum cleaner. definitely need more player will cost £200 or “It’s not sucking volunteer repairers. more, so it’s worth properly,” she said, adding “We are open to anything bringing it here to see if it with a chuckle: “There’s and anyone, but can be fixed.” no good way of saying particularly people who People are encouraged to can repair electrical items buy tea and cake and put a that, is there?” Edmund the repairer goes and small appliances. We donation in the jar for the systematically through all would love to hear from expertise of the volunteer the things that might be anyone who would like to fixers. It’s a great system, causing the issue, to try to be involved in any way – and Dorchester’s café has pin down the fault. there is always lots to do experts in a whole range On the phone and tablets so all help is great!” of repairs.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Down to earth

Let there be (the right sort of) light Kevin Quinn is a Dark Sky Custodian for the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve who lives in Cerne Abbas. Read his blog at theastroguy.wordpress.com Because of my passion for astronomy, the spread of Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) is of great concern to me. However, it’s fast becoming clear that it should be of concern to everyone. Researchers have begun looking beyond its effects on astronomy, and this is what I’m going to share here. With the long, dark nights upon us, and with spring on the way, I felt this would be timely. Light pollution is ALAN levels in excess of what’s needed, and/or mis-directed. So, if you’re using a 1,000watt light just to illuminate your front step, or your external lights are sending light upwards and outwards instead of down to where it’s needed, or your lighting is illuminating other people’s property or areas used by wildlife, then that’s light pollution. ALAN can affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, stress, diabetes, breast and prostate cancer, and more. Our bodies produce the hormone melatonin in response to circadian rhythm, which helps keep us healthy. It has antioxidant properties, induces sleep, boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, and helps the functioning of the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes and adrenal glands. Night-time exposure to artificial light suppresses melatonin

Picture: PAUL HOWELL @PictorImages.jpg

production. If the direct impact on human health isn’t scary enough, many insects are drawn to light and this can be a fatal attraction. Declining insect populations affect all species that rely on them for food or pollination. Of all the invertebrates attracted to artificial light, one third will die as a direct result, mainly due to exhaustion. The overall cause of insect decline in recent years has been due to artificial lighting at night. Moth and butterfly caterpillar numbers, for example, in areas affected by artificial lighting, can be as low as 52% of what they are in unaffected areas. The knock-on impact of this is scary. Daytime pollinators need night-time darkness to sleep, night-time pollinators need darkness to grow, develop, reproduce and

generally go about their business. Did you know that a single pair of blue tits needs to find around 15,000 caterpillars to raise a brood successfully? Half the number of insects means half the number of birds, half the levels of pollination, half the amount of food for humans … and so it goes on. Light pollution has a major impact on nocturnal mammals, too, affecting some animals’ ability to hunt, whilst making it easier for predators to hunt them, and also affecting hibernation. Glare from artificial lights can also impact wetland habitats that are home to amphibians, whose night-time croaking is part of the breeding ritual. Artificial lights disrupt this nocturnal activity, interfering with reproduction

and reducing populations. ALAN also causes developmental issues with farmed crops. Instead of producing fruit or seeds in sync with the seasons, crops can continue to grow and produce leaves, ‘thinking’ it’s not yet time to flower/fruit. I’m not saying we can’t have lighting at night. However, we do all need to be more aware of how it does and will affect humans and the wider environment. Consider using ALAN appropriately. Direct it down to where it’s needed, not out and/or up. If you can’t replace it, consider fitting a shade of some kind. Use only the intensity (brightness) that you actually need (fit low wattage bulbs). Don’t leave exterior lighting on all night. Further advice is at cranbornechase.org.uk/ourwork/dark-night-skies. We should all be doing what we can, starting with the simple things. As the eco mantra from the seventies goes: ‘Start local, think global’. Unlike other forms of pollution (water, air, industrial, oil, plastic, etc), light pollution requires no expensive clean-up efforts. Once the light is switched off, that’s it, it’s gone. Instantly, nocturnal birds, mammals, amphibians and insects can get back to doing what they need to do, the health risks for humans are gone, our carbon footprint is reduced, we save money … and everyone gets to enjoy a dark sky.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Down to earth

Why the common starling is my absolute darling Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown up sons and her spotty rescue dog. Sally will be writing seasonal pieces for The West Dorset Magazine and you can see her work, Sparrow in a Puddle at Instagram.com/ sparrows.puddle.photos Starlings are not everyone’s favourite bird. Appearing in the garden in noisy gangs, they can clear a bird table before smaller birds get a look in. Their gurgling song full of clicks and whistles is perhaps not as beautiful as the robin’s and at a distance their plumage can appear black and uninteresting. But I love them! Seeing the shimmery rainbow iridescence of a starling’s feathers while it sings in my garden hedge raises my spirits on a winter’s day and get one

Starlings over Radipole

starling together with a few thousand others and it will help make one of nature’s most spectacular displays – a murmuration. Starlings are very sociable birds and in winter, when our native birds may be joined by thousands more from the continent, they can roost in huge numbers. As the sun goes down and before settling down onto the roost site, the starlings often put on an aerial show, forming amazing shapes in the

sky causing ‘oohs and ahs’ from those watching, just like at a firework display. I have been lucky to witness this spectacle in Dorset, a few years ago the starlings entertained me and fellow shoppers at Tesco Dorchester before coming down to roost and the murmuration at Studland Bay in 2016/17 attracted national attention and thousands of spectators when it was featured on BBC’s Winterwatch. The starlings haven’t roosted at either of these sites this winter but I did get to see them displaying over Weymouth’s Radipole Lake in January. So why do they do it? It’s certainly not to entertain us I’m sure! A common theory is about safety in numbers, the aerial dancing may confuse predators such as peregrines

and sparrowhawks and will decrease the individual risk for each starling. It may also be to do with body heat, a murmuration may attract more birds in to roost, as more starlings will create a warmer roosting site. Researchers even think starlings may be gathering together to share information for feeding purposes. Whatever the reasons behind it, it is aweinspiring to watch, so if you’re lucky enough to see a murmuration this winter, wrap up warm and enjoy the show. For information about current roosting sites and where to see murmurations, you can visit starlingsintheuk. co.uk/.

Constituency issues

Pleased to contribute to magazine’s success Miranda and Karen have an impressive street-cred with establishing successful local magazines, with quality journalism and interesting content. I’m so pleased to be able to contribute and to do just a little bit to help make this new magazine a success. Constituency wise, the last few weeks have been very busy. Leading the charge to get the Bridport torchlight procession re-instated. Taking the Monkey’s Jump roundabout to the next stage of improvement where third parties have been dragging their feet for years. Closely linked to this is my concern for road safety. The A35 has had a shocking safety record and through my A-road taskforce, have been making

progress with getting Monkey’s Jump flooding sorted, white lines repainted, new signs etc. Over the coming weeks I’m also focussing on the A30 and A37. Last Friday, I addressed the Dorchester Chamber of Trade and talked through some of the issues and some solutions. A week on Saturday, I went to the re-opening of the wonderfully refurbished Corn Exchange in Dorchester where Dorchester Arts launched. It was a wonderful evening and I am certain will transform the live performances on offer to the community. Please do go and visit when you can. Most of my time recently has been taken up with South Western Railway, which has culled our train services to

Sherborne, Crewkerne and Yeovil Junction as well as Dorchester. It has not just slashed the frequency but the line has been cut in half. I am leading the campaign to get that direct service re-established and hopeful we will see progress – after I brought it up in the House of Commons – but I think we have a real fight on our hands here – and the future of our direct train service to London is at risk. South Western Railway has inflicted on Dorset and most of the West Country a considerable negative impact over the last two years. They have removed on-board catering from our trains, refurbished trains to make them less comfortable and totally pulled out of the

Heart of Wessex line on summer Saturdays. And finally, you’ll only know about this if you’ve had direct experience, but we have had an issue over the last few months of where some people have had to wait for an ambulance for up to eight hours. This last week I brought his issue up in a debate in Westminster which, if you’re interested, is on my website. Please get in touch if I can help in any way: hello@chrisloder.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Letters

My concern over oil well application I hope you will print my letter about the terrible planning application for a new oil well near Puddletown. I can’t believe Dorset Council would even consider this when they have publicly declared a Climate Emergency. It fills me with dread for the future of our planet. In Dorset we have experienced the worst flooding in the last few years than anyone can remember. It is hypocritical to want people to Go Green and reduce our CO2 emissions and at the same time dig for oil in a rural area. It doesn’t stop there, the oil would be dug for over 20 years and every day, huge, dirty oil tankers would take the oil to Fawley Oil Refinery. This will destroy the quiet village, cause more traffic on our roads while dirty diesel goes into the atmosphere. There is no reason to approve this application. I want to urge everyone please, for the sake of this small village, Dorset and our planet to sign the petition to say no to the application to drill for oil in Puddletown from South Western Energy Ltd. You can sign the petition at you.38degrees.org.uk/petiti ons/stop-new-oil-drillingin-puddletown We must all stand together and fight this. I wish you lots of luck at The West Dorset Magazine Yours Sincerely Cath Baker Name and address supplied

n Now that we’re getting tuned into covid, folk music sessions are resuming in some pubs. The trouble is that some pubs have closed and some dates have changed. I regularly attend the Sunday evening sessions at the Convivial Rabbit in Dorchester and sessions at the Fox and Hounds in Cattistock and the Red Lion at Beaminster, but there must be many other sessions of which I’m unaware. It would be helpful if leaders and/or landlords could let you know what’s on, when and where so you could publish a diary. This would help keep the music going and the pubs open. Chris Slade Maiden Newton All events welcome! To see your event in The West Dorset Magazine email newsdesk@westdorsetmag. co.uk n Have you ever wanted to learn to arrange flowers? If so, Bere Regis Floral Group is planning a class for beginners on Tuesday August 9 at 2pm at Winterborne Kingston village hall. This class will be to learn how to do a table arrangement. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 8 at 2pm. Area Demonstrator Lucy Ellis’ title is Opera Goes to the Movies. If it is your first visit to the club, it is free of charge. Diana Holman, Bere Regis Floral Group. 01305 848262. bobdiholman@ btinternet.com

Meet our cartoonist Our cartoonist Lyndon Wall lives in Blandford and divides his time between his art work, teaching singing and piano at local schools, playing the organ at Moreton (where Lawrence of Arabia is buried) and bagpiping wherever he is asked. (He appeared on BBC South Today during the first lockdown, piping for the NHS). He first received payment for his art as a teenager, drawing signs for London department stores and animals for greetings cards. On one occasion he was asked to draw caricatures of all the guests at a wedding and, to his dismay, following the three weeks it took to complete the commission, one of the couples had actually broken up! On another occasion, a formal portrait of a retired army officer was paid for, astonishingly, with a case of vintage wine... Lyndon’s cartoons have appeared in various journals over the years, most recently Dorset Life and The Dorset Year Book, and have even been sold in charity auctions. He is a member of the prestigious Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain. justsocaricatures .co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Politics

