The West Dorset Magazine Edition 24, January 2023

We wanted to say a huge thank you to readers who have sent us donations.

We have had many of them, from £10 to £500 and each of them mean so much to us!

Anyone who would still like to donate towards our running costs can do so directly: Bird Media Ltd

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The good news is that we can now, after a bit of restructuring, keep The West Dorset Magazine free for all.

After much thought we realised that Weymouth and Portland should be included in our coverage and distribution, as we tried putting a few thousand copies in that area and they vamoosed in a few days. So we have made the decision to increase the number of pages, increase the number of copies, increase the number of stockists, but to publish monthly from now on.

The magazine will now appear

in 260 stockists on or just before the second Friday of the month (the first Friday when it falls on the 7th), and will feature even more Whasson, extra columnists and even more general fun and frolics. This restructuring offers bags more value to our advertisers, who now have the advantage of going to between 60,000 and 70,000 readers, over more than double the timespan and over a wider area to boot.

To our new readers in Weymouth and Portland –welcome! The WDM was launched just under a year ago as a hybrid news and features magazine and it has been incredibly well received. We have even won a national award!

Do get in touch with your news and feature ideas – we are open to all sorts of content. All our contact details are on this page.

Miranda & Karen

PAGE 3 STUNNERS!

n This is Jemima Puddleduck - aka ‘Jemmy’ – braving the snow for a quick snap.

As a duckling, Jemmy was raised by two mother hens and has turned out to be a right little character.

After Jemmy’s egg was placed under a broody hen and she hatched, two hens took on the role of mothering the little duckling.

The mama hens took their responsibilities very seriously as ducklings don’t behave in quite the same way as chicks. Jemmy now lives in the garden of her human Diana in Lyme Regis.

MONDAY: 7pm

CROSSWAYS

Crossways Youth and Community Centre, Old Farm Way DT2 8TU, Call/text Julie 07871 821928

TUESDAY: 5.30pm and 7.30pm

BRIDPORT

St Mary's Church Hall, South Street DT6 3NW. Call/text Sue 07542 649812

TUESDAY: 5.30pm & 7pm

WEDNESDAY 9.30am &10am

WAREHAM

Masonic Hall, Howards Lane BH20 4HU Call/text Jackie 07715 438810

WEDNESDAY: 5.30pm & 7pm

FRIDAY: 9.30am & 7.30am

WOOL

The D'Urbeville Centre, Colliers Lane BH20 6DL Call/text Jane 07887 866730

slimmingworld.co.uk

THURSDAY: 9.30am

LYME REGIS ( NEW GROUP OPENING ON 25TH AUGUST)

Woodmead Halls, Hill Road DT7 3PG. Call/text Sue 07542 649812

THURSDAY: 7pm

PUDDLETOWN

Puddletown Village Hall, High Street DT2 8FZ Call/text Julie 07871 821928

FRIDAY: 9.30am, 11.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm

SATURDAY: 9.30am & 11.30am

DORCHESTER

The Old Salvation Army Hall, Durngate Street DT1 1NA (google The Pointe) Call/text Tracie 07827 710552

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The developer building controversial new homes at Vearse Farm in Bridport has offered to make ‘reparations’ after they tore up an ancient hedgerow on land they do not own.

At an emergency meeting hosted by Bridport Town Council, the development consortium admitted a series of ‘weaknesses in the administrative, communications, and supervision processes’ led to the unauthorised removal of shrubs on West Road.

Workers were supposed to be clearing land for the controversial new Foundry Lea development, which will see 760 new homes built at Vearse Farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bridport Town Council leader Dave Rickard said: “We are of course very unhappy with what has happened and made this clear to the developers. “We accept that the deeply saddening devastation was the result of a series of mistakes and omissions rather than any deliberate act, but it was a poor start to their work in Bridport and it must not be allowed to happen again.

“We welcome the commitment to reinstatement of the hedgerow and the other compensatory actions –and have been reassured that these will not be funded from money to be used for the development itself. We have also received a commitment to better communications with local residents, and regular schedules so that we can see what works to expect in future.”

Developer’s ‘reparations’ over damaged hedgerows

A Bridport Town Council spokesperson said the authority hosted a meeting with the Foundry Lea development consortium and local stakeholders in the ‘aftermath of works that wrongly removed trees and hedgerow’ alongside the Foundry Lea site west of the town.

The spokesperson said: “At the emergency meeting, representatives from local councils and other stakeholder groups heard from the developers, who set out weaknesses in the administrative,

communications, and supervision processes that led to the mistaken removal of trees, hedgerow, and shrubs on West Road, outside the development site.

“They then set out work they are doing to ensure there is no repeat of the error, and how they will reinstate the hedgerow, including semi-mature replacement trees, and native hedgerow species.”

The council also said developers have ‘also offered other forms of reparation’, which will

include working with the town council, the Wessex Community Assets group, and Raise the Roof, to train people to ‘re-use the wrongly removed trees’ with the aim of providing a ‘legacy made from the wood’.

The other forms of reparation will include sending ‘consortium staff to carry out local community volunteering activities’ and working with schools to provide ‘student-designed hedgehog houses and highways’.

WRECKED: Some of the damaged hedgerows and, below, council leader Dave Rickard

Councillor’s comments spark disbelief

Campaigners against 4,000 new homes in Dorchester say a councillor’s comments in response to their concerns are ‘misleading’ and say they fear the plan is a done deal –despite thousands of objections.

Members of STAND (Save the Area North of Dorchester) were pleased to see their concerns aired in our last edition. However they say the comments made by Councillor David Walsh painted the projected new homes planned for countryside north of Dorchester as a foregone conclusion, when they have not yet been included in any concrete plans for the area.

As reported in edition 23 of this magazine, STAND, the CPRE and DDB (Dorset Deserves Better) are pushing for a comprehensive response to their concerns after being told the Local Plan has been delayed by at least two years.

The ‘Norchester’ development, which could see hundreds of acres of water meadows and countryside north of the town developed into homes, saw more than 9,000 people adding their names and tens of thousands of comments to a consultation.

In the 20 months since the consultation campaigners have pushed for a report from Dorset Council, but nothing has been forthcoming. And now any further action on the plan has been put back to 2024. Those against the plan include councillors and West Dorset MP Chris Loder.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for planning, told The West Dorset Magazine last month: “The North Dorchester Garden Community development is already part of the adopted West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland local plan and is part of the future of Dorset.” But that ignited a pretty robust response. STAND member Linda Poulsen said: “The quote from Cllr David Walsh is very misleading, to put it politely… DOR13 has not been adopted, Cllr W is not adopting a neutral stance as he is required to do by law.” Neil Matthews, Hon Sec of STAND, said: “Cllr Walsh makes some strange and questionable assertions. He states that the North Dorchester Garden Community’ is already part of the adopted West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland local plan and is part of the future of Dorset’. Really?

“According to Dorset Council’s own web site, development north of Dorchester was first included in the 2018 Review of the (2015) Adopted Local Plan, when it was greeted by strong opposition. This

opposition was ignored and a bid for Garden Community status was subsequently submitted. There was no mention of development north of Dorchester or a North Dorchester Garden Community in the 2015 adopted West Dorset Local Plan.

“Stating that the development is already “part of the future of Dorset” proves Cllr Walsh’s determination to build these 4,000 non-affordable houses whatever the concerns expressed by local people and authorities such as Wessex Water and the Environment Agency. Such predetermination cannot be in the interest of the people of Dorset and is contrary to

codes of conduct.”

A Dorset Council spokesman said: “Cllr Walsh has a responsibility as portfolio holder for planning to make sure that we produce a Local Plan that abides by national planning policy – This is his role as an elected member.

“The area north of Dorchester was included in two consultations for the review of the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan, as well as the consultation on the Dorset Council Local Plan, and as such has already been consulted upon widely. But no decisions have been made yet about any of the sites to be included in the Local Plan.”

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Thursday, Jan 12

The Lyme Bay Moonrakers are open for rehearsals on January 12, 19 and 26 7-9pm for people to sing shanties and songs of the sea. Every year they perform in support of local organisations such as the RNLI and the Fossil Festival in addition to theatre events in the autumn. Everyone is welcome to come along and have a go at singing some simple sea shanties at Woodmead Halls (the Small Hall, door on the right in the main entrance), Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG.

Solo Charleston classes are being held from 1pm-2pm at St Mary’s Church Hall Bridport, DT6 3NN weekly from today.

The classes are for all abilities – learn moves and routines from the 20s, 30s and 40s. for £5 per week (cash only please). Just drop in – no need to book.

Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association’s first meeting of 2023 will be held at 2.30pm at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, when a member of the Castle Gardens team will talk on Seed Sowing, Pricking Out and Potting On. All are welcome. Visitors £2. Further information from Richard Newcombe on 01935 389375.

A karaoke night will be held at Bridport’s Number 10 cafe bar from 9.30pm.

Hollywood Bowl gets a fab makeover

The ten pin bowling at Tower Park has had a glam new makeover – and I was invited to try it out. Despite having the eyesight of a mole and the arm swing of a gnat, bowling is always huge fun, and at Tower Park’s Hollywood Bowl you can really immerse yourself in the heady American atmosphere, with lanes upon lanes for families and groups to enjoy trying to achieve a strike. As the family was down for Christmas, we gave the bowling a good go for an hour, with several strikes producing a satisfying flashing of the screen. Not me

A wine tasting dinner will be held at Al Molo Dorchester (the Judge Jeffreys building). Amazing food, incredible wines from all over the world, hosted by Andrea Bonelli, Chairman South West UK Sommelier Association. Delicious food prepared by chef, Giuseppe. 01305 602330, info@almolodorchester.co.uk

A film night featuring Escape To Victory will be held at the Award Winning Royal Oak, Dorchester Rd Weymouth at 7.30pm, in honour of the legendary Pele. Starring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, Bobby Moore and, of course, Pele, the film tells the story of a

– it was as much as I could do to get the bowl near the pins. Years of skittles practice in Briantspuddle Village Hall saw Dad win by a country mile, followed by the youngsters and my sister and I brought up the rear. Afterwards, there’s a menu of American-style grub on offer, from enormous hot dogs

team of Allied prisoners of war, coached and led by English Captain John Colby, a professional footballer for West Ham United before the war play an exhibition match against a German team, only to find themselves involved in a German propaganda stunt...

Friday, Jan 13

A Folk Open Mic Night will be held from 6pm-10pm at North Down Orchard, North Down Farm Crewkerne TA18 7PL.

Open to all folk musicians. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, great cider and locally produced food.

Youngsters can make tealight

topped with dried onion and mustard to giant burgers.

Then there’s a huge amusements area, where you can win prizes, pool tables and more.

My previous visits to Tower Park have always been to Splashdown, so this was an eye-opener – bowling proved a much more sociable activity for the whole family and gave us a very enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment.

Prices start from £6.25 for a junior for the bowling. Food prices are very reasonable. Go to hollywoodbowl.co.uk to book or call 0844 477 0495.

Miranda Robertson

holders at Dorchester Library at 4.30pm. This monthly class is suitable for age 13-11. In January you will learn slab building skills to create your own tealight holder. This will be kiln-fired and ready to collect in 2-3 weeks. £25pp. Book by emailing creativeclay forall@yahoo.co.uk

There’s a police drop-in with PCSO Kelly at The Veterans Hub, 114A Portland Road, Wyke Regis, DT4 9AD from noon-1pm. You can discuss any concerns you may have, receive crime prevention advice, complete NPT Priority Surveys and more.

Learn to love your sewing

machine at a special class from 10am-1pm with Studi0ne, and make a draft excluder.

Have you got a sewing machine and would like to know how to use it and get the most out of it?

Learn to sort out that tension, change the needle... what are all those weird feet for?! Hopefully your questions answered. Tickets £35 from studi0ne.com or 07486 062343.

Moscow Drug Club will play Portesham Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Transcendent troubadours of world jazz and folk, Moscow Drug Club is a curious musical place where elements of 193s Berlin Cabaret, Latin tinge, French musette and storytelling meet. Imagine having a few to drink, staggering arm in arm into the darkness of an eastern European cobbled street and stumbling into a bar where Django Reinhardt and Tom Waits are having an afterhours jam with the local Tziganes.

Box office: 01305 250212. £12, £6 u18s, £25 family. Or book at artsreach.co.uk

various gauges and themes, from local exhibitors and those coming from farther afield. There will be layouts representing steam and modern railway scenes with a local and an international flavour together with other railway displays. The exhibition will also have a trade stand for visitors wishing to buy new or second-hand model railway products.

Admission price is Adults £3 and children under 16 years free. Car parking is available in the Yarn Barton car park and Covid instructions will be observed during the exhibition as required.

A Repair Cafe will be held from 10.30am-12.30pm at Top Club, Littlemoor. Bring your broken items for repair.

Lyme Regis Beach Litter Pick will be held 2pm-4pm from the RNLI Station, hosted by Plastic Free Lyme Regis. Join The Marine Conservation Society and Lyme Litter Pickers on a New Year litter pick and data survey at Lyme Regis.

Friends of Weymouth Library will host a talk at 10.30am about Cecile Neville, Richard III's mother, a remarkable woman and great beauty who outlived her four sons.

Tickets are £3 for nonmembers and £2 for members from the library. All welcome.

The Bridport and District Model Railway Club is holding its annual winter exhibition in the Public Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster DT8 3EF from 10am until 4pm. Visitors will be able to view a wide variety of layouts in

Please bring strong, gardening-type gloves, a pen or pencil, hand sanitiser, a litter picker if you have one. All these will be available to borrow, but if you can use your own gloves, that's safest.

Under 16s: To comply with our insurance, volunteers under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult who will be asked to sign a parental /guardian consent form on the day.

Please book with the Marine Conservation Society at mcsuk.org /what-you-cando/join-a-beach-clean

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Chirpractor’s gift day for poorly youngsters

The Quangle Wangle Choir is offering the chance to join them at Radipole Primary School, Radipole Lane, Weymouth, from 10am12.30pm. Come and see if this is for you.

That Covers Band will be playing at Tom Brown’s Pub, Dorchester from 9.30pm. High energy trio covering everything from The Beatles to Bastille, and everything in between!

White Hart Sherborne will host The Rebbels – Dorset. A trip down memory lane with the hits of the 60s and 70s.

Messy Church returns at Dorchester Baptist Church from 3.30pm-5.30pm. Free family fun with games, crafts, stories and food. Aimed at families with children aged 0-10 years. Everyone welcome.

A free stained glass window making workshop will be held from 11am-12.30pm at The Minster, Wimborne Minster. Create your own stained glassed windows like the ones in the Wimborne Minster alongside other crafting activities suitable for all ages. Refreshments will be available. No charge, but donations welcome, for more information email claire@ wimborneminster.org.uk

Warm Hub in the Pub sees White Lion Broadwindsor open its doors every Saturday until further notice, 11am5pm. Peruse the papers, free tea and coffee, warmth and friendship.

A Dorchester chiropractor handed over a wonderful array of gifts for poorly children at Dorset County Hospital.

Richard Southam, who practices at Aquae Sulis in Damers Road, worked for a day for free, with patients donating wrapped gifts to the value of his treatments.

Richard’s daughter Eleanor was ill and spent a lot of time in and out of Dorchester hospital as a child. Since then he has supported Kingfisher ward each Christmas, with gifts for kids in hospital on Christmas Day. Sunday, Jan 15

Bingo is back for 2023 at The

John Gregory in Southill, Weymouth, from 6.30pm. £5 for a book of 12 games. Call 01305 591092 to book a table.

Dorset Youth Dance Classes: Juniors will be held weekly from 10am-11am at Martinstown Village Hall. DYD is a county-wide youth dance company focusing on contemporary dance, for dancers aged 7-25. DYD Juniors members (ages 7-11) Dates: Sunday 8 JanuarySunday 26 March 2023 inclusive (no classes on Sunday 12 & 19 February 2023). Fee: £50 per term Join the waiting list by emailing Sammy at dyd@ activateperformingarts.org.uk

A Children's Ballroom & Latin tester session will be held at Sunninghill Prep School, Dorchester, at 9.15am

for under 8s and 11.30am for ages 9-12. These classes are for total beginners. dancedorchester.co.uk/bookonline

A roller disco will be held from 1pm-6pm at Weymouth Pavilion. Tickets £2.74-£10.30 at eventbrite.co.uk/ e/480879332027

Monday, Jan 16

A Ladies’ Night will be held at Gone Potty Art Studio Weymouth from 6.30pm. Prices start from £7 – just choose what you would like to paint on the night. Feel free to bring wine and nibbles. Hot and cold drinks available. Booking essential – contact Emma on 01305 458549, via gonepottyweymouth.co.uk or message via Facebook.

While the ladies are making

pottery, the chaps can be entertained at Bridport Town Hall, with an open level contemporary dance class for men who have never danced before….and for men who have.

The ten-week course is led by two professional dance leaders from 7.30pm-8.45pm. Cost: £10/class (concessions available on request).

Email hello@fingerprintdance.co.uk

Tuesday, Jan 17

A talk on Israeli Village of Peace from the Dorset Palestinian Israeli Peace Group at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester DT1 1RR at 6.30pm. Olive oil and dates are on sale. Free entry.

A drama club will be held 4pm-5pm in Bridport on Tuesdays, for children aged 7-

12. First session free, £6 per session. Email yesdramabridport@gmail.com for more.

Dorchester Film Society have moved their 7.30pm screenings in the Corn Exchange to selected Wednesdays for their spring season of eight films. The second title in the programme is the French drama, Everything Went Fine. Prize-winning director, François Ozon, brings his own lightness of touch and humanity to a sensitive subject – that of assisted dying.

Sophie Marceau plays the daughter of an elderly man who, after a major stroke, asks her to help him end his life. Nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

For further details go to dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk

Pickleball sessions are held at Redlands Sports Hall, Weymouth from 10am-11am on Wednesdays. Pay and play Pickleball, just turn up.

Meet PCSO Alex from Beaminster NPT from 10.3011am at Burton Bradstock Village Hall. Come along, raise any concerns, ask a question or get some crime prevention advice.

gardener and garden guide for the then Prince of Wales. She is now working for the Garden Trust as a Conservation Officer, liaising with County Garden Trusts across England. Non-members are welcome, £2. More information at bridportgardeningclub.co.uk

Mummy or Daddy & Me is a coffee and cake and play morning at Sherborne’s Mermaid Pub & Restaurant at 9am.

A chance to kick back and relax with other parents whilst the kids tear up the place and have some fun together!

Sherborne Historical Society meets at 8pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street for a talk by Dr Paul Roberts – Last Supper in Pompeii: the Roman love affair with food and drink. Members free, visitors £5 sherbornehistoricalsociety.co. uk

Fedora will be shown at Plaza Cinema Dorchester at 5.55pm. Umberto Giordano’s exhilarating drama returns to the Met repertory for the first time in 25 years.

Packed with memorable melodies, show stopping arias, and explosive confrontations, Fedora requires a cast of thrilling voices to take flight, and the Met’s new production promises to deliver.

01305 265454, plazadorchester.com

Thatched, Grade II-listed 16th century freehouse at the heart of the historic village of Yetminster. Acclaimed Sunday roasts.

Classics fun run. Classic car and motorcycle-friendly. Large, floodlit asphalt surfaced rear car park with CCTV. Car wash facilities.

Bridport Gardening Club will meet at 7.30pm in the WI Hall North Street Bridport, when Margie Hoffung presents Gardening, A Very British Tradition.

Margie has worked for Rosemary Verey, the wellknown plantswoman, author and garden designer. She has also worked at Highgrove as a

ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road,Wareham,BH20 5AR is on from 4.30pm-8pm until March

.

Tickets from £6.25 via Eventbrite. An evening of colour, lights, music and memories. New waterside lights to music as

well as additional musical sections of woodland trail. Over 1km of professionally staged illuminations, lighting the meandering woodland trails. Art Deco licensed tearooms will provide refreshments throughout the evening as well as fire pits on the terrace for toasting marshmallows.

Dogs welcome on leads.

There’s a police drop-in with PCSO Mark at Holwell Village Hall 11am-11.30am. Come along, and raise any concerns, ask a question or get some crime prevention advice.

The Big Sleep at The Tank Museum in Bovington will raise money for charity from 8pm till 8am.

Sleep rough next to a tank in the Cold War Hall and learn more about tanks from around the world in aid of homeless veterans. Hear a talk from a tank expert and stories about service users Alabare has helped. A simple breakfast will be available.

Registration costs £5 for a young person (minimum age 11) and £10 for an adult. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We ask all adults to pledge to raise £100, and children to pledge to raise £50. Your fundraising enables Alabare to support homeless ex-service personnel off the street by providing supported accommodation, training, employment skills, and opportunities to live independent, fulfilling lives. Tickets from alabare.co.uk/event/the-bigsleep-at-the-tank-museum2

A screening of Where The Crawdads Sing will be hosted by Broadwindsor Community

Film Club at Comrades Hall at 7.30pm. Film club members free –guests £4. Refreshments available. Tickets from Emma Myers broadwindsorem@gmail.com or Margaret Wing – 01308 867252.

A Birdwatching For Beginners Course will be held 10.30am-12.30pm at Radipole Lake (3 sessions over 3 months), hosted by RSPB Weymouth Wetlands. Tickets events.rspb.org.uk/ events/28802

Life in Science by Brian Bowsher OBE FRSC FlnstP at 2pm in the Bridport United Church Hall in East Street. Brian has had a distinguished career in the world of science. He was MD of The National Physical Laboratory 2009 to 2015. From 2002 to 2009 he had various division head and director roles at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. The talk will last for about an hour and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will follow. The talk is free to members, £2 for non-members. bridportu3a.org.uk

A Police Drop-In with PCSO Jane will be held at Storehouse Church in Dorchester from 11am-noon.

Meet the team, ask questions, raise concerns, get crime prevention advice and more.. Jane will be raising awareness on Doorstep Crime following on from recent incidents of Doorstep Traders.

CUPID is a mutual support group for ostomists: anyone with a stoma (colostomy, urostomy, ileostomy) or pouch. They meet at The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RR from 10am-noon. Call in to the informal gathering and talk to others over a tea or coffee.

The Few - 'No Way Back' will be playing at The Three Compasses in Charminster from 7pm.

There’s a Ghost Hunt at Nothe Fort from 8pm-2am. Tickets ghosthuntevents.co.uk Participate in séances, vigils, table tilting, glass moving, ouija boards, evp experiments, automatic writing and much more. Tickets £49 per person. Over 18s only.

You will be guided by wildlife experts to improve your skills in basic spotting and identification across several habitats. These include garden and hedgerow birds, wading birds and wildfowl, and reedbed specialists.

Course Dates: January 21, February 18 and March 18.

Make a macramé shopping bag with East Dorset Heritage Trust at Allendale House from 10am-4pm In this workshop you will learn at least 4 macramé knots and choose the design for the handles. You can choose from a variety of colours for your bag. Bring a packed lunch. £40 to include all materials. Booking via info@edht.org.uk or 01202 888992.

Bridport & District U3A will be treated to a talk entitled My

The third film in the Spring Season of Dorchester Film Society will be screened at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm. Continuing the theme of World Cinema, Small Body is an intriguing feature set in a seaside village community in North-Eastern Italy in 1900, a place still rooted in superstition, mysticism and Catholicism. The film follows a desperate journey of a grieving mother to reach a mysterious sanctuary to save her daughter's soul from the eternal damnation of Limbo. An arresting debut feature from director Laura Samani which was nominated for awards at the Cannes and London Film Festivals in 2021. Details of the full programme are at dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk

Burns Night will be celebrated at Lyme Regis Golf Club from 6.45pm, with a traditional supper with a piper. 01297 442963

A Quiz Night will be held at Sherborne’s The Mermaid Pub & Restaurant at 8pm.

prepare, what to say, what not to say Post 16 Provision – Education 16-25 - how to ensure this is in the plan

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

will give the first public performance of new music by a local composer.

An SEN Information Day for Parents in Dorset will be held 10am-2pm at Lighthouse Poole.

All you need to know about Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans in just one day, presented by Watkins Solicitors. Topics covered include: EHC Assessments – How to ask for them and what to do if you are refused EHC Plans – What should be in and what should not be in EHC Appeals – How to

How to obtain a place at an independent school with enhanced specialist provision Refreshments and light lunch provided (please inform of any dietary requirements by selecting the appropriate option when ordering tickets). Tickets £6 via Eventbrite.

Join PCSO Sarah in Brewery Square for Bike Register Marking from 10am-noon. Come along, raise any concerns, ask a question or get some crime prevention advice and have your bike registered.

