The West Dorset Magazine, Edition 39, April 2024

News,

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Post: 15 Stanstead Rd, Maiden Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0BL

Miranda Robertson Editor miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Karen

Stuart

Laura

PAGE 3 STUNNERS!

WDM up for national gong

The West Dorset Magazine has been shortlisted for a national award.

Just two years after our launch, with six awards already under our belt –national Political Cartoon of the Year runner up, and five business awards including Business of the Year for West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland –we are now in the running for Hyperlocal Newspaper of the Year.

We are the only local yokels in the running, as the other five nominees are city papers.

We will learn if we’ve pulled it off at a black tie ceremony in London on March 26.

Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Karen & Miranda

BEACH BABE: Betsy Barnes enjoys a dig on the Jurassic Coast Pic by her talented dad Neil Barnes: neilbarnes.com

Beach one step nearer to being bather approved

An application by local water campaigners for Church Beach in Lyme Regis to be re-designated as a bathing beach has been approved to go to the next stage.

The River Lim Action group had to show at least 100 people swam at the beach each day in season, to convince Defra to consider the site for approval.

And they pointed out the facilities available at or near the beach – public toilets, parking, defibrillator, lifesaving ring, lifeguards, litter bins, cafés and restaurants.

The group sought views from local people, businesses and organisations about the proposed designation, and had 426 respondents, of whom 424 supported the proposal.

Now Defra has put Church Beach on a list of 24 beaches

now open for consultation at consult.defra.gov.uk/water/co nsultation-on-designation-of27-sites-as-bathing

Vicki Elcoate of the River Lim Action group said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Church Beach is moving forwards to regaining its status as a designated bathing beach.

“It’s vital for better water quality monitoring, better public information and increasing resources to clean up our river and beaches.”

The River Lim Action group, working with the Bluetits swimming group, and with the support of Lyme Regis Town Council, has received huge support from locals and visitors for the application. Beverley Glock of the Lyme Regis Bluetits said: “This is brilliant. It will put more pressure on South West Water and the Environment Agency to clean up the sewage in the River Lim so the residents and holiday makers in Lyme Regis can swim in clean

water.”

Malcolm Greenslade of Lyme Bay Swimming said: “It's great news… after all the hard work put in over the summer by The River Lim Action Group and its supporters. It’s great for the local community and Lyme Regis as a popular year-round resort. From a personal point of view, Church Beach holds many happy memories for me, swimming, paddling and playing in the rock pools as a child so it would be lovely to bring the beach and river back to life."

Vicki added: “It was a lot of work, so we’re pleased to see it’s paid off and that Defra support what we’ve done so far. We now appeal to everyone who cares about our local beaches and the rights of water users to enjoy clean water to fill out the consultation.”

HOORAY: Lyme beach campaigners Pic: Sonia Rai

Family raising £10k in Daisy’s memory

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A Dorchester grandfather is helping to raise £10,000 for Dorset’s children’s hospice after his daughter was supported through the short life of her baby, who was born with a rare and incurable disorder.

Franz Atkinson, who for many years was headteacher at Greenford School in Maiden Newton, is fundraising in memory of his granddaughter Daisy, who died aged just ten months.

His daughter, Daisy’s mum Katie Smith, Daisy’s gran Alison Corbett and aunt Emma Wakely have also signed up to Julia’s House Trek to Petra, taking place in November.

Franz said: “Having spent 43 years working with children and supporting families in heart breaking situations, I never once thought that we would find ourselves as a family in that same position. You can never predict how life will turn out though. We are now at the point

where we feel we need to give something back to a charity that supported my daughter, husband and two small boys through a challenging time. I am too old and weary to take on the trek, but am doing my best to support the team to raise a significant and challenging fundraising target.”

Born in January 2021, Daisy was diagnosed with a very rare genetic alteration which was eventually diagnosed as POLR2A, for which there was no treatment or cure.

During the summer of 2021, Katie’s family and friends spent time with Daisy, creating as

many memories as they could. Daisy spent many months in and out of hospital in Dorchester and Southampton before consultants at the John Radcliffe University Hospital in Oxford gave the family the devastating news no further treatment was possible. Katie and Graham, Daisy’s parents, made the heartbreaking decision to remove Daisy from ventilation. She was transferred to the Kingfisher Ward at Dorchester Hospital where on November 30, 2021, surrounded by family and friends, Daisy quietly and peacefully passed away Katie said: “Daisy’s too short a life, was filled with love.

“Although Daisy could not see she taught so many people to look at the world through very different eyes. She could not hear, but she taught us to listen more carefully to others. She hardly moved – but she moved us all emotionally.

“In ten short months Daisy lived a life that would impact on all who met her, for a lifetime. We

all fought for Daisy when she couldn’t fight for herself. We smiled when she couldn’t smile, we sang when she couldn’t speak, we cycled and ran when she couldn’t walk. Daisy’s life was short, but we are determined it was not in vain.”

Julia’s House continues to support Daisy’s family, big brother Zac and now her little brother Toby, one.

A charity bingo will take place on Saturday, March 23 at the Brownsword Hall Poundbury. Book at eventbrite.com or contact Franz on 07929 453960 or franz_linda@hotmail.co.uk

There’s a concert in Poundbury Community Church on April 27 at 7.30pm with the Decadettes, Replay and members of the Wessex Music Theatre Society. Then a quiz evening at the Brownsword Hall on June 8 and a circus-themed fundraising day in Dorchester town centre on June 15. Anyone who can offer sponsorship, prizes and auction items can email Katie at katiegatkinson@gmail.com

Daisy with her brother Zac

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

West Dorset Ramblers Group will do an eight-mile circular walk via Briantspuddle War Memorial, Pallington Clump, and Athelhampton. For more information and booking call 07826 150114.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

The Netherbury Players –formerly the Netherbury Drama Group – will perform Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit today and tomorrow at Netherbury Village Hall, DT6 5LF. Doors open 7pm for the

performance at 7.30pm. Tickets from Bridport TIC on 01308 424901 or at bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets

Through 12 fortnightly sessions, writer Sheena Dearness will take you through how to approach writing about your life using a series of fun exercises to trigger memorable events. Building a family tree is also covered. It’s for the grandchildren onwards. She also introduces writing memoirs on her Start to Write course. For more on dates and venues text 07875 842399 or sheenadearness51@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Mums go free at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens today and tomorrow for Mothering Weekend.

There’s a soap-making workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am-2pm. £95 including lunch at Cherries Cafe and 1,400g of gorgeous artisan soap (see 10% off voucher on the back page). Book at duirsoap.co.uk or call 07557 532417.

be holding its annual show at the Southill Community Centre 2pm to 4pm. Visitors will be able to view show entries covering gardening, handicrafts, floral art, photography and cookery and teas, coffees, soft drinks and plenty of cake will be served.