‘Levelling Up’ paper a missed opportunity This week saw the publication of the Conservative government’s much-awaited ‘levelling up’ white paper. This flagship policy, which helped Boris Johnson win the 2019 General Election, particularly in key marginals, has all the appearance, however, of the Emperor’s new clothes. Despite running to over 300 pages it is practically devoid of detail. It appears to be little more than an exercise in rhetoric, a cynical attempt to distract voters from the ‘partygate’ scandal. Most significantly, it only appears to refer to our the climate crisis in passing. This crisis should be at the centre of any new policy announcement. This would

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

have been a golden opportunity to announce a Green New Deal. Following the covid-19 pandemic an economic ‘green recovery’ would create jobs, reduce long-term costs and put the UK on track to meet its carbon targets. Large scale investment in renewable energy, schemes to radically improve home insulation, the availability of electric vehicle charging networks, together with the construction of cycle lanes, pedestrian areas and flood defences would not only boost the economy, they

would reduce energy consumption, cut emissions, and help guard against both the worst impacts of the climate crisis and soaring energy prices. Local politicians, politicians who are in daily contact with the communities they represent and who have first hand experience of the issues that affect them, need greater power (and increased funding) to make important decisions. Dorset Council, for example, is in the process of producing its new Local Plan. One of the totally justifiable criticisms levelled at the council’s draft plan concerns its target for the number of new houses to be built. This is a figure controlled by

central government policy rather than local need. My fear is that any funding that does follow will be directed towards projects in the urban centres of the North and Midlands, not towards addressing rural deprivation in the South West. It appears to be designed solely to attract former and current Labour voters in key Tory marginals, and, as such, illustrates the government’s attitude to voters in safe Tory seats like West Dorset. As the Green Party deputy leader has said: “This has been a missed opportunity to reverse decades of Tory inequality and build strong, green local economies across the country.”

Social housing the key to sustainable future On a recent visit to the newly refurbished excellent Dorset Museum, I found myself drawn to a collection of black and white photos depicting various scenes of life and work in Dorset from the latter half of the 20th century. The images show farm workers and farm animals, businesses such as a bakery and busy town streets with market stalls. I was struck by the number of young faces, and I had the feeling that over the years we have lost something of this vibrancy and social and generational mix. Employers struggle to recruit here and the high cost of buying and renting is partly to blame. Many younger people have now given up any hope of owning a home. They are either stuck with high-cost, insecure and

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

sometimes poor quality privately rented homes, or a very long wait on the council’s housing list. Latest figures show that there are over 2,300 households waiting for social housing in West Dorset and that number continues to rise. The majority of these are seeking one or two-bedroomed properties. It is clear that Dorset Council’s policy of leaving social house building to private developers means the people of West Dorset are not going to have the kind of homes they need any time soon. Hugely unpopular and controversial developments like Vearse Farm in Bridport and the proposed North of

Dorchester plan all too often fail to provide enough affordable homes because developers falsely claim it will make them unprofitable. The criterion for ‘affordable’, 20% below market price, also does not go far enough. Yet there are councils in the South West, Labourcontrolled Bristol and Exeter for example, that have successfully started building homes using sustainable business models and high environmental standards. Here in West Dorset, Community Land Trusts are leading the way, putting the needs of the community before profits. CLTs are made up of volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise. They are stepping in where our government and our council have failed. A social and generational mix is

crucial to the survival of communities. That is why Dorchester CLT has a plan to build homes for young workers at affordable rents and Bridport Cohousing Project is building a mix of affordable houses, flats and social housing. There have also been smaller community developments in villages such as Toller Porcorum, where the provision of affordable housing has helped to maintain a sustainable balanced community with a socioeconomic mix. When it comes to housing, we need a council that makes sure building social housing is a priority. We need a more open and inclusive planning process that ensures the building of homes and work spaces really does benefit the local community.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

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The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Full page (184mm x 271mm) £500. Discounts for series bookings Your easy guide to advertising in The West Dorset Magazine So now we have launched, what’s in it for advertisers? Simply, we know that if we provide features and news articles people want to read, advertisers get a great response. People read every page, because in every section there are articles about people and issues in the West Dorset area. While digital advertising is crucial to many businesses, we know how hard it is to quantify sales from your spend. We do of course have a spiffy website, where you can read our magazine, see who stocks it and book advertisements but we don’t sell pop-up advertising to pay for it, because we are so confident that print works best for the type of advertising we sell. Great print advertising works in our magazine because people keep it, they cut out ads and pin them on the wall. They read every single page, because we ensure it’s entertaining and relevant, whether it’s a motoring story, or about business, farming or recruitment. Call us old fashioned, but we have seen it in action. People love a printed magazine purely focused on their area. Our hyperlocal news and features about lovely people doing lovely things is an

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antidote to the high-pressure digital world we live in. We call it a cuddle in printed format. We will work with you to make your ads work. We’ll help you with the design, the placing and suggest ways you can quantify the response from your ad. Discounts available for four editions or more. VAT included. Book at westdorsetmag.co.uk or call 01305 300830 for the full ratecard.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Vittles (food & drink)

Sentenced to a night on the gin... wormwood and lemon balm creating a magical drink, and creating a fabulously original gin. Gurt Lush has already won gold at Taste of the West, gold at the International Women’s Wine and Spirits Award, silver at the World Gin Awards, a gold medal at the China Wines and Spirits Awards and shortlisted by Great British Foods. The event will be held at 6pm for 6.30pm on Friday, February 18 at the museum in High West Street.

By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

If you ever fancied the experience of drinking hooch in the cooler only, you know, a bit better appointed, an event next Friday could be for you. Drinks in the Clink: An Evening with Fordington Gin offers the opportunity to try award-winning gin whilst exploring one of Dorchester’s most historic buildings, as you search Shire Hall’s cells to find the perfect botanicals to add to your drink. Fordington Gin’s creator Ros Nelmes will share her expertise on all things gin –

CHEERS: Enjoy a gin or two in the Shire Hall’s cells

from how it’s made to the best accompaniments. There will be gins with aniseed and lemon balm, a

Classic Fordington Gin, and Fordington Gin’s Gurt Lush – a combination of classic juniper with fennel,

Mum’s Kitchen... Guinness and ginger traybake The editor’s mum lives in Affpuddle with husband Bob and three freezers full of baking. Ingredients: 150 ml Guinness 175g dark muscovado sugar ¾ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 200g self-raising flour 1 rounded teaspoon ground ginger 1 rounded teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 medium eggs 100g golden caster sugar 125ml melted butter 5 knobs of stem ginger from a jar, plus 2-3 tablespoons of the ginger syrup Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan. Butter and line with baking paper a 20cm square baking tin/brownie tin.

Place the Guinness and 125g of the muscovado sugar in saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. stirring out any lumps in the sugar. Remove from the heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. The mixture will fizz. Sift the flour, ginger and cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk together the eggs, remaining muscovado sugar, and melted butter, then beat into the flour mixture. Fold in the beer mixture half at a time, then finely chop and add two knobs of stem ginger. Transfer to the prepared tin, and give it a couple of sharp taps to bring up any bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes until just firm to the touch. The centre may sink slightly. Run a knife round the edge of the cake, then drizzle the

n Tickets are £25, including all your drinks and nibbles. Book at shirehalldorset org/ whats-on.

with Diana Holman

syrup over the surface. Finely slice the remaining ginger and decorate the top. Cover with cling film and cool overnight before cutting into 9 squares.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Vittles (food & drink) By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

When former London set designer Rachel Hill tried her hand at baking, something delicious happened. Creative visions were spun from sugar as Rachel honed her sculptural skill to give life to layered masterpieces. Immersing herself in a world of carving tools and fondant, and with a deep breath she showcased her offerings at the renown wedding fair at Olympia. And people loved her work. That was in 2007. While Rachel’s career in cakes took off, it wasn’t all joyful as her year was interspersed with sadness. “I almost lost my mother to a brain haemorrhage and my relationship of seven years also fell apart. It was a very depressing time,” said Rachel. But business flourished. Seven years on and Rachel was selling her cakes for London’s top hotels, securing a long and loyal following while scooping an impressive array of accolades to add to her portfolio. And she gave birth to her son, who has become an incredible little helper. Rachel grew up in the Welsh countryside and

FOR GOODNESS SAKES, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE CAKES: Some of Rachel Hill’s cake creations and, inset below, with her son

Relocation is the icing on the cake for baker Rachel

longed to flee the city and find peace in the rolling green. She said: “I’ve always loved the countryside

and never wanted to raise my son in London. I was raised in the Welsh countryside, playing in fields and rivers, riding

my bike down the lanes and growing our own veg. I wanted this for my son so badly. Not the streets and busy roads of London. “By 2018 I had started looking at property, but I hadn’t taken the plunge with marketing my own house as I was terrified to start up my business again, somewhere I didn’t know. As a sole earning parent this is a big life leap.” In 2019 Rachel put her house on the market, but her sale fell through. In 2020 she began again. “The coronavirus pandemic hit me really badly as wedding after wedding was cancelled and I lost all my income. I was so desperate to move but several lockdowns and the rising prices made it near impossible. I was getting close to giving up again.” But after endless searching, Rachel has now secured her dream home just outside Dorchester in Stinsford, where she will keep a flock of chickens and give a dog a loving home and work from her garden studio. “Despite leaving behind everything I know and building up my business from scratch in a new area where we know no one, I am excited!” Rachel added: “One of my biggest joys is my newfound floral piping people often think they are real flowers. I can’t wait to come to Dorset with my skills.” n To find out more about Rachel, her cakes and online courses visit rachelles.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

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. I love a New Year, it’s a time of new beginnings, new attitudes and resolutions, an open book of blank pages and nature produces a cornucopia of foods to feed the soul and mind. January and February struggles against the glitz of the memory of distant Christmas festivities. Decorations stored for another year; the mere mention of the word ‘Turkey’ generates a bilious attack, even for most ardent fan.

A new day with new beginnings... HERE COMES THE SUN: Sunrise looking towards Chideock and, inset, roasted honey carrot soup with cheese scones

Food has always been influential in my life; my first childhood recollections are of my grandmother, a stout woman of ample bosom, her house oozed comfort and warmth with the scent of baking bread, shortbread, and sweet strawberry jam. Cooking

Loders Arms ‘Great village pub’ ‘A real gem in a picture perfect village’ ‘Excellent Sunday roast’

l Beautiful garden & stunning views l Dog-friendly l Great food using local suppliers l Function room available

Quiz night first Wednesday of the month Loders Arms, Loders, Bridport, DT6 3SA. 01308 422431 lodersarmsdorset.co.uk l info@lodersarmsdorset.co.uk

and food became my passion and my career. Not disregarding the renowned aspects of West Dorset, of Thomas Hardy and our stunning Jurassic coastline, we live in a utopia, a lesser-known part of England, of unspoilt villages, where communities have grown. West Dorset benefits from deep valleys and undulating hills, the silhouette of a sleeping giant that characterizes Portland and the moody seas that define our coastline, to the enduring collage of pastureland that is ‘forever’ Dorset. Food Therapy, Brain food, call it what you will, this is the time of year for comfort foods. Living here in West Dorset we are surrounded by a plethora of amazing Producers, Retailers, Farmers and Farm shops. The small independent business that has built its success on its passion for its product. And these we will discover over the next few months.