The New Elizabethan Singers

Matthew Coleridge's joyous and melodic Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis is featured ahead of its inclusion on a CD to be released in February. Also on the programme is Benjamin Britten's entertaining and dramatic cantata Saint Nicolas. It’s the same Saint who became mythologised as Santa Claus but this is the life-story of the historic 4th century Bishop of Myra rather than of the distributor of Christmas presents. Vaughan Williams' most famous choral works, his Five Mystical Songs completes the programme. The concert, at St. Swithun’s Church, Bridport starts at 7pm. Tickets (£15, under 18s free) from Goadsby Estate Agents in Bridport and at thenew elizabethansingers.org.uk

A cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong for Epiphany will be held at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Poulenc’s Videntes stellam, Walsh’s Preces & Responses, Harwood’s Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in A flat and Mendelssohn’s There shall a star from Jacob come forth. Chris Dowie is at the organ and Ian Davis directing. Glass of wine after the service.

Heckle and Squelch will host a comedy night at Caffeine Weymouth 44 The Esplanade from 7pm. Tickets: wegottickets.com/ event/566861

A Police Drop-In with PCSO Mark will be held at St Mary's Church, Bradford Abbas, from Saturday, Jan 28

11am-11.30am. Discuss any concerns, get some crime prevention advice and more.

The Absolutely Dragulous Live Show will be held at The View Cafe & Bar, Portland, from 8pm. Call 01305 821361 to book, or visit the Heights Hotel to get your tickets. Great night out guaranteed!

'Zummerset Refarmers' – a Free Local History Talk will be held at Yeovil Library at 2pm, covering the Yeovil ‘reform riot’ of October 1831.

Steve Poole, Professor of History and Heritage at UWE, Bristol and Director of the University’s Regional History Centre, will talk about the riots of that time.

Register at gck.fm/flnqf

Spring season continues

Dorchester Film Society have moved their 7.30pm screenings in the Corn Exchange to selected Wednesdays for their spring season of eight films. The second film is the French drama, Everything Went Fine on Wednesday, January 18. Prize-winning director, On Wednesday, January 25 Small Body will be shown and on Wednesday, February 8 The Outfit (pictured).

For the full programme, go to dorchesterfilm society.org.uk

at 7pm. Tickets £10 in advance from Pete 01309 5812637 or £12 on the door.

The Leggomen – Large And In Charge will be at Luciano's Dorchester from 9pm. No need to book a table but it is advised to book for dinner beforehand. 01305 302 303 gm.dorchester@lucianosrestaurant.co.uk

Jim Reynolds will play at Bridport’s The Ropemakers from 4pm. The guitarist and singer writes and plays an eclectic mix of music. The pieces tap into blues, ragtime, rhythm and blues, music hall and folk.

There’s a police drop-in with PCSO Sonny at Weymouth Library from 10am-11am.

A Pole Fitness Beginner Class will be held at Portland YMCA (DT5 2AN) from 7pm-9pm, for any age and size.

You don’t have to be fit and strong to start! Cost £12.50. Text to book 07539 041093 or email ninavanns@yahoo.co.uk

Ropemakers at 8pm. Musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers and any other performers welcome. Sherborne Historical Society will hear a talk by Brent Shore - Chartism and the Plug Riots of the 1840s at Digby Hall, Hound Street at 8pm. Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk Dorchester Beerex 2023 will be held at The Corn Exchange today and Saturday, February 4

Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club and West Dorset CAMRA proudly present the 34th Dorchester Beerex.

Over the years, the event has raised more than £200,000 for local good causes. Sample 80 real ales and a large selection of ciders and perries. There will be hot/cold food available at all sessions and live music during the Friday and Saturday evening sessions.

CAMRA members. Tickets at beerex.co.uk, Brace of Butchers, Convivial Rabbit, Tom Brown's and in Weymouth from The Doghouse and The Belvedere.

Ballroom Latin & Sequence Dance will be held at Charlton Down Village Hall from 7.30pm.

Three hours’ entertainment playing the best music from ballroom & Latin bands 1930s to the present day. Dance the night away in the magnificent Victorian Ballroom 23m x 13m on a wooden sprung dance floor. Social dancing with refreshment break at 9pm, tea/coffee/biscuits/cake included. £8 per person (pay on the door). Onsite and nearby parking.

Venue: the ballroom at DT2 9UA. Contact 07427 860403 for a list of future dates here and at Upwey or go to ballroomlatindance.uk

A Beginners’ Patchwork Day will be held 10am-4pm at 34 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NQ. Learn or brush up on rotary cutting skills and machine patchwork techniques. Call The Fabric Larder on 07486 062343 or email beccasquilts@gmail.com

She'Koyokh will be in concert at Broadmayne Village Hall at 7.30pm. Box Office: 07443 659912. £12, £5 u18s, £30 fam. Join She'Koyokh for a Balkan Circle Dance workshop ahead of the concert.

London-based She’Koyokh have been stars of the UK klezmer scene for over 20 years, described by the Evening Standard as “Britain’s Best klezmer & Balkan music band”. All seven members of this astonishing ensemble are virtuoso musicians, absorbing, performing and enjoying the rich folk music traditions of countries across the world. Their music is a melting pot of culture and style, from 19th-century Eastern European Jewish wedding music to festive music from the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey.

An Open Mic Night will be held at Bridport’s The

Entry £10 which includes your first pint and a pint glass. Extra free pint for card-carrying

Geoff Miller and The Dorchester Big Band will perform at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, DT4 7TH

A sumptuous mix of violin, accordion, clarinet, double bass, guitar and percussion, and vocals from acclaimed Turkish singer Cigdem Aslan,

expect a night of exhilarating and invigorating music. artsreach.co.uk

A Multicultural Meetup will be held 1pm-3pm at Bridport Children’s Centre. This is a monthly event. Are you from a minority culture, religion or ethnicity?

Jurassic Multicultural Network is a group where individuals and families of people from different cultures, ethnicities and faiths can find friendship, support and help promote their culture in this rural area.

Join them to get together, play, chat, share stories and make friends. There will be hot drinks, biscuits and friendly faces.

Sticks & Stones: A riot in Dorchester, 1850 is a talk at Dorchester’s Shire Hall at 2pm.

In 1850, on a wet February day in Dorchester, a violent disturbance over the Corn Laws culminated in the killing of a 19-year old youth by an irate farmer. The subsequent manslaughter trial at the Shire Court revealed a deep split in Dorset society and led to a verdict that many saw as a miscarriage of justice.

Philip Browne will explain why the Corn Laws provoked such strong feelings and pitted Dorset landowners against free traders and the poor of Dorchester. This talk will remind us of a dramatic event in our town’s history that has been long forgotten.

Tickets £6 on the door or from shirehalldorset.org/whats-on/

former Saville Row tailor who finds himself in Chicago, after a personal tragedy. This ingeniously plotted thriller takes off when he finds himself forced to outwit a dangerous family of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night. “Beautifully designed, carefully measured and expertly cut, The Outfit is a handsome debut from director Graham Moore”.

For further details go to dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk

A Mediumship Evening will be held at Centenary Club, Weymouth, from 7.30pm. Tickets at berniescottmedium.com/events or Eventbrite or on 07818 665230.

A Musical Meditation

Evening with Jayne Hartshorn will be held at 7pm at Pilgrim House in Weymouth. Use the frequency of music and Journeying to raise your vibration, to relax and gain insight and to calm you. No previous experience in meditation is necessary. ticketsource.co.uk

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

and some sad tales. Who will create the best outfit? How amazing will the Emperor look at his jubilee?

Adults Only on Feb 11 7.30pm. ticketsource.co.uk/ royalmanortheatre/t-xmdgoke Other performances: ticketsource.co.uk/royalmanort heatre/e-ppxdxm

A talk: Professor Ronald Hutton – Witchcraft and Magic will be held at 6pm at Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum.

Tickets at shire-hall-historiccourthouse-museum.myshopif y.com

This talk will examine the beliefs in witchcraft and magic held by ordinary British people between 1740 and 1940, a neglected period between the end of the witch trials and the appearance of modern New Age witches.

The talk looks at who became folk magicians and why, what techniques they used, whether

they worked in groups, how much they were persecuted, and what became of their traditions.

It also considers who was suspected of evil witchcraft and what happened to them.

Friday, Feb 10

Dorchester Film Society are screening the fourth film in their Spring Season at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm. The Outfit features Oscar winner Mark Rylance as a

The Emperor's New Clothes will be staged at Portland’s Royal Manor Theatre from today until Sunday, with nightly performances and matinees Saturday and Sunday.

Emperor Richard is very vain, spending all the kingdom’s wealth on the most fabulous clothing, much to the consternation of the royal accountant. In order to afford a new outfit for his jubilee, a competition is announced to find the very best designer to create a masterpiece. A quest to find competitors takes the royal footman Pierre across the land, encountering a collection of strange townsfolk

Sherborne Library

host ‘Seining Along Chesil –

Author Talk with Sarah Acton’ from 2.30pm-3.45pm. Hear about Sarah’s new book which remembers and celebrates the seine fishing communities. Free and booking is advised – visit Eventbrite or call 01935 812683.

Jubilee clock to benefit charities

Weymouth Town Council is asking people to nominate local charities they would like to see recognised by the Jubilee Clock light up scheme.

In 2023 the council will be lighting up Weymouth’s iconic Jubilee Clock to raise awareness for good causes with the colours that best represent the chosen charities. One charity can be represented per month, with the clock being lit for up to three days a month.

Residents can nominate any local charity or organisation that benefits Weymouth residents by completing a short form by midday on Monday, January 23. Nominate a charity at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/V8R8

8ZQ

MP pursues ban on live exports

campaigning for animal welfare progress since election in 2019. The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, the Bill has been dormant for several months, having been postponed in September due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

opportunity to legislate to make the lives of our domestic and farmed animals better. This is why the Government must bring back the Kept Animals Bill.”

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has urged the Government to support his campaign to end the live export of animals for fattening and slaughter, as well as bringing back to Parliament vital animal welfare reforms such as a crackdown on livestock worrying.

Mr Loder has been

At a debate in parliament, Mr Loder gave a heartfelt speech, as a local farmers son, about the appalling treatment of exported live animals to other countries for fattening and slaughter. The MP gave an example of a British cow found to have travelled as far away as Lebanon for slaughter.

Mr Loder said: “The reality is that under EU law, we were obliged to free movement of goods and services – and that included livestock. “We now have a real

The MP also spoke of how a heavily pregnant highland cow, Gladis, was chased off the ramparts of a hill fort on Eggardon Hill in a suspected dog attack. He petitioned the minister, Mark Spencer to enact the reforms promised under the Bill to clamp down on such incidents.

The West Dorset MP has met with the Secretary of State for the Environment and will be meeting the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Downing Street in the new year to further make the case for animal welfare reforms to be afforded the attention it deserves.

CAMPAIGN:

Chris Loder MP with his dog Poppy

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Channel swimming septuagenarians who believed they had won a world record with their relay have seen their fundraising top £10,000 after telling their story on national TV.

The six-strong One Foot in the Wave team, average age 75.6, four of whom are from Dorset, swam the Channel in September –battling terrible conditions. But they made it after nearly 18 hours, overseen by an observer and pilot from the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF).

At the end they were handed a certificate congratulating them on their epic swim and believed they had done it. But nearly two months later the federation told the swimmers – including Weymouth’s Linda Ashmore, 75, and Bob Roberts, 74 – their swim had not been ratified. Their ratification committee had reached a majority verdict that one of the changeovers had not been carried out according to their rules.

An appeal followed, but the committee were unmoved.

To make matters even more awkward, one of the OFITW team, Kevin Murphy, is actually the secretary of the CS&PF. The team certainly seem to have abided by the rules, which state each swimmer has to swim for 60 minutes in rotation, which they did. The rules allow for up to five minutes after those 60 minutes to change over swimmers. The

Channel swimmers are on the crest of a £10k wave

changeover in dispute, incolving Robert Lloyd Evans of Broadstone, who turned 80 just after the swim, took four minutes. So the team do not understand what rule they are alleged to have broken, and the CS&PF has not been forthcoming with any further explanation of their decision, despite being approached by The Times, Good Morning Britain and this magazine, among others.

The issue has scandalised

people UK-wide. After their story appeared in The Times, donations soared from £3,000 to £8,000 in 48 hours. Then just before the new year they appeared on ITV’s GMB, and donations again flooded in, taking the money for Alzheimer’s Research UK to over £10,000.

Team captain Bob Holman, 78, from Affpuddle, told the GMB presenters: “The public are saying we know you’ve

done it.”

Now the team are considering whether to pursue a judicial review. Murphy, 73, told the show it was not something they wanted to do, but they were considering it as an option.

n To contribute to the team’s fundraising go to justgiving.com/ofitw2 or send a cheque made out to Alzheimer’s Research UK to Bob Holman, Camelot, Affpuddle, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7HH.

TELLY STARS: The One Foot in the Wave swimmers appear on Good Morning Britain

BONJOUR: The swimmers are greeted by gendarmes after coming ahore in France

Wild about wildlife? Join DWT for half-price

Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering halfprice memberships until January 31. The trust says that by becoming a member, people will be playing their part in helping to restore and protect wildlife habitats throughout the county.

DWT’s membership manager Emma Davies said: “For nature to recover from the climate and ecological crises, we need one in four people to act for nature.

“If we reach this target, then the majority will follow – imagine the difference that would make.

“Our wildlife is disappearing at an alarming rate, with over a quarter of UK mammals in danger of disappearing altogether. If we don’t act now, it won’t be there for us in the future.

“By becoming a member, you’ll join 27,000 people across Dorset who are helping to expand and restore

habitats for wildlife, ensuring land and sea policies benefit wildlife and people, and inspiring more people to care.”

The half price membership offer means a year’s membership is £2 a month for an individual, £2.25 a month for joint membership, and £2.50 a month for a family membership.

n To find out more visit dorset wildlifetrust.org.uk/become-member

In it to twin it with French friends

The Dorchester Bayeux Twinning Society may “wither and die” if it cannot find new members in 2023, its chairman has warned.

Gareth Jones says maintaining strong links with our continental counterparts is more important now than ever before in the wake of Brexit and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Mr Jones told West Dorset Magazine: “At one point our numbers grew to around 150 in the 1980s and members started forming friendships that continue to this day. “Now those numbers are

dwindling, and the average age of members is going up. Societies on both sides of the Channel are now warning that unless something is done, the social twinning side of the organisation will wither and die.

“As chairmen, my French counterpart and I agreed to try and make every effort to try and attract new members.

“It’s not an easy task and one of the key parts of attracting new members is to let them know we exist.

“One of the things we’re planning is airing a series of French films for the public this year.”

Explaining the importance and history of twinning, Mr Jones said: “The official twinning links with Bayeux – of Tapestry fame – were formed between the two town councils in 1959. That came about because the Dorset Regiment were the first soldiers to enter the town in 1944.

“The Dorchester Bayeux Twinning Society was established with the aim to promote and participate in twinning events between the towns. As well as individual family friendships that have flourished, organisations have benefited from

exchange visits including music and sports groups, and local schools.

“A similar twinning society was established with Lubbecke, Germany in 1973, opening the way for three-way activities.

“We feel that with the current separation between Britain and the EU, plus the need to pull together during conflicts, twinning is even more important than ever.

“We are now looking at ways to reinvigorate twinning activity for the benefit of all – starting with awareness.”

n Visit dorchesterbayeux-society.co.uk

FORMIDABLE: The Dorchester Bayeux Society’s recent Christmas lunch

Major rock fall prompts warnings to stay away from area

The public are being urged to avoid part of West Bay Esplanade after a major rock fall.

A West Dorset Magazine reader sent us this shot after the rock fall.

The reader said: “The rock’s fallen from the high cliff below the coast path from West Bay to Eype.

“There was a similar huge rockfall in exactly the same spot about three or four years ago, after which the council eventually blocked off the final part of the promenade with

strong, padlocked aluminium gates. But you often see idiots climbing over the gates in order to walk the beach to Eype.

“It’s not sensible and you can see that the rock at the top of the cliff is highly fractured and will come down too in time.”

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “The rock fall happened at the end of the Esplanade which is closed to the public and has been for some years.

“The area will remain closed. “We urge people to take care at

the coast. Rock falls can happen at any time, so stay away from cliff edges and their bases.”

A West Bay coastguard spokesperson added: “This area of the Esplanade in West Bay is managed by the West Bay Harbour Master and Dorset Council.

“It is our understanding that this area has been closed by the council and the harbour master for many years due to the risk of rock falls, with appropriate signage and barriers in place.”

Money to replace EU funding welcomed

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the approval of more than £6million of funding for the county, which replaces EU grants to help poorer regions.

The South West is set to receive the highest proportion in England. Money will be mostly put towards the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with an extra sum towards an adult numeracy programme. Mr Loder said: “Having met the Prime Minister two weeks

ago, I made clear we need to see innovation and investment in rural Dorset just as much as in Bournemouth and Poole.

Under the Dorset LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership), I felt rural West Dorset was not properly looked after. I’m pleased the funding, allocated to elected local authorities rather than an appointed board, will be more accessible, and fairer to West Dorset.”

Under the new round of funding, Dorset will receive

£4,435,812 from the Shared Prosperity Fund, to ‘build pride in place, support high quality skills training, support pay, employment and productivity growth and increase life chances’. An extra £1,578,278 is to be spent on adult numeracy.

Mr Loder added: “This funding is unique to rural Dorset, meaning the area will have more autonomy to prioritise investment in our own area.”

Dean doubles his target for friend

‘The larger than life’ landlord of the Hunter’s Moon pub in Middlemarsh near Sherborne has raised £10,300 for Parkinson’s UK by taking on several tough challenges in honour of a close friend with the disease.

Dean Mortimer smashed his £5,000 target having put his heart and soul into a fundraising mission to benefit the charity while bringing awareness of this debilitating disease. With a little help from friends Gary Scolding, Matt Goss-Custard, Jim Brooks, Simon Pearson and Mike Wilcox, he ran the Bath Half

Marathon, took part in a 24-hour Cyclethon, ditched the booze a year ago for Dry January and organised several events in his pub, including bingo, a darts match, a midsummer market and monthly quiz nights.

Dean’s friend Sarah Chant said: “Dean has totally smashed his goal of raising £5,000 and as of yesterday reached a

whopping £10,300.00!

“It seems an amazing amount to have raised by one person with support from his family and friends of course!”

To donate to the team, visit JustGiving and search for deanmortimer1.

Honours list

A handful of West Dorset residents were among those recognised in the King’s first ever New Year honours.

Verne prison officer Janette Radford was made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to prisoners on Portland and to the charity Age UK.

Portland based Janette had also earned a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2022 honours list.

Lieutenant Commander Anthony James Eagles from Sherborne was made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) this year for services to aviation safety in his civilian role. He worked most recently as a helicopter policy specialist for the Civil Aviation Authority.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s deputy chief fire officer Derek James was given a King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM). He has worked for the service since 2002, having been appointed to his current role in 2017 after playing a central role in the formation of the DWFRS in 2016.

Travel firm boost for Coast Watch

Local travel company Crossways Travel donated £981 to their 2022 Charity Of The Year, Portland Coast Watch. The organisation was established in 1997 to monitor the sea off Portland and keep people safe.

With technology constantly changing donations are always needed to keep the lookout fully operational. Volunteer watch keepers are normally on duty for 12 hours a day, 364 days a year and on call at other times and deal with a range of different situations,

including issues with small craft, climbers, walkers and larger vessels.

Crossways Travel operate a huge range of excursions and holidays by coach from this area.

Director Matt Crocker said: “Thank you to our customers for participating in our various fundraising events over the year.” throughout the year.

Crossways Travel can be contacted on 01305 851697.

Portland Coast Watch always welcome donations – call them on 01305 860178.

Fancy a hand of bridge?

Bridport Bridge Club is holding free duplicate bridge sessions on Wednesdays, February 1 and 8 at 7pm or Fridays, February 3 and 10 at 2pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The friendly and relaxed club meets every Wednesday evening and Friday afternoon except the

third Friday in the month at St Swithun’s Church Hall, Bridport. They usually play between 18 and 24 boards with the results posted on their website. They can also match you with a playing partner.

For further details email bridportbridgeclub@ outlook.com or call Roy on 01308 425298.

THANKS VERY MUCH: Coast Watch Administrator Geoff Peters, Matthew and Kadi Crocker of Crossways Travel and their twins, six-month-old Henri and Lillie

Martyrs to the cause: Fund to buy

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

“We must have some VERY thirsty villagers,” says pub protagonist Barrie Lovelock, after pledges to help buy Tolpuddle’s Martyrs Inn topped an astonishing £400,000 in just a month. Villagers are hoping to buy the building and spend a further £50,000 turning the inside into a ‘proper’ pub rather than a gastro destination.

They feel so strongly that Tolpuddle should have a pub many have pledged between £1,000 and £50,000 each to rescue it. Amazingly, some £75,000 was pledged in just an hour, not long after the campaign was launched at a meeting on December 9. And Barrie himself is willing to part with up to £100,000 to help get the boozer open.

He said: “There’s a great deal of enthusiasm to see the beating heart of our village reopened.”

Of primary concern to many is the fact that, having lost their shop and petrol station years ago there now seem to be few facilities in the village for the 500 or so inhabitants. It is also thought the lack of a pub can reduce house prices by as much as ten per cent.

The pub has been closed since 2020, just before covid hit, and villagers thought it would swiftly reopen.

“However that didn’t happen, and locals anxiously waited for news. It’s not the first time

villagers have banded together to save their pub.

In 2004 many people signed a petition to stop the building of homes on the beer garden and car park – a move which locals feared would harm the viability of the pub and lead to its closure.

An amended scheme saw much of the garden turned

over to homes before the pub was sold off. The village once had three pubs, but like most villages that dwindled to one – The Crown, which stood where the Martyrs Inn is now. In 1896 the local landowner sold the lease of the Crown Inn to brewers Hall and Woodhouse of Blandford.

The Crown burned down and was rebuilt in 1921. Then in 1952 it was renamed after the Tolpuddle Martyrs, and officially re-opened by Vic Feather of the TUC. Several landlords and landladies followed and the pub was busy, until the bypass took away passing trade in 1999. It then adapted, with the pool table being removed to make way for more restaurant tables – food overtaking drink in its fortunes.

Most recently it was owned by the Athelhampton House estate before being bought by a private individual who lives nearby. But their plans to open it as a community hub never quite happened, which is understandable given the double blows of both the covid pandemic, then

PUB PLEDGE: The Martyrs Inn at Tolpuddle and, left, Barrie Lovelock

spiralling energy costs. Barrie thinks it can be profitable, however – but that it has to be a proper pub, where villagers can socialise.

It has to be independent as they can source much cheaper drinks. And food should be pub grub rather than fine dining.

Though there are plans for guest stints by celebrity chefs, along with quiz nights and even market stalls outside on some weekends.

The plan is to raise as much of the price of the pub as possible before taking out a mortgage for the rest.

However a mortgage may not be necessary given how fast the pledge pot is growing. If all goes to plan, the Martyrs Inn could be open by May. Barrie, 76, has had property in the village for decades and ten years ago he had affordable homes built there, selling them for 75 per cent of the market value (bank valuation).

So he knows about property and running a

business. The pledges of cash would be matched by shares, at £500 per share. Costs will be relatively low, with 75% rate relief and no rent. Barrie’s property development company would work with volunteers to carry out the refurb, making the bar more ‘inviting’. Once expenses have been paid, the shareholders should receive about a 4% return.

Key to this success is the recruitment of a landlord who can really make it work, and Barrie has just the couple in mind.

The consortium’s offer will need to be accepted first however, to tempt this pair away from their current employment.

Barrie said: “We will create a nice environment then look to provide other facilities the village has lost, perhaps offering basic groceries.”

For more information about the project, go to tolpuddlevillage.co.uk/the -martyrs-inn

n To get involved, contact Barrie at bjl.highdean@gmail.com

The Bridport – St Vaast La Hogue Twinning Association is hosting regular events throughout the winter.

They have a number of talks at the Tiger Inn in Barrack Street. The first in November was given by the association’s president Monique Pasche who enthralled a packed audience with her early wartime memories as a child living with her family in occupied Lille, near the Belgian border.

The next talk on January 18 will be by guest speaker Jon Snook on farming practices in Normandy and Brittany.