The club is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, so come along see the varied entry items, socialise over refreshments, and find out more.

The event is open to all. For information call Nigel Smith on 01305 788939.

Vox Serenata vocal quartet will be performing at St Nicholas’ Church, Broadwey, 3pm-5pm doors open at 2.30pm. Funds to go to the church repair fund and Myeloma UK.

Adults £10, children £4, underfives free. Refreshments and homemade cakes available. susanamalik@yahoo.com or ring 07944 617553.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club will be venturing out for a 7.5-mile walk from Osmington For information call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Elite Syncopations Trio at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church DT4 7TH at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from Pete 01305 812637 or £12 on door.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

2024 marks the 200th Anniversary of the RNLI, celebrated by a Service of Thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey and many special events nationwide. Sherborne Branch will be organising a Service of Thanksgiving in Sherborne Abbey at 6pm. All welcome.

There’s a Mother’s Day soap felting workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am2pm. Special offer £14, normally £16. Make your own bar of felted artisan soap with merino wool (£12.60 with money off voucher on the back page). Book at duirsoap.co.uk or call 07557 532417.

MONDAY MARCH 11

West Dorset Ramblers Group will walk an eight-mile route around Eggardon Hill and Loders. For more information and to book ring 07952 517764.

Art historian Pam Simpson MA will give a lecture 2pm-3.30pm at the United Church Hall on East St Bridport about The East London Group, artists from evening classes run by the Scottish artist John Cooper at the Bow and Bromley Evening Institute in East London. During the interwar years from the mid1920s, Cooper taught working people from the East End. Fee £13. To book email chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

Longburton Village Café will be held in the village church with tea, coffee (free refills) and great cakes for just £2 today and March 26 10.30am-noon.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

The Sacred Heart & St Aldhelm Westbury, Sherborne DT9 3EL is supporting CAFOD by having Lent lunches on Wednesdays until March 27, 11.30am to 1.30pm in the Church Hall. Homemade soup with bread, cheese and apples. £3.50.

Reasonable prices

Box frames & medals

Needlepoint a speciality

Large stock of frame mouldings

Wide range of acid-free coloured mount card

5 types of glass including water white non reflective and UV protective

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Sherborne Historical Society will be holding a talk at Digby Hall in Hound Street at 8pm following the AGM at 7.45pm. Members and visitors will hear from Ian Fraser on The Death of Nelson: The painting by A W Devis examined. Mr Fraser’s talk had to be abandoned in January due to flooding. For more information visit sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk

Members free, visitors £5.

A coffee morning, featuring local pottery, knitted hats, cards and other goodies will be held at Bridport Community Kitchen in Friary Lane from 10.30am, raising money for the kitchen.

West Dorset Ramblers Group will complete a 7.5-mile circular walk along the Fleet

Breakfasts l Fish and chips l Sandwiches l Cakes

A cafe in the daytime... a bistro in the evening!

Lovely outside seating area l Dine-in l Takeaway

Open Tues-Sun at 4-6 Hogshill St, Beaminster DT8 3AE dexters-beaminster.co.uk ( 01308 863285

l Jacket potatoes l Pies

with views across the Chesil Bank.

For more information and to book ring 07798 732252.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Maiden Newton Art Group presents a talk at 7pm by Pam Simpson on The Scottish Colourists at the village hall. It is open to non-members for £5 per ticket which includes tea and cake. Everyone is welcome to join us for what will be a fun and informative evening.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Chideock WI presents a Fuller Talk at the village hall at 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, will give illustrated talk From Love Island to Byzantium. Kevin’s talk will cover his life in TV, where he is responsible for programmes such as Dancing on Ice and Mr Bates vs the Post Office, as well as his passionate interest in Byzantium history

and art. There is a bar. Tickets including light refreshments are available at £10 in advance from

janet.carey747@btinternet.com or 01297 489782.

Moonfleet Indoor Bowls Club will be holding an open day 10am-2pm at The Marsh, Knightsdale Rd, Weymouth, DT4 0HU. No need to book, just turn up. Free parking, shoes and bowls. 01305 759106.

A coffee morning will be held at All Saints church, Wyke Regis. 10am-noon. All welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, Fairtrade, books, music and chat.

The Weymouth One World Group are holding a fundraising talk at 7pm –Desert Island Discussion – at St Aldhelm church rooms, Spa

Ct’d next page

Steak l Salads l Desserts

Road. Weymouth Pavilion director Phil Say will tell stories of his life linked with the music that has meant so much to him. Book with John Liles on 07989 930223 or Mike Walsh on 07942 678730. Cost £5, BYO drink.

Dorchester Choral Society and Wessex Schools Choir perform Richard Blackford’s Pietà at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester DT1 2HL. Tickets at DorchesterChoralSociety.org Blackford sets to music the Latin liturgical text of the Stabat Mater. This is a meditation on the grief and loss of Mary who cradles her son at the foot of the cross where he has been crucified. Blackford’s setting adds in four poems by Russian poet Anna Akmatova, desolate at the disappearance of her son in Stalin’s Russia. To complete the concert there will be two further works by English composers: Two Psalms by Gustav Holst and the popular orchestral piece, Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus by Ralph Vaughan Williams as well as short pieces from the children’s choir.

A lunchtime concert for Lent will be held 12.30pm-1pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester Pergolesi's Stabat Mater performed by vocal consort and small instrumental ensemble. Admission free.

Abbotsbury Swannery reopens with a new Brambly Hedge Trail, based on the books.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club will undergo a seven-mile walk from Beaminster. Call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Easter bingo will be held at Crossways Youth and Community Centre, Old Farm Way, Crossways, Dorchester, DT2 8TU. Doors open at 6.30pm, eyes down at 7pm. Book of 10 games 50p.

Beaminster Horticultural

Society’s Open Spring Show will be held at the Public Hall at 2pm. Admission £1, tea and cake £3.

Entries close at 2pm on Wednesday, March 13. Schedules and details from beaminstershowsec@icloud. com

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

James Rowland will be performing Piece of Work at 3pm at Piddletrenthide’s Memorial Hall.

Tickets from Kelvin 07786 880676 or artsreach.co.uk

There’s a soap making workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am-2pm. £95 including lunch at Cherries Cafe and 1,400g of gorgeous artisan soap (see money off voucher on the back page). Book at duirsoap.co.uk or call 07557 532417.

Dorset Cottage Garden Society will enjoy a presentation from Penny’s Primulas on Primula Sieboldii and Epimediums at Puddletown Village Hall. Penny’s regularly exhibit at Chelsea etc and are National Collection Holders. Dorchester Doors open 2pm for 2.30 start.

There’s a Choral Eucharist for Passion Sunday at 10.30am at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester with music by Bach, Mozart and Philip Stopford. Admission free, refreshments available afterwards.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

West Dorset Ramblers Group will do an eight-mile circular walk from Lower Kingcombe to North Poorton on Jubilee Trail and back on the Wessex Ridgeway. For more information and booking call 07974 756107.