Food must titillate the senses, smell, taste, and it must be pleasing to the eye. Take the humble carrot, an unpretentious vegetable, yet it is a star performer, it can be diced, sliced, julienned, batons, roasted, liquidised, boiled, and even added to cakes! They are rich in vitamin A. Making soup is easy and delicious, it’s your design, it’s your blank canvas! It’s trendy, be adventurous, be creative. Butternut squash is a superfood and high in potassium. High in fibre and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Sauté some onions, dice squash, and add a good stock, either homemade or bought, add chill, ginger, and coconut milk for an exotic flavour. Roasted honey carrot soup. Cook onions and carrots and add some honey, cook for five minutes. Add some stock and simmer for 30 mins. Liquidise and add a swirl of cream. Serve either soup with chunks of fresh crusty bread or homemade cheese scones.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Vittles (food & drink)

A tart for your Valentine sweetheart Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker, who has a stall outside her home in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram. February 14 is just around the corner and it’s time for love. Or, if your partner is as romantic as my chap, you could just make and eat these little tarts yourself! They take a smidgeon of effort, but look so impressive. I love using local ingredients and the stars of this recipe are chococo.co.uk 75% dark chocolate drops and pollyspetals.co.uk flower petals – both small producers based in Dorset. Chocolate Ganache Tart (makes 6 individual) 190C, gas mark 5 (preheated) Pastry 140g flour 35g cocoa 75g butter (in 1cm squares) 50g icing sugar 30g ground almonds 2 egg Filling 115g double cream 140g dark chocolate 25g unsalted butter A sprinkling of rose and marigold petals Firstly, you need to make the pastry and get it in the fridge. Put flour, cocoa, icing sugar and almonds in a bowl and add the butter. Rub it in until you have fine breadcrumbs or you can whizz this up in the mixer (which is what I tend to do) - these days I am all about making these things as easy as possible. Add the

egg and mix until it just comes together. Wrap it in cling film and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Take the pastry from the fridge and roll it out to approximately 2mm thick (so fairly fine) but if its a bit thicker it won’t matter too much and line greased tart tins. Leave a 1 cm edge hanging over the case and put them in the freezer for 20 minutes. I use baking parchment to line the cases and rice or baking beans to blind bake them. Put them in a preheated oven for 15 minutes and remove the paper and rice. Put them back in the oven if the base is a little soft - 2 or 3 minutes. Pull them out and

make the filling. When they are cooler trim the edges and take them out of the tins. Heat the cream in a small heat proof basin over a pan of boiling water or I do it in the microwave, I blast it for 2 minutes, then I add the finely chopped chocolate or buttons to the cream and stir well. Then

add the butter and mix it well. Pour in the cases and sprinkle the petals on top. You can find me outside my house on Saturdays. I also attend Wimborne and Sherborne farmers markets. Check out where to find me at lizziebakingbird.co.uk Instagram - lizzibakingbird

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Gardening

xxxxx

Horticulture...

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

Born and bred in West Dorset, Dave has worked in horticulture and botany locally and internationally, notably in Belgium, Jordan and the UAE. He brings a wealth of practical knowledge with its underlying principles to his writing

Sowing seeds now can cut months of waiting From a gardening perspective, February heralds a transition month. While still in the depths of winter, the 28 days bring, by its end, two additional hours of daylight a day. This acts as a cue for some plants to stir. Despite this, we need to wait several more months before seeds can be sown outside. That is unless you have an unheated greenhouse. In this instance, February is a great month to start sowing carrots, onions,

leeks, rocket, lambs’ lettuce, watercress, lettuce, beetroot and for the flower garden sweet peas. It is amazing that protection from a simple sheet of glass means cropping can begin months earlier than outside, perhaps more surprising is that most people who have a greenhouse don’t cash in on this advantage. Seeds are amazing structures, grains of dormant life awaiting conditions to germinate. Germination requires

moisture, a suitable temperature, oxygen and sometimes, but not always, light. If like me, you have amassed seeds over the years that you have never got around to sowing, then this is a good time to test if they remain viable. The length of time seeds remain dormant varies greatly. Storage conditions are important but so too is the kind of seeds stored. Parsnips and parsley tend to be short lived, whereas tomatoes and peas can remain viable for at least a decade. The best place to store seeds is somewhere cool and dry. Under the right conditions some seeds can remain viable for hundreds if not thousands of years. Radiocarbon dating revealed seeds in permafrost survived dormant for over 32,000 years and could be coaxed to germinate. The method for testing seeds basically follows the

same procedure whether you are at home or in one of the world’s scientific seed banks. Select a few seeds from the packet at random (ten to fifteen should be sufficient), space them across some moist kitchen roll and place them somewhere warm. Under these conditions, most common seeds will germinate within a few days with slower species taking up to a couple weeks. The selected seeds will either germinate or if dead become colonised by fungi. Using this method, it is possible to test seed viability. If five out of the ten seeds germinate then the germination rate is 50%. If this is the case, simply double the quantity of seeds you would normally sow over a given area. It’s a good way to save money, use up old seed, and if you have children of a certain age, a great activity for introducing them to gardening. n soilvalues.com

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Culture By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A rich mixture of music and theatre is coming to rural communities in village halls across West Dorset courtesy of charity Artsreach, which has launched its exciting spring programme. n Company Gavin Robertson - Done to Death, By Jove! Thursday, February 17 at 7.30pm in Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall For more details ring 01297 560948 Holmes and Watson meet Poirot and Miss Marple (alongside the usual suspects) in a spoof homage – who murdered Lady Fanshawe? A cast of six set about bringing a group of suspects and sleuths together to discover whodunnit, and how… except four of the actors are stuck in the van by the side of the motorway, and only those two knights of the Theatre, Sir Gavin and Sir Nicholas, have managed to get to the venue; but ‘the show must go on’! n The Devil’s Violin - The Beast in Me Friday, February 18 at 7.30pm in West Stafford Village Hall For details ring 07968 633834 Sunday, February 20 at 7.30pm in Drimpton Village Hall For details ring 01308 867617 Imagine a world where the lines separating humanity and animals

HEART-WARMING: Oskar’s Amazing Adventure and, inset below, Pinnochio from the Norwich Puppet Theatre

Oskar winner in supporting role for a new season

have blurred, in which dark forests contain refuge as well as danger, and where blood is not always thicker than water. The Beast in Me is a

masterfully woven tapestry of stories from long ago about our perception of beauty and the value of kindness. Epic narratives are evocatively brought to life by master storyteller, Daniel Morden, and with sublime stringed accompaniment from virtuoso musicians Sarah Moody (cello) and Oliver Wilson-Dickson (violin). n Theatre Fideri Fidera - Oskar’s Amazing Adventure Monday, February 21 at

3pm in Burton Bradstock Village Hall For details ring 01308 897421 An original, heartwarming and entertaining play for young children and their families, full of good humour, adventure, music and song. Funloving puppy Oskar leaves the snowbound little house on top of the mountain to try to find a friendly animal to play with. But where are all the animals? This original play performed by Theatre Fidera Fidera, an Anglo Swiss children’s theatre touring company, uses a rich mix of storytelling, physical theatre, clowning, puppetry and music to tell the tale of a puppy’s search for friendship in the wilderness of the Alps. n Norwich Puppet Theatre - Pinocchio Sunday, February 27 at 3pm in Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall For details ring 01297 560948 Join Pinocchio on a journey packed with hints of danger, slapstick humour and a playful exploration of identity, suitable for young audiences. This fast-paced adventure is full of selfdiscovery as they try, fail and try again to find their heart and become a real person. A highly visual production featuring puppetry, illusion, and object theatre plus a lively soundtrack... and a very big fish!

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Culture

Young artists working together to By Sara Hudston newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Want to catch a glimpse of young artists at work before they gain wider recognition? Head down to Bridport Arts Centre for an intriguing collaboration between four future stars. Luminous landscapes, shimmering ponds, figures in dream-like settings and bright, bold faces fill the walls of the Allsop Gallery this month. These are the results of a studio residency between Bridport-area artists Grace Crabtree, Theadora Brazier, Angelica Pownall and Jessie Wybrew. Their aim was to encourage each other to explore new themes and techniques and to ‘crosspollinate’ their creative practice, as the title of the exhibition suggests. Bridport Arts Centre lent them space to experiment as part of its work to support young, local talent. Theadora says the residency has prompted her to try different types of media: “I think that being here for two weeks, being in the same place as other artists and having their feedback, their ideas about where the work could go, was helpful. However hard you try, you do get stuck in a certain way of approaching your work and you have your own ideas of how to do things, which are always completely different from other people’s.”

ON THE WALL: Theadora Brazier with some of her works for the Cross Pollination exhibition and, above, detail from life drawing in pastel on canvas by Theadora. Below: Work by Angelica Pownall for the exhibition in the Allsop Gallery (oil, gouache, oil pastel and wax crayon on dyed linen)

WHAT: Cross Pollination, a cocreated art exhibition WHERE: Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre WHEN: Feb 8-Mar 5. Open 10am-4pm Tuesdays to Saturday. Free entry

The quartet began their collaboration with several group exercises. In one, they each chose a few words that resonated with them individually, and then created images from their responses. Grace Crabtree chose “fragment’, “colour”, “light” and “narrative” and sketched

an abstracted landscape fizzing with colour and energy. She used pastel and gouache instead of her usual medium of egg tempera. Egg tempera is one of the oldest painting techniques, used on Egyptian sarcophagi and widely adopted in mediaeval times before the invention of oil painting. It requires a subtle layering of translucent pigment, built up in washes, worked over and scraped back. Grace has produced a

series of small landscape paintings in the medium, alongside charcoal sketches. “In some of them, I’ve been following the thread of an idea of aerial landscapes and of mapping out,” she explains. On other pieces, she has focused-in on an enlarged section from a landscape and concentrated on showing fine details. “Often when I go into detail, there’s an element of abstraction and I’m quite interested in what happens when you allow

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Culture

explore new themes and techniques

ARTIST AT WORK: Painter Grace Crabtree at work in the Allsop Gallery and, below, the pastel and gouache sketch by Grace produced in response to a word prompt exercise and, right, detail from her landscape in egg tempera Pictures: SARA HUDSTON

the hand to follow the form, scratch back into a painting and find a path through it. I’ve been thinking about narratives through a landscape.” Grace was particularly inspired by words and narratives during the residency – she also produced a series of sketches responding to a 1920s meditative prosepoem by Virginia Woolf called Blue and Green. Woolf builds a word picture of colour by considering the mental images arising from a ray

of green light. Grace’s interpretations of Woolf’s writing give a fascinating glimpse of the creative process as the artist reacts to material arising from a prompt. The overall success of Cross Pollination is even more heartening for it being achieved despite disruption from covid. Theadora tested positive at the beginning of the second week and had to go into isolation and then Jessie tested positive a week before the show opened. The arts centre’s

youth development worker Bryony Moores O’Sullivan, who curated the event, also had covid, which meant the exhibition opening had to be postponed by almost a week. Bryony admits that the delays have been tough for everyone involved. But she says the artists managed to continue working from home during isolation and kept the process going by sharing photos. “To some extent we’re so used to a fragmented way