The association always welcomes new members to join its current group of 60. Anyone interested in joining should please

TALKS:

contact the secretary Linda Bullock, Email lindabdt6@aol.com or call 01308 425664, or go to bridport-and-saint-vaasttwinning-association. org.uk

HISTORIC MARCH: Trade unionists marching past the pub at the annual festival

TWIN

Monique Pasche tells her wartime memories and, below, with fellow members

Rotary’s thank you for a £4,500 bumper year

Brit Valley Rotary is paying tribute to everyone who dug deep in their pockets and helped the group raise more than £4,500 in what was as ‘a bumper year’ for their collections for good causes.

From residents who gave generously to the Friends of the Rotary who walked along the Christmas Float

and from the float sponsor Parkers Estate Agents to the tow truck from Burton Bradstock Cars, the whole community and local businesses helped secure this incredible amount.

President Adrian Scadding said: “All donations will go to good causes including the Bridport

Leisure Centre swimming pool. “Thank you to the help from the friends of Rotary who volunteered to walk alongside the float and collect.

“This year was a bumper year where we collected in excess of £4,500. Thank you to all that donated.”

Cider Makers’ boost for diabetes unit

The Chideock Cider Makers group has raised £1,302 for Dorset County Hospital’s paediatric diabetes unit.

Colin ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins and other group members organised a range of fundraising events last August, including a bus tour of Dartmoor featuring ‘a number of pubs’ along the route.

Hoppy also sold produce from his garden to raise cash while The Woodman pub in Bridport put out a collection bucket for the group.

The Chideock Cider Makers is made up of a small community of men from Chideock and nearby surrounding areas, meeting every Tuesday and

fundraising for a different charity each year.

Sam Martin, who has been liaising with fundraisers, said: “Since our son Oli was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of just two, we as a family and Oli in particular have received incredible care,

support and expertise from Dr Ward and his paediatric diabetes team at DCH. “We will be forever grateful, and this is why we have chosen DCH’s paediatric diabetes unit, because we want to give something back. We hope funds raised will help

support other children under their care.”

A DCH spokesperson said: “On behalf of everyone working at the DCH paediatric diabetes unit in Dorchester, Dorset County Hospital Charity want to say a special thank you to everyone at the Chideock Cider Makers and also to Darren Moore from the Woodman pub for choosing to support children suffering from diabetes through their fundraising activities.”

n For more information about ways to support DCH Charity please visit dchcharity.org.uk or email a member of the Charity team on charity@ dchft.nhs.uk

THANKS: Loraine and Colin ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins, Emily from the paediatric diabetes unit, and Dale and Sam Martin

HAPPY CHRISTMAS: Out and about with the Brit Valley Rotary over the festive period

Staff working on The Willows unit at Sherborne’s Yeatman Hospital have again been lauded for providing outstanding palliative and end-of-life care.

Two wards on the unit, Beech and Rowan, have been reaccredited by the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) – a national programme to help improve care for people in their final days. Their efforts to maintain high standards during the pressures of managing covid 19 earned them the GSF platinum award, which was collected by Beech Ward sister Denise Willmetts and staff nurse Joanna Horsington at a ceremony in London.

Hospital Matron Ali Low said: “The Willows originally achieved the GSF Quality Hallmark Award for end-of-life care in 2016 and was reaccredited in 2019, when it was also announced as the winner of the first-ever GSF Hospital Ward of the Year.

“It’s great news we have once again been reaccredited and awarded the GSF Platinum Award for delivering end-of-life care during the pandemic.

“I am very proud of the whole team, which works

Hospital staff honoured for their end-of-life care

tirelessly to provide excellent care to patients while also providing vital support to their loved ones at an incredibly difficult time.”

The Yeatman was one of 75 hospitals, care homes, hospices, GP practices, retirement villages and domiciliary care agencies that received the prestigious GSF quality hallmark across the country during the ceremony.

The Gold Standards

Framework Centre provides expert training for frontline staff in health and social care, with the aim of ensuring a ‘gold standard’ of care for people nearing the end of life.

GSF lead nurse Julie Armstrong-Wilson said: “The last two years have been an incredibly difficult time for all health and social care providers, and the fact that so many have taken the time to complete their GSF

accreditation is to be commended.

“Good quality end-of-life care has never been more important, especially due to the impact of the pandemic we have all faced. Witnessing so many centres signing up to learn more and gain GSF accreditation, so they too can support people at the end of life, is fantastic to see.”

n Visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk

MP urging customers to switch as banks close

West Dorset MP Chris Loder is urging HSBC customers to move their custom to banks which ‘have more care for rural customers’ following the news that HSBC will close in Bridport and Dorchester High Streets this year. In May the Bridport branch is set to close, followed by the Dorchester branch in August.

The Shaftesbury and Blandford branches will close in April.

Mr Loder said: “This news suggests a total abdication of service from HSBC to their rural customer base, many of whom have no wish to bank digitally. Bridport and Dorchester are both market towns.”

Mr Loder added: “I would urge local bank customers to support our local high streets and markets by taking custom and away from banks that are disinterested in the wellbeing of our

communities and support those banks that are committed to a future in our town centres.”

Fears have also been raised that the move to close banks is pushing the population towards a ‘cashless society’. An HSBC statement said: “The decline in branch use has accelerated so much since the covid 19 pandemic that some of the branches closing are now serving fewer than 250 customers a week.”

WELL DONE: Yeatman Hospital Beech Ward sister Denise Willmetts and staff nurse Joanna Horsington with the GSF award

Firm to appeal after plan for solar

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The firm behind plans to create a huge solar farm on farmland in the heart of West Dorset has launched an appeal.

Enviromena was left ‘bitterly disappointed’ after their plans for a 40acre solar farm next to Maiden Newton were rejected by Dorset Council, with opposition by Natural England.

Councillors refused the plan, saying the impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) outweighed the potential benefits for the planet.

The solar farm would have provided green energy for 5,000 homes in the surrounding area.

The project had the backing of Maiden Newton Parish Council, as well as attracting positive feedback from residents. But decision makers were unconvinced.

Enviromena’s CEO Cabell Fisher said: “The local community recognised that projects like Enviromena’s can be connected quickly with minimal disruption and that they play a crucial role in providing muchneeded clean energy alternatives to the grid.

“That is exactly why the project had the full backing of the parish council. We feel strongly

that the site would support the local economy and provide jobs during the construction phase.

“The site would provide significant progress towards UK energy independence, help reduce the cost of energy for UK residents in the long term, offset substantial amounts of carbon pollution.

“Despite putting all of this to the planning officer, the Cruxton Farm site has still been refused leaving us with no option but to appeal the decision.”

Mark Harding, development director for Enviromena, said: “We

were bitterly disappointed with the decision. We’ve worked very hard to address all the concerns raised by interested parties. At the meeting we sided with members of the committee who supported the scheme and highlighted the fact that the significant benefits of the project outweighed any perceived harmful visual impact. We believed that our submission met all of the criteria for development in the AONB. We are now proceeding with an appeal to ensure an outcome which not only recognises

the need to satisfy local conditions but supports the urgent national agenda of delivering sustainable, renewable energy.”

Natural England, the Dorset AONB Partnership, CPRE, The Countryside Charity and even the Thomas Hardy Society –Maiden Newton is featured in the writer’s novels as Chalk Newton –opposed the plans.

Dr David Peacock, energy adviser for the CPRE, believes solar farms ruin the landscape and the focus should be on installing more solar panels on roofs.

Trustee wanted for Harmony mental health charity

A new trustee is needed for Bridport’s mental health charity The Burrough Harmony Centre. The centre offers peer support, information, signposting and lots of enjoyable activities to local adults

who are living with a mental health problem.

One of the founding trustees Alison Williams retired recently, having come to the end of her second threeyear term of office. For more

information about the trustee role, including a job description, email tegwyn.j@harmonydropin.org.uk

Bridport Community Front Room offers face-to-face support: Call 07385 290804.

REJECTED: The area near Maiden Newton where Enviromena want to site a solar farm

farm is rejected by council

n Keeping a watchful eye on the appeal will be green energy firm Stratera, who are planning another solar farm – a much, much larger one –on farmland between Buckland Ripers and Friar Waddon, just outside Chickerell, with a separate battery storage site near Weymouth Football Club.

Statera Energy is planning a 1,300-acre solar farm and 57-acre battery storage called Chickerell Solar and Storage, anticipated to cost £200-£300 million.

Statera has outlined its plans on a new website, chickerellsolarandstorage.co.uk and invited nearby residents to a series of information events. The firm is expected to put in a formal bid for permission this year, with the project completed by 2027.

Walkway closed

A public walkway at West Bay Harbour is to be temporarily closed for safety reasons, preventing access to public toilets.

A western section of wall at the harbourside – just in front of the concession stands between the Harbour Master’s office and the Ellipse building – has been monitored by Dorset Council for some time. Increased structural movement has been noted since it was last inspected a few weeks ago. Officers are concerned about the stability of the wall. The affected area will now be closed, preventing access along the walkway, including to The Mound toilets next to the Harbour Master’s office. Other toilets can be found nearby at East Beach and the Visitors Centre. Access to roads, parking, local businesses and food and drink stands is unaffected.

NEW SCHEME: The Stratera solar farm site

From Portland to Japan: How the

A floating fortress, the most complicated piece of machinery ever made for any purpose – the last class of the third generation Dreadnoughts built in Great Britain were those of the King George V class, made between 1937 and 1942.

Originally conceived in 1936, ship design ‘number 14’ was the one chosen by the Board of Admiralty as the best and most advanced of all. The man who conceived this No 14 design was Herbert Pengilly and it came to be known as his masterpiece.

Built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Company Limited, the keel was laid down on January 1 1937, at the same time as the sister ship Prince of Wales was laid down at Camal Lairds shipyard, Birkenhead.

Originally the lead ship was to be named King George VI, but the king was adamant that it should take the name of his father. Furthermore, whilst in the design stage, it was originally named the King Edward VIII class. On that King’s abdication, the class named was changed to the current name of George, the former Duke of York, now King George VI. In December 1936, the second ship was given the name Prince of Wales, originally the former title of King Edward VIII, although now known as the Duke of Windsor, it was decided that the ship’s proposed name should remain.

Out of respect for the change of name of King George VI to that of his father for the lead ship, the third of the class, originally to be named Anson, was changed to the title that

the then present monarch held prior to his becoming King, that of Duke of York. This ship was built by John Brown, the shipbuilders who were then building the Queen Elizabeth. The last two ships of the now named King George V class, were originally to be named Jellicoe and Beatty, after two Admirals of the Fleet during the Great War. But as these names were of more recent times, and due to the errors that had occurred in fighting the Battle of Jutland, causing it to be recognised as far short of a victory, under the leadership of Jellicoe, and to a lesser degree, that of Beatty, the names were replaced with that of Anson, originally a name intended for the Duke of York, and Howe, replacing the name of Beatty. Anson was to be built by Swan Hunter and

Wigan Richardsons, shipbuilding and Engineering, and the last of the class of the five battleships, by the Fairfield shipbuilding and engineering company, both were completed in 1942. Britain’s fourth generation, and final Dreadnought battleship, was HMS Vanguard, built by John Brown shipbuilding company. She was completed in 1946, thus missing the Second World War. She was the largest ever battleship built in Great Britain, weighing over 50,000 tons, following the disposal of the old ‘R’ class warships HMS Ramillies Revenge, HMS Resolution, and HMS Royal Sovereign. Added to these was the old Queen Elizabeth class being that particular ship, plus three others being HMS Malaya, HMS Valiant and HMS

Warspite. One Battlecruiser HMS Renown, and finally HMS Rodney Her sister ship HMS Nelson was to become the first training battleship home fleet. In early 1946 she was based at Portland until her replacement by HMS King George V in 1947. Nelson was used as a bombing target, before being sent to Inverkeithing, Scotland, for scrapping at TW Wards shipbreakers, the same company that broke up HMS Rodney.

During WWII HMS Rodney, along with HMS King George V was in action against the German Battleship Bismarck, which was sunk on May 27, 1941. Another one of the King George V class of battleships, HMS Duke of York, was responsible for the sinking of the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst on Boxing Day 1943. As for the last two warships of the King George V class, namely HMS Anson and HMS Howe, they also had much involvement in their service time during the Second World War. HMS Anson was to make many escort voyages from her base in Havilfjord in Iceland to Murmansk, in protection duties for convoys to Russia.

HMS Howe also was engaged in a similar manner in convoy protection, for merchant ships supplying Russia, through the ports of Archangel and Murmansk.

This form of what was known as distant cover was for fear that the German battleship Tirpitz could at any time have attacked this supply line.

When Tirpitz was eliminated in 1944, and with Scharnhorst sunk, distant cover was reduced on the ‘Kola Run’ as

Our thanks go to Royal Naval history buff ALVIN HOPPER as he takes us through the fascinating history of the battleships that were part of Portland Home Fleet’s training squadron between 1946 and 1951 and the journey they took halfway round the world to help defeat Japan during the Second World War.

n HMS Anson and, below, HMS Duke of York

Home Fleet prevailed in the Far East

it was called. With the threat of interference by German units eliminated, the ‘big gun’ battleships of the King George V class were put into dock one at a time for reconstruction to prepare them for action in the Far East. HMS Howe was the first to be recommissioned for operations in Eastern waters. She sailed for Ceylon in July 1944, passing through the Suez Canal on July 14, 1944, arriving at Colombo to become the flagship and nucleus of the newly formed Eastern Fleet. Under the command of Admiral Bruce Fraser, who had been on the HMS Duke of York at the Battle of North Cape when the Scharnhorst was sunk. Later HMS King George V joined the fast-growing Eastern Fleet and was to become the flagship of the Vice Admiral in charge, Eastern Fleet, Vice Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings. After merging for a while with Indian Ocean Fleet, under Admiral Sir James Somerville, it was decided a new title should be applied to the now very much increased fleet of warships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and other vessels. Thus the name British Pacific Fleet was decided upon. During the many sorties attacks on Japanese held Islands, and on the Kiushu area of southern Japan, from British and US aircraft carriers, counter attacks were made by Japanese Kamikaze squadrons. To protect the British ships involved in what was to become the Battle of Okinawa, the battleships King George V and Howe, were employed as anti-aircraft batteries. With some 100 antiaircraft medium and multiple machine guns each, they were most useful in repelling aerial attacks. HMS Howe became the first of the British

battleships to shoot down a Kamikaze for ‘task force 57’, one of two task forces allocated to the British Pacific Fleet. The war in the far east ended in August 1945, with HMS Duke of York arriving in time to play a part in Japan’s surrender. On September 2, 1945, Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser left his flagship Duke of York to board the American battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay, to receive the Japanese delegation for the signing of the official surrender of Imperial Japanese Government to the Allies. At this time HMS Howe was at Durban, where she had been refitted in anticipation of the proposed invasion of Japan, Operation Olympic. All the extra medium anti-

aircraft weapons were now being removed again after the two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending the war. The last ship of the KGV class to arrive in the far east was HMS Anson, which was also present for the surrender ceremony. As for the rest of the battleships, later to be training battleships, HMS Nelson was present at the surrender of all Japanese forces in Malaya, Singapore and Penang. In 1946 all five ships returned to United Kingdom waters. HMS Nelson arrived at Portland in January 1946 and became the first training battleship. As previously mentioned, she was replaced by HMS King George V in 1947.

HMS Anson and HMS Howe arrived to take up the role of

training battleships in June and July 1946 respectively.

In 1948, HMS Duke of York, alongside aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious and HMS Victorious, and other warships, took part in ‘Exercise Trove’, the last of the annual exercises under the umbrella of the Western Union naval forces. In 1949, the year NATO was formed, HMS Anson had the honour, as flagship for the battleship training squadron, to convey Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on a visit to the Channel Islands. This was HMS Anson’s last duty, as at the end of 1949, she was taken to be laid up at the Gare Loch in Scotland. HMS King George V left the same year to join the Anson in being laid up and was replaced by HMS Vanguard, the last battleship built in this country.

By the end of 1950 the HMS Howe had been laid up. In 1951, HMS Duke of York, the last activated battleship of the KGV class and the flagship of the Reserve Fleet, became the final ship of its class to be laid up.

This left only HMS Vanguard as a training battleship. Eventually all training at Portland was done aboard aircraft carriers.

This went on until 1956, when the Suez crisis interrupted training aboard HMS Ocean and HMS Theseus.

In 1958 Portland became part of NATO’s training bases and home to helicopter air sea rescue stations.

The last battleship, HMS Vanguard, was sent to the ship breakers in 1960. The other five of her predecessors had been broken up, HMS Nelson in 1949 and the HMS Duke of York, HMS King George V, HMS Anson and HMS Howe in 1958 – bringing a close to a pivotal era of British military shipbuilding.

n HMS Rodney and, below, HMS Vanguard

We do like to be beside the seaside

A beach wheelchair scheme will enable disabled people to enjoy a whole day at the beach and get right up to the water – and even on the water come springtime. West Beach at West Bay had new beach matting laid by Bridport Town Council at the end of the summer, allowing disabled people on to the beach. But the new beach wheelchairs will allow them to go anywhere on the beach – true freedom. Elaine Leader, who is leading the project, said: “The matting already been well used by many people with disabilities and restricted mobility in wheelchairs and mobility scooters who have never been on the beach at West Bay before.”

The community has got behind the scheme, which is being backed by the town council, Dorset Council and Parkdean Resorts, which owns West Bay Holiday Park and whose staff will be facilitating the free hire of the wheelchairs.

Elaine said: “I’m so excited the beach wheelchair scheme is coming to fruition. It’s going to make an incredible difference to so many people with disabilities and restricted mobility to enable them to access the beach at West Bay.

grateful to everyone who has donated and supported this project. The

Crowdfunder appeal has so far raised more than £2,500 towards the £10,000 target.” More donations can be made at crowdfunder.co.uk /p/beach-wheelchairs-forwest-beach-west-baydorset-1

Bridport Mayor Ian Bark said the beach wheelchair scheme is a wonderful addition to the facilities in West Bay, building on the success of the beach

A

matting already provided, the fully accessible West Bay Play Area, and the two ‘Changing Places’ toilets that the town council expects to be installed in 2023. There will be two changing facility toilets at West Bay – one at West Bay Road car park and a second at West Bay Holiday Park. Each will have a toilet, an adult changing bed, shower and

SEASIDERS: Enjoying beach wheelchairs elsewhere are Gabriel Jolliffe at Weymouth and, right, Audrey Bent at Sandbanks

MAKING

SPLASH: Enjoying the seaside in a special chair and, inset, Rachel Hallett at West Bay

and new scheme makes it much easier

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

Cllr Bark said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Elaine Leader and other local volunteers for the drive and ambition they’ve brought to this initiative, as well as Parkdean Resorts and Dorset Council for their being the operational force behind this important and inclusive scheme, and to all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to the fundraising effort.”

West Dorset Mencap

Chairman Linda Simpson said the charity was delighted to offer significant financial support towards a special platform which will enable those who need a specific wheelchair and cannot transfer to enjoy the beach

and the sea.

Bridport Round Table has also funded another one of the beach wheelchairs. There will also be a wheelchair that can float in the sea and can be used with a qualified swimming coach so carers do not need to be in the water.

Elaine said: “Harbourmaster James Radcliffe and his team have provided great support to help with the scheme and are managing the beach matting. “James has also supported the siting of a structure to provide storage for the

wheelchairs and hoist.

“I wanted to thank Will Austin at Bridport Town Council and Cllr Kelvin Clayton for their help.”

Shaun Caesar, general manager at West Bay Holiday Park, said: “We want West Beach to be a welcoming destination for all, and we envisage that these wheelchairs will help local people, tourists, schools and care homes to access and enjoy the beach.

“The scheme has gained amazing support and enthusiasm from everyone involved and we hope this continues to create a positive impact on the local community.”

SHORE THING: Neil and Lucy Barnes at West Bay

It’s a grand gesture to aid Home-Start

Fundraising efforts by Goulds Garden Centre in Weymouth and their stores in Dorchester, netted more than £1,000 for Home-Start West Dorset to support struggling families with young children in the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland areas.

Goulds director Chris Gould said: “Each year we nominate a charity to benefit from the fundraising raffles held at our late-night Christmas shopping evenings. HomeStart West Dorset does incredible work to support local families in their toughest times and we are pleased to have raised £1,007 for this deserving charity. We thank all our generous customers for taking part.”

The store donated ten prizes for the two raffles held in their Weymouth Garden Centre and their Household and Fashion Stores in South Street. Prizes included gift vouchers, hampers, beauty products, planted containers and even a fresh Christmas Tree complete with lights. The lucky winners of course, have been thrilled with their prizes. First prize winner Ronnie Tweddle who won

a £250 Goulds voucher, said: “What a lovely surprise! I only entered to support such a worthy cause, but I am delighted to win a shopping spree at Goulds. It is a store I have been shopping at for over 30 years!”

Home-Start manager Helen Horsley said: “We are delighted by the support Goulds have given HomeStart West Dorset. It has been an incredibly tough year for so many in our local community, and this welcome boost to our funds will go directly to

support families who are struggling in Weymouth, Dorchester and West Dorset.”

The charity supports 70 to 100 families in the local area each year, and is expecting demand to increase with the cost of living crisis.

Helen said: “Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and overwhelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone. We have trained volunteers who stand by these families through their

toughest times, with nonjudgemental, practical, compassionate, and emotional support.”

Goulds director Anthony Gould added: “As a family run business, we always do what we can to support the local community. We are pleased to raise awareness and support this charity, which gives timely help to children and their families, when they need it the most.”

n If you would like to donate to Home Start visit home-start.org.uk/homestart-west-dorset

Help at hand with your Christmas gift devices

People who received a device for Christmas and are unsure how to use it are being urged to call on Dorset’s volunteer digital champions for help. Dorset Council has a team of volunteers who provide both face-toface and over-the-phone support to anyone who needs help with technical issues – including how to use and set up a new tablet, smartphone or laptop.

The volunteer digital champions run advice sessions at libraries and community centres across the county. And between 10am and noon every weekday, residents can also get help over the phone by calling the Dorset Digital Hotline on 01305 221048.

In Dorset, 11 per cent of residents are completely offline and another 20 per cent lack all the essential digital skills needed to get online.

For some people that means although they like their new Christmas gadget, they just do not know how to make the most use of it.

To find out where face-to-face digital advice sessions are held go to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/volunteerdigital-champions or call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 (Mon to Fri, 10am to noon) for more information and to book.

THANKS VERY MUCH: Ronnie Tweddle with Goulds director Chris Gould and Helen Horsley of Home-Start West Dorset

The University of the Third Age or U3A is a collection of groups that run local and online memberled learning for those no longer in full time work across the UK. With branches almost everywhere and a combined membership of more than 140,000 at the last count, it’s clear there’s a passion for lifelong learning among retired people.

L’Université du Troisième Age was founded in Toulouse in 1972

to offer older people a range of cultural activities.

The idea travelled across the Channel in 1981 and was swiftly adopted by Eric Midwinter, Michael Young who drafted the Labour manifesto in 1945, and academic philosopher Peter Laslett, who set up their own vision in 1982 and the U3A was born.

The organisation has been adopted in many towns and

villages across the country, serving as a platform for groups, interest groups and a host of activities.

Members say their lives are enriched and the U3A’s intellectual and ideological independence creates a different way of learning – independent of state funding and external teaching. A spokesman said: “Teachers learn and learners teach. An educational utopia.”

It’s never too late to start learning

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Discussions about starting a U3A for Dorchester first took place in 1994 and a steering group was swiftly set up with help from Bournemouth U3A, with founding members Sue Foot, Sonia Alexander, Elizabeth Barton, Audrey Matthews, Jim Thompson and John Herslett.

Chairman Alan Hopwood said of the very early days: “Somewhere back in 1994, having taken early retirement and not wanting to merely vegetate, I went to the Volunteer Bureau to see what use there was left and was pointed to Rowan Cottage which was then Dorchester & District Old People’s Welfare Committee, and a great help in those early days.”

It was quite clear there was a call for a group to be launched, as Alan explained: “The first membership Registration Day had 40 registrations from a large area around Dorchester including Weymouth. For that reason, the group was originally named as the

Dorchester and Weymouth U3A. Following publicity and word-of-mouth more members joined from as far afield as Bridport and Blandford although today

these towns have their own thriving U3A groups. “I remember that we launched in the Record Office and I think I am right in remembering five

groups initially, four of which are still going. I was the first ‘treasurer’ and Lesley Archibald’s

ROCK STARS: Digging for fossils at Lyme Regis and, below, learning online skills

Twenty years on, and county town’s

mother, the auditor because she had accounting experience. This arrangement had its moments as we used a jam jar instead of a bank. If we had money, we put it in and if we needed any, we took it out. The best that one can say is that the first year’s accounts balanced. “We had originally about 40 members and for some obscure reason an annual subscription of £7. Try dividing that one into 12 equal instalments!