There’s a soap felting workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am-2pm. Make your own bar of felted artisan soap with merino wool £16 (£14.40 with voucher on the back page).

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Mike Denham’s Elite Syncopations with Trevor Whiting (Clar/sax) and Steve Graham(trumpet) at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 in advance from Pete 01305 812637 or on door £12.

A talk by Simon Williams about The River Lim Path – Past & Present will be held in the Driftwood Cafe, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 2NY at 7pm. Free event. Refreshments available. All welcome. Simon will tell how this popular path was made along the river. Simon is a planning and regeneration consultant, living and working in the Lyme area who has delivered many environmental and regeneration projects. He was appointed by Dorset Coastal Forum to plan and manage the River Lim Path Project. Contact enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

West Dorset Ramblers Group will do a 7.5-mile walk around Burton Bradstock and West Bay to include the coast path. For more information and booking call 07902 988549.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Taking a break from the international scene, Dorset’s own Ben Waters and his band return to Leigh Village Hall for a full-on rock’n’roll evening, fundraising for Parkinsons UK. Table seating, cash bar; doors open 7pm. Tickets £18 (limited to first 100), from leighvillageevents@outlook.co

m

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club, seven-mile walk from Stonebarrow. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

A table top sale and Easter event will be held 12pm-3pm at Salway Ash Village Hall. Egg throwing, Easter egg hunt, Easter crafts, refreshments,

cake stall, tombola. £1 entry or £10 to book a tabletop. Contact: pta@salwayash.dorset.sch.uk

A charity bingo will be held at the Brownsword Hall Poundbury, in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice. Doors open 6.45pm. Reserve your place at eventbrite.com or call Franz 07929 453960 or email

franz_linda@hotmail.co.uk

A Choral Evensong for Passiontide will be held at 4.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester with music by Lotti, Sumsion, Wood and Bainton. Admission free and wine to follow.

The Great Art Giveaway –100 original pieces of artwork by local artist Kim Sibley will be given away 1-4pm at Maiden Newton Village Hall. The aim is to help her daughter raise money for a volunteering and development trip to Ghana so if you feel able to donate £10 per piece it would be gratefully received.

Kim works in a range of media, including oils, acrylics, pastels and felts, inspired by the countryside and coastline. See kimsibley.com. Pieces not marked sold will be given away at the event.

Frampton Village Hall holds a Grand spring sale, with pieces of furniture, chairs, tools, brica-brac, glassware and crockery, books, toys, games, new-to-you clothes, CDs and DVDs, artworks, golf clubs, and maybe a lawnmower or bicycle or two. Go along and make an offer! If you have anything for disposal, email colin.e.pook@gmail.com, or call 01300 320200.

Alternatively, sale items will be accepted at the hall during the day on Friday, March 22. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and tasty sausage and bacon rolls amongst other things. Doors open 10.30am.

Then on Saturday, March 30

A cake sale is being held by Mirari Lingerie outside the shop in Antelope Walk, Dorchester, from 10am-2pm in aid of Breast Cancer UK. Bring along your bakes to donate and grab yourself a cake!

A craft fair is being held at Moreton Village Hall DT2 8RE 10am-1pm.

Beautiful handmade crafts and quality gifts. Free entry. Book a table with Clarice Wickenden: jandc.wickenden@btinternet.com 01929 462338.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

There’s a soap making workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am-2pm. £95 including lunch at Cherries Cafe and 1,400g of gorgeous artisan soap (see money off voucher on the back page). Book at duirsoap.co.uk or call 07557 532417.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

West Dorset Ramblers Group will do an eight-mile circular walk from Lower Kingcombe on the Jubilee Trail and surrounding rights of way. For more information and booking call 07587 098079.

Lieutenant Colonel James Porter (retired) will talk about The Invasion of Sicily 1943 at 2pm at Bridport United Church Hall, East Street. James is a retired officer of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and has done tours of duty in Northern Ireland, Germany (during the Cold War) and the Falklands (post-war). His talk on the invasion of Sicily covers the background and planning, the invasion itself and the battle, in which his father was wounded. James has visited

Easter

£20 £45

some of the battlefields and contributed to a book about it. Longburton Village Café will be held in the church 10.30amnoon. Tea, coffee (free refills) and great cakes for just £2.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

The Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society hosts a talk ‘Risk-taking in Landscape’ by Keith Wiley of Wildside Nursery. Free herb plug plants available for summer show. Uplyme Village Hall DT7 3UY. Members free, non-members £3. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments, talk starts 7.30pm. ulrhs.wordpress.com

The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton, DT2 7BS, is holding a monthly quiz Teams of up to six. £2 per person or free if you dine first. Quiz starts 8.30pm.

Sherborne Science Café presents a speaker (TBC) at 7.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall (DT9 3NL)

£3 entry on the door, no membership required.

Sherbornesciencecafe.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

West Dorset Ramblers Group will do an 8.5-mile circular walk from Corscombe to Halstock and West Cheselborough. For more information and booking call 07826 150114.

There’s a soap felting workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am-2pm. Make your own bar of felted artisan soap with merino wool £16 (£14.40 with money off voucher on the back page). Book at duirsoap.co.uk or call 07557 532417.

EASTER EXHIBITION 2024

March 29-April 1, 10am-5pm daily at The Salt House, West Bay, DT6 4HB ADMISSION FREE

"Bridport Art Society is a friendly art froup that welcomes members of all abilities. We hold at least two exhibitions annually, offer affordable workshops as well as demonstrations and critiques by noted local artists. Find out more at bridportart.com

South Dorset RSPB Group is giving a talk in the Quiet Space Poundbury, Dorchester DT1

3SE at 7.30pm, doors open 7.15pm. Don Vaughan on Travels in India. Admission group members £3, visitors £4 to include coffee and biscuits. All welcome.

Sherborne Historical Society will hear from Dr Mark Smith on William Wilberforce. A picture of Wilberforce more complex than the Victorian plaster saint.

Digby Hall, Hound Street.

Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk

GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Join St Catherine’s Pre-school for their annual Easter Bunny Bounce! For children aged 0-7. Enjoy gym equipment, bouncy castle, soft play and didicars at Bridport Leisure Centre.

Free squash, snacks for sale (or you’re welcome to bring your own), Easter egg tombola and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny.

Only £5 per session per child and all profits go to St Catherine’s Pre-school. Reserve your place: preschool.sumupstore.com

There’s a soap making workshop at Duir, workshop 4, Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JJ, 10am-2pm. £95 including lunch at Cherries Cafe and 1,400g of gorgeous artisan soap (see money off voucher on the back page). Book at duirsoap.co.uk or call 07557 532417.