By the time you read this, Theadora will have left the UK and be at university in Argentina studying a BA in plastic arts with a specialism in painting. Grace graduated from the Ruskin School of Art in Oxford back in 2019 and is currently enrolled on the Turps Banana Correspondence Course. Jessie recently completed a BA in fine art at Plymouth University and is making mixedmedia works in the open air, and Angelica (who took a BA in Fine Art Painting at the University of Brighton) is concentrating on themes derived from observations on society and self.

of working now that everyone takes it in their stride. And artists and makers are used to working on their own, which makes the time they have together even more precious of course,” she says. As Grace adds, “this show is a chance to see the trials of the artist. “You see work in progress rather than fully-formed and can trace the progression of ideas.” It will be interesting to see what the four artists do next.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Culture

n A Beautiful Walk by S Rose

n A Tranquil Spot by A Ballantyne

n Colours of Summer by K Hallsworth

n Dusk at the Rookery by A Martin

n Early Morning Light by K Hallsworth

n No 10 Bar, Bridport, by J Cross

n Eype Beach by E Butcher

n Low Tide at West Bay by R Zink

n Rhiannon Beached by R Zink

Allington and the first annual exhibition was held in 1957. Since then, the group have met at various locations in and around Bridport and grown exponentially, now boasting 120 members meeting at the Bridport Christian Fellowship in East Street. Every year the society stage a Summer Exhibitions, usually held at the Bridport Arts Centre, although in 2021 it was hosted by Sou’-Sou’ West Gallery at Symondsbury.

This year the Easter Exhibition will be held at the Salt House in West Bay. Charles Hallsworth, chairman of Bridport Art Society, said: “Bridport has grown over the years to be a good centre for artists with available studio space and a thriving community of painting, drawing and general arts enthusiasts. The society is strongly supported by a membership of over 120.” n See bridportart.com

Artists in frame for summer show By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

These are just some of the stunning pieces of art produced by members of the Bridport Art Society and showcased at their summer exhibition. Bridport Art Society has been established for nearly 60 years. Founded in 1956 as Allington Art Club, the small band of 15 members met at The Studio in Haydon Guest House in West

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Culture

n Ridgeway Flowers by A Martin

n Sea Surge by V Ravenhill

n Stair Hole by M Brightwell

n Sudden Storm by M Pender

n The Hollow Way, Symondsbury by A Walker

n The Pinnacles

n A Summer Story by J Bryant

n Langdon Woods by J Tett

n Winter Lake by M Brightwell

n Phyllis, a Local Lady by A Walker

n Wonky Town by K Groves

n Songs of the Sea by S Lock

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Church

Kittens move in mysterious ways too By The Rev DEB SMITH Team Rector of Bridport

This is the story of a vicar who discovered a kitten up a tree in his garden. The little thing was too frightened to come down even though the vicar coaxed it and offered milk – it was to no avail. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the vicar decided that if he tied a rope from the tree to his car and drove it a little way the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the stranded kitten. So that’s what he did – all the while checking his progress in the rear view mirror. But as he inched forwards the rope broke. The tree went ‘boing!’ and the kitten instantly sailed out of sight. Naturally the vicar felt terrible. He walked all round the area searching for the poor creature, asking his

Services Beaminster area Sunday, February 13 8am and 9.30am Beaminster Eucharist 9.30am Netherbury 10.15am Salwayash 11am Burstock Eucharist 11am South Perrott Morning prayer 11am Hooke Family service Sunday, February 20 8am and 9.30am Beaminster Eucharist 9.30am Melplash Eucharist 9.30am Broadwindsor Eucharist 11am Drimpton Morning prayer 11am Mosterton Eucharist 11am Toller Porcorum Eucharist 6pm Stoke Abbott Evensong Sherborne area Sunday, February 13 Cheap Street Church at 10.30am. All welcome Thursday, February 17 Cheap Street Church - Thought for The Day at 10.30am followed by refreshments

IT’S RAINING CATS AND KITTENS: Never underestimate God’s generosity

neighbours if they had seen the kitten. So he prayed: ‘Lord, I commit this kitten to your safe keeping’ and went about his business. A few days later he was in the supermarket where he met Dorothy, one of his church

wardens. He was amazed when he noticed in her shopping trolley cat food – knowing that Dorothy wasn’t a cat-lover. “Why are you buying cat food when you dislike cats so much?” he asked her. She replied: “You won’t

Sunday, February 13 10am Family Communion at St James the Great, Longburton 6pm Choral Evensong at Sherborne Abbey 10am Holy Communion at St Martin of Tours, Lillington 11am Holy Communion at ST Mary Magdalene, Castleton 10.30am Holy Communion at St Paul’s at The Gryphon Bridport area Sunday Services 8am St Mary’s, Bridport (Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion) 9.30am St Swithun’s, Allington (Eucharist) 9.30am Holy Trinity, Bradpole (alternating Holy Communion & Morning Praise) 11am St Mary’s, Bridport (Holy Communion on 3 Sundays and one Morning Praise) 11.15am Walditch Church Dorchester area parishes St Peter’s Church, High West Street, Dorchester The church is open daily 10am4pm.

Sundays: BCP Eucharist at 9am & Common Worship Eucharist 10.30am. Mid-week Morning Prayer at 9.15am on Monday and Thursday. Thursday Eucharist at 10am. Choral Evensong 4.30pm fourth Saturday of the month. St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester Sundays: Holy Eucharist 9.45am. Morning Prayer on Tuesdays at 9am followed by the Eucharist at 9.30am. Taize services first Sunday of the month at 6pm. Contemplative Prayer Group in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 5pm Wednesdays. St George’s Church, High Street, Dorchester Open daily 9am-4pm for private prayer. Wednesday, 9.30am, Morning Prayer Thursday, 11am, Midweek Holy Communion for tea and coffee afterwards. Sunday, 9.45am Holy Communion. 8am BCP Holy

believe this.” She explained that her daughter had been begging to have a cat for some time and she kept refusing. The nagging got to her and finally she said to her daughter: “If God gives you a cat you can keep it.” A few seconds later she watched as her daughter went out into the garden and knelt down to ask God for a pet cat. Dorothy said: “Really vicar – I saw it with my own eyes – a kitten suddenly came flying out of the sky with its paws outstretched and landed right in front of her!” So never under-estimate God’s generosity, his power to give, to answer prayer and of course his sense of humour!

Communion on first and third Sunday St Andrew’s Church, West Stafford 11.15am: February 13 and 20 Holy Communion Bride Valley Sunday, February 13 Burton Bradstock 11am Holy Communion Shipton Gorge 9.30 Breakfast Church Swyre 11am Holy Communion Litton Cheney 9.30 Holy Communion Little Bredy 11am Holy Communion Sunday, February 20 Burton Bradstock 9.30 Family Worship, 6.30 Evening Prayer Shipton Gorge 3pm Pet Service Swyre 11am Morning Worship Punchknowle 11am All Age Holy Communion Litton Cheney 9.30 Morning Prayer Long Bredy 9.30 Morning Worship n Services listings: newsdesk @westdorsetmag.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Business By Andrew Diprose of dorsetbiznews.co.uk Award-winning restaurant Al Molo is to expand into Dorchester creating ten new jobs. Co-owners Giuseppe Vannucci and Tim Newton have secured the lease of the historic Judge Jeffreys building on High West Street. The listed 17th century lodgings contains two Jacobean rooms, Tudor fireplaces and is one of the few surviving timberframed buildings in the town. Refurbishment work has already been commissioned with Al Molo Ristorante Di Pesce due to open its doors this Spring. It will be a sister restaurant to Al Molo in Weymouth. Launched in 2015, the restaurant in the seaside resort transformed the Pier Bandstand into a favourite destination for Italian food. Tim and Giuseppe swiftly achieved national recognition from the Italian Chamber of Commerce with the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana seal of quality award. Last year it took the coveted Gold Award for Restaurant Of The Year in both the Dorset Tourism Awards and the South West England Tourism Awards Building on that success, the new restaurant, Al Molo Dorchester will move away from the traditional Italian focus to bring fresh locally caught fish to the forefront of the menu.

GREAT TASTE: Al Molo co-owners Giuseppe Vannucci and Tim Newton, and, below, the former Judge Jeffreys building in Dorchester

New jobs on the menu as Al Molo opens up in town

Giuseppe said: “I am excited to take the Executive Chef role in our new restaurant and have some wonderful ideas for the new menu.

“Expect the best of Al Molo with a new direction. “Whilst Al Molo in Weymouth will continue to reflect delicious food born from our Italian

roots, Al Molo Dorchester will celebrate our home here on the wonderful Dorset coast, with a strong focus on fresh, locally caught fish. “We believe it’s the perfect location for us to continue sharing our passion for food and look forward to welcoming new guests and old friends.” With Giuseppe’s move to Dorchester, the Head Chef role in the Weymouth restaurant will be filled by Fabio Guasco. Fabio’s promotion comes after several years of dedication to the Al Molo culinary programme as Sous Chef. His previous experience includes fine restaurants in Genoa, the five-star The Dorchester London and working alongside Giuseppe in his previous restaurant – Bacco in London. Tim said: “We are thrilled to bring a new dining experience to Dorset’s county town in such a stunning and famous building, as we expand our footprint across Dorset. We are looking forward to welcoming guests when the doors open this Spring. “Our team in Weymouth have been instrumental in our success, especially through the recent difficult trading period, which we are most grateful for. “We are delighted to offer further employment opportunities with the opening of this restaurant”. Further announcements will be coming prior to the launch.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Business By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A young couple who bought their dream business four years ago, selling fruit and veg from an established greengrocer’s in Bridport, amassed an amazing 17,000 views on Facebook after their post about home deliveries and keeping their small business afloat struck a chord. Larissa and Chris Kemm, who are both 30, live in Salwayash with their foster son, 13, whom they took in last summer. He is their first foster and “a brilliant kid,” says Larissa. “Being foster parents is brilliant – we absolutely love it. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.” The pair were working for Bridget’s Market on East Street when it was put up for sale in 2017 – Larissa knew it was the opportunity they had been looking for. “Bridport is full of quirky independent shops,” she said. “Chris and I worked for the previous owners and really liked working in the business, so when came up for sale we jumped at the chance.” The shop has been a mainstay of the high street in Bridport for decades. Its colourful offerings are arranged on a table outside each morning, after Chris makes his 3am trip to Bristol to pick up fresh stock and once they have fulfilled the orders for pubs and restaurants. When lockdown struck, they leapt into action, offering boxes of fruit and

ALL GOOD FOR YOU: A selection basket from Bridget’s Market and, left, carrots and, right, daffodils

When it comes to fruit and veg, they’re the top bananas who really know their onions veg delivered to people’s doors. The uptick was immediate and huge. Larissa said: “It all went a bit crazy. We were delivering upwards of 70 a day. It was amazing. The veg boxes really kicked off. “We had a few friends on furlough we got to help with deliveries and it was

just so busy and full on.” As the restrictions have eased though, they are finding business a bit quiet, hence the Facebook post asking if people would still like home deliveries of fruit and veg. The boxes start at £5, and they can be all fruit, all veg, customised – whatever customers want.