“We held our meetings in Antiques Appreciation (Sonia Alexander) in the Friends Meeting House, some in Rowan Cottage (I did this on Wednesday mornings and helped serve at the lunch club straight after), the Friends Meeting House and members’ homes were also used.

“It wasn’t until 1999 that the hall and classrooms of the Holy Trinity Parish centre became available with the hall used mainly for the ‘First Wednesday’

plenary meeting each month. This later became the ‘First Monday’ meeting being more convenient to all.

“Soon after we obtained a grant from the Awards for All lottery fund to purchase our sound

equipment, an overhead and slide projector. After that the rest is as you may say, history.”

Alan added: “Memory is a fickle thing and if we don’t record it now future members will be denied knowledge of what was at

times, quite an adventure.”

Over the last 20 years

Dorchester U3A has grown to become one of the biggest in the country, now led by Margaret Pearce, who has taken the reins as its President. Today the Dorchester and

n CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

KEEPING ACTIVE: Planting a tree, learning the ukulele and president Margaret Pearce

ALWAYS BUSY, ALWAYS LEARNING: Visiting galleries and museums

U3A one of the biggest in the country

District U3A has 500 members, many of whom joined when the organisation first launched, and 40 interest and activity groups and is still growing.

These interest groups cover a host of topics and

activities, and all have been chosen by members. These groups provide a wide range of opportunities to explore new ideas, skills and activities together.

There are numerous groups which form

Dorchester U3A, including Local History, Folk Music for Fun, Wine Appreciation, a Theatre Group plus Lino Printing, Italian for Beginners, Short Tennis, Country Walk, Rummikub, a Reading Group, Antiques

and Collectibles... the list of groups is almost endless.

And numerous trip and outings have been planned for the spring programme. The full timetable can be seen on the U3A website at Dorchesteru3a.org.uk

COUNTRY LIFE: Walking near Corfe Castle

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Budding writers are being urged to get out and let Dorset’s countryside inspire their craft. The new Green Words scheme is a walking and writing wellbeing project taking place in the Bridport area this spring. Coordinated by Bridport Arts Centre, the project will be led by keen walker Dr Kevan Manwaring, senior lecturer in creative writing at Arts University Bournemouth.

Bridport-based Dr Manwaring said: “As a writer I am continually inspired by the great outdoors. I am a great believer in the power of nature to heal, inspire, and encourage resilience.

“My hope is that these walks and workshops will reach out to local people who do not normally have access to the countryside or to creative writing workshops.”

Dr Manwaring will lead “short, inspiring walks” in the Bridport area to encourage those who would not normally go for a nature walk “learn to appreciate the biodiversity on their doorstep and at the same time improve their health and wellbeing”.

The walks will cover a variety of terrain, appealing to walkers and hikers of all ability levels. Free, guided creative writing workshops will be held in Bridport’s Literary and Scientific Institute at 51 East Street following each walk.

An arts centre spokesperson said: “Over 10 weeks, works produced as part of the ‘green words’

scheme will be nurtured and honed, leading to an anthology co-designed and co-produced by the group, including poetry, prose, photography, and illustrations.

“The anthology will be launched at a showcase at Bridport Arts Centre.”

The project, initiated by Dr Manwaring, is funded by the Dorset Community Fund and will be delivered by Bridport Arts Centre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. The centre has said it is keen to promote environmental initiatives and raise awareness as part of its core goals.

Dr Manwaring will lead the walks and the corresponding writing workshops on Fridays from February 10. The walks will run from 10am to noon and the workshops from 1pm to 3pm. Both are open to all, although specific community groups will be encouraged to participate, with a focus on access to green spaces and lifelong learning for all. Spaces are free but are limited to 15 per session so booking is essential. Contact Dr Manwaring at manwaringkevan@gmail.c om

All walks begin at 10am at Bucky Doo Square unless otherwise specified.

n February 10: Coneygar Hill n February 17: Asker Meadow

n February 24: Allington Hill

n March 3: West Bay n March 10: Eype Down (meet at Kabin Café rest area)

n March 17: Colmer’s Hill (meet at Colmer’s Hill car park)

n March 24: Bridehead (meet at village green)

n March 31: Eggardon Hill (meet at lay-by at Crossroads)

n April 21: Kingcombe Nature Reserve (meet outside café)

n April 28: Langdon Hill/Golden Cap (meet at Langdon Wood car park) Workshops will be held in a meeting room at 51 East Street, Bridport from 1pm to 3pm on the day of the walks.

GREAT OUTDOORS: Dr Kevan Manwaring at Golden Cap

Suffering a life-changing brain injury in a head-on car crash nine years ago has not kept Bridport antiques trader Tristram Latimer Sayer down. The former drummer for 1980s dream pop band Breathless, Tristram can now be found selling country primitive antiques from his unit at the Alleyways Antiques Centre on St Michael’s Trading Estate in Bridport.

Hailing from London, Tristram relocated to the West Country 30 years ago, moving into a home near Yetminster and running an antiques trading business from Sherborne.

“I’ve been in antiques since my 20s,” Tristram said. “My parents were antiques dealers and I was influenced by them, it was an obvious path for me to take.

“I was employed for a bit as a young man, including drumming in the band Breathless for a while, but I’ve always really wanted to work for myself.

“I’ve been going to antiques fairs since I was young and I knew what to look out for; after my parents died, I started working for myself, buying things I like and finding my own tastes.

“I don’t really specialise in any kinds of antiques, but I like country primitive, particularly metalwork and woodwork.”

Things were going well for Tristram, trading in Sherborne, until a fateful road trip in 2014 when he was driving a car that collided head-on with

A very different beat for antiques trader Tristram

nine months, followed by lots of rehab work.

“I had broken bones in the crash and suffered quite a bad head injury – it was a bad crash.”

Now in his late 50s and living with his dogs and the assistance of a team of carers, Tristram seems determined not to let past setbacks keep him from doing what he loves.

“Ever since recovering from that crash I just continued to do what I’ve always done: working for myself, buying and selling antiques I’m interested in and hoping that other people will be interested in them too,” Tristram said.

another car that was going the wrong way down a dual carriageway.

“I can’t tell you an awful

lot about the accident, I have no memory of any of it, but I was in intensive care for about eight or

“Bridport is a good place to be for antiques trading, it seems there are a lot of customers with broad ranges of taste around here.”

TRADING PLACE: Tristram Latimer Sayer at his workshop in Sherborne

BACK IN TIME: Tristram at his unit in Bridport and, inset, with Breathless, second from left, back in the 1980s

Restaurant causing a stir to help hospital plea

An Italian eatery in Dorchester is supporting Dorset County Hospital’s Greatest Need Appeal by offering ‘bottomless’ tea and coffee for £5.

Luciano’s in Brewery Square will run its fundraising coffee mornings on Mondays from 9.30am to 11.30am –with half of all funds raised going to the hospital.

The hospital’s Greatest Need Appeal aims to provide extra support for patients on wards and in specialist clinical units and enhance the hospital’s environment and facilities.

Luciano’s general manager Kyle Hiener said: “I feel that with all

Join the CAB

Citizens Advice in Sherborne and Weymouth and Portland are looking for people who have a few hours spare to make a real difference.

The CAB values volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. There are volunteering opportunities in the Weymouth and Portland and Sherborne branches for advisers, debt administrators and receptionists/ administrators.

To find out more send an email to Sherborne office: advice-sher@centralca.org.uk And for Weymouth and Portland email advicewey@centralca.org.uk

the rising costs around us, our coffee morning Mondays give the local community a chance to get together and enjoy some warm beverages and indulge in some lovely cakes and bakes whilst supporting Dorset County

Hospital. We have chosen The Greatest Need Appeal to show our support to areas in the hospital that may not always get all the funding they need. “We welcome everyone –families and large groups and of course, we are dog-

friendly, so bring your furry friends as well. We offer gluten-free and plant-based bakes and of course, milk alternatives are available on request.” For more information visit dchcharity.org.uk/greatest -need-appeal

Council ups holiday meals cash

The cost-of-living crisis prompted Portland Town Council to increase its contribution to fund meals for kids during the Christmas holidays on the island.

The authority currently gives a £2 supermarket voucher to schools for each child in receipt of free meals during holidays.

But a council spokesperson said that ‘due to rising concern brought about by continued food inequality and the cost-of-living crisis’ the council agreed to increase its contribution to £3 per child for the Christmas period.

and the council has worked successfully with them to provide meals for Portland children in receipt of free school meals.”

An Atlantic Academy spokesperson said: “Atlantic Academy has been very privileged to have worked successfully with, and received support from, Portland Town Council over the last two years to help our families during the holiday periods.

working with them in the future.”

advertising@ westdorsetmag.co.uk

The spokesperson added: “When the (meals funding) scheme was formed during the latter part of 2020, Atlantic Academy responded positively to the town council’s initial consultation

“This additional financial benefit has helped support our families most in need to purchase food and groceries when children are not in school.

“We are delighted that Portland Town Council are now supporting other local schools as well at Atlantic Academy, and we look forward to continuing

Following a survey to review the free school meals initiative, the scheme now extends to a further five schools in Weymouth and Portland that have Portland pupils in receipt of free school meals. Portland councillor Carralyn Parkes, who sits on the school meals working group, said: “The Portland community is at the heart of the services that we deliver and decisions that we make at the town council.”

All Saints Academy principal John Cornish said: “I would like to thank the members of Portland Town Council who have demonstrated leadership at this time by supporting Portland pupils with additional funding for meals during school holiday time.”

JUST YOUR CUP OF TEA: Kyle and a colleague outside Luciano’s and, inset, customers enjoy their bottomless tea and coffee

Mayor’s thanks to foodbank team

Dorchester foodbank has seen a ‘significant increase in demand as result of the cost of living crisis,’ one of its trustees has warned.

Stuart Dawson, who made headlines for completing a walking tour of Premiership football stadia to raise almost £16,000 for the MS Society, says the foodbank would struggle to survive without community support.

Mr Dawson said: “We recently received a visit from Dorchester mayor Janet Hewitt, who popped in to thank volunteers for their continuing hard work and dedication.

“Dorchester foodbank has been helping people in the town and the surrounding areas for over 12 years.

“Like all foodbanks, we have experienced a significant increase in demand, as a result of the

cost-of-living crisis and are very grateful for the kind donations made by local people, businesses and organisations. Without this ongoing support and generosity we would struggle to continue to provide this essential service.”

The foodbank runs at the Dorford Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except bank holidays.

Clients can be referred to the foodbank by organisations including Citizens Advice, Dorset Council and housing associations as well as by support workers, schools, GPs and health visitors.

The foodbank can be contacted by email at foodbank@dorchesterbc. org.uk or by calling 07554 9833978.

GOOD WORK: The Dorchester foodbank team with Cllr Janet Hewitt

Looking back at 2022 through the

Bridport’s exceptional freelance photographer NEIL BARNES is well known for his work in the West Dorset area and with a regular market stall on Saturdays

Having been a photographer since 1977, you might think I’d pretty much seen it all through a lens. Well, while I do capture some things that are repetitive, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting subjects. The pictures I’ve chosen here aren’t necessarily my most popular but are my favourites both personally and professionally of the thousands taken during 2022.

January The year started with a wonderful frosty sunrise over east cliff at West Bay, taken with my drone I nickname ‘Minnie’. She’s certainly given me lots of opportunities for new and different angles.

February

February saw the Bridport Bluetits swimming group celebrate the palindromic date of 22/2/22 by wearing tutus and they asked me to record the occasion, which gave me the opportunity to create a typical local newspaper style picture. That month also saw a feature for this magazine of the Highland cows on Eggardon Hill, ordinarily you wouldn’t find me in the same field as cows (I find them intimidating after being chased once at St Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury). Fortunately, I was with the owner of

and a gallery in the Customs House in West Bay, Neil’s stunning photographs captivate locals and visitors alike.

The West Dorset Magazine asked

(nicely) if Neil would review 2022 for us in pictures.

Here is Neil’s review of 2022 through pictures taken throughout the year

the herd Cameron Farquharson and felt quite safe amongst them. This particular animal didn’t seem bothered by this strange man firing a flashgun right under their nose trying to get a nice portrait!

June

Moving on to June and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee afforded some different

pictures all using Minnie.

Bridport’s Town Hall clock was adorned with the Union flag on its faces, a beacon was lit on Allington Hill and during some video work I was doing for the Heritage Canoe Club at West Bay, they unknowingly formed themselves into a ‘Q’ shape for Queen.

June also saw a capture of Lyme Regis and The Cobb

on Midsummer’s Day evening at twilight as the lights came on.

July

July is a great time to get the sun setting behind Colmer’s Hill, something I’ve done many times and I was particularly pleased with this shot.

August August was a great month

n A frosty sunrise at West Bay in January and, below, the Briport Bluetits in February

expert lens of photographer Neil

both personally and professionally. Capturing the fireworks on West Bay Day with the moon shining on the water was a real bonus and a very popular image. I also captured the full moon as it rose over the trees on Bothenhampton Hill, but the best part was finally being able to get my daughter on to the beach at West Bay with the

installation of some wheelchair-friendly mats by the town council. I had been campaigning for beach wheelchair access for eight years and was so pleased to see this.

September

The dry weather finally broke and I was able to complete contrasting pictures of the West Dorset Golf Club course showing

the difference seven weeks apart.

October

It was back to glorious sunsets in Lyme and none better than one taken from the end of the pier showing some beautifully colourful clouds stretching across the horizon.

December

Finally in December I was

able to capture the unusual phenomenon of an Omega Sun setting over the sea, so called because of the Omega shape the sun creates from a layer of warm air just above the horizon refracting the light, a fitting end to the year.

n Neil’s work can also be found online at neilbarnes.com and westbaypictures.co.uk

n West Dorset Golf Club in August and then September and, right, sunset at Colmer’s Hill in July

n A Highland cow in February, canoes in July and, right, the moon rises at Bothenhampton Hill

n Another glorious sunset at Lyme Regis and, right, the Omega Sun setting over the sea

Prestige honour for Rotarian Richard

A Lyme Regis Rotarian has received the Paul Harris Fellowship Reward for his years of unflagging support for club activities.

The award recognises outstanding service to Rotary, their club and the local community.

Past President John McCullum handed the award to Richard Cridge, saying: “There are some members of our club who can always be relied upon to deliver… They work tirelessly and without fuss to help drive the club, to raise the profile of Rotary in the community and to raise much-needed funds for a host of good causes.” He said Richard was always on hand to help, whether it be carols, Christmas street collections and events: “Whether it be

sunny or freezing, windy or raining he is usually there and often at the forefront, organising our merry bunch into action and tidying up after us, always chatting away and keeping us amused with his little stories, or just plain helping out.”

Richard joined Rotary in 1991 and has been president twice, also heading up sub committees.

John said he would always ‘step up to the plate’ for events: “No fuss, no histrionics, just gets on with it and delivers.

“Throws a mean ball, too, in the skittle alley and helped the club win promotion to Division 1 of the skittles league some years ago as well as win the District Challenge trophy on a number of occasions.”

John added: “Recently he

was asked to head up the team that ran the Candles on the Cobb event in 2022 and did so with calm assurance and diplomacy, resulting in the largest sum raised by any organisation in a single day in Lyme Regis. But more than that his leadership, he raised the profile of Rotary in the town and beyond.”

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary International which was established in Chicago in 1905. The Paul Harris Award was created in 1957 in recognition for an individual’s outstanding contribution to Rotary and its aims.

n To join Lyme Rotary contact secretary John Berry: secretary@ lymeregisrotary.org for more information or visit lymeregisrotary.org

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HONOUR: Past president John McCullum, left, presents the Paul Harris Fellowship Reward to Richard Cridge

Here’s why the west is so wonderful

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

With sunset-golden beaches under dramatic, sandstone cliffs, hidden walks on windswept paths, thatched cottages nestled among swathes of bucolic countryside, it is little surprise West Dorset is a premier holiday destination.

With lively fishing towns, a huge arts scene, and a host of seriously good eateries, its hard to believe much of this slice of Dorset countryside has changed little since long before Thomas Hardy’s day.

And this is just one of the reasons why West Dorset has become a top spot for tourists, and why our families from further afield want to spend their holidays here with us. West Dorset has been the inspiration behind a vast array of novels, including Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy and Persuasion by Jane Austen, to name but a few.

And the county has welcomed thousands of film crews over the years, to bring these stories to life on our televisions. Many visitors choose this scenic destination to feel a frisson at walking along the roads, looking at the buildings and soaking in the views of those places

which have played key parts in TV, films and books.

Penned by Chris Chibnall, the excellent Broadchurch was filmed in Bridport while Harbour Lights, which was set in the fictitious seaside town Bridehaven was filmed in West Bay.

There are no surprises for guessing On Chesil Beach, written by Ian McEwan’s book of the same name, was filmed here and The Boat That Rocked was filmed on Portland. A few coastal scenes were shot around Abbotsbury for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968 but it is the Lancombe Country

Enchanting holidays in West Dorset for the young and not so young, humans and dogs, with a special touch of magic!

If this sounds what you are looking for then get in touch with Caroline, who offers dog- and family-friendly holidays for all ages. Couples, families and groups are all welcome in a selection of cottages and

lodges, two of which have hot tubs. All properties are pet friendly, with enclosed gardens, decking areas or patio and an enclosed dog exercise area. There is a private woodland complete with fairy houses, stunning views, private access to the indoor heated pool, plus two games rooms with a pool table and table tennis and a large screen with PlayStations, perfect to keep busy children and teenagers happy! There is also a pizza oven and two brick-built barbecues with seating areas. The top-quality

accommodation has afforded Lancombe TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for the last three consecutive years. Caroline said: “Book in and grab a copy of my unique free guide to Dorset. With my many years living here, I can help you find the best places to go and make the most of your trip. You can get yourself some great offers, see events coming up at Lancombe and the surrounding area. Plus, you can order local produce and book our pool!”

SIGHTS TO SEE: Golden Cap at West Bay, Weymouth Harbour and Portland Bill

and a premier holiday destination

magical Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens which is the reason why many people flock to this pretty little village.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is no ordinary garden, with its own micro-climate in a sheltered woodland valley on the Jurassic Coast. The special plant collection has been built up over the last quarter of a century and with an interesting and full history makes for a ‘must see’ visit to Dorset.

From charming fisherman’s cottages perched on wild clifftops to contemporary Grand Design dreams, Dorset has literally thousands of holiday homes in which to choose a long

Sykes Holiday Cottages sykescottages.co.uk 01244 356666

weekend, short break, two-week family get together or month-long sabbatical.

The West Dorset Magazine has rounded up some of the best companies to help you or your family and friends find the perfect place to stay.

Sykes Cottages is an independent holiday cottage rental agency, with the finest selection of holidays handpicked across the UK and Ireland. Whether it’s a family-friendly holiday, a petfriendly holiday or an activity and adventure-filled holiday you can find your ideal UK break with Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Passionate about providing great customer service, Sykes has scooped a variety of independent awards including:

n The British Travel Award 2020 for ‘Best Large UK Holiday Cottage Company’ for the last eight years (2013-2020)

n TripAdvisor certificate of excellence 2020, awarded for the last nine years (2012-2020)

n Best Companies Awards - 2018 ‘One to watch’ and 2019 2 star company

n Top 100 ‘The Sunday Times Fast Track ‘ 2020

Family properties sleeping six on or near the coast are the first to book up, unsurprisingly, in school holidays, so be sure to start thinking now to secure your first choice.

Dorset Hideaways Dorsethideaways.co.uk 01929 445566

From cosy cottages crammed with Dorset charm to luxury retreats oozing with coastal chic, Dorset Hideaways makes it easy to find that perfect place for you, or your family and friends.

Their portfolio boasts charming cottages for a romantic weekend –with or without the dog – to a luxury barefoot retreat or family friendly villa suitable for small children and close to the beach or a gorgeous house perfectly located for walking, birdwatching, cycling or sailing.

A spokesman said: “Our aim is to find everyone their perfect selfcatering holiday cottage in Dorset for an idyllic coastal holiday.”

www.lancombe.co.uk

With over 35 years’ of expertise, Dream Cottages are proud to have built a quality collection of more than 400 charming self-catering properties across Dorset’s beautiful coast and countryside.

At Dream Cottages we strive to provide an honest, friendly and trusted service for both our guests and property owners, enabling individuals to enjoy fabulous holidays and make life-long memories in this very special, diverse and picturesque county.

Operating from our offices and housekeeping hubs in Weymouth, Swanage & Burton Bradstock, our knowledgeable local team are always on hand to help. Whether that’s taking care of all bookings, marketing and administration for our property owners, or ensuring our guest get the most from their Dorset stay.

If you have a second property in Dorset or thinking of investing in a holiday let and would like to learn more we’d love to hear from you. Give our team a call on 01305 789000 (Option 2)

To explore our portfolio of luxury Dorset holiday homes online visit www.dream-cottages.co.uk

School’s ‘temporary’ classrooms to be replaced

The Gryphon School in Sherborne is one of 500 schools that will be substantially refurbished –with temporary classrooms being replaced as part of the fourth round of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.

Chris Loder, the MP for West Dorset and former pupil of the school, has welcomed the announcement, saying: “I am very pleased our hard work on this campaign has been rewarded with a successful funding bid which will finally deliver the investment that the school requires to replace the ‘temporary’ classrooms which I was schooled in 25 years ago.”

Mr Loder has persistently asked ministers for an

overhaul of the Gryphon’s classrooms.

Headteacher Nicki Edwards said: “This is wonderful news and comes at the end of a great year for the Gryphon with our best ever exam results and our excellent SIAMS inspection.

“Our students and staff

work hard every day and deserve to have the best facilities to work in –replacing our 25-year-old ‘temporary’ classrooms will make such a difference.”

Chair of Governors Jo Mears said: “We would like to pay special tribute to our MP, Chris Loder who is an ex-student of

The Gryphon. Chris has been a tremendous advocate for our bid. “His determination to support us has made a real difference – he has encouraged us to be persistent over that past three years and has kept our cause in the spotlight in parliament. His old school is very grateful to him!”

County’s £4.5m to replace EU funds

Dorset Council is to receive £4.5million government funding to replace money it used to receive from the EU. The money will be provided over the next two years to continue several key programmes, as well as launch some new initiatives.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) matches EU funding, while giving local leaders greater say in how the money is spent.

The £2.6billion of investment across the UK is aimed at ‘turbo-charging’ levelling up – supporting local businesses, boosting skills, reviving high streets, and improving local pride. A new Investment Plan for Dorset, led by Dorset

Council with input from a wide range of contributors, has been approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Dorset’s Investment Plan includes funding for: n Provision of energy efficiency advice through Low Carbon Dorset n The expansion of the Healthy Homes Dorset energy efficiency scheme n Development of affordable sustainable transport, especially for younger people

n A new business support programme to support business growth and deliver business advice n Basic and more advanced skills courses to

help people enter the jobs market and secure better paid employment.

The flexible approach to the Investment Plan also means Dorset Council will have the opportunity to adapt its plan to reflect new economic priorities over the period to 2025.

Councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property, said: “This is great news for Dorset. “We had concerns about the future funding of wellused and appreciated services such as Low Carbon Dorset and Healthy Homes Dorset without EU money, but the UKSPF will ensure we can continue to deliver these.

“The £4.5m will be focused on building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth, and increasing life chances across the county.

“All of these are key objectives for Dorset Council, especially as we tackle post-pandemic financial challenges and offer help to our residents.”

The council aims to launch the first elements of the Investment Plan in the New Year and will be providing more details on how businesses and individuals can access this support.

BACK TO SCHOOL: MP Chris Loder meets staff and pupils at Gryphon School

Volunteers help rebuild historic wall

Volunteers from Portesham rebuilt a historic wall in the village with help from members of the Dry Stone Walling Association.

Work began in May to rebuild the wall, which is thought to be unique in the village due to the lime mortar stone running through it.

Volunteer Vaughan Jones said: “The wall along the old main road has been dilapidated and collapsing since a new stretch of coast road bypassed it decades ago.

“However this section of road, now a cul de sac, is important as a well-trodden route to the village hall and doctor’s surgery. The wall is critical to the visual amenity of the village and could not be left to deteriorate further.”

Mr Jones said a small part of the wall had been rebuilt by volunteers five years ago with further work completed late last year.