Beaminster Museum reopens for the summer season with A Stitch in Time. The exhibition follows a thread through local sewing history, from cobblers

to couture costumes and darning to drapers, via saddlers and seamstresses, to tailoring and tapestries. Artefacts and archive photographs from Beaminster and the surrounding villages bring the story to life. Highlights include an opulent Victorian plum silk costume with a ‘lobster’ bustle and hand-sewn, but no doubt deeply uncomfortable, boned bodice. The museum is now open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and bank holidays 10.30am4pm, Sundays 2pm-4.30pm. Free entry but donations are very welcome. Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. beaminstermuseum.co.uk

The Big Pub Quiz in aid of Age UK will be held at 7.30pm at the Trumpet Major, Dorchester. £3 per person, teams of up to six. Raffle and a prize for the winning team. To book go to age-ukdorchester.sumupstore.com/pro duct/the-big-pub-quiz

Faure's Requiem will be performed at St Peter's Church, Dorchester at 6pm. Admission free.

EASTER SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Cattistock Point-to-Point at Chilfrome (signed off A356). An afternoon of pony races and Steeplechase races. Local food, bar, bookies, ice cream, stalls and children’s entertainment. Further information: pointingwessex.co.uk or njatkinson10@gmail.com

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is holding a food fair in association with Dorset Food & Drink.

Continued next page

MEMBERS WANTED!

Yeovil Community Choir & Orchestra

We are a friendly group of singers and musicians who meet every week to rehearse.

Where: Vicarage Street Methodist Church, The Quedam, Yeovil, BA20 1JZ

When: Every Tuesday 7.30 –9pm

Price: Free taster session then £5 per week

For further information contact: Janice Sugg: 01935 429322

10:30am till 3:30pm

2:30pm)

Dorchester Repair Café will be held at Convivial Rabbit micropub in Trinity Street 10am-noon. Just turn up with your items for repair.

There’s a free film show, Father Stu, at Bridport Christian Fellowship, East St car park, Bridport DT6 3QE at 11am – running time two hours. Free café with cakes from

STAINED GLASS WORKSHOPS

March 16/17 Dorchester

April 13/14 Beaminster

Small groups expert tui琀on no experience needed

Details: www.jackiehunt.co.uk jackie@jackiehunt.co.uk

10am. Info bridportchristianfellowship.org or Penny, 07941 425589.

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31

A Choral Eucharist will be held at 10.30am at St Peter's Church, Dorchester with music by Haydn, Harris and Stanford. Admission free, refreshments afterwards.

Cattistock will be holding its first craft fair, in conjunction with a Scarecrow Trail and Easter egg hunt noon-5pm. A very broad range of stalls with artisan professionals and gifted local amateurs in the church and the village hall. Stalls include metalwork, soft furnishings, a woodwork, pottery, botanical illustrations and felt work, unique jewellery and stunning gemstones, including some fossilised pieces.

See some of the techniques and skilled workmanship in action and enjoy tea and cakes. All proceeds to the upkeep of the church.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Alweston Car Boot Sale, at the village hall, DT9 5HT. Sellers 7am, buyers before 7.30am £5, or afterwards by donation. Info: 01963 23436.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

Dorchester Civic Society will hear a talk at The Dorford Centre, Top o’ Town at 7.30pm – Emma Thimbleby on the History and Architecture of Wolveton House. Free for DCS members. Non-members are encouraged to make a donation of £3. info@ dorchestercivicsociety.org.uk

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

An Easter egg hunt will be held at St Mary’s Church, Edward Road Dorchester DT1 2HJ at 2pm. Find eggs hidden around the church. Please let them know you are coming. Children should be accompanied. dorchesterstmarys@gmail.com

The Dorchester and District Gardening Club is holding its Spring Show with classes for

horticulture, cookery and photography at St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington DT1 1LB. Staging of exhibits from 7.15pm, judging and general entry from 7.45pm during which the Mayor, Alistair Chisholm, will be speaking about his year as Mayor (NB: viewing of exhibits will not be permitted until the judging has finished). Free entry for members and exhibitors, visitors £1. For schedule and how to enter contact the secretary on 01305 268523 or dorchestergardening@btinternet.co m

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Film Night: Atash. Wyke Regis Memorial Hall. 7pm (doors open 6.30pm). 2004 film directed by Tawfik Abu Wael. A Palestinian family ekes out a precarious living at an abandoned army outpost. As the story unfolds, an authoritarian father is pitted against his defiant teenage son. Arabic with English subtitles. Cert 15. Entry £6, includes glass of

American soldiers at Spittles Camp

GARDEN EDGING

Give your lawn edge definition and improve ease of maintenance

5-6MM THICK STEEL, RADIUSED EDGE, 80MM DEPTH

6 METRE LENGTHS, WITH FIXINGS

Other metalwork by design

wine, beer or soft drink. Reserve a seat at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events or on 07710 096174.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Route 66: Country and Folk band, live at All Saints church, Wyke Regis, 7.30pm. Mix of modern and contemporary covers and originals. Acoustic guitars, fiddle and cajon. Tickets £6, at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/event s or from Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174. Cash bar. All proceeds to All Saints Church.

A community café and car boot sale will be held at

Crossways Youth & Community Centre, Old Farm Way, Crossways, Dorchester, DT2 8TU 9am to noon. Free pitches but please book cycc@mail.com

The Friends of Weymouth Library (FOWL) meet at 10.30am for a talk by Neil McLocklin, who wrote A Nation in Ruins, on Corfe Castle in the Civil War, and its owners Sir John and Lady Mary Bankes, staunch supporters of King Charles I. Lady Bankes defended her home against overwhelming odds with the loyal backing of the villagers. Tickets from

the library £2 for members, £3 for non-members. Refreshments provided.

Burton Bradstock Craft Makers will hold a sale at The Salt House in West Bay today and tomorrow, 10am4pm.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild will, after a short business meeting, be treated to a flower demonstration by trainee Sarah Brooker at 2pm in Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, DT1 3DF. Visitors very

welcome (£2). Tea and coffee. Enquiries 01305 832857.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Wyke Regis Horticultural Society is hosting an evening talk by Caps BrowningSmith, head gardener, explaining the work in the gardens at Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate in the Trading Post, Rylands Lane, DT4 9PY at 7pm, followed by a soup and dessert supper. Tickets £7.50, non-members welcome. Booking essential. enquiries@wrhs.org.uk

WHERE DORSET BLOOMS

No carnival this year – but fundraising continues

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Hopes to bring the once iconic carnival back to Weymouth in August have been dashed.

The Weymouth Carnival Committee, formed in 2022, needed to raise £100,000. But they have been unable to secure the necessary approvals and funding to resurrect the colourful cavalcade, which dates back to 1856.