Larissa believes increasing their delivery service could ultimately hold the key to the success of their business and is keen to hear from people in villages who would like their boxes delivered. “We only need five people in one place to make it viable,” she said. “If there are more than five

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Business

HERE WE ARE: Chris and Larissa Kemm, centre, with the team at Bridget’s Market and, below, a selection of the healthy fruit and vegetables on display at the shop

households ordering in, say, Maiden Newton, that would pay for our fuel. “Our home deliveries are now down to eight to 15 a day, which we are still very grateful for and we love to do but we could really do with a few more to keep us going. “We just wanted to remind everyone to please try and

support local businesses when you can as every penny helps!” She added: “We have always done deliveries but I think home deliveries could help secure our future. We would love to establish a home delivery network, from Portland to Lyme.” She added: “I love this

shop more than anything. It’s a quirky little shop in a quirky little town and I love it. “We have lost so many fantastic local businesses recently which is such a shame and we really want to keep our little greengrocers for as long as possible.” They are currently

delivering in Bridport and surrounding villages, Chideock, Lyme Regis, Axminster, Weymouth and Portland. n Anyone who would like to register an interest in the fruit and veg boxes can message them on Facebook (search for Bridget’s Market Bridport) or call them on 01308 427096.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Just the job (recruitment)

You’ve got a friend indeed: Could you The Trustees of The Friends of Yeatman Hospital have had different journeys – here are a few of their stories.

YOU GOTTA FRIEND: The Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne

By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The Friends of Yeatman Hospital are searching for three or four big-hearted people to join their band of trustees. This year, the charity arm is recruiting for the positions of chairman, a marketing and communications guru, an events manager, and an independent trustee. You don’t need A levels, or multiple degrees or a million in the bank – although that would be interesting – all you need is a heart, welcome a challenge, enjoy giving and be willing to join Sherborne’s hospital charity. Since the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital was established 70 years ago

in July 1951, three years after the founding of the NHS, it has provided funds to support additional facilities and equipment, it has enhance the clinical environment and supported staff training, healthcare provision and has worked for the comfort and dignity of the patients. Its regular source of income is through personal subscriptions which are enhanced by legacies, corporate donations, and fundraising events. During the past seven decades, the Friends have contributed several millions of pounds to support major capital projects, to provide the latest equipment and treatment facilities including ophthalmology,

dermatology, audiology, speech and language, stroke recovery and mental health. Today the funds continue to be used to deliver clinical solutions in preventative, recovery and end of life care; out-patient community-based treatment including orthopaedic, physiotherapy, radiotherapy, cancer treatment, emergency blood supplies, community mental health issues and of course support for all in the fight against covid-19. Providing funds in the region of £20,000 to upgrade Stewart Lodge and to support the Rendezvous Emotionally Connected Sherborne are just two of the current projects the Friends have agreed to.

n David Hayes, Chairman of the Friends said: “A community thrives on a foundation of good health and wellbeing, and the Yeatman Hospital provides a substantial contribution to that foundation, while as a Trustee of the Friends it is both an honour and a pleasure to assist in generating and managing the community’s generous donations towards the Yeatman fulfilling its purpose.” n Retiring member Elizabeth Turnbull explained how she became interested in the charity: “I was asked to join the Friends by a friend, and accepted, as I was very keen to support our local hospital in a practical way, and have never regretted it.” n Roger Marsh is Chairman of Grove PPG and represents the local Patient Groups. He said: “Having been a Sherborne resident for the whole of my life, I know how much the Yeatman Hospital means to our residents. Being a trustee has given me the opportunity to use my

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Just the job (recruitment)

join the team of hospital’s trustees? local knowledge to the benefit of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital.” n Jill Warburton, former Mayor of Sherborne and Vice-Chair of the Friends tells her own story. “The Yeatman Hospital has been at the heart of our town for 136 years and the opportunity to use my experience, skills and knowledge with the Friends to serve the Sherborne community, and support the Hospital, working with a committed, positive bunch of people, gives me a real sense of purpose and fulfilment.” n Treasurer John Thompson said: “After retiring from full-time work, I became aware of a need that I felt able to fulfil and that would help to improve the life of the community that has been my home for thirty years.” n Honourable Secretary Fiona Hartley said: “On moving to Sherborne in 2017 I was pleasantly surprised to find a local hospital. However, it made little impact on me until I damaged my shoulder and received first class treatment in the MIU. Only then did I become fully aware of just how important the Yeatman is to the community. In 2020 when

David Hayes

Elizabeth Turnbull

Roger Marsh

Jill Warburton

John Thompson

Fiona Hartley

Peter Neal

Amanda Whitlock

I learned of the recruitment of new trustees, I made a successful application to join the Board of Trustees. Since then, I have been delighted to be able to contribute to the important work on the Friends

alongside an impressive group of committed trustees.” n Peter Neal said: “It was after a public meeting several years ago, in which the future of the Yeatman was discussed,

that I was asked if I would like to become involved with the Friends. At that time, my other commitments precluded this. However, as the Hospital is one of Sherborne’s greatest assets, I was only too delighted to be asked again a little later and this time able to accept. It has been an honour to serve as a trustee.” n Amanda Whitlock said: “The Yeatman Hospital has a central role within the community of Sherborne and I feel privileged to have an opportunity to be part of its future in the town. I was born locally and I feel passionately that the services the Yeatman provides are vital for local residents.” n Tony Meehan, who steps down in September said: “I retired to Sherborne, and becoming a Trustee was an opportunity to offer my time, knowledge and experience to the Friends, and in doing so become part of an established group, working to the benefit of the community, not to mention keeping me occupied and mentally engaged.” n If you would like to apply or want more details visit friendsofthe yeatman.org.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Motoring

Family garage services business is By Miranda Robertson newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A couple who launched their own garage services business in Yetminster during lockdown say they have been overwhelmed with the welcome they have received from villagers. Richard and Emma Cable had long wanted to start up their own business. But they were wary of doing so while covid wreaked havoc on the economy. However they were intrigued when the business in Yetminster became available and despite their misgivings Richard went for a look around. Emma said: “We thought it really wasn’t a sensible time to be opening a business, but Richard went to have a look and met the previous owner Malcolm, and it just felt the right fit. We spent couple of months talking it through, but it was just right for us.” Richard, 32, and Emma, 31, have three young children. The oldest is Memphis 10, who was named after Nicholas Cage’s character in Gone in 60 Seconds. “That’s what we called the bump,” said Emma. “Then when he was born it just seemed odd to call him anything else.” Memphis wants to get into car manufacture when he grows up and has been busy creating designs for some years now. Second child Tamsin, five, would

AT YOUR SERVICE: Richard Cable at Autotech Yetminster and, above, children Memphis, Tamsin and Otto

love to work with Daddy and Otto, who is nearly two, likes nothing better than being in the workshop. Life can get very busy and the pair hope to be able to take on staff over the next year or so, to enable them to take a break now and then. The biggest surprise to the pair is how supportive villagers have been. Emma said: “The former owner

Malcolm owns Express Motor Parts by the side of the garage and Buccaneer Motor group car sales, and it’s great to have his support. Villagers have been absolutely amazing. They have been so

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Motoring

all about keeping you on the road

welcoming and really genuinely supportive. It’s an amazing village.” The garage, Autotech Yetminster, is right next to train station in the village and they have a courtesy car, so there are options for people who don’t live in Yetminster but who would like to use the garage. Feedback from customers has included plenty of praise for the newly decorated premises. Emma said: “We had a lot of help from our family getting it up and running. All the family have come over, painting, cleaning and moving stuff around. It’s been a real family effort – my dad spent a month filling, sanding and painting the reception – we couldn’t have done it without them all.” Richard has been a mechanic since he left

Government’s MoT extension a year on meant it was quiet for a while but when September came there was a big rush on MOTs.” She added: “It’s an important thing to have in a little village and we are hoping to build a little Autotech Yetminster team. Our feedback is great, because Richard is so honest and trustworthy. That makes a big difference because a lot of places don’t take the time to explain what’s needed and why, he also helps people to keep costs down wherever possible.” MoTs at Autotech Yetminster cost £54.85, and customers booking before February 25 can get 10 per cent off if they mention this magazine.

school. He’s worked for “He wants to build fantastic local garages and something for the kids, to spent time working at pass down to them. Haynes Motor Museum, all “It was quite scary at first, of which he enjoyed. because we had plenty of Richard’s most recent n Autotech Yetminster is customers for the first employer has been open 8.30am-5.30pm incredibly supportive of the month then lockdown was Monday to Friday and move. Richard said: “James lifted and people all just Saturdays by appointment. went on holiday and forgot Call 01935 872239 or go (Curtis) has been really encouraging as always and about their cars. to autotechyetminster.com it’s so nice to have that to book in. “Then the impact of the support from him.” Now he offers a full range of garage services including MoTs, tyres, clutches, wheel balancing – anything you might need a garage for. Tel: 01305 778284 Mob: 07966 134104 Emma said: www.tgmelectrical.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Sport Welton Rovers Sherborne Town FC

1 2

By Stuart Wickham sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A late Alex Murphy goal proved decisive in this enthralling top-of-the-table encounter, which saw Sherborne Town increase their lead at the summit of the Toolstation League 1 at the expense of their closest title challengers. With just seconds of normal time remaining, Murphy applied the deftest of touches to deflect Ollie Hebbard’s drilled effort into the net, sparking scenes of jubilation on the pitch and among the large travelling support. Welton Rovers’ appeals for offside were rightly waved away, with home keeper Alfie Kelsey receiving his marching orders for protesting too much. Although both teams boasted identical records prior to the game, recent form told a different story. The Zebras had arrived at the home of their title challengers on the back of a 10-match unbeaten run in the league, while their opponents were winless in six. The windy conditions made attractive football difficult, and the Zebras struggled to clear their lines in the opening minutes. Town’s keeper, Jake Attwood, newlycrowned as League One Player of the Month for January, had to be alert and was forced into action, making a smart save from a Rovers’ free kick, and acting as sweeper to clear the danger on a number of

ON THE RUN: Goalscorer Alex Murphy in action for Sherborne against Welton and, inset below, the Zebras celebrate Aaron White’s opener Pictures: JRH MEDIA

It’s Murphy’s law as Zebras see off title rivals in thriller occasions. The Zebras weathered the early storm and slowly edged into the

game. They spurned a couple of half-chances before opening the scoring just after the half-hour mark, with Aaron White thumping the ball home from 12 yards, following an