Mr Jones said the project has ‘only been possible’ due to the help of individuals and organisations, including the

National Grid Community Fund which financed the work.

Dorset AONB and Dorset Highways also helped, and

Mr Jones said the residents of Goose Hill cul-de-sac have been ‘very supportive’ of the ongoing repairs.

Cheers all round as town is blessed with festive spirit

Winners of Bridport Christmas Cheer competitions are as follows: Most Festive Front Door, judged by Bridport Banners, was won by Andy Violet and Tracey Dunford-Violet, who received a hamper from Mercato Italiano.

Best Christmas Shop Window, as voted for by the general public were: 1: Snooks, 2: Higos, 3: Natural Life Chairman Terri Foxwell said: “Thank you to everyone that entered the new Festive Door competition and to Bridport Banners for judging. All the town centre window displays were viewed as part of the competition –thank you all very much for making the town look so festive and supporting this year’s Christmas Cheer.”

RAISING A GLASS: Volunteers helped rebuild the historic wall in Portesham

THAT’S THE SPIRIT: Father Christmas visits Bridport, carols in Bucky Doo Square and, right, the Violets’ front door

Love letter discovered after 50 years

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A love letter penned by a teenage boy and concealed in a secret pocket edge of the eponymous Crosby, Stills and Nash album released in 1969 was discovered by Rose Thomas when she was cleaning records at Clocktower Records in Bridport.

The 18-year-old boy was clearly in love with the girl to whom he was writing, and wrote words of romance, passion and love from popular bands of the day on the back of the inner lyrics sheet.

He had created its own little secret pocket where he had hidden his love letter.

The note started with the sentence, ‘When you read this in the future, think of me…’

For more than 50 years, the letter had remained hidden, never found by the girl.

Rose said: “Yesterday whilst cleaning records, a concealed pocket edge of 1969’s Crosby,

Stills and Nash had come unstuck. Over 50 years of pressed glue had lost its tack.

“From this concealed inner sleeve fell out some inner lyrics.

“On the back, many words of love songs and romantic sentences of affection. Lyrics and words written by a lovestruck 18-year-old.

“There were loads of copied down lyrics from songs of the 60s. We spotted Lennon, Love as well as CSN in there.

“We saw that 1973 was the latest date which had been added to the paper, suggesting this grand note was a labour of many dreamy evenings in front of the turntable.”

Rose said her top favourite lines from the letter included, ‘Cupid made another successful hit on October 11th 1972’, ‘You are beautiful, (when you look my way)’ and ‘Love forever’. “We got in touch with the

person selling this collection to Clocktower Records, and we asked if she would like her letter back. To everyone’s great surprise, she did not seem to be familiar with the note, although instantly recognised the name of her teenage boyfriend from 50 years ago.

“This letter was 50 years waiting to be read and has captured the hearts of Clocktower Records staff and its patrons.”

Rose added: “This is a piece of music history, this concealed time capsule has brought a lot of nice nostalgia into our store, reminding those who read it about their teenage sweethearts and first loves. The power of music to amplify emotions is profound, and this piece of rock music heritage is a perfect example of this.”

Rose added: “It was such a great day at work that day.”

One of the songs on the Crosby, Still and Nash album is Long Time Gone’ – a fitting tribute to this love story.

Hotel wins UK Charming Canine Cottage title

By Andrew Diprose of dorsetbiznews.co.uk

A Sherborne hotel has won the title ‘Charming Canine Cottage’ in PetsPyjamas’ 2022 Dog-Friendly Travel Awards. The Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa was described as a wonderful home from home experience.

It was chosen from PetsPyjamas’ extensive portfolio of dog-friendly hotels, cottages, country houses and B&Bs in the UK and abroad.

The Cottage was one of 13 winning properties where a dog – and their lucky human –can enjoy a getaway. The

awards consider a property’s ability to offer:

Dog-loving atmosphere and staff at all times

Three or more dog-friendly rooms available to book Four-legged access to some of the property’s communal areas

Ability to dine with their owners with special pet menus being a bonus Dog facilities and provisions such as a bed, bowls and treats in the property

Nearby dog-friendly attractions such as doggy

walks or a dog-friendly beach. The Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa impressed PetsPyjamas judges due to its lovely character, dating back to the 17th century.

Judges also recognised the benefit of access to the wider hotel facilities including a 2AA Rosette Seasons

Restaurant with doggie meals expertly prepared in the kitchen and the spa, as well as access to nearby historic main streets of Sherborne and the Dorset countryside.

Hotel manager Gemma Wells said: “Our Eastbury Cottage is extremely dog-friendly and we love having furry friends staying with us.”

Down to earth

Dear Dorset – we need to have a chat...

Ian Baird is a Kimberlin –an incomer to Portland from West Dorset. Here he writes a letter from the island to the mainland, inspired by his love for the isle.

Dear Dorset

This is going to be… difficult, but it needs to be said. You haven’t been the best of partners, have you?

Whilst you have been beautifully maintained, with your quaint villages, lush valleys and vibrant heathlands, I have been pillaged and looted, my body scarified, my saltmarsh drained and much of my human history erased. But I’m still here. And I’m proud of everything that I am. I have asked a friend, no, a lover, to write these words. He came from the east – not so far away, but far enough to have gazed upon my beauty without prejudice – and I drew him to me. He was in awe of my high Verne Hill, once an Iron Age fortress. He saw the grace of my gentle southward slope into the ocean. He was filled with wonder at storm-washed umbilical Chesil, raised his head to my towering West Cliff and I cooled him with the healing waters of my shores. Like many others, his feet came willingly to wander

my myriad paths and byways.

But I have heard that unkind things are said of me by others, in your lands, Dorset; that I am a dump, not worth visiting, nothing there… But they never visit, do they? They don’t bathe in the ginclear sea that laps at my feet. They’ve not been to Church Ope Cove, beautiful and secluded. Have they seen the medieval buildings of Rufus Castle, St Andrew’s ruins and the windmills? Do they know that London and St Paul’s were hewn from my East Weares, where they can

wander amongst flowers and butterflies in peace and solitude? Do they visit my fascinating museum or the castle on my northern shore? Have they been to Georgian St George’s or the extraordinary graveyard, so filled with history, human endeavour and tragedy? Are any of them aware of those animals and plants, singularly

in the UK is alive and well here?

evolved, to live here and nowhere else on earth? The Cretaceous Silver Studded Blue butterfly, Portland Lavender and Portland Hawkweed? Or that the Large Tortoiseshell butterfly, extinct

Last year, my writer went to a village in West Dorset where he used to live and spoke to a man who had lived there all his life. ‘I’ve never been to Portland’ he said. ‘I’ve been windsurfing down there, but no further’. Similarly, two ladies in Bridport, tight lipped, ‘We don’t know Portland’. They don’t come because they don’t know what I have to offer and tales of denigration proliferate. A little while ago there was a plague among the people but when they could travel again, they did come. They came from London and Birmingham and many other places. But not from Dorset, unless it was to use me as a racetrack. I am the Isle of Portland, independent and proud. Wight gets that distinction! Why am I just referred to as ‘Portland’? Things have to change, Dorset. I have so much to offer. Don’t ruin it for us now…

NEW COLUMN: KIM BERLIN – A newcomer to the Rock

Portland Sea Lavender, Limonium recurvum ssp. portlandicum

Down to earth

PAGAN VIEWS by JO BELASCO

One thing which is undeniable is that the London Plane tree in Abbotsbury is a whopping beauty. She has made that space where she was planted in the valley between St Catherine’s Chapel and Nunnery Grove a special place for many. Pagans and Christians alike are known to sit in her shadow and each ‘pray’ in their own manner.

It’s the closest to a world tree we have around here, with the roots so visible and snake-like.

We can agree it’s amazing, but where did it come from? Not surprisingly, many different origins are claimed by various people.

Some say it was John Trandescant the younger, the famous 17th botanist who created the environment for the American sycamore and the Oriental plane tree to

A thug of beauty

mingle in his gardens in Vauxhall, London.

The trees were not at first known as London planes as they were initially used to line the boulevards of the landed gentry’s vast gardens. Indeed, the few I have tracked down in Dorset are all in what used to be manorial pleasure gardens.

In the 18th century Bryanston School was still a country seat for the Portman family.

The Portman family were housing developers in London. The Lords and

Ladies of Dorset were set apart from the ‘great unwashed’ and kept a tight circle. The Lords brushed shoulders at Westminster and at shooting weekends at each other’s mansions.

In a book by the late Rodney Legg one can see an etching of Bryanston House’s formal gardens still very much influenced by French styles. It’s not too much of a stretch of the imagination to think that Portman, who owned property in Berkeley Square (only two miles from

Trandescant’s Vauxhall gardens) got hold of some seedlings through his connections and tried them out in Bryanston’s gardens. He would have discovered how tough and adaptable they are.

Then when he extended his building schemes across London he may have taken the London Plane with him. Not too much of a stretch of the imagination either to place Mr Henry William Portman in a ballroom tête-àtête with the first countess of Ichester, Lady Elizabeth FoxStrangways, who started what is now Abbotsbury Sub -Tropical gardens in the middle to late 18th century. “Did you bring the London Plane seedling, I so want one for my new gardens by the sea?”

“I did, Lady Elizabeth, but I warn you it is a beautiful thug. Grow it outside the wall of your garden!”

A splash of scarlet to brighten the winter drabness

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

I expect that most of us appreciate the dull colours of winter; they form such a contrast with the warmer seasons and present a more architectural feel to the landscape. However, a handful of fungi, evidently determined to brighten our walks whether we want them to or not, have

more colourful ideas. The bright orange Velvet Shank is one, and the Scarlet Elfcup, pictured, is another. The latter little gem is most common in February, but mild winter weather often encourages an early fruiting, and it is likely that it is around now. This fungus (Sarcoscypha austriaca) is fairly common in deciduous winter woodlands, its brilliant scarlet standing out strikingly from the ubiquitous greys and browns. It forms hemispherical cups about 30mm in diameter on dead branches that have found

themselves fallen among the leaflitter. There is a less common species, S. coccinea, which is distinguished by more or less straight hairs. For the taxonomically minded among you, Sarcoscypha species are related to morels, yeast and the many other cup-shaped fungi that appear in our woods, although the last are not confined to the wild –a particularly splendid crop of a large, brown cup fungus (Peziza cerea), once took up residence in the passenger footwell of my leaky car. Despite knowing that Scarlet Elfcups are not poisonous, I

never thought to eat one until a foraging friend told me how nice they were. I duly fried one gently in butter and found it generally underwhelming and only saved as a comestible because of its faint but still unexpected hint of roses. Our very own Mark Hix served it at a dinner I was hosting in Lyme a few years ago and I must admit that it did, at least, look splendid. Something, then, to both delight and terrify your guests, though you may think that it is better left peacefully in the woods.

SPECIAL BRANCH: The London Plane at Abbotsbury

Down to earth

Star-struck by knowing constellations

Kevin Quinn is a Dark Sky Custodian for the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve who lives in Piddletrenthide.

Read his blog at theastroguy.wordpress.com

When I was a kid, there were no smartphones, no sky map apps, no local stargazers that I knew of, and no one to ask about the night sky.

My dad pointed out the Plough, Orion’s Belt and the Seven Sisters, but that was it. They were all he knew.

Despite being fascinated by the night sky, as most kids were and are (it was the time of the Apollo moon landings, after all), I knew no way of finding out about the night sky. These days there’s really no excuse for not recognising constellations, we all carry smartphones around with us all the time, and there’s a plethora of sky map apps available. But, I hear you say, why should I? What’s the point in being able to name/ recognise constellations? Well, the simple answer is knowledge brings its own rewards.

Plus, being able to answer a child’s question about the name of a particular pattern of stars is priceless. Likewise, pointing out a constellation or asterism to a friend or partner during an evening stroll.

Although I’ve always had an interest in

astronomy, it was only when my daughter was young and asking such questions as ‘What’s that star called?’ or ‘Is that the Big Dipper?’ that I became determined to be able to answer her questions. Once you start to recognise a few constellations they become like old friends –reliably popping up at the same time every year, regular as clockwork. And when they do reappear, the sense of familiarity, the awareness of our place in the solar system’s calendar they impart, and the knowledge that a particular

constellation can herald the arrival of spring, for example, gives a warm, fuzzy feeling that unites us with humanity down the ages.

The fact that stone-age people who painted Orion the hunter and Taurus the bull on cave walls tells us of their importance to early people… a connection lost to many of us these days. Then there’s knowing the astronomical objects within the constellations: open and globular star clusters, nebulae, galaxies etc. This takes things to another level.

For example, and as I’ve mentioned in the past, just

being able to point out the Andromeda galaxy to people never gets old. For a start, why not spend an hour scanning the dark winter sky with just the naked eye, or better yet with a pair of 10x50 binoculars?

Start with Draco in the north, and work your way through Ursa Major in the northeast, Gemini, Auriga and Orion in the south, through Pisces, Andromeda, Pegasus in the east, and finish up with Cygnus setting in the northwest.

Becoming familiar with the constellations is so worthwhile and rewarding, and you’re bound to spot something that piques your interest/curiosity … be it a richly-coloured star, a dazzling star cluster, or even an oddly intriguing fuzzy smudge.

One last thing to look out for: Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is binocular visible low in the northwest just after sunset, but rises again just after midnight, and will be nicely positioned for observing pre-dawn.

KNOWLEDGE IS ITS OWN REWARD: Orion and Taurus due south of Piddletrenthide and above, Gemini to the east of Piddletrenthide

Down to earth

BEACHCOMBING with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

If I ever do a talk about beach metal detecting I have a great plan for my entrance.

To the soundtrack of the Queen song I Want to Break Free, I will sashay along swinging NOT a vacuum cleaner as Freddie Mercury famously did but, yes, a metal detector! Unfortunately, that would be the end of my lecture as I know very little about this subject – luckily others do.

On Weymouth beach front I met Stuart, who is a member of both Weymouth and Yeovil metal detectorists’ clubs. He told me he sometimes finds silver sixpences. The coins were probably from a time when icecreams cost sixpence at Rossi’s Ice cream parlour, which was established in 1937. On the Esplanade there is still a Rossi’s ice cream shop. Stuart has also found jet and amber rings. I was curious to know if the metal detector he used was one specially made to cope with sand. Stuart said nope, it was a general use detector. Next I wanted to know what brand Stuart used... but my voice conked out. I have had a throat condition for a year but now my voice is back but just a tad rusty. Talking

IN THE HUNT: Dan and Teddy Skelton, Stuart showing some coins he has found on Weymouth beach, Richard at Castle Cove and, right, the dial on his Garrett

Watching the detectorists enjoy their happy hunting

of rust, Stuart also showed me what he usually finds –rusty nails and tin openers. It’s good to have realistic expectations of what you may find, he told me – so you don’t get disappointed and let the detector rot in the shed forever after.

On Sandsfoot beach I bumped into Richard. He was using a Garrett and kindly showed me the various buttons, whistles and dials. Some indicate

what metal your machine has found, others how deep down the treasure is. Richard, too, had had a lot of luck with rings. Many he found were lost down wooden groins and old posts.

“You have to imagine where holiday makers would sit,” suggested Richard, “and then look in those places.”

Another sunny day and I met father and son – Dan

and Teddy Skelton, near Castle Cove beach. In the photo Teddy is proudly showing us a bell which he found. His dad Dan said it was a great hobby for a father and son to do together.

Weymouth Town Council allow metal detecting but just request that on busy days the searching should pause between 10am and 6pm. Happy hunting!

I was very young when I first started to take an interest in the birds in the garden. Keen to encourage me, my dad found out his Observer’s Book of British Birds and gave it to me as my first bird book. As a teenager in the 1950s he had written his name and the date inside the front cover and suggested I do the same underneath. As I pored over each of the beautiful little illustrations, I noticed dad had put little pencil ticks on the different birds he had seen, and it was so exciting for me to see if could spot the same birds in our garden some 25 years later. This was about the same time that the RSPB launched their first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979, where they encouraged everyone all over the country to tick off the birds they saw in their gardens. The number of people taking part in the annual survey has grown and grown and nearly 700,000 people took part in 2022, counting 11 million birds, and confirming it as the world’s biggest wildlife survey.

It’s very easy to take part, you just watch your patch for one hour over the weekend of January 27-29 and record the different

No need to quarrel about it, just take part in survey

birds that visit. I will be watching my Tolpuddle garden and won’t be surprised to see a ‘quarrel’ (yes, that really is the collective noun) of around 20 house sparrows, the number one bird recorded nationally for 19 years running. I’ll be pleased if I see one or two of the runner-up blue tit and the third-placed starling, and I’m sure the fourth, fifth and sixth-placed birds of woodpigeon, blackbird and robin will all be present. With over 40 years’ worth of data the RSPB have

observed some worrying trends. Although still commonly seen in gardens, the numbers of sparrows and starlings have dropped dramatically. Song thrush sightings have fallen by 81% since 1979 and, over recent years, they’ve also observed a sharp decline in greenfinch numbers due to disease, though numbers rallied a bit last year. The gardens of the UK are thought to total more than three times the area of all the country’s nature reserves combined, so keeping our

Dorset gardens naturefriendly and providing clean food and water for the birds can really make a difference.

You can register for the Big Garden Birdwatch at rspb.org.uk and get a free guide. I would love to hear from you about the birds you see in your garden, email your photos to sally@westdorsetmag. co.uk and you may see them in print next month’s edition.

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

FEATHERED FRIENDS: A quarrel of house sparrows and, below, a robin and a blue tit

God knows the troubles we all face, and He cares

By Canon Deb Smith, Team Rector of Bridport

King George VI quoted part of a poem which has since become well-known in his 1939 Christmas broadcast. It was the first December of the Second World war. And the littleknown poem by Minnie Louise Haskins, entitled God Knows, spoke to those who were fearful about what might lie ahead.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.

‘That shall be to you better

than light and safer than a known way.’

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone east.

These words have understandably been used many times, as so many look into an uncertain future, and as we step into a new year.

Some are filled with hope, others with the worry of these days.

You may have heard the interviews recently with the former political prisoner Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliff about the experience of being incarcerated in prison in Iran for five years,

Services

Sherborne Abbey Weekday Services

Monday to Saturday at 8.30am, Morning Prayer - The Sepulchre Chapel

Every Monday at 9am, Holy CommunionThe Lady Chapel

Every Tuesday at 12noon, Holy CommunionThe Lady Chapel Every Wednesday at 10.30am, Holy Communion with Homily – The Lady Chapel Every Thursday at 12noon, BCP Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel

Every Friday at 9am, Ecumenical Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel

The first Friday of the month at 9am, Requiem Holy Communion - The Sepulchre ChapelEvery Saturday at 9am, Holy CommunionThe Sepulchre Chapel

Sunday January 15

Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 10am Morning Service

St James the Great, Longburton: 10am Family Communion

separated from her family, and her little girl.

It was painful to hear how very difficult that time was, she spoke of her anger which she had chosen to put away in order that she could live now. And she spoke of the bonds of solidarity and hope even on dark days, of moments of brightness even when life seemed cut off.

I wonder what people living in conflict, illness, fear or sadness today feel about this new year. How do any of us face another year?

It may bring difficulty and joy, dark and light. But we do not journey alone. We journey with Jesus – whose brightness came into the darkness of the world.

St Paul’s at The Gryphon: 10.30am All Age Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 11.15am Mattins

Burton Bradstock: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Family Service Swyre: 11am Morning Worship Puncknowle: 11am All Age Worship

Litton Cheney: 9.30am Morning Prayer Long Bredy: 9.30am Morning Worship

Sunday, January 22

Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist 6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 10am Morning Service

St James the Great, Longburton: 10am Holy Communion

St Paul’s at The Gryphon: 10.30am Morning Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 11.15am Mattins,

St Saviour’s Dottery: 9.30am Holy Communion

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury: 11am Benefice Eucharist

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton: 6.30pm Evensong

The name Jesus says that God cares about us; God knows what is happening to and with us; God is not indifferent; God is present, acting in the world and in our lives; and it says that God loves us.

As we go forward, through this wonderful short season of Epiphany and beyond into whatever this year ahead holds, may we trust in the name of Jesus. The name which contains, and reveals the fullness of God’s life, love, and longing. And may we commit ourselves to holding the Christ light for others even as they hold it for us.

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell: 6.30pm Evensong

Burton Bradstock: 11am Holy Communion

Shipton Gorge: 11am Holy Communion Swyre and Puncknowle: 9.30am Joint breakfast

Litton Cheney: 9.30am Holy Communion Little Bredy: 11am Morning Worship

Sunday, January 29

Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 10am Morning Service

St Paul’s at The Gryphon: 10.30am Morning Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 11.15am Holy Communion

St James the Great, Longburton: 4pm Songs of Praise

Abbotsbury: 11am United Service

St Saviour’s Dottery: 11am Benefice Eucharist

Sunday, February 5

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock: 9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Loders: 11am Benefice Eucharist

A bit about us for our new readers

By Miranda Robertson Editor miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Just under a year ago, we launched The West Dorset Magazine, hoping to spread the love of this area and bring communities together. In that short time, we have accumulated about 60,000 fans, won a national award and become a firm favourite among readers, many of whom have donated to keep us going –thanks so much to all of you.

We’re not remotely thinking of throwing the towel in – as regional journalists with more than a century of experience in local news between our little team it gladdens our old cockles how much the WDM is valued.

Over the last 11 months we have found ourselves contacted by a lot of people in Weymouth and Portland, wanting coverage of their events and news and we’ve had to relax our stance on including news from outside West Dorset as it was clear the two areas are intertwined.

To be able to do this properly, we’ve made the decision to increase our print run to 23-25,000, so we have enough copies for Weymouth and Portland, and we are also now going into Yeovil.

We are also increasing the number of pages from 72 to 88-96.

If we get more advertising it won’t affect the amount of content, as so often happens with magazines –we will simply increase the number of pages.

As we tackle this enhanced

distribution and pagination we know we have to get the balance of content just right, so we have taken the decision to publish monthly. This helps our advertisers gain the maximum benefit in terms of time and exposure, while we focus

on all the terrific stories out there – all those people doing fantastic things. The WDM is run purely on revenue from advertising, and we bend over backwards to make advertising work for people.

Take a look at the next few pages, which give you details of our pricing, stockists and more, and get in touch to see if we can help your marketing.

01305 566336 advertising@ westdorsetmag.co.uk

What a lot we got! Our stockist list

Abbotsbury: Chapel Lane Stores, DT3 4LF. Ilchester Arms, 9 Market St, DT3 4JR. Swan Inn, DT3 4JL

Affpuddle: Phone box, DT2 7HH

Allington: Washingpool Farm Shop Dottery Rd, North Allington, Bridport DT6 5HP

Ansty: Ansty Post Office/Brewery Farm Shop, DT2 7PN

Askerswell: The Spyway Inn DT2 9EP

Beaminster: Village Bakery shop, 1 Hogshill St, DT8 3AE. Spar @ Hogshill Stores, 39-41 Clay Lane, DT8 3BX. Dexters, 4 Hogshill St DT8 3AE. Bombay Spice, 2426 Hogshill Street, DT8 3AA. The Red Lion, 14 The Square DT8 3AX. Tangerine Cafe, North St, DT8 3DZ. Church office, 8 Hogshill Street, DT8 3AE. Nick Tett butchers, 19 The Square, DT8 3AU. Cilla and Camilla Café, The Square, DT8 3AS. Beaminster Town Council, 8 Fleet St, Beaminster DT8 3EF. The Greyhound 1 The Square, DT8 3AW. Yarn Barton Tourist & Information Centre, Fleet Street, DT8 3DR

Bere Regis: Country Store, Townsend Business Park, Cow Drove, BH20 7JZ. Pop in Place, 96 North St, BH20 7LD. Shell Garage.

Bishop’s Caundle: The Village Store and PO The Old Forge DT9 5NQ. Caundle Service Station Main Rd, DT9 5NA.

Bockhampton: Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, DT2 8QH

Bradford Abbas: Rose and Crown pub, DT9 6RF. Telephone box (book exchange). Churchwell St DT9 6RF.

Bradford Peverell: Phone box DT2 9SL

Bradpole: Bradpole Village Store & Post Office 1 Mill Street DT6 3HS.

Briantspuddle: Brtiantspuddle Shop & Post Office, The Granary, DT2 7HT.