Kallum Gethins, director and chairman, said: “I want to personally express my regret over the cancellation of this year’s event. It is truly disheartening to deliver this news, especially after the immense effort that has been put into planning and preparation. Despite our best endeavours, we encountered obstacles beyond our control that prevented us from moving forward with the carnival as planned. However, I want to assure you that we remain

steadfast in our commitment to revitalising this cherished tradition in the future.

“I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we’ve received from the community, and I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you. Your passion for the carnival is what drives us to continue our efforts, and I am confident that together, we will overcome these challenges.

“We are exploring alternative event options for 2024 and remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. I urge you to stay connected with us as we navigate this journey, and I promise to keep you informed every step of the way.

“Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued belief in the spirit of Weymouth Carnival.”

A statement issued by the committee said: “It is with

heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of Weymouth Carnival for the year 2024.

“Unfortunately, Weymouth Carnival is not happening this August as originally planned.

“We understand the disappointment this may cause and want to extend our sincerest apologies to all those who were eagerly anticipating this event.

“We have worked tirelessly to bring the carnival back to life, but regrettably, we were unable to secure the necessary approvals and funding to make it happen this year. Despite our best efforts, certain challenges have proven insurmountable within the time frame available.”

Some £11,000 was raised from generous donations and the committee have assured all stall holders they will get full refunds.

The statement added: “We have not closed up the shop

and we will continue to work towards the goal of reviving Weymouth Carnival.”

The carnival was a highlight in the town’s summer social calendar since it began in 1856, and was believed to be one of the longest running carnivals in the country. However, things turned sour after the last event in 2018, as public trust for the once longed-for event entered an all-time low, with a ‘lack of transparency’ and ‘lack of funding’ blamed for the failure of a revival. The brand was severely damaged.

The new committee formed several years later, working tirelessly on building new relationships and trust, but despite its best efforts, certain challenges have proven insurmountable within the time frame available.

Centre Manager: The West Bay Discovery Centre

We are looking for a personable, highly organised individual for this exciting hands-on role at our award-winning visitor centre. Working with our team of volunteers you’ll be experienced with figures and handling cash, and confident using Microsoft Office and other IT packages. You’ll ensure our small gift shop is fully stocked, presentable and achieving targets, and help promote and deliver our events and activities. You will enjoy working with the public and a general interest in local history and the local environment would be an advantage. The role is permanent, 26 hours per week, including Saturday working on a regular basis from March 1October 31. 18 hours per week from November 1 to February 28. Salary is £24,190 pa pro-rata. A Dorset Council flexi parking permit will be provided. Find out more and download an application form at westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk Deadline for applications is 9am on March 25. Interviews are planned for April 8.

Science festival full of events

Embrace your inner Einstein at a family science day at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery on March 17.

The free but ticketed activity is sure to get the neurons firing from 11am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm.

Aimed at children aged 4 plus, there will be 20 different stalls offering hands-on learning and experiments in a range of scientific disciplines. There will be a great range of activities, hosted by local scientists, allowing you to try all sorts of investigations –find out how physics plays a part in everyday life, discover the invisible world of microbes, explore the biodiversity of the natural world, discover how magnets and gravity work, test your knowledge of water systems, fossils and seaweed and even handle a 205 million year old meteorite!

Emma Talbot from the museum said: “It’s a great opportunity to show families our incredible galleries, in particular our Natural Dorset Gallery, where you’ll see 250 million years of natural history come alive. We’re hoping families will enjoy exploring and discovering how Dorset people collected, investigated and made important discoveries about the natural world – and what we can do to protect them. You can also get up close to the Weymouth Bay pliosaur, learn about Alfred Russel Wallace and his work with Charles Darwin and marvel at the vast collection on display.” As well as the family science day, there will be a family performance on March 17 at the Corn

Exchange. The Discovery Lab is a spaceship, and home to travelling aliens on an Earth exploration mission but don’t worry, they come in peace and they’re keen to make discoveries with the audience as the resident Earth experts. Improvised theatre meets interactive science by the award-winning theatre company Brave Bold Drama. Suitable for ages 6 plus, there will be two performances, at noon and 2pm.

The Dorchester Science Festival will take place over ten days from March 8 to 17, with events at Dorchester Library and Learning Centre, Mini Professors, Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, Cape Farewell, Dorset County Hospital and Brewery Square.

New market

A new monthly artisan market is heading to Dorchester.

Already running markets in Sherborne and Shaftesbury, Dorset Artisan Markets will bring more than 200 artisan traders on the fourth Sunday from April to November. Tara Bailey, centre manager at Brewery Square, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Dorchester Artisan Market.

“Brewery Square is the perfect backdrop for this unique market which promises to be a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and community, offering a curated selection of handmade goods, delectable treats and one of a kind treasures.”

The inaugural market will be officially opened by town mayor Alistair Chisholm. The market will be held from 10am until 3pm.

Chemist plan

Dorset pharmacist Stephen McGonigle has applied to NHS Dorset to open a new pharmacy in Portland following the closure of Boots Pharmacy in Fortuneswell.

The application is in its early stages but has been welcomed by the community of 14,000 residents, all being served by Boots Pharmacy in Easton –the only chemist on Portland.

The closure of Boots in Fortuneswell in February was described by Cllr Parkes as ‘devastating’ for the community, of which recent statistics reveal 41% of children fall under the poverty line and includes a large ageing population with many residents not having a vehicle.

A spokesperson from Portland Town Council said a pharmacy in Underhill was ‘essential’ for the healthcare of the community.

Golden couple win our chair

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A stylish summer awaits Marion Toucher from Bridport, who has won the stunning Zest Jasmine Folding Chair after winning The West Dorset Magazine’s Mother’s Day competition in association with Groves Nursery and Garden Centre. Eagle-eyed Marion, who along with her husband Tom retired to Bridport 28 years ago, counted our brightly coloured bouquets in February’s WDM to be picked as the lucky winner of the chair, which is made from acacia wood and is super comfortable with a sloped seat and angled back with wide arm rests – perfect for relaxing and enjoying any outdoor space.

Marion said: “Oh how lovely. This is so exciting. My husband is in hospital and has

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MP battling ‘outdated’ law

West Dorset MP Chris Loder is trying to tackle ‘outdated’ EU legislation he says is holding up ‘thousands’ of planning applications.

Nutrient neutrality affects a 82,000-hectare ‘special protection area’ of Dorset, including rivers Piddle and Frome and their tributaries. The Habitats Regulations require planning authorities to assess the impact of plans on these sites. Planners should only consent to developments that will not adversely affect a protected site or ensure any adverse effects are mitigated. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus provide nutrition for plants and animals and occur naturally in ecosystems, but human activities can increase them. An excess can damage the environment and cause eutrophication and algal blooms in rivers and lakes. The main sources of phosphorus and nitrates in

rivers and lakes are sewage effluent and run-off from farmland. Natural England has advised planning authorities they should only approve new housing developments that are ‘nutrient neutral’.