Ant Herrin corner. Both teams had opportunities to score as the game opened up. Attwood again had to be alert as Rovers threated on the break and a Jake Slocombe effort for the hosts was chalked off for offside. Town missed chances to increase their advantage early in the second half, with Murphy failing to get a good enough connection to trouble Kelsey and an untimely bobble causing Hebbard to skew wide with the goal at his mercy. The Zebras were left to rue missed chances as Rovers found a way past the impressive Town defence

with less than 10 minutes remaining, substitute Will Gould deflecting Jake Slocombe’s free kick beyond the Town keeper. The match looked like it might be heading for a hard-earned draw before Murphy’s late intervention secured the three points for visitors, cementing their position at the top of the league, and making the trip back to Sherborne a very happy one. SHERBORNE: Attwood, White, Budden, LawrenceNapier, Williams, Brown (Hughes 60), Farthing, Cornish (Carney 90+1), Murphy (Jackson 90+1), Herrin, Hebbard. Goals: White (31), Murphy (90). Attendance: 183. MOTM: White.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Sport

UP FOR IT: Sherborne RFC First XV return to Gainsborough Park for back-to-back home matches against Oxford Harlequins (Saturday, February 12) and Witney (Saturday, February 19). Entrance to The Terraces costs just £5 for adults and the games are currently scheduled to kick off at 2pm. Check the club website for further details sherbornerfc.rfu.club Picture: GILL CLARK

Fans are urged to support food bank By Stuart Wickham

Supporters of Sherborne Town are being encouraged to donate food and supplies at the Zebras’ home game against Portishead Town on Saturday, March 12, after striking a partnership with Sherborne Food Bank. Donations will benefit people who are struggling in Sherborne and the surrounding villages. This will be the first time that the club have lent their support to the cause, and commercial manager Sam Bowers explained why the club wanted to be involved: “We are delighted to partner Sherborne Food Bank with this initiative. “We have always been a community club and are lucky to be in a position where we can help others. It’s very tough for a lot of people with rising fuel bills and the cost of food going

up steeply. I really hope we get a bumper crowd who are keen to show their support. We are also asking our players and committee members to get involved. Who knows, the match officials might even chip in with some tins. “It’s such an important cause and it would be great to make a real difference.” The club is calling for tinned produce, packets, bottles, jars and cartons. Toiletries, baby essentials, sanitary products and toilet roll would also be welcomed.

Antony Edwards, trustee of Sherborne Food Bank, said: “Sam Bowers made contact a few weeks ago with this idea of supporting Sherborne Food Bank at one of their home games of the season, which we were delighted to accept. “We are seeing growing numbers of people wanting help this year and are truly grateful for the football club’s support. I have given Sam a shopping list of the things that we like to have donated to help make up the weekly food parcels for Friday delivery.

“Currently we are supporting about 30 homes each week, including single people and couples, and an increasing number of larger families. We are expecting an uptick in demand as the cost of living crisis worsens. “We will be setting up a table and collection baskets near the entrance on March 12 to receive food items from supporters as they arrive. We are grateful for anything that people can spare.” Sherborne Food Bank relies heavily on a volunteer workforce and the generosity of people and businesses. They currently have a team of 45 volunteers working on food collection, food sorting and stacking, parcel packing, deliveries and administration. Find out more about the work they do by visiting sherbornefoodbank.org

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Sport

Club hit target for £8,000 needed to By Stuart Wickham sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Beaminster Cricket Club has smashed its ambitious £8,000 funding target to enhance facilities and support the development of the club’s rising academy stars thanks to big hearted supporters, team members and the committee. The club launched the Crowdfunder to plug gaps in funding caused by the coronavirus restrictions which put a stop to the club’s lively programme of events for almost two years. And with match fees covering less than 10% of operating costs, revenue has been severely impacted by the pandemic. With financial security in place, the club is now placing a huge focus on developing young players in its Cricket Academy. To help with this, funds will be spent on improving the training facilities including replacing the artificial wicket. Chairman and youth co-ordinator Ross Baker said: “We ran a lively yearround events programme which was our largest revenue source. This included quiz evenings, cricket activity days, bingo, whist drive, music events, running a barbecue and bar

ON TARGET: Beaminster CC has hit its ambitious £8,000 target to fund its academy system

at the town festivals. Most of these events had to be cancelled for the best part of two years. “Although we were well supported with emergency grant funding to stop us folding during the pandemic, this was not a long-term strategy. This

campaign will help us to regroup and rebuild as we emerge from Covid-19.” Around 25 local businesses have backed the campaign, together with Michael Dooley, High Sheriff of Dorset and Advisor to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Mr Dooley said: “It is a great pleasure to have been asked to support this campaign. From the youngest participants through to the oldest volunteers, sport at grassroots level can and should be part of the solution to bringing

Secretary pays tribute to stalwart chairman Ross While acknowledging Beaminster Cricket Club’s fundraising success as a team effort, club secretary Dr Nick Hollely paid tribute to chairman Ross Baker, who is the driving force behind the club. Nick said: “Ross has worked tirelessly for over a decade to make

sure this club still exists – without his sustained efforts the club would have folded years ago. When he stepped down after a six-year stint as captain at the end of the 2021 season, the 1st XI trophy for best bowler was renamed the Ross Baker Bowling Trophy as a show of respect from his

teammates, the committee and supporters of the club. Like some of our other trophies, we hope this will last for 50 years or more and cement his efforts as a real club legend alongside other names who have kept this club at the heart of the community for over 165 years.”

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Sport

develop its academy stars

TEAM EFFORT: Beaminster Cricket Club caters for all ages and abilities and, below, club chairman Ross Baker with some of the Academy's rising stars

communities back together, helping to repair the damage this period has brought to our social fabric. “Investment in grassroots sport is an investment in the future of the whole community. Through their youth development programme, the Beaminster Cricket Academy helps local young people channel their energies and interests and nurtures their ambition and aspirations, offering a starting point in discovering bright new sporting talent. I very much look forward to following

the progress of all the young cricketers coming through the Academy for many years to come.” The club has been an important part of the fabric of town life since it was established in 1855 and for the last 40 years, the club play at the Memorial Ground. The club has two senior teams playing competitive cricket and is particularly passionate about the development of local, young players, with three teams competing in the Mid Wessex Leagues at U16, U12 and U10 level. The All Stars and Dynamos

Cricket Programme is held on Monday evenings during the season for players aged between five and 10. Ross Baker runs disability cricket sessions in the summer. With a deadline of Wednesday, February 9, the club managed to stay ahead of the run-rate and achieved its £8,000 goal with a couple of overs to spare. Beaminster Cricket Club is for everyone who wants to get involved and current members are aged from four to over 70. n For more information visit beaminstercc.co.uk

Anyone for table tennis? Join the club Beaminster School Table Tennis Club are searching for new players of all ages and abilities to join their weekly sessions in the lower school gym on Monday evenings at 7.15pm. The venue has six tables hosting matches for players ranging in ability from those in the league to fledgling players. Organiser Jack Barnett said: “We have a range of players from novices to experienced league players, so there will always be somebody to give you a game. Our youngest player is 22 but we are certainly open to younger people getting involved. “Covid has been a disruption over the past couple of years and it has been challenging to keep the momentum going. It’s great that restrictions are now easing, and we are enjoying some very lively, well-attended sessions.” Anyone wishing to join will be more than welcome to attend on the night or to get in touch with Jack at j.barnett.tabletennis@gmai l.com

It’s all cheer and skittles People wanting a social evening of music, food and skittles while raising money for Frampton play equipment are being invited to the village hall at 5.30pm on Saturday, February 12.

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Health

Walking West Dorset

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

CHILFROME Park near the church, which is worth a visit. Look for bees flying from the roof to the right of the porch. They’re said to have been there for 30 years and are on a ley line of churches and houses with bees stretching from Upwey to Rampisham. Walk up the lane as far as the corner where there’s a gate that takes you into a field. Go through the field, turning left to meet Wraxall Lane. That’s a pleasant walk but takes you over the parish boundary so I’m not including it today. Instead, turn left and go southwards down a

hollow way that was featured in a film a while ago. At the bottom of the lane, turn right and head west along the road as far as a bend to the right. You’ll have passed a gateway into a field with a spring and stream in which watercress grows, but we’re not going that way today. At the

bend in the road join Lower Drove, a track that takes you west for half a mile where you’ll see a bridleway sign pointing south, uphill. When you’ve crossed the first field you’ll be in Access Land where you can wander at will admiring the wide views and the wild flowers and

insects. Make your way to the top of the hill and follow the hedge line east for half a mile until you come to a field boundary with a stile. Use it to enter the next field that takes you north eastward down to the road. Turn right, south east and you’ll soon come to a footpath on the left which takes you along the hedge/ditch line until you meet a footpath heading north west across a field and back to the church.

Imagine it, draw it... then achieve it! Hilary Charman is a hypnotherapist based at Partners in Wellbeing, Poundbury. I love what I do. I love it because I always see the potential in people and I know how powerful hypnotherapy can be. It can quickly get to the root of problems and turn them around so we can begin to become the people we are supposed to be – and not just the result of our experiences and conditioning. When I heard this magazine was starting up I was keen to do a weekly column focusing on issues people send in for me. I love helping people and I have years of experience both in hypnotherapy and

self help. I am also a trained addiction therapist and I do voluntary work with Reach, the local drug and alcohol service. As no one has had a chance to send me any requests for help yet I thought I’d write a bit about what we want to achieve in 2022. Try taking yourself somewhere quiet for ten minutes or so, and take a couple of pieces of paper and a pencil with you. Now I want you to think about what you really want to happen in this new year. How do you want to be? This time next year, what do you want to have achieved? Write it down and keep the piece of paper somewhere where you can see it. Now, draw a picture or

something to symbolise what it is you want, again put it somewhere you can see it. If you have time, colour it in using bright colours. Your subconscious loves symbols and pictures and takes more notice of them than words. Now I want you to imagine it’s a year from now and picture yourself at the end of the year and everything you wanted to happen has happened. Now step into that picture and really feel how it feels, see what you see, hear what you hear. Make the picture big and bright in your mind. Use this visualisation any time you want to and your subconscious mind will begin showing you ways and opportunities to make it a reality.

Have fun doing it. If you have any issues you’d like me to address in this column please send them to me at info@HilarysHypnotherap y.com and I will do my best to answer them. Hilary Charman DHHP MAPA AMACCPH HilarysHypnotherapy.com n 07900 652755

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Health

Make a date with the memory café at Shire Hall Love will be in the air at a memory café event to be held at the Shire Hall in Dorchester this Valentine’s Day. The Shire Hall Memory Café is held every second Monday of the month from 10am-12pm. Shire Hall has recently been named Dementia Friends by the Alzheimer’s Society, and staff have undergone dementia awareness training. The memory café will be held in the

learning room, a light and open space. People will have the opportunity to interact and socialise, alongside delicious food. As the sessions progress, organisers will be introducing activities. There is disabled access around the building. Anyone who might like to attend is urged to email info@ shirehalldorset.org. A spokesman said: “We understand

that it may be a case of waiting until that morning to decide, but a rough idea would still help us a lot. Thank you.” The theme for Monday’s session is Valentine’s Day and days of romance. Shire Hall Memory Cafe is supported by David Upshall Insurance. The next sessions will be held on February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9 and June 13.