Bridport: Co-op, Sea Road North, DT6 4RR. Morrisons, West Bay Road, DT6 4SB. Wetherspoon 2 East St, DT6 3LF. Mango hair salon,

13 South Street DT6 3NR. Lidl St Andrews Rd, DT6 3DJ. SPAR 23 East St, DT6 3JX. Bridget’s fruit and veg 32 East St DT6 3LF Café Bean, 41 South Street, DT6 3NY. Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street, DT6 3LF. Toymaster, 44 South Street, DT6 3NN. Morrish & Banham 5 South Street, DT6 3NY. Framptons of Bridport, Market House, East Street, DT6 3LF. Jewson, Fairfield, South Street, DT6 3PD Lord Nelson Pub, 52 East Street, DT6 3LL. Palmers Wine Store, West Bay Road, DT6 4JA.

McCarthy & Stone show home Former Mountjoy School, Flood Ln, DT6 3QG. Bartletts Country Store DT6 3EX.

Broadmayne: Corner House Stores, 42 Main Street, DT2 8EB

Broadwindsor: Community Stores, Drimpton Road, DT8 3QL.

Buckland Newton: The Old Chapel Stores, Majos Common, DT2 7DA.

Burton Bradstock: Burton Bradstock Post Office & Farm Shop 75 Mill St, DT6 4QZ.

Modbury Farm, DT6 4NE. The Anchor Inn, High Street, DT6 4QF. Hive Beach Café, Beach Rd, DT6 4RF. Central Convenience Stores Cliff Corner DT6 4RB. Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, DT6 4PT. Maydown Farm Shop & Post Office 75 Mill Street DT6 4QZ Bus stop DT2 0HY.

Cattistock: Fox & Hounds Duck St, DT2 0JH. Post office DT2 0HY. Bus stop

Cerne Abbas: Cerne Abbas Stores, 9 Long Street, DT2 7JF. New Inn rooms, 14 Long St, DT2 7JF.

Charlton Down: Charlton Down Village Shop Alder Court, Hawthorn Road DT2 9UY.

Charminster: Three Compasses 9 The Sq, DT2 9QT. Village Hall. The Gamekeeper 16 North Street DT2 9QZ. The Sun Inn Lower Burton DT2 7RZ.

Charmouth: Morgan’s 3 The St, DT6 6PU. Nisa The St, DT6 6PP.

Cheselbourne: The Rivers Arms, DT2 7NW.

Chetnole: The Chetnole Inn, DT9 6NU. Phone box, DT9 6NU

Chickerell: Lugger Inn 30-34

West St, DT3 4DY. The Co-operative Food, Chickerell Road, DT4 0RA. 51/53 East St, DT3 4DT.

Chideock: HellBarn Farmhouse, HellBarn Cottages, Hell Lane, DT6 6LA. Spark 1 Foss Orchard, DT6 6SG.

Corscombe: The Fox Inn DT2 0NS.

Cosmore: Revels Fishery and Tackle Shop, Revels Farm DT2 7TW.

Crossways: CO-OP, 11 Warmwell Road, DT2 8BS. Crossways Garage, Unit 4, Higher Woodsford, DT2 8BL. Premier Store and Post Office, 21 Mount Skippet Way, DT2 8TP. Dewlish: Royal Oak, DT2 7ND. 2 Church St DT2 7LU.

Dorchester: Tesco Superstore, Weymouth Avenue, DT1 2RY. Co-op, Trinity Square, DT1 1TT. Mole Valley Country Stores, Grove Trading Estate, DT1 1ST. Lidl 1 The Grove, DT1 1XU. The Shire Hall Museum, High West Street, DT1 1UY. Brewers Decorator Centre Millers Close DT1 1SS. Library Charles St DT1 1EE. Trinity Club, 38 Trinity St, DT1 1TT. 6 Garfield Avenue, DT1 2EX. Dodgsons of Dorchester, South Terrace House, South Street, DT1 1DE. Horse with the Red Umbrella, 10 High East Street, DT1 1UJ. The Junction Hotel Great Western Rd, DT1 1UF. Shoetrees, 6 Trinity Street, DT1 1TU. Goulds Stores, 22-23 South Street, DT1 1DA. Plaza Cinema, Trinity Street, DT1 1TT. Wetherspoon’s, 21-22 High W St, DT1 1UW. Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High West Street, DT1 1UP. Naturalife, Unit 18, Antelope Walk. 1610 leisure centre

Coburg Road DT1 2HR. Great Western Electrical Distributors, Unit C Great Western House, Great Western Industrial Estate, DT1 1RD. GCS Agriculture, Louds Mill, St George’s Road, DT1 1PH. McCarthy Stone show home, London Road DT1 1WY. Dorchester Timber, 3 Millers Close, DT1 1YA. Trumpet Major Pub, Alington Avenue, DT1 2AB. Sprint Signs and Post Office, Trinity St DT1 1DH. Highwood

is enormous – and growing all the time

Mowers, Miller’s Close, DT1 1HW. Came Down Golf Club, DT2 8NR.

Drimpton: The Royal Oak 1 Bridport Rd, DT8 3RD.

Evershot: Post office & shop 21 Fore St, DT2 0JR.

Eype: Spar, Highlands End holiday park, DT6 6AR. Golden Acre, Mount Ln, DT6 6AL.

Frampton: Frampton Garage 7B Dorchester Rd, DT2 9NB. Long Ash Service Station, DT2 9NW.

Halstock: Halstock Village Shop BA22 9RR.

Hooke: Church porch Leigh: The Little Leigh Store Bridge Garage, DT9 6HW. Litton Cheney: Pub Litton Ln, DT2 9AT.

Loders: Loders Inn DT6 3SA.

Long Bredy: Church, hall & phone box.

Longburton: Rose & Crown DT9 5PD.

Lyme Regis: Co-op 38 Broad St, DT7 3QF. Tesco Express 40-41 Broad St, DT7 3QF. The Hub, Lym Close.

Maiden Newton: No 64 the newsagents, Dorchester Rd DT2 0BG. Spar garage, Dorchester Road DT2 0BA. 15 Stanstead Rd, DT2 0BL. Corner stores DT2 0AA. Lancombe Country Cottages, DT2 0HU.

Mapperton: Mapperton shop Mapperton Estate DT8 3NR.

Martinstown: Village store, DT2 9JP. Eweleaze milk shed Eweleaze Dairy, DT2 9JN.

Melplash: Half Moon Inn, DT6 3UD.

Middlemarsh: Hunters Moon pub, DT9 5QN.

Milborne Port: Co-op, Gainsborough, DT9 5BB.

Milborne St Andrew: Grays Store, Milton Road, DT11 0LJ.

Milton Abbas: Steepletonbill Farm Shop, Catherines Well, DT11 0AT.

Minterne Magna: Minterne House and Gardens DT2 7AU.

Morecambelake: Felicity’s Farm Shop, A35, DT6 6DJ.

Moreton: The Dovecote Café, Manor House, DT2 8RG

Mosterton: SPAR Orchard Way, DT8 3LT.

Netherbury: Bus shelter Crook Hill DT6 5LY.

North Wootton: The Elms DT9 5JW.

Owermoigne: Dobbies, 24 Wareham Rd, DT2 8BY.

Piddlehinton: The Thimble Inn, 14 High Street, DT2 7TD.

Piddletrenthide: Piddle Valley Stores DT2 7UF.

Plush: Brace of Pheasants, DT2 7RQ.

Portesham: Duck’s Farm Shop & Café Bramdon Ln, DT3 4HG. King’s Arms, 2 Front Street, DT3 4ET.

Portland: Lidl, Hamm Beach Rd, DT5 1SA. Tesco, Park Rd, Easton, DT5 2AD.

Poundbury: Poundbury Garden Centre Peverell Ave DT1 3RT.

Buttermarket Stores and PO 1 Buttermarket DT1 3AZ Poundbury Village Stores, 27-31 Middlemarsh Street, DT1 3FD. Poet Laureate pub, Pummery Sq, DT1 3GW. Crown Street Coffee Lounge Crown St W.

Powerstock: Three Horseshoes Dugberry Hill, DT6 3TF.

Puddletown: Spar Shop, 27-29 High Street, DT2 8RT. The Blue Vinny, 12 The Moor, DT2 8TE.

Pulham: The Halsey Arms, DT2 7DZ.

Puncknowle: The Crown Inn Church St, DT2 9BN.

Pymore: Pymore Inn Pymore, DT6 5PN.

Rampisham: Synergy Vets The Transmission Hall, Rampisham Business Centre.

Salway Ash: Pineapple Village Shop at Pineapple Business Park, DT6 5DB.

Seatown: Golden Cap Holiday Park, DT6 6JX.

Sherborne: CWS Convenience, Westbridge Park, DT9 6AW. Sainsburys Ludbourne Road, DT9 3ND.

The Corner House Newsagent Half Moon Street DT9 3LL. Jill’s hairdressers, Trendle Street DT9 3NT. Oliver’s Coffee Shop 19 Cheap St, DT9 3PU. Kafe Fontana 82 Cheap St, DT9 3BJ. Bugdens and Garage Yeovil Road DT9 4BQ. Castle Gardens Garden Centre New Road DT9 5NR. Sherborne Abbey Parish Office Abbey Cl, DT9 3LQ.

Shipton Gorge: The New Inn Shipton Road, DT6 4LT.

South Perrott: Parrett Hotel DT8 3HS.

Stoke Abbott: The New Inn DT8 3JW.

Stratton: The Saxon Arms, 20 The Square, DT2 9WG.

Sydling St Nicholas: Greyhound Inn, 26 High Street, DT2 9PD.

Bus shelter by church, Church Lane, DT2 9PA.

Symondsbury: Ilchester Arms, 1 The Buildings, DT6 6HD. Symondsbury Stores, Manor Yard, Mill Lane DT6 6HG.

Templemans Ash: The Wagon House, Attisham Farm, DT6 5NX.

Thorncombe: Thorncombe shop, Chard St, TA20 4NF.

Thornford: Thornford Stores and PO Longford Rd, DT9 6QQ.

Tincleton: St John’s the Evangelist Church porch 5 The Courtyard, DT2 8QR.

Toller Porcorum: PO 19 High St, DT2 0DN.

Tolpuddle: Tolpuddle Farm Shop, DT2 7HB. Village Hall.

Upwey: Lizzie the Baking Bird, Stable Cottage, 20 The Ridgeway, DT3 5QQ.

Uploders: Crown Inn New Rd, DT6 4NU.

Waytown: Hare and Hounds DT6 5LQ.

West Bay: Windy Corner cafe, West Bay Quayside, DT6 4GZ. Groves Garden Centre, The Nurseries, West Bay Road, DT6 4BA. West Bay Discovery Centre, W Bay Rd DT6 4EN.

The Watch House Café DT6 4EN. West Bay Spar 149 W Bay Rd, DT6 4EH.

West Bexington: Tamarisk Farm Shop, Beach Rd, DT2 9DF.

West Stafford: The Wise Man Inn DT2 8AG.

Weymouth: Asda, Newstead Rd, DT4 8JQ. Morrison’s, Dorchester Rd, DT3 5JA. Sainsbury’s, Mercery Rd, DT3 5HJ. Lidl 148 Dorchester Rd, DT3 5EF. CO-OP, Chickerell Road, DT4 9TP.

The Weymouth Information Shop (WIS), 98 St Mary’s Street, DT4 8NY.

Winterborne Abbas: The Coach House Inn, The Street, DT2 9LU. Esso A35, DT2 9LJ.

Winterborne Kingston: The Greyhound, North Street, DT11 9AZ. Phone box.

Winterbourne Steepleton: Steepleton Manor Care Home, DT2 9LG.

Yeovil: Lidl W Hendford, Yeovil BA20 2AJ. Lidl Lyde Rd, Yeovil BA21 5DW.

Yetminster: Spar, 4 Sunnyside

Letters Strange and questionable assertions

Thank you for your excellent article in Edition No. 23 describing frustrations local groups are feeling with the lack of any response by Dorset Council to the 9,000 people that made the effort to respond to the publication of the draft Local Plan. No detailed feedback nor any sign of an amended draft in almost two years since the consultation period closed is simply not good enough.

As quoted in your article, Cllr Walsh makes some strange and questionable assertions. He states that the “North Dorchester Garden Community is already part of the adopted West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland local plan and is part of the future of Dorset.” Really? According to Dorset Council’s own website, development north of Dorchester was first included in the 2018 Review of the (2015) Adopted Local Plan, when it was greeted by strong opposition. This opposition was ignored and a bid for Garden Community status was subsequently submitted. There was no mention of development north of Dorchester or a North Dorchester Garden Community in the 2015 adopted West Dorset Local Plan.

Stating the development is already “part of the future of Dorset” proves Cllr Walsh’s determination to build these 4,000 non-affordable houses whatever the concerns expressed by local people and authorities such as Wessex Water and the Environment Agency. Such

Fruits of Peter’s labour

Since 2012, I have been growing my own full-size pineapples in my conservatory. This one is pineapple Number 4.

All you do is plant the bit you throw away anyway, and after about two years of looking after the plant that it becomes, it starts pushing out a pineapple from the middle. I then start feeding it with

predetermination cannot be in the interest of the people of Dorset and is contrary to codes of conduct.

It is also quite wrong to suggest that STAND, a group that has consistently opposed development north of Dorchester, is in any way compliant with “the placemaking work for the development.” Cllr Walsh banned so-called pressure groups from contacting Dorset Council planners directly, so representatives of STAND attended three Dorset Council workshops to understand exactly what is proposed.

tomato fertiliser. When it is full-size, I cut it off its main stem, and start the routine again, but plant the green top. Before you ask , yes it tastes lovely and sweet!

By the way the free, West Dorset Magazine is brilliant. Yours, an 81-year-old pensioner

Peter Pinker

Bridport

During the workshops, we stated our continued opposition and raised such vital issues as the threat to Dorchester’s water supply and increased risk of flooding to people’s homes in the northeast of the town. What is required is a truly community-led Local Plan that provides affordable housing where it is needed. Not a new town, the size of Wimborne, which threatens the viability of Dorchester itself.

We also need to be able to rely on the veracity of comments expressed by our elected

representatives.

Neil Matthews

Hon. Secretary, STAND (Save the Area North of Dorchester)

Dorset local plan – north of Dorchester

Yes, time flies.

I was first involved with this development scheme nearly 40 years ago. The then Dorset County and West Dorset District Councils pushed for this developer-led scheme in the 1980s.

As the then Chair of the Dorchester Civic Society – it is still battling today – I called a public meeting and formed a campaign group – Cokers Frome Action – which forced the councils to approach the Duchy of Cornwall who, we were told, ‘...will never agree to releasing land ..’

The DCS' action group focused on land west of the town, now Poundbury, in view of its proximity to existing roads, services (water, sewerage etc) schools and hospital.

Suddenly the Duchy and their design guru Leon Krier proposed a ‘hilltop village as seen in Italy’. This interesting and highly sought-after development is now a magnet for well-off retirees and younger professionals, and is now serviced by a primarily local-born work force. This popularity has raised house values beyond the purse of many of the indigenous young people. The Duchy has however provided a good percentage of affordable housing, including to-let social homes.

The Norchester proposal will

made by councillor on the Local Plan

have such staggering costs including a new road – the A35 to A37 link – and the full costs ad initio of the needed shops, schools for all ages, medical services (will doctors and shopkeepers risk founding businesses until fully developed? etc. As happens too often the percentage of affordable housing then has to be lowered to prove viability. Viability never was possible on this site. The link road proposed is in the style of Middle Farm Road at Poundbury. But it will have to take a large proportion of the through-traffic that no longer uses our overloaded by-pass and prefers the rat-run of Dorchester High Street. How will residents of Norchester reach all the shops, services etc if not by car? How safe will it be for school children to walk across the water meadows in the winter darkness if the proposed new schools are absent?

The proposal is a non-starter that does not address the town centre's existing problems. Also it fails the need of the town for affordable housing for local people and a vibrant economy that works in harmony with the character and vital importance of its historic, landscape and literary settings.

Having received Government funding to assist this scheme, Dorset Council still has not decided if this ‘garden village’ is a suburb or a free-standing town. Is it Milton Abbas or Milton Keynes ?

Anthony Gannon Dorchester

I am currently reading your

latest edition and must reply to the letter from Dave Edwards from Bridport who says that our MP, Chris Loder, only replies to constituents who are Tories. I am absolutely not a Tory voter, something I have made very clear in my communications to Mr Loder.

I regularly write to Mr Loder (particularly so during the Boris Johnson premiership) and always received a reply, albeit it was sometimes a bit delayed.

I couldn’t have been clearer in my emails to him during that time about my huge concern (and often considerable anger) about Mr Johnson’s behaviour, his fitness to hold high office and the damage (as I saw it) that he was doing to the

country.

I am certainly no fan of Chris Loder or his politics, but I am someone who tries to be fair.

today's cost of living crisis. I have taken the time to explain how we can continue to feed our garden birds with little more than everyday waste.

Heather

Bland Alton Pancras

With reference to a letter from David Edwards subject Chris Loder.

I do not like to see injustice, I am not a Tory and was helped recently with a problem from Chris when no one else could. So I suggest you write or email your local MP, do not be put off by a biased comment.

David Ranger

In the cusp of austerity, many people will be considering spreading their meagre resources around to deal with

You can feed garden birds and reduce food waste by using over-ripened fruit chopped up, peas, sweet corn and mashed potatoes, breakfast cereals and raw oats, unsalted nuts (crushed), bacon fat, grated cheese (not soft cheeses), cooked pasta pasta and rice without sauce. A boiled egg is considered a treat, leave the shell on, crush it up and serve. For best results look at what is being eaten by your garden birds, different species eat different food. Start with a little and increase until there is virtually nothing left by late afternoon. If possible, buy the cheaper bird feed with plenty of wheat which goes down a treat with sparrows and wood pigeons. You may attract a grey squirrel to your table – but they feel hunger too. Hygiene is of the utmost importance, it doesn't cost anything and clearing away uneaten food before it goes mouldy along with cleaning out your drinkers on a regular basis will help prevent diseases being spread.

Stale bread, crusts, cakes and biscuits broken up along with anything else you may consider is worth trying. If the birds don't eat it, stop and try something else.

Our song birds are decreasing at a worrying pace, I cant imagine a world without a dawn chorus.

Mike Fry, Poole

PS: So glad things worked out all right with your dog.

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Vittles (food & drink)

Happy New Year! Finally we have come to the end of our amazingly flavoursome turkey. Over the Christmas period it provided many meals in one guise or another and I still have a beautiful stock in the freezer. After the initial outlay it worked out at approximately £3 per head per meal. So, it came as a shock to me to hear that an acquaintance who had turkey on Christmas day, threw away the rest! NOOOOO!!!

Recent statistics on food waste are not only shocking but downright immoral. Some interesting facts every single year the number of poultry thrown away in a year could make 800 million boxing day curries, potatoes thrown away annually could produce Christmas day roasties for the next 48 years. Why are we throwing away so much food? Can we really afford to? There is an ethical issue here. Producers are rearing millions of poultry to be ‘thrown

Reduce your waste, reduce your waist

away’ we might as well be burning money. People say that turkey is dry, that is a bit like blaming the tools rather than the workman. Apart from the aromatic and somewhat obligatory turkey curry I made turkey

pot pie, a simple recipe using diced turkey meat, peas, celery, and carrots in a white sauce topped with puff pastry or mash potato. Risotto is always a favourite add prawns, peas, and chilies to pep it up. Soups at this time of year

are a veritable comforting feast and so easy to make –add pearl barley and a dash of cream for a rich, thick broth. Boil up beef or poultry bones for a few hours along with a carrot and onions, cool, strain and freeze. Add some dumplings, this is perfect for hungry tums. Making a recent batch of cookies, I used up the contents of an unopened Advent calendar. Cream together 150gms of butter and sugar add 1 egg, vanilla extract and 200gms plain flour with ¼ tsp baking powder. Add some chocolate pieces and form into balls and bake for 15 minutes until golden. When it comes to reducing food waste, I am officially OCD!

I am on a crusade to try and reduce food waste, if you have some food left over from a meal and at a loss to know what to make, Email me at kazbbbroad@ gmail.com and I will advise you on how to easily turn your food into a delicious meal!

Chocolate Roulade with Roasted Hazelnuts

Ingredients:

75g dark chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa solids

50g plain flour 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

150g caster sugar 4 large eggs

20g blanched hazelnuts, chopped and

roasted in the oven 150ml double cream for filling

Method: Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan oven. Line a shallow Swiss roll tin with baking parchment. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, either over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water, or melt in a microwave if

you are confident with this method. Leave it to cool slightly.

Roast the chopped hazelnuts for around 5-7 minutes.

Be sure to set the timer, as they can burn very quickly.

Sift together the flour and cocoa powder.

Beat together the caster sugar and eggs in a food mixer until pale and fluffy and thick enough to leave a

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.

THAT TAKES THE BISCUIT: My cookies made from the contents of an unopened advent calendar Mum’s

Vittles (food & drink)

This jalousie will get you somewhere

I cannot bear to see good food go to waste and, with rising costs, it feels more important than ever not to throw away anything that can be eaten.

With a 3/4 jar of mincemeat and a slightly wrinkly cooking apple that needs using up, I’m thinking pud.

Buy a piece of puff pastry and you can make this dessert very cheaply. If you don’t want to use an egg or icing sugar you can just as easily seal the pastry and brush the top with milk then sprinkle with granulated sugar. This is a cracking superquick recipe that will feed 6-8 people.

Mincemeat and Apple Jalousie 375g ready rolled puff pastry

15g butter (optional) 350g mince meat

1 large cooking apple 1 egg

25g icing sugar

Remove the packaging from the pastry and leave it out of the fridge for 5-10 minutes.

Peel, core and slice the apple. Melt the butter. Unroll the pastry and lay it out flat with the short edge at the top. Brush the pastry

trail when the beater is lifted. This is likely to take around five minutes. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder mixture, followed by the melted chocolate and roasted hazelnuts.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when pressed with a finger.

Remove from oven and leave to cool, covered with a clean damp tea towel and leave it to cool.

with the butter, leaving a 2cm border all the way round.

On the righthand side of the pastry spread the mincemeat, keeping a clear edge. Lay the slices of apple over the top in two rows covering the full

Whip the cream until it holds its shape. Cut a rectangle of greaseproof paper larger than the roulade and dust it generously with icing sugar. Turn out the roulade onto the paper and carefully peel off the baking parchment.

Spread with the whipped cream, then use the paper to help it roll it from a short edge.

It may not roll into a perfect shape –mine didn’t – but this gives it a homemade and rustic look and the taste is delicious!

length. Glaze the pastry edges with beaten egg. On the left hand side of the pastry make horizontal slashes so that when you fold the pastry over the filling these are on the top. Crimp the edges to ensure that the filling is sealed in. Put the jalousie in the fridge (on a baking tray lined with parchment) for 30 minutes. Pop the oven on at Gas 6/ 200C.

Glaze the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sifted icing sugar and place in the oven for 30 minutes.

Take it from the oven when crisp and golden and the pastry is cooked through. Allow the jalousie to cool for 15 minutes before serving warm with custard or cream. And enjoy...

n Lizzie is at The Old Ship Inn in Upwey DT3 5QQ on Saturdays from 9.30am12.30pm Follow her on Instagram for more recipes including this one.

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

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT: Minemeat and Apple Jalousie

Singers set to debut new composition

The New Elizabethan Singers are to present the first concert performance of a new piece by local choral composer and conductor Matthew Coleridge, plus two more works by English composers from around a century ago.

The concert at St Swithun’s Church, North Allington, starts at 7pm on Saturday, January 28.

Magnificat (“My soul doth magnify the Lord”) and Nunc Dimittis (“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace”) by Coleridge form part of the Anglican service of Evening Prayer, the words being Mary’s when she tells her cousin about her pregnancy and Simeon’s when the young Jesus is presented in the Temple.

Saint Nicolas is a cantata by Benjamin Britten from 1948. It’s the same Saint who became mythologised as Santa Claus, but this is the lifestory of the historic 4th century Bishop of Myra rather than of the distributor of Christmas goodies.

Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams

was composed around 1909. It uses verses by Welsh poet and Anglican priest George Herbert that were written in 1633 and comprise his quiet, personal meditations.

n Tickets (£15, under 18s free) can be obtained from Goadsby Estate Agents in Bridport or online at ticketsource.co.uk/nes

Elvis is in the building for Blue Hawaii show

An audience at Buckland Newton Village Hall can expect the usual mayhem and lots of interaction, together with a host of Elvis songs as Spitz & Co return to the Artsreach programme with a brandnew comedy, following their previous sell-out tours of Gloriator, Gloria In The Mist and Les Gloriablès. Award-winning Elvis impersonator Joe Reeve (Best Sideburns,

GlosVegas 2014) stars in his version of the classic Elvis film Blue Hawaii, whilst his long-time tour manager Josephine Cunningham is there to keep the show on the road – next stop, Vegas! Dig out your favourite Hawaiian shirt and escape to Paradise in this new musical comedy, guaranteed to leave you all shook up. Artsreach Director Kerry Bartlett said: “Audiences

have loved each of the previous Spitz & Co tours, and we so are thrilled to welcome the company back to Dorset for the first time since the spring of 2020!”

n Catch Elvis in Blue Hawaii at Buckland Newton (01300 345455) at 8pm on Saturday, January 14. Further information and tickets are available online at artsreach.co.uk

COLERIDGE CONCERT: The New Elizabethan Singers

THANGYEWVERMUCH: Joe Reeve as Elvis

Rising star Douglas returns

Dorset-born musician Douglas Dare is returning to his roots to perform the final date of a global tour of his new album Milkteeth.

After leaving Bridport in 2008 to study music at the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Douglas, a farmer’s son and former pupil of Symondsbury Primary School, Beaminster and Sir John Colfox Academy, is returning home to where it all began.

Douglas will perform the final set of a 44-date solo tour – which took him around the UK, Europe and the US – at Eype Church on Friday, February 3.

Douglas said: “For the last eight years I’ve been touring the UK, Europe and the US, and I can’t wait to be headlining a show in my hometown. “My album is peppered with my memories of growing up on a West Dorset farm; surrounded by land, animals and extended family yet feeling a sense of otherness The track Red Arrows even mentions Denhay Hill in Broadoak.”

While studying at LIPA, Douglas took part in a one-to-one song-writing session with Sir Paul McCartney. Shortly after he attracted the attention of London-based record label Erased Tapes, where he met and collaborated with label-mates Nils

HOMECOMING:

Frahm and Broadchurch composer Olafur Arnalds. Douglas went on to release his debut album Whelm in 2014 to critical acclaim. A regular on BBC Radio 6, Douglas has twice been named Album of the Day for his second album Aforger in 2017 and Milkteeth in 2020.

He was invited by The Cure’s Robert Smith to perform at his Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre in 2018, followed by the David Lynchcurated Manchester International Festival alongside Anna Calvi in 2019.

Douglas is now working on his fourth album. n Tickets to the Eype Church show are available at douglasdare.com/live

+

A trio of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform at Portesham Village Hall on February 10 at 7.30pm.

Hosted by Portesham Arts Club in association with Artsreach, the trio will perform pieces by Bach, Brahms, Debussy, Dvorak, Grainger and Grieg on flute, cello and harp. The bar opens at 7pm. Tickets for the concert are £12 for adults, £6 for children and £25 for families, and are available from Jan Gray on 01305 250212 or at janice.gray12@ btinternet.com

BRITTEN: Saint Nicolas

NEW ELIZABETHAN SINGERS

1125032

music by Vaughan Williams & Matthew Coleridge

Douglas Dare is at Eype Church on February 3

Culture Get ready for take-off with James

Enjoy some truly uplifting storytelling from acclaimed performer James Rowland this winter.

Following tours with Team Viking, Revelations and A Hundred Different Words for Love, James is heading back to Dorset to tour his brandnew show Learning to Fly with rural arts charity Artsreach.

Following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and featuring a captivating mix of theatre, comedy and music, Learning to Fly sees James tell the story of a remarkable friendship he made when he was a lonely, unhappy teenager with the scary old lady who lived in the spooky house on his street.

It’s a show about connection, no matter the obstacles, and it’s about love’s eternal

struggle with time as well as music and its ability to heal. It’s also about the old lady’s

last wish: to get high once before she dies… Described by critics as

“uplifting”, “big hearted” and “hilarious”, this show is James’s first since his acclaimed Songs of Friendship trilogy which included Team Viking. Artsreach assistant director Yvonne Gallimore said: “James’s previous shows have always sparked such interesting conversation and debate amongst audiences. “We can’t wait to welcome him back to Dorset.”

n Learning to Fly will be performed on Thursday, February 2 at 7.30pm at Broadoak village hall. For tickets call 01308 424922. It will also be performed on Friday, February 3 at 7.30pm at Piddletrenthide memorial hall. For tickets call 07786 880676.

Further information and tickets are available online at artsreach.co.uk

Janice and Jon’s show

Janice and Jon are playing at Shipton Gorge Village Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 9. A folk duo with a spellbinding presence, Janice & Jon’s compelling storytelling comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and sensitive interplay between mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar. The duo have performed at

the likes of Sage Gateshead, Cambridge Folk Festival, and Edinburgh Tradfest. Their latest album brings together folk songs that explore man’s relationship with nature, love and loss.

n Tickets are £10, £5 (u18s), £25 (fam 4 – max 2 adults) at artsreach.co.uk For enquiries, call 01308 897407.

FLYING HIGH: Storyteller James Rowland has two performances of Learning to Fly in Dorset in February

FOLK DUO: Janice and Jon will play in Shipton Gorge

George Egg’s cracking show packed with yolks

Picture a ‘culinary Bill Bailey with chopping boards instead of keyboards’ – that’s how The Scotsman described award-winning comic George Egg, who is bringing his anarchic brand of humour to Dorset later this month.

Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, extensive tours of the UK and beyond, and even an appearance on Channel 4’s Bake Off: An Extra Slice, George Egg’s utterly absurd comedy show Set Menu –The Best of George Egg is making a welcome comeback.

Part comedy show, part cooking show, Set Menu sees George cook food in the most unbelievable ways, served up alongside

some sparkling repartee delivered with his uniquely chef-y flair. Presented by Artsreach, catch George Egg at Yetminster Jubilee Hall on Friday, January 27 at

7.30pm (for tickets call 01935 873546).

George will also perform on Saturday, January 28 at 7.30pm at Burton Bradstock Village Hall (for tickets call 01308

897421) and on Sunday, January 29 at 7.30pm at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall (for tickets call 07795 467666).

For more information visit artsreach.co.uk

Guitar concert nets £500 for church

An evening of classical guitar raised £500 towards the upkeep of St Peter’s Church in Portesham.

The village’s arts club hosted an intimate, candlelit performance by Scottish virtuoso guitarist Ian Watt in the church late last year. A club spokesperson said: “In this wonderful atmosphere, Ian played a wide range of familiar, as well as less well-known solo guitar pieces.

“These ranged from settings of lute songs by Italian Renaissance composers, to pieces by Bach, Grieg and a number of Spanish composers, including Antonio José, Isaac Albéniz, Enrique

Granados, and Manuel de Falla.

“Within the church’s ancient walls, the excellent acoustics provided a near perfect setting for such a concert.

“However, improved kitchen and other facilities

would have made the venue even more suitable for the occasion. The £500 raised by the concert was handed over to the church as a contribution towards

THANK YOU: Handing over the cheque to St Peter’s Church and, inset above, guitarist Ian Watt

the costs of such an upgrade, thereby helping enable St Peter’s to host many more such marvellous concerts in the future.”

SHERBORNE GUITAR TUITION 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

FRYING TONIGHT: George Egg is on tour with his Set Menu show

Homes

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

Counting the cost of a winter’s frost

December delivered a few weeks of bitterly cold weather, the severity of which we have not witnessed for almost a decade.

Worse, it followed a spell of typically mild weather that did little to prepare garden plants for the drop in temperature.

Frost poses a life-threatening phenomenon to plants, especially for those that border on hardiness. I have several cherished plants in my own garden that have died and others that look rather jaded since the freeze. I know I am not alone, with plants feeling the chill across west and south Dorset. As water freezes its molecules become more spaced than when in liquid form. This causes them to expand by around 10 per cent. If ice crystals form within the cells of plants, they rupture with lethal consequences, killing whole leaves and entire plants. Why is it that some plants seem able to adapt and protect themselves while others do not?

Plants are often divided into either of two categories, ‘hardy’ or ‘tender’. This designation refers to their cold tolerance. Hardy plants can normally withstand temperatures well below freezing, whereas the same conditions can make tender species curl up and die. The main factor for these

differences relates to where they grow naturally. Those from warmer climates never or rarely experience frosts, so have no mechanism to resist it. As hardy plants sense cooling conditions, they gradually remove some of the water from their cells. This benefits the plant, firstly, by allowing space for ice to expand, secondly increasing the concentration of dissolved sugars and salts

perceives the threat of cold weather. Unsurprisingly, if plants are unable to respond to rapid drops in temperature, they will be prone to frost damage. With this in mind, I covered some of my special plants with blankets to keep the worst of the weather off, but even this failed to have the desired effect on some. I will now wait until early summer to see what has survived, and

to gradually experience cooler conditions before initiating the responses that will safely bring them through cold weather. Gradually placing them in cooler conditions: from greenhouse to cold frame, then with the cold frame tops off during the day; tops open partially at night; then fully open at night, will prepare plants for outside temperatures. A few sheets of newspaper or horticultural fleece, placed over the plants, provide good protection from spring frosts. If you forget and your prized plants get frosted, you may still have a chance to save them if you are quick. Wash the frost off with cold water before the direct rays of the sun hits them. It doesn’t always work, but sometimes it can save your plants.

in their tissues (like antifreeze), and thirdly, the leaves droop on to each other, giving lower leaves and branches protection. You may have noticed this when walking in frosty weather. Some plants also produce an antifreeze protein, which further increases their cold tolerance with others undergoing supercooling, where the sap within cells remains liquid at temperatures well below freezing point.

Frost protection is only triggered when a plant

hopefully reshoot from the base, and which are destined for the compost heap. While it is hard to predict the type of weather we had in December, we can be more accurate at forecasting spring’s weather, helping plants survive. ‘Hardeningoff’ is a phrase gardener’s use, it means gradually acclimatising plants that have had protection from life outside. This often refers to temperature but is equally important for strengthening the entire plant. The idea is simple, protected plants need

That said, all plants have their own tolerance limit for cold. Plants from the tropic and sub-tropical regions, which includes many of our summer bedding plants, will never tolerate frost. And yet, they will soon appear in the garden centres! Only buy them if you can cosset them somewhere warm and use them for cuttings to multiply their number, otherwise leave them well alone. Wait for the next few months and don’t attempt to plant them out until the fear of frosts has abated and they are hardened-off.

Homes & Gardens

By LISA LEWIS Interior designer of Sherborne www.lisalewis.co.uk

New Year, Clean Home

Many of us start the new year re-evaluating several aspects of our lives — eating habits, fitness goals, financial plans etc. This is also the perfect time to refresh your home into a calm, clean and well-maintained environment.

Here is a list of jobs to complete to start the new year with a clean slate! I’ve included jobs related to home maintenance, decluttering and cleaning.

Refresh your pantry and fridge.

Remove all items and wipe down each shelf and drawer. Then, go through each item and discard anything that is expired or you no longer need, putting it back in an ordered fashion.

Clean your oven

After all that festive cooking, it will definitely need a deep clean. If you can’t face it yourself there are lots of local firms you can call to help.

Go through paperwork

Tackle that pile of paperwork and decide what’s to stay and what can go. Then, either digitise it or store it in an organised filing system. The rest can either be recycled or shredded.

Start 2023 with a big spring clean

Do minor repairs you’ve been meaning to do While you’re in a motivated headspace, take time to tackle repairs you’ve had on your to-do list, like filling nail holes, repairing leaky taps, touching up paint, etc. Whip out your toolbox and walk through the house to see what needs to be done.

Go through wardrobes and drawers

’Tis the season to declutter! Take an afternoon to pile up all your clothing in one place, then go through it, item by item to see what should stay and what can be donated or sold. Seeing it

all in one place will motivate you to pare down your wardrobe!

Clean out tumble dryer vent duct Lint build-up in your dryer vent is a major fire hazard, especially during the winter.

Vacuum refrigerator coils

Pull out your refrigerator to do something many fail to do each year: clean out the coils. And while you’re there, empty and clean the drip trays. Vacuum out dirt and dust that will have collected in the air passages under your fridge to improve efficiency and save energy.

Clean out dishwasher Although it seems like a

tool designed to clean would always be clean, dishwashers need to be cleaned frequently.

Clean your bathroom exhaust fan

Vacuum your fan out to remove any debris, such as lint, dust and hair and once cleared out it will run more efficiently.

Clean out basin and bathtub drains

If your drain is draining water a little slower it’s likely that it’s clogged up. Remove any blockage and/or pour an ecofriendly solution down the drain, like bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar!

Vacuum furniture

Give furniture a good vacuum to remove any dust, dirt, pet hair or human hair.

Wipe down blinds

Get a dry microfibre cloth and wipe in a downward motion, so the blinds don’t pop off. Then, do the same to the reverse side.

Plan ahead for maintenance tasks the rest of the year

At this time of year, you can’t do some of the necessary outdoor tasks, like cleaning gutters, inspecting your roof, cleaning out the garage, repairing the deck, etc. Make a plan for what you will tackle later this year – and when you plan to do it.

Happy New Year!

KEEP IT TIDY: Kitchen cupboards and bedroom wardrobes could all do with a tidy round

There’s mulch ado about worms and moles

Andy Cole is a reiki healer based in Middlemarsh. He specialises in planting for healing.

After the Christmas and New Year break, it is back to work. The dull, wet weather followed by a long cold spell has certainly tested everyone’s ability to be positive, and the festive merriment came at just the right time for a lot of us. The festive pick-me-up worked very well. The odd day of sunshine is such a bonus and to feel the sun on your back is a welcome tonic for us all. The gardens have been waterlogged, frozen, and are now getting wetter again, but the resilience of the natural world and habitat is a

joy to behold. While digging the borders, the number of worms were phenomenal and this may explain the significant activity of the moles. These little devils are playing havoc with the lawns and the borders. Molly the dog is enjoying digging up the mole hills though – I think she feels she is helping. The spring bulbs are just beginning to show, snowdrops and daffodils are breaking the soil, with the small shoots poking their heads up.

The healing energies of the

snowdrops bring joy and the return of hope, after a dull winter period, brightening up your overall wellbeing, while the daffodil energies uplift the spirit and help to combat selfdoubt and low self-esteem. We are still on target to open the Potting Shed at Easter and the paths and patio areas are nearly completed. The perennial benches are under construction and the community garden borders are being planted and mulched.

Before and after the cold snap we have been planting and mulching the rose bed. The roses have been planted in a specific order starting with the red flowering moving on to orange then yellow followed by purple and finally white. Some of the flowers are a mixture of colours – these have been placed in the most suitable places for them.

The order represents the colours of the body’s chakras, staring with the base, which

is red, then moving up to the crown chakra. They have been planted so as you walk into the community garden at the Potting Shed you walk past them; the rose energies balance and cleanse your chakras as you make your way up the path.

If you have come for reiki, you will already have been balanced and cleansed, your body and spirit will be ready for the healing you are about to receive. If you have not come for a therapy, you still will have received a form of healing from the rose energies.

We have also planted up another bed near the rose garden and this planting includes spirea, weigela, viburnum, photinia red robin along with other shrubs and under planted with geraniums, primroses, ajuga and bulbs. All the borders are being edged with recycled roof tiles, kindly donated and a layer of mulch to keep the weeds down.

Things to do in the garden in January

Plant bare-root roses, shrubs, hedging and ornamental trees, if the ground isn’t frozen. Establish new colonies of snowdrops and hellebores.

Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs, such as forsythia, willow, and viburnum.

Prune climbing roses, while they are dormant.

Winter-prune apple and pear trees to remove any dead, damaged, congested, and diseased branches.

Cover rhubarb plants with a bucket or terracotta pot to force an early crop.

HOLEY MOLEY: Critters are digging up our lawns

Adding resolve to your resolution

Your business needs resolution, but not the New Year variety

You’ve probably given up on a few New Year resolutions already. Including some for your business. Maybe you had good intentions about keeping your bookkeeping up-to-date, posting on social media every day, or keeping your work space tidier.

Every year I resolve to keep my email inbox cleaner. Already given up on that – again.

January is famous for discarded resolutions. New regimes for nurturing health, wealth and – for your business – growth, get overtaken by the urgent, then quietly suffocated by lack of motivation.

You know these changes are important, but somehow they’re not important enough for you to stick at for more than a few days into the New Year.

Don’t let giving up on your New Year resolutions frustrate you. Yes, it’s disappointing. But sticking religiously to a new habit or new approach is nowhere near as valuable as having the resolve to try again. And again and again.

Last year I had the

privilege of watching a young man’s website design business take off. Suddenly he was winning valuable contracts and becoming highly visible in the market he chose to operate in. To many of his new followers on social media, he was an overnight success.

Except that the ‘overnight’ took a decade of trial, error and failure. He finally broke through because he had the resolve to keep going. He believed in his business idea and in himself.

New Year resolutions may sometimes be useful. But they’re nothing without the underlying belief in your capability and that what you do will help your future customers.

Moments of doubt are natural, but don’t allow them to distract you. Resolve to give your customers and your business the best you can offer in 2023. Don’t let minor push backs weaken your resolution. Keep going. I trust 2023 will be a great year for you. Are you hiding from your customers?

Visitors to your website are looking for your ‘About’ page. How do I know? Because it’s one of the most visited pages on most websites. Your future customers want to know who is behind the business. A good ‘About’ page says something about you. It’s not another place to say ‘Buy this from me’ – it’s a space to share a picture or

two and to say something of your reasons for doing what you do.

A good ‘About’ page can win you more customers because it helps them trust you more.

Thinking of starting your own business?

Across West Dorset hundreds of people serve customers across the UK, and indeed the world. They work for themselves as artists, writers, tutors, coaches and more. Some sell products, others sell services.

If you’d like to work for yourself but you’re not sure how to start, get in touch with your local Chamber of Commerce or other business support organisations.

Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES wants to see Dorset’s smaller businesses grow and thrive. His own business grew out of his career as an accountant, consultant and trainer. Now based in Wyke Regis, he’s been freelance for nearly 15 years, including work with Dorset Growth Hub, helping to support and train hundreds of small business owners.

Recruitment

Could you support families?

Home-Start West Dorset are looking for volunteers to help families when they need it most. The independent charity gives friendship, advice and practical support to families who live in the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland and have at least one child under the age of 5. They have two volunteer roles – helping directly with families, or as a trustee.

To become a home visiting volunteer, you will have a lived experience of parenting and have 2-3 hours a week available to support a local family. Families need a wide range of support, from parenting guidance to budgeting or help to get out of the house. All types of professional experience are

valuable. The trustees are a hands-on team with a range of backgrounds and experience. They play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity. Becoming a trustee would be a great role for someone who would love to be part of Home-Start but can’t commit to the regular home-visits.

All volunteers undertake at least 28 hours of training over eight weeks from February. You will also be given regular support and guidance, including supervision every six weeks and numerous training opportunities.

To find out more call Helen on 01305 265072 or email office@homestartwestdorset. co.uk or go to homestartwestdorset.co.uk

Constituency issues

Good news for travellers and schools for 2023

Happy New Year! The new year has started with some cause for optimism!

Firstly, the new £2 bus fare applicable to a good number of bus routes. Please do take advantage of this, helping to further safeguard the future of local buses within our local public transport network.

Secondly, The Gryphon School can look forward to a promising year ahead following the announcement that, following my campaign in Westminster to urge for the need to improve their dilapidated temporary classrooms, they have been successful in a funding bid for the finance they need to replace them.

Following on from this, in Westminster, I supported the Second Reading of the

Procurement Bill. This will overhaul the UK’s procurements legislation, streamlining and condensing four different sets of laws into one and removing 350 existing rules derived from the European Union. This will enable businesses to drive down costs while boosting innovation.

Around 97% of West Dorset businesses are classed as small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Add this to the fact that around 18% of West Dorset businesses were lost through the pandemic, the much-needed boost to these small businesses couldn’t come soon enough, and this is why I shall be strongly supporting this in Westminster. You may have

previously read about or seen my intervention in the House of Commons in November during Prime Minister’s Questions which shone a spotlight on the unfair fuel pricing policies for local retailers like Morrisons in Bridport who charged, at one point, approximately 20p a litre more in their Bridport store than in their neighbouring stores. Since then, a Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation has been taking place to fully examine this situation nationwide. I met with the director of the CMA last month to make the case for Bridport and West Dorset to be the prime case in point for their investigation, and further underscore

the importance of securing fairness for consumers.

Shortly after this, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Grant Shapps wrote to fuel retailers across the UK to urging them to divulge details of their pricing policies to the CMA to further assist their investigation and help them to make recommendations for the Government to ensure fairness prevails. I was very pleased to see the fuel prices at Morrisons Bridport falling to around 148.9 pence per litre in December. While this remains slightly higher than in Yeovil for example, the gap is being narrowed and I will continue working towards fairness for West Dorset.

Politics Looking forward to 2023, and here’s what might happen

January Records

After three Prime Ministers and 49 Secretaries of State in 2022 the Conservative Party applies to the Guinness Book of Records for the most changes in political leadership in a year.

February Fantasies

Health Secretary Steve Barclay, the fourth since the beginning of 2022, announces that rural areas will get better treatment services and ambulance response times will be reduced. BBC R4 offers Barclay a late night comedy slot but ITV poaches him for I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. March Lies

After Full Fact rules that the

By ANDY CANNING West Dorset LibDems

majority of statements by ministers in February contained errors or distortions, the government tables emergency legislation to nationalise it.

April Fools

Sue Braverman announces plan to scrap equality laws saying they are outdated in an age of equality.

The former charity Full Fact announces that in March all ministerial statements were correct.

Summer Fakes

President Joe Biden announces he is fed up with people saying he looks old.

Speaking in the White House Briefing Room, he announces he will be using deep fake technology in the future to appear more youthful.

Autumn Austerity Rishi Sunak announces that due to the need to further tighten the nation’s belt, August will be deferred to 2024. When he is told that this would put the UK out of step with the rest of the world, Ed Davey comments wryly: “Nothing new there then”.

October Ambitions

Elon Musk announces that Twitter will be moving its headquarters to Moscow telling his followers Russia is the future of world

freedom. He sells Space X to Donald Trump, who declares he will be the first President of the Moon as a stepping stone to becoming President of Mars.

November at War President Vladimir Putin announces he will withdraw from Ukraine providing he is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

President Putin invades China, calling the action a defensive move, while China is busy invading Taiwan.

December Nuts

Matt Hancock is knighted in the New Year’s Honours for services to Reality TV and for the energetic promotion of unreality.

with West Dorset MP Chris Loder

Demand a General Election to help save our NHS

I would like to start 2023 on a positive note.

I would like to, but in all honesty I’m finding it very difficult to think anything positive to say.

It seems to me that many, if not most, of the essential public services that most of us rely on are deteriorating before our eyes. And one of the most obvious is our health service.

For example, since when did it become normal to join a long queue just to collect a prescription?

I don’t remember this happening before the covid pandemic, but as lockdowns fade into our memories the queues remain. Now, whenever I visit a chemist in Bridport there always seems to be a long queue for the

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

pharmacy. There are many reasons for this, but an inadequate government method of funding NHS prescriptions in the face of soaring global costs is one of the main ones.

Somewhat worse are dental services.

I broke a tooth back in November and phoned my dentist for an appointment. I was given one, but in two months’ time.

And I’ve heard of several local people who are really struggling to get even this level of service.

As for a routine check-up, does anyone remember the last time they had one? Without wishing to sound

like someone reminiscing for ‘the good old days’, I remember when a sixmonthly check-up was the normal level of service. The main problem here seems to be a serious shortage of dentists. But perhaps most worrying of all are our A&E services where it has been reported that as many as 500 people are dying each week due to delays in emergency NHS care.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) recently said that a bad flu season was piling pressure on to services that were already critically over-stretched. A collapse in ambulance response times, gridlock in accident and emergency units and

soaring rates of staff turnover are all contributing to avoidable deaths, he said. The reasons behind these issues are too complex to be summed up in a simple statement, but it is surely incumbent on our Government to do something about it. If a government is unable to keep their citizens safe then what is the point of having one? Perhaps then it’s time start demanding a change of government, one that will ensure our health services are properly funded and adequately staffed. Let’s make 2023 the year when we demand a General Election and vote in politicians who are truly committed to our NHS.

Labour’s plan to devolve power makes sense

On behalf of West Dorset Labour, I’d like to wish all readers a very happy New Year full of hope and good cheer.

We could be forgiven for approaching 2023 with a certain amount of trepidation and anxiety after struggling through numerous crises in recent times which seem set to continue as we begin the new year. As an optimist I prefer to focus on the good things that we can expect in the coming months.