Mr Loder wants to resolve nutrient neutrality issues “to unlock modest housebuilding development and solve environmental concerns”. Dorset has won £4.63million from the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, which is hoped to speed up the process.

Mr Loder said: “Thousands of modest housebuilding applications in Dorset have been delayed because of nutrient neutrality. Outdated EU legislation is preventing residents from accessing the property ladder. I’ve been heavily involved in finding a solution to this issue with the Government, along with ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed.”

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

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

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By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from creditors, divorce & remarriage, and other potential claims, including care costs.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimise inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

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revocable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or even revoke it entirely during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee, thus maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Should you move home the trust stays in place and protects your new residence. The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances.

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Plan to move stroke patients to Taunton criticised

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Plans to phase out the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Yeovil Hospital over the next 18 months have been condemned by Thornhackett Parish Council.

Residents who have suffered a stroke will be taken to Musgrove Park in Taunton for emergency care after NHS Somerset Board approved recommendations to establish a single Hyper Acute Stroke Unit at the hospital.

Yeovil District Hospital will lose its four hyperacute beds and keep 12 acute stroke beds – where people can be cared for 72 hours after a stroke.

Dr Bernie Marsden, chief medical officer for NHS Somerset, said: “The

proposals agreed today are a significant step forward for emergency stroke care in Somerset. The changes will mean better emergency treatment, resulting in fewer deaths and better recovery for stroke patients in Somerset.”

However, community groups have branded the move a ‘disaster’.

At a special meeting held by Thornhackett Parish Council, residents heard from councillors along with patient and community groups, how people who have suffered a stroke and who need urgent medical attention would be gravely affected by the decision. A Kings College London SSNAP report states: “The faster a patient is conveyed to hospital, the more likely they are to receive

assessment and treatment. Rapid emergency response is vital to reduce mortality and disability – ‘time is brain’.”

Emergency stroke services include brain scans and drugs to reduce blood clots, which are given as soon as possible after a stroke, and care is given for the crucial first 72 hours.

The plans will mean anyone suffering from a suspected stroke will be taken by ambulance to Taunton or Dorchester instead.

Thornhackett Parish council, which covers the villages of Thornford and Beer Hackett, voted to support a motion to condemn the decision. The motion, proposed by Cllr Nicholas WhitsunJones and seconded by Cllr

Roger Baxter, stated: “Thornhackett Parish Council condemns the decision of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to close the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit at Yeovil Hospital and transfer the Unit to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, recognising the detrimental effect that this decision will have on the safety, health and wellbeing of the people of Thornford and Beer Hackett.”

Councillors agreed to call upon the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to review the closure decision and ask Chris Loder MP for his support, along with all prospective parliamentary candidates for the West Dorset constituency.

Support Age UK at pub

Age UK North, South & West Dorset is the Trumpet Major pub’s charity of the year. Fundraising activities are planned and the pub, in Dorchester, is stocking Age UK’s brochures and leaflets.

The charity’s COO Rachel Weiss said: “We are truly thankful to Nathan and the team. As a local independent charity, community support makes such a difference.”

This collaboration follows two years of the Trumpet Major hosting the charity’s community Christmas dinner

and plans are underway for a third this year. Pub manager Nathan said: “I know from personal experience within my own family that the service Age UK provide can make a huge difference to older people’s lives.”

A lively community quiz, ‘The Big Pub Quiz’ will be held on Good Friday, March 29 at 7.30pm. £3 per person, teams of up to six with a raffle and a prize for the winners. To book go to age-ukdorchester.sumupstore.com/pr oduct/the-big-pub-quiz

Historic hedge is restored

Dorset Countryside Volunteers (DCV) have restored one of Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve’s hedgerows after it “disappeared”.

DCV is a small group of volunteers who focus on hands-on nature conservation

work, providing at-cost labour to land management organisations, including Butterfly Conservation, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust among others.

Your cultured opinions

Everyone interested in the arts and cultural life of Bridport is invited to contribute to a new advisory group steering the town’s inaugural Town of Culture pilot project.

Bridport has been named Dorset’s first Town of Culture and creatives from all over the area are gearing up to make it count. The project is being led by Bridport Arts Centre, with support from the town’s creative organisations and groups. They will be developing ideas and funding to run a ‘vibrant and inclusive programme of arts and cultural activities’ from July to

December, called Bridport 2024.

The new advisory group will be established to facilitate offers of creative input. They will next meet on March 6, then on April 3 and then on May 1. Advisory Group meetings are open to all and will be held in the WI Hall, North Street at 6pm. For more information about Bridport 2024 go to bridport-tc.gov.uk/ bridport-town-of-culture

County of Culture is an initiative created by Arts Development Company. Bridport 2024 is funded by Dorset Council with match funding provided by Bridport Town Council.

Artist’s great big giveaway

Artist Kim Sibley will be asking for £10 donations during a “great art giveaway” this month.

Kim said she will be giving away one hundred pieces of her own original artworks at Maiden Newton Village Hall on March 23 from 1pm to 4pm.

Kim said her aim is to help her daughter raise money for a volunteering trip to Ghana and would welcome £10 donations per piece.

Kim works in oils, acrylics, pastels and felts, and is inspired by the countryside and coastline. Her work can be seen at kimsibley.com

Pieces not marked as sold will be given away at the village hall event.

£624k funding to help stop flooding

West Dorset has been selected as one of 40 successful projects across the UK to benefit from the Natural Flood Management Programme.

The area will receive government funding of £624,500 to improve flood resilience for six projects on the river Brit, Simene, Asker and Mangerton. The Dorset AONB Partnership will deliver the projects, which once completed will reduce flood risk to Bridport, Beaminster and Netherbury.

SPLASH OF COLOUR: Kim’s painting of Portland Bill

Knitters keeping patients warm

Dorchester Trefoil members and their friends have made more than 700 knitted items for DCH patients – more than 300 blankets and 200 shawls, and almost 200 “twiddlemuff” hand snugs and several knitted bears for people on elderly care and stroke wards.

The blankets are used as bed toppers to help people with dementia or poor memories know which bed is theirs.

Trefoil member Judy Thompson told West Dorset Magazine: “We started knitting in late 2019 as something we could all do to benefit the community and have carried on ever since.

“Generous donations of wool, especially double knitting wool, have helped us enormously as many of our members are on restricted incomes and rely on donations to keep knitting whenever they

feel able.

“Helping the community is part of girlguiding but as some of our members are now very elderly and less mobile, knitting for Dorset County Hospital is a way they can contribute and feel useful.”

Dorchester Trefoil is hosting a quiz evening with food on May 21 in aid of the Foxlease girl guides activity centre in the New Forest. A charitable trust called Foxies’ Future has been set up to raise funds to

MOONFLEET 2000 INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

The Marsh Sports Ground Knightsdale Road Weymouth DT4 0HU

Saturday, March 16, 10am-2pm

Come

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buy Foxlease to continue to run as an activity centre for guides and scouts.