You’ve got the power to decide now A Bridport-based solicitor is urging people to consider what might happen if they became physically or mentally challenged in later life. Christine Davies, whose practice is called Winterborne Legal Services, says arranging powers of attorney now could save so much heartache later on. Powers of attorney are used to organise who will be responsible for making decisions about your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. They are also used for deciding what you want to happen in the case of a serious illness – such as whether you want advanced treatment or a Do Not Resuscitate order. She said: “I’ve been a solicitor for more than 15 years and have always

done private client work, including wills. “I believe every adult should have powers of attorney organised. It’s so important to make decisions about the issues that might arise in the future. “It’s about planning for the future to make sure you’re properly looked after by someone of your own choosing.” Christine says people should not just assume their nearest and dearest LEGAL MATTER: Christine will make the decisions Davies of Winterborne Legal they themselves would choose. She said: “People think the them those rights. person they want to make “I find it rewarding helping those decisions for them people in these matters. will automatically be able People like to know that to do everything for them things are not left to the but there’s no automatic vagaries of fate. You know right for anybody to have you’ve made your own those powers. So a lasting power of attorney will give plans about things that are important to you if you

have issues in the future.” There are two types of powers of attorney – one covers financial decisions and another covers health and welfare decisions. She said “If you only cover financial matters you won’t have anything to say you would like treatment withheld in certain circumstances, and decisions about care homes for example, so it’s better to have both. “This means you can absolutely identify what’s important to you for end of life care and your wishes about how you’re cared for – such as whether you receive advanced treatment. It can be as detailed as you want it to be.” Christine offers face to face appointments in your home or by Zoom. n Call 01308 424808 or go to winterbornelegal.com

Feel in the pink with an advertisement in The West Dorset Magazine! Go to westdorsetmag.co.uk, or call 01305 300830 or email advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Brain ticklers Arrow words

Crossword

Reading onscreen text, perhaps

Leaped

Large wading bird

More badtempered

Persian Gulf state (inits)

Lip of a cup

The sale of goods

Flameretardant

Nuisance

Retiree (inits)

Pace

15 Onion relative

Copy

Brooch

Snare

Local fair

Gentle

Video speed (inits)

Mineral

1 4 8 9 11 12 15 18 19 21 23 24 25

Gym unit

Marries

Wordsearch English Counties

E C X S M S N F F R E E E E E

T Y N E A N D W E A R R R R O

E E E N N A F R S I I I I I T

S B K E E S I T H H H H H H L

R D R S T H S S S S S S S S A

E R S S S U N T E K K D E R I

CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHESHIRE CUMBRIA EAST SUSSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE KENT LANCASHIRE

M E R P S L L G R N R R H E T

O K M S O I D O I R O O C T S

S A E C W I Y A H O Y F U S N

H X N N R H L G S S T F M E T

E I D B T S S Y A O S A B C H

L H M U O O S N C L E T R U U

H A O H O A S H N S W S I O E

LINCOLNSHIRE RUTLAND SOMERSET SOUTH YORKSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE TYNE AND WEAR WEST YORKSHIRE WILTSHIRE

C S L E R U T L A N D I A L O

H E M S D E A H L H T M S G O

Amiss

Moderately sized company (inits)

19 20

Fate

Butting animal

US tax institute (inits)

Well known

Corny

Across Highest point (6) Chemical twin (6) Biblical type of leaf covering (3) Utterly (9) Charged molecules (4) Awful (8) Long, stringy pasta (9) Inefficient (8) One who acts upon something (4) Boundless (9) Be the legal holder of (3) Encipher (6) Believes in (6)

1 2 3 5 6 7 10 13 14 16 17 20 22

Down Illicit relationship (6) Living things (9) Conclusions (4) Domestic workers (8) Gullible person (3) Baby’s toy (6) Depot (9) Not with any serious value (9) Gifted (8) Dozen (6) Injuries (6) Slavic monarch (4) Common surname prefix (3)

Sudoku

4 1 5 1 7 8 3 8 3 1 9 7 5

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

For the solutions turn to page 68

8 Brain chain 20

RESULT

+11

-3

-50%

+32

+50%

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Super tricky puzzles Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

2 9

9 1 3 7 5 9 1

5 8

4 7

5 8

3 2 5

2 6

8 4

7 5

7 8

8 4

7 6

9 7 1

1 1 2

5 5

5 4 8

336×

40×

8 4

Killer Sudoku Pro:

288×

70×

2÷

14×

270×

12+

14+

8×

12+

84×

216×

16×

40×

1134×

60×

5÷

1÷

126×

14+

Brain chain (Hard version) 110

×1/2

+50%

×2

Across 7 A stay cut short in hot island or Pacific islands (6) 8 Rebellious group first off in court case (6) 9 Fellow with insolence showing disrespectful levity (4) 10 Management spoils ad that’s been recreated (8) 11 Admit awareness of account with learning (11) 14 Stock poster yet to be reviewed by senior journalist (11) 18 Wayward salesperson returns with set of lines (8) 19 Job contract as kept internally (4) 20 Beginnings, we’re told, in maritime quarters (6) 21 Probable liberal US President lately disheartened (6)

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. 1)

RESULT

-60%

14+

126×

7 4

4 8

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. 12+

8 1

7 9

-3

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

Down 1 Decline shown by area on Cyprus? It’s misguided notion (7) 2 Find fault in freshwater fish (4) 3 Opening is down sadly after West Indies (6) 4 Ship enters sound in trouble (6) 5 Southern ancient city containing no good leader initially in forceful style (8) 6 Current cheat held up in Scottish river (5) 12 Four I found engaged by smart Christian festival (8) 13 Horrible stable revamped by yard (7) 15 Most excellent artist is seen before others (6) 16 Singular difficulty in US playwright (6) 17 Fighter always getting contagion (5) 19 Steal shop’s revenue? (4)

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Education

A home-from-home for students A plea has gone out to families in West Dorset who could provide a safe and welcoming home to overseas students. There are hundreds of overseas students being educated at independent schools in the county, and during half-term holidays and at weekends, students usually stay with a host family who provide a home away from home. Host families often form strong bonds with their guests, which can often last a lifetime. For more than 20 years, Pippa’s Guardians have been providing high quality guardianship services to international students and understand the value of a good home and how a host family can enhance a student’s well-being. Charlotte Wilson of Pippa’s Guardians said: “Being part of a family and experiencing day-to-day family life enhances students’ study and plays a part in improving their English language. “We are looking for families who are welcoming and interested in other cultures. Having children of similar ages helps but isn’t the most important thing as we have many successful host families who have no children, younger children or indeed older children who have left home.” Host families can make a big difference to a student whilst they are studying here in the UK, in many cases a very long way from home and Pippa’s Guardians offer generous

TAKING CARE: Pippa’s Guardians have been looking after international students for more than 20 years

fees. Charlotte added: “For children of host families it can be really exciting and interesting getting to know children from other

countries and cultures. For families whose children have grown up and left home, it is a chance to enjoy the fun and

companionship of having younger people in the home once again.” Anne Weir became a host family in 2019. She said: “Both of my children went to an international school in Germany, and my daughter was at a boarding school for a number of years. “I remember how hard it was for international children, whose families lived far away, to travel home and back for weekends and shorter holidays, and it is even tougher now since the pandemic. “It was important to me that international students have a place to go, where they feel safe and able to relax. “I live alone in our family home with a beautiful garden in a quiet and rural location and I felt I could offer these children a place where they could recharge their batteries on their school break.” Anne recently hosted a student from Singapore. “She was a delight to host, polite, helpful and a pleasure to have around. She worked hard on her schoolwork and was very focused on her revision and the practical work she did for her food technology course. She even cooked us a three-course meal as part of her school work, which was a great success.” Host families are needed for students joining local schools this September. n If you are interested in hosting a student, email hostfamilies@ pippasguardians.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Education

CURRENT AFFAIRS: Pupils at Stickland learn about electricity and lightning

The new year began with a bang for children at Sticklands C of E Primary School in Evershot when they created lightning in a host of workshops about Extreme Earth and Electricity in their ‘WOW’ Day. From creating electricity circuits to making torches, all year groups took part in a day dedicated to science with the help of Kinetic Kate. Faysal and Ryan said: “I thought the electric ball was cool as we could see the lightning on our fingers, and it tickled.

Lightning so enlightening for pupils’ science lessons Creating the world vault line puzzle was fun because we learnt where the plates are and what they are called. Creating clouds was great fun to watch. I have tried at home a lot of times to make a cloud in a bottle, but I have not been able to do it yet because I am still learning.” Sienna in Year 3 said: “Kate showed us this big

metal ball, which when we touched it, with our fingers, a flash of light came out and when we put our hands on it, our hair stood up because of static electricity. We had a great day and learned a lot about electricity.” Headteacher Kathy McCann said: “At Stickland’s we use a variety of methods of teaching, to appeal to our

children. Staff enjoy arranging different types of ‘WOW’ days at the start of term and their new topics. This can include trips out, or inviting visitors in, and will quickly engage children into their learning for the term. “The children thoroughly enjoy these days, and the practical aspects they provide.”

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Agriculture

Low-stress dairy farm is a breath of By Karen Bate newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

It’s springtime and in farms everywhere, herds of cows are being turned out into acres of grassy fields for the first time since the onset of winter. Everywhere, that is, except at Tom Foot’s farm in Little Bredy. The view at Tom’s farm, The Open Air Dairy Farm, is a sight to behold and one you will be unlikely to see on many dairy farms in the country. Not only does the farm nestle amongst the South Dorset Downs, where the wind – sometimes wild, sometimes sweet sweeps off the sea, but Tom’s 600 cows live outside all year round – not even venturing inside to be milked. Tom uses portable milking parlours to milk his girls outside in the fields, where they thrive on easy living, which crucially, adds almost another 10 years on their cows’ lifespan than intensively farmed cows. “Our system is low-stress and our animals are happier and live longer,” said Tom. “Our cows live outside all year round in harmony with the beautiful surroundings of the Dorset countryside. Grazing on grass and roaming the pastures, they live out all year round and the milking parlour comes to them, in which ever field they have wandered!” “Our cows live a laid-back way of life. We believe that this makes our cows

happier, we know it makes them healthier and we are convinced this is what makes our cheddar taste so great!” The Open Air Dairy was born out of friendship. Tom and Neil met at the University of Plymouth where a life-long bond was formed. Together, with their farming backgrounds and inspired by the work of 1920s dairy farmer AJ Hosier, who wrote an important paper Open Air Dairying, the pair created a vision for how farming could be

done differently. After what seemed like a lifetime searching for a farm, Tom and Neil stumbled on the 1,000 acres of arable land in Little Bredy and after ploughing their funds into cattle, they opened The Open Air Dairy in 2012, where Tom lives with his wife Kelly and four children, Neve, James, Beau and Ivy. Tom said: “We have five or six different breeds, Jersey, Friesian, Montbeliarde, Norwegian Red and a Brown Swiss.