Some of the cost-of-living pressures caused by record high inflation rates should at least level off from midyear as inflation comes down. Surprisingly Prime Minister Sunak in a New Year’s speech made this a

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

promise that we should judge him on while at the same time admitting that this is not something government can control. That’s a bit like saying I promise that the sun will rise tomorrow.

The same can be said for the other promises he made on growth, NHS waiting lists and immigration. The Prime Minister and his government really have no ideas, no vision and are in complete denial about the crises facing ordinary people today.

On a more hopeful note, Keir Starmer’s New Year’s speech was full of ideas and

a clear vision for renewal in all parts of the country.

The Labour leader set out a plan to spread control out of Westminster, devolving new powers over employment support, transport, energy, climate change, housing, culture, childcare provision and how councils run their finances.

The idea behind this is simple but powerful – the decisions which create wealth in our communities should be taken by local people who are best placed to understand the needs and challenges of their area.

Many other countries have systems where decision making powers are devolved to regions, here in the UK it feels as though the Westminster

government doesn’t trust the British people with these powers.

In West Dorset it would make a huge difference, assuming adequate funding, to be able to focus on areas of need such as adult care, affordable and social housing, rural transport and training and skills.

With an older than average population in West Dorset health care is also important and I was encouraged to see that Labour has a costed plan to increase the numbers of doctors, nurses and health visitors and bring in decent pay and career structures in the care sector.

Reasons to be cheerful –but of course, we need a Labour government first.

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Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro:

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

101 RESULT -65×2/3-25%+1×9

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.

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Health & Wellbeing

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A globe-trotting yoga teacher who won Channel 4’s reality TV show Shipwrecked is now sharing her passion for the exercise with the people of Portland.

Victoria Boast spent three years in Shanghai learning yoga, eventually qualifying with both the UK and US Yoga Alliances to teach classes on both sides of the Atlantic.

As an early adopter of what many now call the ‘hustle culture’, when Vicky is not busy teaching yoga, she crafts and sells her own leather goods and works part-time as a commercial officer for the MoD.

“I really like being my own boss,” says Vicky, owner and operator of Sida Yoga. “Working nine to five is great for the security and reliable income it brings, but I really like the feeling of knowing that I earn every pound I make.

“If I work a 15-hour day then I know I will be rewarded for 15 hours of effort.

“Lots of people had to adapt to working that way – keeping lots of plates spinning – during the covid lockdown but I was already kind of used to it, maybe that helped me adapt a bit faster.”

Victoria leads yoga sessions for people of all ability levels on Portland four times a week as well as virtual one-to-one and group

Flexible approach pays dividends in a passion for yoga

sessions online.

“I think with times being tight now people look at their budgets for things like the gym or yoga as an expense to be cut, but it’s probably the last thing you should cut.

“Yoga is so good for your mental and physical wellbeing – it’s important to keep that up, especially when times are tough.”

Victoria’s interest in yoga blossomed when she was living in China

between 2012 and 2015. “Because my previous job was listed as ‘journalist’ I was not allowed to work on my visa while I was out there with my partner Paul,” she said.

“Rather than just living a ‘desperate housewife’ type lifestyle I decided to improve myself. I took

courses in yoga and eventually clocked up 200 hours so I could qualify as a starter level instructor.

“I wanted to set myself apart a bit, so I’ve now clocked up more than 800 hours and am now considered a senior yoga teacher.

“While I was in China I also took business courses and leather-crafting classes, so I now also make and sell my own leather goods, although that really is just a side business right at the moment.”

Never one for standing still (unless it’s in a yoga position) Victoria got an early taste for travel after she successfully applied to appear on Channel 4 reality show Shipwrecked in 2009.

The show saw two teams – the Tigers and the Sharks – competing to see who could build the biggest ‘tribe’ to share a £100,000 prize total.

Victoria spent three months living on a remote archipelago near Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and was on the winning team, the Tigers.

Victoria said: “I think a lot of people on that show wanted to go on to become models or presenters, but I really just applied to go on there just for the experience. I think overall I much prefer being on Portland than Tiger Island!”

n For more information on Victoria’s yoga classes visit sidayoga.com

GLOBE-TROTTER: Yoga instructor Victoria Boast now hosts classes on Portland. Inset: Victoria on Channel 4’s Shipwrecked in 2009

Instagram: bridevalleyyoga Web: bridevalley.yoga

Mondays TéãJUKPMéã== e~íÜ~=cäçïI=Eáå=éÉêëçåF= Thursdays=TéãJUKPMéã== e~íÜ~=cäçïI=Eîá~=wççãF= Hatha Flow: enjoyable flowing movements to create strength & warmth. Suitable for all

Walking

levels of experience. Six sessions £65/75 Fridays=NM~ãJNNKPM~ãI=oÉëíçê~íáîÉ=óçÖ~

Restorative yoga is a nurturing class using props to improve movement and momentum. Fortnightly on Saturdays=NMKPM~ãJ åççåI=í~ëíÉê=ëÉëëáçåë=Ñçê=~ää=¡NR

DATES COMING SOON

Park on the street near the church, which has some lovely stained glass. Then head east down the road behind the church until you come to the junction with the B3070 which takes you north eastwards along pavements.

At the end of the village there’s a footpath behind a hedge to the right of the road.

This takes you past the houses of Lulworth Camp, behind razor wire, and then the camp entrance guarded by two tanks.

Beyond the camp is a cross roads.

Turn left and head west along the byway past Burngate Farm and continue along it for a mile

and a half, uphill then down. Pause often to enjoy the views. When you get to the junction at Daggers Gate, turn left, south, and head down the road a short way to the entrance to a holiday camp. Join the footpath that goes down some steps, then right and left heading south downhill, then up through a

wood to a junction of paths.

Take the marked path heading uphill to the south east where you enter Access Land on which you can wander at will.

You might like to climb the tumulus, Hambury Tout, which gives fantastic views in all directions.

Then head down to join the

Coast Path which has cobbles and steps that are much easier than the grass. Cross the car park at the bottom and follow the signs to visit Stair Hole which has several holes through which the tide gushes. There are notice boards giving explanations of the local geology. Take the footpath wending its way down to Lulworth Cove, which you might like to walk around if the tide is right.

Then walk up through the village back to your car, having walked over five miles.

Chris

Health & Wellbeing

Weymouth & Portland walks

UPWEY

Park near the church, which is interesting both inside and out. There are lots of ancient wall paintings. It’s on a ley line of Churches that usually have a colony of honeybees in them. When I visited in August it had two!

Light a candle and then walk north west up the lane and footpath alongside the beginning of the River Wey until you get to a road. Turn right and walk south east until you come to a junction where you turn left and join a bridleway that leads up a coombe for over half a mile to the boundary on the South Dorset Ridgeway. There are wonderful views in all

directions. Turn right and head south east along the Ridgeway for about 500 yards, then turn right and head south down the Jubilee Trail for three quarters of a mile to Elwell and The Ship Inn. Turn right and head west

north west along a footpath which has a different style of stiles: stone slabs to step over.

After three quarters of a mile you’ll be back at the Church, where you can check if your candle is still burning. You can also visit

the nearby famous wishing well. You’ll have walked getting on for four miles.

How to protect your home from care costs

the local council to pay for your care fees.

As an example, let’s say you own a home jointly with your partner and you live there until one of you dies. The surviving partner continues to live in the house until they must go into a care home run by the local authority.

required to sell the house immediately to raise the cash.

Money raised from the sale of the house will fund your care until your savings get down to £23,250. That won’t leave much of an inheritance for your family and loved ones.

be the partners or surviving partner and children.

By Chris Tennant, of Oakwood Wills

Nobody likes to think about getting old, but it is certainly worth thinking about if you value your home. That is because your house could very well be sold by

At that point, the local authority will assess the surviving partner for care fees. If their capital and savings are worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care.

Councils place a charge on the property, which is paid when the house is sold. Alternatively, you may be

There are two solutions to the problem available to you. One is a will trust which protects 50% of the value of your home from care costs.

The second is a living trust which shields 100% of the property. Both are relatively inexpensive to put into place.

Every trust is administered by trustees, the trustees can

The situation won’t get better over time. The UK’s fastest-growing age group comprises those aged over 85. Councils will face even more pressure on budgets, leaving them with little choice but to continue to sell people’s homes.

The main thing to remember with trusts is that because you do not own the assets held in the trust in your own name, it is more difficult for those assets to be taken away from you or from the beneficiaries of the trust.

To protect your home, contact Chris on 07832 331594.

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Hartley Wintney 2

Dorchester Town 4

The Magpies followed up their comfortable Bank Holiday win against Yate with another three points at in an entertaining game at a wet Hartley Wintney, to move into the play-off positions at the top of the Southern League Premier South division.

Manager Glenn Howes was shown the red card in the second half, but will be delighted with the back-to-back wins, and their lofty New Year league position will further boost the optimism among the Magpies’ faithful.

Conditions at The Row were difficult to say the least, with the match played on a muddy surface which deteriorated badly as the game progressed. The visitors got off to a strong start with Charlie Gunson netting his fifth of the season on 16 minutes, only for the hosts to find an equaliser just four minutes later courtesy of Shamar Moore’s closerange finish.

Town regained the lead on 26 minutes courtesy of Alfie Stanley’s back-post finish. Ryan Hall produced a smart save as the hosts pressed to find an equaliser, but Harvey Bradbury netted his second in two games, early in the second period to give the Magpies a 3-1 cushion.

Howes received his marching orders, apparently for delaying a throw-in as the visitors tried to slow the game

Magpies’ happy new year

down. The host pegged a goal back through debutant George Winser’s fine strike on 62 minutes, however a late own goal restored the Magpies’ twogoal advantage, and they closed the game out well to secure the win.

Dorchester Town 2 Yate Town 0 Harvey Bradbury’s seventh

minute strike set the tone for a routine home win as Dorchester eased to victory at The Avenue, bouncing back well from the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Poole Town on Boxing Day. Bradbury pounced on some poor defending as the visitors failed to deal with a free kick, and he slotted home from close

range to bag his first the club. The visitors were denied by the woodwork in a rare attack, but Shaq Gwenge’s excellent volleyed finish on 25 minutes effectively ended the game as a contest as Yate huffed and puffed, but rarely threatened Ryan Hall’s goal. Matty Neale went close shortly afterwards, however the two goals proved to be enough as Glenn Howes’ team returned to winning ways and enjoyed the perfect start to 2023.

n The Magpies return to The Avenue for the visit of Winchester on Saturday, January 14, the teams having shared the points in a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in November.

ON TARGET: Charlie Gunson opened the scoring for Dorchester in an earlier game at Hartley Wintney PIC BY PHIL STANDFIELD

Sport Bees’ progress on and off the pitch

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The long-serving chairman of Bridport Town has told the West Dorset Magazine of his delight at the teams’ uplift in fortunes under new manager Chris Herbst, with the Bees producing some recent eye-catching performances and moving off the bottom of the league table.

Adrian Scadding said that there is a completely different feel around the club and a renewed sense of optimism following last season’s disastrous campaign and the sticky start to the current season under Herbst’s predecessor, Edgar Marcu. Adrian said: “I couldn’t be happier with what Chris has done since he got the job and it’s so good to see a lot more smiles around the club. I was on the brink of saying that my time was done, as it does wear you down when things aren’t going that well on the pitch.

“The mood has definitely changed and we are going into games now with an expectation that the team will play well and get something from it. They’ve done really well recently against Crediton and Axminster and don’t think they fear anybody in the league now, which is quite a transformation.

“Chris has been a breath of fresh air for

us and he’s passionate about getting local players who really care about the badge. Edgar was a good coach but it just didn’t work out and Chris has shown what a tremendous man manager he is.

right people to join us and getting the best from them. The squad is looking so much more healthy now, although we did have to stop our third team as we were struggling to find the numbers at that level.”

The Bees have edged away from the bottom and Adrian is upbeat about the prospects for the remainder of the season.

“Once we can actually play some of our games, I am sure we will be able to get into mid-table and then start looking up rather than down.

“There’s a definite change in our hopes for the

season, although naturally there’s no chance of us competing at the top this season.

“Next season will see the shake-up of the league system with the amalgamation of the Pensinsula and Toolstation leagues, so we’re not quite sure where we will end up anyway, although there is the promise that the league will become more regionalised to reduce on the travel somewhat.”

Travel to away games in Devon and Cornwall remains a significant cost to clubs with coach hire typically around £550, and Bridport have suffered with late postponements owing to poor weather, including last Saturday’s trip to Bovey Tracey.

Adrian said: “We’ve had to rethink our travelling arrangements to away games anyway this season. Now there are five substitutes, rather than three, it simply isn’t practical to squish into a minibus any more, so we always hire a coach.

“This has shown us the importance of having such loyal fans though, as we always get a full take-up of the spare seats and the supporters seem to really enjoy travelling with the team.

“It creates a good buzz and enables us to recoup some of the cost of the coach hire by charging £10 for the supporters, which I think is great value for them and a real win-win.”

MAN AT THE TOP: Bridport chairman Adrian Scadding and, inset below, manager Chris Herbst

source of real delight for chairman

Axminster 1 Bridport Town 3

By Stuart Wickham

Despite trailing at the break, The Bees produced an excellent comeback win away at fifth-placed Axminster, with Kieren Daniels cancelling out the home sides’ early opener, and Tom Richardson grabbing a brace to secure the three points. The game was only the Bees’ second match in December owing to postponements and cup fixtures, and despite a sluggish start, they followed up an excellent draw at Crediton with a deserved win.

The hosts had the better of the early exchanges and Jordan Scadding had to be alert to tip a Craig Veal effort away for a corner, although the Tigers broke the deadline from the resultant kick, Jamie Price applying a deft headed finish to find the back of the net from six yards out.

Bridport enjoyed a dream start to the second period when the unmarked Daniels prodded home from close range following a corner. This seemed to signal a shift in momentum, and Richardson headed home just seven minutes later, when the Tigers’ goalkeeper Hurd was caught in two minds and left stranded in no man’s land.

Riley Weedon went close

Richardson at the double as Bees stage heroic comeback

to giving the Bees a twogoal cushion, finding the side-netting with the goal at his mercy, but more poor defending on 71 minutes

enabled Richardson to score his fourth league goal since his return to the club, the striker latching on to an underhit backpass before firing past Hurd.

Manager Chris Herbst said:

“It was a tremendous result for us although we were clearly a bit rusty at the beginning. We completely turned it and that’s what good teams do. We should be a lot higher than we are. I’m confident we’ll climb that table.”

The Bees’ scheduled match on Saturday, January 7 was postponed and rearranged

for a date in April.

Chris said: “We had our strongest team ready to play and would really like to keep up the momentum, but there’s nothing you can do really.

“I really want the games to come thick and fast while we’ve got that momentum and the confidence is so good.

“We have to accept that there’s nothing we can do about the weather and the postponements and just be ready whenever the games come.”

n Bridport face a tough assignment in their next game as they travel to Okehampton, on Saturday, January 14, followed by a testing trip to Dartmouth a week later.

Picture: STEVE BARRETT

SportBy Stuart Wickham sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The manager of Bridport Leisure Centre has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the local community in response to a fund-raising campaign to refurbish and regrout the centre’s main swimming pool.

Will Thrower has said that £24,000 of the £31,000 target has been raised, and is appealing for the further support to help the centre to reach its goal and prepare for other financial challenges ahead.

Will said: “It has been genuinely heart-warming to see the local community come together to help us. We are a charitable trust and rely so heavily on the goodwill of organisations, businesses and the general public. We have been really lucky with the support we’ve received but want to push to try and get the additional £7,000 so we don’t have to dip into our reserves. We had an early boost from grant match funding through the council and have seen donations from so many different sources.”

The much-needed re-grouting process was completed over the festive period in order to minimise disruption to pool users. A team of specialists from UK Diveworks carried out the pain-staking work without the need to drain the 25metre pool.

The Brit Valley Rotary Club were among the donors, gifting some of the money raised from their Santa Collection held before Christmas, and club

Leisure centre thrilled after community pools resources

“Naturally the more members and visitors we get, the more able we are to meet the financial challenges. We are an allinclusive centre and always give a good welcome to anybody who wants to come along and get active.”

Adrian said: “All the money we raise goes to local good causes and we were delighted to be able to support the leisure centre’s swimming pool repairs. The pool is a great asset to the local community and is used by young and old. Many of our primary schools use the facility regularly and so many people will have learnt to swim in that pool.

“It is vital that we can keep it open and looking great.”

In line with many centres across the country, Bridport Leisure Centre is facing a number of challenges, having already lost significant revenue during the recent pandemic. Many swimming pools face closure with a perfect storm of falling numbers and increasing utility bills putting added pressure on finances.

Will said: “We are so grateful to everybody who has supported us, but also to those who come along and use our wonderful facilities.

Bridport Leisure Centre have a modern fitness suite offering a range of cardiovascular and weighttraining facilities, including a Skill X studio – that was the first in the country!

They run regular fitness and swimming classes, catering for all ages and abilities, and host a number of sporting activities. Please see website for details.

To donate to the swimming pool repair fund, please visit their Just Giving Page: justgiving.com/campaign/ BLCpoolregrouting2022 –or contact the centre directly.

president Adrian Scadding, explained his reasons for supporting the appeal.

REFURBISHMENT: Bridport Leisure Centre pool and, below, divers at work

Bridport gained revenge for an early season defeat to the Dorset Dockers, registering their fifth successive win in the process, all of which have come without conceding a single try. In a commanding all-round performance, they mastered the difficult wet and windy conditions to run in eight tries in a 44-3 win.

It’s win, defeat and draw for Zebras

Buckland Athletic 3 Sherborne Town 1

Sherborne Town 2 Ilfracombe 1 Street 1 Sherborne Town 1

The Zebras enjoyed mixed fortunes over the Christmas and New Year period, picking up a point at Street, winning at home against Ilfracombe, before falling to defeat at a high-flying Buckland Athletic. A large contingent of Zebras’ fans watched Neil Waddington’s team concede two first-half goals against a strong Buckland team, the first coming after just eight minutes as the hosts started the stronger. Although the Zebras tried to get a foothold in the game, when the home side increased their lead in the second half owing to a defensive mixup, Ant Herrin’s late goal was nothing more than a consolation.

Henry Lawrence-Napier capped a man-of-the-match performance with the

The Zebras have been boosted by the arrival of two young loanees from neighbours, Yeovil Town. Benjani Jr, left, son of the former Manchester City and Portsmouth Premier league striker, scored on his debut in the draw away at Street. Meanwhile Yeovil Academy captain Jake Graziano, right, made his debut as a substitute in the win against Ilfracombe on Bank Holiday Monday.

winning goal in Town’s much-needed home win against Ilfracombe on Bank Holiday Monday. Tom Budden’s early strike was cancelled out by an Ilfracombe penalty to keep the game in the balance at half-time, leaving Lawrence-Napier to produce a fine finish on 72 minutes to give the hosts the spoils.

The Boxing Day trip to Street finished 1-1, with Yeovil loanee Benjani Jr

marking his Zebras’ debut with a well-taken goal in a sparkling all-round performance. Eighteenyear-old Benjani Jr opened the scoring for the visitors with a precise left-footed finish from eight yards. The young striker was a constant threat and was unlucky not to add to his tally, and it was against the run of play that Street equalised as Jakob Dickens ghosted in to apply the finishing touch to Jake

Horsey’s penetrating run and cross.

The Zebras pushed hard for a winner, Alex Murphy going close in his 100th game for Sherborne although he was unable to add to his impressive return of 53 goals for the club. Although it was an encouraging performance as Town strived to ease away from the bottom of the division, the Zebras’ fans were disappointed to see Benjani Jr hobble off with an injury towards the end, which would keep him out of the games against Ilfracombe and Buckland. n Sherborne Town travel to Shepton Mallet on Saturday, January 14, before returning to Raleigh Grove a week later for the visit of Torpoint Athletic.

FORWARD: Hugh Vivian on the charge for the Daggers in the 44-3 win against East Dorset Dockers and, right, the Daggers' pack in a dominant mood Picture: STUART BRIGGS

Bird flu case in West Dorset shows we have

By Bella Lowis Veterinary Surgeon Synergy Farm Health

We are in the midst of the United Kingdom’s biggest ever outbreak of avian influenza or ‘bird flu’.

In the UK 156 cases have been confirmed since October 1, 138 cases in England.

A case was confirmed near Dorchester in early December 2022 which brings it even more into

focus for us and all bird keepers in the area. A few tips below on the current position: Legal obligations: Great Britain (England,

Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). There are strict biosecurity rules you much follow by law to prevent bird flu and

stop it spreading. In England and Wales the AIPZ also means you must house your birds to protect them from bird flu. Until further notice, it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies to all flocks, whether they are commercial or backyard. Housing your birds is the best way to protect them from becoming infected with avian influenza through contact with wild birds.

A new year’s chasing auld lang’s sheep

Rachel Hayball is a mum of six from Beaminster. She is a herdsperson, has a small flock of sheep and sells lamb.

Happy New Year!

Our year started with us thinking our sheep had got out into a neighbouring dairy farmer’s field. It turns out they weren’t our sheep and we didn’t actually need to run up the hill we had just run up. Oh well, it burnt a bit of the new year’s eve buffet off...

I always find January a bit of a boring month. Nothing much happens apart from rain. Rain which seems to cause the slurry to multiply by thousands of litres, causing scraping the yards to turn into a bit of a nightmare. Watery slurry goes

everywhere apart from where you actually want it. The cows are in for the winter. They happily spend the days snoozing in their cubicles or walking across the yards to snack on even more silage. We go in to clean their beds and give them fresh food twice a day and the cubicles give us some relief from the weather. If it is freezing the cubicle sheds warm us up, and if it is raining they give us much needed shelter while we scrape the beds. We spend the time between milkings doing maintenance so everything is up together before the cows go back out and before everything gets growing again.

I am really looking forward to the cows going back out. We will start by letting them out for a few hours a day, then when the weather starts to improve a little they will be out by day and in by night, and then when the grass gets

growing and the ground is a little drier they will be out 24 hours a day. By that point I am always very glad to see the back of the winter routine and am very ready to get excited about grass growth again! I love seeing the cows out grazing, I love going to get them in for milking and enjoy the slow relaxed walk or ride on the quad whilst I watch the cows walk in front of me swinging their tails. I make the most of that time soak in the views around me and watch and listen to the wildlife. The thought of those nicer months gets me through January. I hope 2023 is a good year for British farming, but I know many are worried that about what it’s going to bring. There is still lots of uncertainty about the new ELMS scheme and there are now big predicted milk price drops as well as price drops across the rest of the farming industry. Fertiliser

and feed prices are still very high and many are worried about balancing the books. Sadly price drops that farmers face will not be passed onto the consumer. People will still pay the same for their food when they buy it and won’t realise farmers are getting less again. We know how hard times are for the average person and realise when times are tough it’s tempting to buy the cheapest product but we do ask you to continue to buy British produce and when it isn’t on the shelf please ask for it. You can make wonderful nutritious meals with really cheap cuts of British meat. Often the best place to get those cuts is at your local butcher so please have a chat with your butcher and they will point you in the right direction. I really hope that 2023 is a happy, healthy year for you all.

You herd it here first... with Rachel Hayball

to do all we can to limit the disease’s spread

Signs to look out for:

n Sudden death

n Swollen head; closed and runny eyes

n Lethargy, reduced activity and appetite

n Various abnormalities in behaviour and coordination

A full list of potential signs is provided at gov.uk/guidance/ avian-influenza-bird-flu

Practical requirements: You must:

n Keep birds housed or under netting

n Keep disinfectant at the entrance to the housing, and clean and disinfect all

clothing and equipment after contact with captive birds n Clean and disinfect housing regularly n Ensure wild birds cannot access food and water provided to captive birds n Reduce the movement of people, vehicles and equipment to and from the bird areas.

Defra has provided a ‘Stop the Spread” webinar with information about biosecurity measures which can be viewed online at youtu.be/ptmbFR-sqbk Registering your poultry

The law requires people keeping over 50 birds must register their poultry with APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency). We would strongly advise keepers of fewer than 50 birds consider registering their flock voluntarily – this will APHA to contact you with relevant updates about disease outbreaks in your area. Details of how to register are on the gov.uk website, along with lots of other useful and up-to-date information. The avian flu pages are well worth a visit:

gov.uk/guidance/avianinfluenza-bird-flu

Please do remember bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you are breaking the law as well as not helping to control what is a horrible disease with devastating impact on the wild bird populations as well as commercial poultry keepers.

For details on what to do if you find a dead wild bird go to gov.uk/guidance/ reportdead-wild-birds