Visitors are always welcome at Dorchester Trefoil meetings. The afternoon group meets in St George’s Hall on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month and the ‘Hardy Perennials’ meet on the third Tuesday evening.

For more information email Judy Thompson at jct19336@gmail.com or call 01305 263783.

Slow down

Five towns and villages will introduce new 20mph speed limit zones from April. Councils for Langton

Matravers, Bridport, Wimborne, Pimperne and Winfrith all applied to Dorset Council to reduce speed limits in some areas. Further applications for Okeford Fitzpaine, Child Okeford, Milborne St Andrew, Winterborne Kingston, Cheselbourne and Wimborne are now being assessed.

Free clothing

Bridport Clothes Bank is distributing free clothing and bedding to those in need.

Volunteers will be giving out the items at St Swithun's Church in Bridport on Saturday, April 6 from 10.45am-12.15pm. All are welcome, everything is free.

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PURL ONE: Trefoil members and DCH patients with their blankets and knitted bears

Refurbished outpatients’ centre opens

A freshly refurbished outpatient assessment centre has opened at South Walks House in Dorchester.

Dorset County Hospital Trust received more than £14million from NHS’s elective recovery and community diagnostics programme to turn two floors of the building into a ‘permanent clinical space’. DCH was able to make the conversion after signing a 20-year lease with Dorset Council.

The first pop-up outpatient assessment centre was launched on one floor of the building in November 2021 as a temporary measure to tackle NHS waiting lists.

It was created as part of a partnership between NHS Dorset, Dorset HealthCare,

Active Dorset and LiveWell Dorset. A trust spokesperson said: “Funding has been used to expand and enhance the centre. There are now two floors of dedicated clinical space that will allow the trust to run more outpatient clinics and offer diagnostics appointments,

such as X-rays and scans, as well as day case local anaesthetic procedures and general health and wellbeing services.” Arts University Bournemouth students designed the internal artwork to create a ‘welcoming space’ and help patients find their way

around, with volunteers also on hand to offer support.

Dorset County Hospital’s chief operating officer Anita Thomas said: “We are delighted that our new outpatient assessment centre has opened at South Walks House.

“It will give us additional clinical space and facilities to reduce waiting times for outpatient and diagnostic appointments, and ensure patients receive the right care and treatment more quickly.”

The first clinics to be held at the new centre will include orthopaedics, rheumatology, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, orthotics and phlebotomy, with more due to run there in the coming months.

READY FOR YOU: The outpatients assessment centre in South Walks, Dorchester

Sherborne added to list of county Pride events

Sherborne is to host a new Pride event on July 7, bringing the total number of Pride events in Dorset to seven.

Organiser Sadie Wilkins has launched a website and a Facebook group for people to get involved in the run-up to the event.

The first Pride event of the year is Pub Pride on Friday, May 31, expected to involve several pubs across the county. Poole Pride will be

held on Saturday, June 8 at Lighthouse Poole, featuring Sophie Ellis Bextor, plus an exhibition running from May 24-June 16. Weymouth Craft with Pride will be held on June 15 at Weymouth Rugby Club, followed by Chesil Youth Pride on Saturday, June 29 at Weymouth College. Bournemouth Pride is back on Saturday, July 6 in the form of BourneFree at Meyrick Park.

Sherborne’s new event is the day

after that, then Dorset Youth Pride will be held on Saturday, July 13 at Shire Hall, Dorchester. If you are looking for company to attend any of these events, you could pop along to Weymouth Gay Group, which meets at 8pm in The Swan pub in St Thomas Street every Thursday –table 26 in the right-hand corner by the fire exit.

You can check out the group at weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com

Dig deep to fund pliosaur excavation

A fossil museum has launched an online fundraiser to fund the continuing excavation of the 150-million-year old pliosaur found at Kimmeridge Bay.

The skull of the fossil, which was featured in the BBC documentary Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster, is on display at the Etches Collection museum, named after renowned palaeontologist Dr Steve Etches MBE.

The museum has now launched a JustGiving page to cover the cost of excavating the rest of the fossil, nicknamed Searex,

after the skull attracted more than 17,500 visitors so far.

“The excavation of the remaining Pliosaur body is a race against time and

OPEN WIDE: Weymouth Bay Pliosaur discovered by Kevan Sheehan

Picture: Fernando

nature,” Dr Etches said, “so this is a priority for me, especially since we could lose important pieces of the specimen due to rapid cliff erosion. “Any help that people can provide towards this unique fundraising opportunity, where you will play an incredible part in making palaeontological history, would be truly grateful.”

n You can donate to the fundraiser at justgiving. com/campaign/searex

Secret lives of ancient sea reptiles uncovered

Dive into the past lives of ancient sea reptiles with Dr Darren Naish, pictured, at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery on March 14 from 7pm to 8.30pm. The lecture will explore how new findings surrounding the evolution, biology, behaviour, and

environment of ancient sea reptiles are

paleozoologist who works on dinosaurs, ancient sea reptiles, and flying pterosaurs. The talk will answer questions about what Mesozoic sea reptiles –including ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs – were like as living animals and what we still hope to discover about them.

On the night of the

lecture, there will be an opportunity to see the display in the Natural Dorset Gallery. Additionally, Darren will be available for book signings of his book Ancient Sea Reptiles.

n For details and how to book, visit dorset museum.org/event/thenews-on-ancient-seareptiles

Come and join the Rotary

The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis is inviting new members for fun and fundraising.

Time to think about Growing your own

Loose

Loose

The club supports charities such as Alzheimer’s, Asthma + Lung UK, Julia’s House, local libraries, Dictionary4Life, Shelterbox in Morocco and Ukraine cataract operations.

They also run events such as Carols Round the

Christmas Tree, Lyme Lunge, Soup & Ploughman’s, events.

If you would like to join in the fun and help make a difference email secretary@ lymeregisrotary.org

Anyone who would like to help their fundraising for the Rotary charity Water Survival Box can donate at justgiving.com/campaign/ soupandplough

NOMINATION: Oscar Gibson Fleming of Wessex Internet

Internet provider in line for award

A Blandford-based internet provider supplying broadband to villages in West Dorset has been shortlisted for a ‘rural Oscar’.

Wessex Internet has made it through to the South West finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards 2024 in the rural enterprise category. Wessex Internet CEO Hector Gibson Fleming said: “We’re proud to have been nominated for the rural enterprise category at the Countryside Alliance Awards. This nomination is recognition of our commitment to connecting the rural countryside to

ultrafast full fibre broadband, for the last 14 years.”

The Countryside Alliance Awards were set up 17 years ago to offer a ‘voice and a platform’ to rural businesses and are a ‘true celebration of the countryside’.