“We breed our cows to be nimble, light on their feet, small and hardy to be well equipped to live outside all year round and turn grass into milk.” Since opening, Tom and Neil have almost perfected their portable milking parlours, which they have designed and built themselves. Tom said: “We spent the first one to three years researching and developing the parlours, we have learnt from our mistakes keeping the things that have gone right

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Agriculture

fresh Open Air

Dramatic sheep always planning own demise

FIELD DAY: Top left, Tom and Kelly with Neve, James, Beau and Ivy at their Open Air Dairy Farm at Little Bredy. Bottom left, a cow tries to snaffle food through the kitchen window and above, some of the farm’s delicious produce

and changing the things that went wrong and now we have perfected it.” Not only does Tom care for animal welfare but also to the land on which his animals graze. In the decade or so he has been farming here, he has grown the soil by an average of 3mm per year. Growing soil at these rates enables large quantities of carbon to be stored outweighs the outpouring of methane. It is more than likely The Open Air Dairy is a shining example of a carbon

Mud-phobic Tria Stebbing, pictured above, lives on the outskirts of Sherborne with her farmer partner and two dogs in a converted stable. She keeps sheep, both stock sheep and pedigree rare breed sheep. She is working on her first book, in between working in a village school to pay the vet’s bills.

neutral way of farming. All the milk produced is taken to Barber’s Cheesemakers in Litton Cheney, where it is turned into cheese. Tom added: “I truly believe it is our unique location and gentle farming methods that makes our cheese taste so great. “We believe the cows are happier and healthier this way and we believe you can taste this happiness in every bite of our cheddar.” n openairdairy.co.uk

So pleased to see the back of January. What a drab, grey month of anti-cyclonic gloom. Only one or two hard frosts bought the most beautiful of mornings, but the rest has been drab, grey and non-descript. Myself and my partner have a few acres of land which we graze and cut for hay. By now our pregnant ewes would be back on our field, strip grazing their way through their pregnancies, growing slowly into perfectly formed black coffee table backed sheep. It is like a peat bog currently and far too wet to put the sheep on, a first for us. Instead, they are still on their winter grazing, happily munching on the still green

grass. The ground on the hill being soft enough to cause a few problems with compacted mud in their feet, but not wet enough to cause the foot problems that can crop up at this time of year. Sheep can over dramatise the effect of mud between the toes brilliantly. Chances are if you see a sheep on three legs limping around a field it has a wet foot or mud between its toes. It will hobble as though amputation is the only answer, yet try and catch the darn thing and you will be faced with an animal that can now put Mo Farah to shame. I see a lot of well meaning panicked social media posts alerting farmers to limping sheep and CONTINUED OVER PAGE

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Farming Agriculture

Accident-prone sheep keep us on guard will be called out if it has progressed too far. Please though, if you see a sheep on its back with its legs in the air be proactive in helping. Sheep from the moment they are born seem programmed to plan their own demise. Falling into rivers, getting heads stuck in stock fence, wandering onto roads and then flinging themselves onto the ground kicking their legs into the air and getting stuck are a few of the ways to keep us humans on our guard. A sheep that has rolled onto its back is called a “cast”

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

asking what to do. As sheep keepers we check on our flock daily, at this time of year we supplement feed with dry food and leave lick buckets to supplement mineral intake. Rest assured a farmer will be keeping an eye on those limping ones and will intervene when necessary. Like humans the sheep are prone to foot rot in damp conditions and sometimes just cleaning the mud out and spraying with antibacterial spray will fix the foot. Occasionally the vet

sheep, it may be that its fleece has got too heavy that they have tipped over, and they will die within 24 hours if not righted as their stomach gasses will build up to a toxic level. Look for the farmer, post on social media, and ONLY if it is safe and you are confident, go and straddle it (leg either side) grab a handful of its fleece and try and right it by rolling it. Stay with it as it will be disorientated. Remember if it is left it will die a slow horrible death, better to try and turn it than leave it to its fate. It might

Sudoku

Crossword

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WANTED: SHEEP GRAZING Any size area considered, long or short term 07548 171553

From pages 62-63

Puzzle solutions 5 7 9 6 3 1 4 8 2

take a few attempts but that sheep, its farmer and possibly its unborn lambs will be forever grateful. We had a ram that liked the feeling of having his head stuck through a fence, the grass clearly being greener on the other side, and no matter how many times we pulled him through, he stuck it back.

A P O G E F R N F I G D A A S I O N S R I T S P A T M L W A S T E E N L I M I T V A E E N C O D

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The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Agriculture Farming

You herd it here first...

with Rachel Hayball

GLORIOUS: The sun rises over Little Bredy as Rachel gets to work

Making up for the past and becoming carbon neutral Rachel Hayball is a married mum of six from Beaminster. She is a herdsperson and has a small flock of sheep and sells lamb. Welcome! The aim of this column is to bring you up to date on various farming related matters and give you an insight as to what happens on our local farms throughout the year. There will be funny moments and light hearted discussion and there will be some serious bits too. I really hope you find these columns informative and enjoyable to read. British agriculture has had its ups and downs over the years and at the moment we are

stuck in some sort of strange limbo land with milk prices increasing (a good thing), lamb and beef prices up (good), pig producers struggling to sell pigs due to lack of staff at abattoirs (a bad thing), avian flu (bad), increase in fuel and fertiliser prices (bad), and the scrapping of the basic payment scheme and introduction of ELMS which has caused mass uncertainty and loss of income. Farmers are often made out to be the bad guys in the media and some people really believe that we are money-hungry, wildlife-hating, environmentdestroying people, but that is far from the truth. I cannot

deny that there are some farming practices that have done damage and that shouldn’t have been done – but we know better now. We didn’t have the knowledge that we now have back then. After the Second World War farmers were told to intensify food production. They were told to make fields bigger, they were told to use more fertiliser, they were told to do X, Y and Z. So they did. No one set out to cause problems for the future. Our grandfathers and great grandfathers were just trying to feed a country that had realised that it needed to produce more food. Now we know that some

practices caused harm and we are all determined to do better. We are putting hedges back in. Creating more wildlife habitat in our field boundaries. Looking after our soil and increasing the amount of top soil. We are using less fertiliser, far less pesticides and are ploughing fields less. Direct drilling of seed is becoming the norm on many farms. We have also all committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, and some farms have already hit that target. We are custodians of the land that we farm and we feel that it’s important to care for it and protect it, whilst also producing high quality food for everyone.

Our new on-farm service will help with Sheep Scab By Andrew Cook of Synergy Farm Health Sheep Scab: Now is the time to be vigilant! Over the last couple of months, I have been increasingly busy treating flocks with Sheep Scab, both in store lambs and breeding ewes. Sheep Scab is a major source of economic loss in affected flocks and is a serious threat to sheep welfare. Infestations can be very debilitating. Mainly a winter disease, most cases occur between September and

April, although it can occur at any time of the year. As we approach lambing time it is paramount any infections are detected quickly and treated effectively. What should you be looking for? Sheep may be restless, rubbing against fence posts, have soiled and stained areas of wool, toss their heads or have tags of fleece. In the initial stages, sheep with scab can look perfectly normal and can unknowingly be introduced to a flock. Later stages of infestation see

high mite numbers and lesions spread, as the mites move to the edge of the lesions to find new food sources. Rubbing and head tossing increase, wool loss may appear, often with bleeding wounds. Sheep rapidly lose condition and serious cases will start fitting. If you suspect Sheep Scab or have any concerns your first point of call is your vet. In the past year we have jointly commissioned a mobile plunge sheep dipping service, to bring relief to flocks across the south west. The process

has minimal handling of sheep, for the benefit of sheep and staff. The low stress approach provides an ideal option for flocks at any time, especially those close to lambing. All excess dip is removed for licensed disposal. n 01935 83682 SynergyFarmHealth.com

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Property

Acclaimed writer’s peaceful retreat By MIRANDA ROBERTSON

A peaceful cottage haven in Frome Vauchurch once home to a famous writer who declared: “Noise is a pollution” has gone on the market. Riverside Cottage, a stone’s throw from Maiden Newton, was built around the 1850s, possibly on the site of a mill. From 1937 it was the home of acclaimed poet and author Sylvia Townsend Warner and her partner, the poet Valentine Ackland. “I understand they were Communists on the edge of the Bloomsbury Set,” says the current owner. Warner died in 1978, aged 84. She is still remembered fondly by many older residents. Norman House, whose family ran Maiden Newton’s village bakery from 1938 to 2005 and who still lives in Maiden Newton, said: “She was very nice. They were Communists, but Communists from the best motives. At Christmas she would come up to my mother in the bakery and she used to pay something off people’s bills. “Colin House, my cousin, used to

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE: Old photographs of Riverside Cottage and, left and below, Sylvia Townsend Warner in the garden

do gardening for her and she was very generous to him. She used to have little soirees in the church and give generous donations to the

church, despite not being religious.” Warner’s Marxist leanings were sparked by the growing fascist movement at the time, and this activism informed many of her works, as did her sexuality. She is famed for many novels including The Flint Anchor, The Salutation and

Winter in the Air and she wrote many of her works at Riverside Cottage. She often wrote books and poems that would criticise the church, promote the empowerment of women and works inspired by her relationship with Ackland. Her ashes are buried with Ackland in Chaldon

The West Dorset Magazine, February 11, 2022

Property

on banks of River Frome up for sale

SYLVIA Townsend Warner is also well known for her many acerbic quotes – here are some of her finest: lWhen I die, I hope to think I have annoyed a great many people

UP FOR SALE: Riverside Cottage in Frome Vauchurch. Below: The kitchen, bathroom, fireside and piano room

lOne cannot overestimate the power of a good rancorous hatred on the part of the stupid. The stupid have so much more industry and energy to expend on hating. They build it up like coral insects lHappiness is an immunity lAnticipation of pleasure is a pleasure in itself lTo think of losing is to lose already lThe fatal flaw of gravity; when you are down, everything falls down on you lTruth has beauty, power, and necessity

Herring. Dorset Museum in Dorchester has a collection dedicated to her, and is hosting an online talk dedicated to both Sylvia and Valentine tomorrow at 6pm (see Events page). The cottage was once called Riversdale. Domesday records are thought to show an old mill on that site,

however those records were destroyed in a fire long ago. It is thought to have been built as a ‘squatter’s cottage’, where homes would be built seemingly overnight in woodland. People who built these squatters’ cottages believed that by law, if they had a fire going by morning they had

the right to live there. It’s not entirely clear if that was the case… Riverside Cottage has a long, tree-lined driveway, with space for several vehicles. The garden has colour all year round and has several distinct sections including a wildlife pond, a patio area and a vegetable

patch. A wooden veranda allows you to enjoy watching the River Frome bubble by on its way to Wareham. The three-bedroom property, which is not listed, is also not subject to a chain. n Jackson-Stops, Bridport 01308 423133

Sherborne 01935 812 112 Dorchester 01305 250 240 robin-james.co.uk @robinjamesaveda