The winner of this year’s rural enterprise award will be chosen by a public vote, which is open online until midnight on April 1.

The winner will be announced in mid-April, with all regional winners invited to a House of Lords reception on June 25, where the champions will be announced.

Filmmakers put focus on funding

Young filmmakers have launched a fundraising campaign to pay for the production of a short movie.

The students on Weymouth College’s foundation degree in creative media production have also launched a second fundraiser to host a film festival where their movie will be screened.

The aspiring filmmakers say their movie Cluttered is an intense family drama, based on a rivalry between two sisters.

The short film will be directed by Molly Mansell, with Connor Jenkin producing and operating a camera, Oli Kelly as set designer, Billy Prout on audio, and Pearce Belshaw

as first assistant director.

The students are hoping to raise £1,200 through a crowdfunding campaign, which will go towards the cost of casting two young actors as the sisters, and sourcing an appropriate Airbnb property for the filming location.

The fundraiser is online at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ cluttered- - -a-short-film

The students are also running a separate fundraiser for a further £1,400 to help them stage the sixth Dorset Indie Film Festival at the Electric Palace in Bridport on May 14, where Cluttered will be screened. Visit gofundme.com/f/52ntuddorset-indie-film-festival

Mother’s Day reflections

Churches in the Bride Valley are offering a quiet space for anyone who finds Mother’s Day difficult. Whether you have lost your mum, or lost a child, or you are struggling with childlessness or if there’s any reason the occasion is

painful for you, you will be welcome at any of the Bride Valley and Chesil churches. On Saturday, March 9 between 2pm and 4pm at the Lady Chapel, Burton Bradstock, pastoral assistants will be on hand for a listening ear.

Creaky Cottage

Theatre that would become a restaurant

This wonderful photo of the building that would precede the Horse with the Red Umbrella café building in Dorchester was taken in 1897. The building at 10 High

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West Street on the corner of Trinity Street was opened in 1823 as the Loyalty Theatre.

It was closed and converted into a warehouse in 1843 and was demolished after the Second World War. The current name of the café there today is believed to be the name of the last play staged at the theatre.

Derelict cinema homes plan

Plans have been submitted to turn Lyme Regis’s derelict Regent Cinema into housing and shops.

Applicant Sebastian Walther is seeking full planning permission from Dorset Council to redevelop the Broad Street building into two, four/five bed semi-detached homes with under-croft parking plus two retail units on the ground floor.

demolition of a single storey building to the east of the site for extra parking. There would also be alterations to the building’s existing auditorium walls. In a design and access statement, the applicant said the Regent Cinema, built in 1937, has been derelict and disused for the last seven years following the fire that destroyed the auditorium in 2016.

while respecting the listed status of the host building and enhancing the visual appearance of what is one of the town’s most prominent sites and a key feature on the town’s skyline.”

The applicant’s full plan, which is still out for consultation, would involve reducing the height of parts of the auditorium walls.

REDLANDS YARD, BROADWINDSOR, DT8 3PX (

The proposal would see the upper floors of the Grade-II listed building converted and reconfigured to form a single dwelling and the

The statement said Scott’s Cinemas, who operated the site since 1973, was “unable to produce a redevelopment proposal” for the rebuilding of the cinema and sold it to the current owner who has engaged Mackenzie Wheeler to “investigate development options” for the site.

The statement said: “The aim (of the redevelopment) being to produce the optimum scheme to support the tourist industry in Lyme Regis and form a commercially viable project

The second floor ‘projector room’ and stairwell above the remaining cinema would also be demolished so it can be integrated into the residential development, with the auditorium’s raised seating also being demolished.

There would be alterations to the east and west elevations of the building and the existing metal fire escape staircase would be removed. The auditorium walls would be lowered in places in order to be stabilised and to ‘enable better views’ to and from the proposed houses.

Picture: WT Pike & Co, 1897

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Sandra’s on a winner with her Midnight Raver

Weymouth College art lecturer and technician Sandra Stalker has been named Most Promising British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 for her image of a crab, named Midnight Raver, taken during a night dive at Portland Harbour.

Her photos also saw her placed runner-up and third in the British Waters Macro category, and highly commended in the British Waters Living Together category.

Sandra said: “I find the crabs to have such bold and funny characters whilst running up to me and then away wildly flailing their legs like ravers, and I wanted to capture this character.”

The judges praised

Sandra’s use of lighting, commenting: “A creative photographic mind can metamorphose an everyday scene into a stunning vision.”

Sandra, who is also a talented illustrator and printmaker, moved to Weymouth after graduating in communication media (illustration) in 1996 and has worked at the college as an art lecturer and

technician for 27 years. Having been inspired by tropical underwater imagery in books and films, Sandra learned to dive in very poor visibility during a stormy September at Portland Harbour in 1999, and started using her first underwater camera about 19 years ago, initially mostly for ID shots of species to create prints from.

She said: “I’ve only really been into the creative side of underwater photography since about 2019 and have been awarded in underwater photographer of the year for the last four years running.

“This year I was also a finalist in Close Up Photographer of the Year and have had images in the finals of Wildlife Photographer of the Year for the last three years.”

Pioneering trial for stroke recoveries

A groundbreaking stroke rehab trial in Dorset is hoped to help people regain use of their arms after a stroke – and anyone who has suffered a stroke in the last ten years is urged to come forward.

Dorset HealthCare has joined forces with University Hospitals

Dorset (UHD) for a pioneering trial of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (TVNS) as part of their rehabilitation therapy, which involves sending mild electrical pulses to the brain.

Known as the TRICEPS trial, it will run for two years. UHD has already started treating suitable patients with Dorset Healthcare to follow soon.

Around 110,000 people suffer with a stroke in the UK every year and one third of stroke survivors are left with permanent arm weakness, which can make daily activities difficult.

Rehab therapy is the main treatment for people recovering from a stroke, but many people have persisting arm weakness, limiting their ability to look after themselves.

In TRICEPS, instead of an implant inserted under a general anaesthetic, brain stimulation will instead be triggered via a lightweight, wearable pacemaker-like device which connects to a wired earpiece.

The stimulation will be automatically activated as

the arm is moved during therapy and the connected earpiece gently tickles the ear, meaning people can access the treatment at home and without the need for invasive surgery.

Louise Clark, stroke consultant therapist at Dorset HealthCare, said: “We are really excited to be taking part in this pioneering work. In preliminary trials, it was shown that gently ‘tickling’ a nerve at the ear using mild electrical pulses improved arm and hand weakness after stroke, when used in conjunction with rehab therapy.

“In this new trial, led by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation

Trust, we hope to see if these initial findings are replicated in larger number of patients. As this treatment does not require surgery, it can form part of people’s at-home rehabilitation.”

Dorset Healthcare will run the trial for eligible patients in North Dorset, West Dorset and Purbeck. Participants will be asked to wear the device for an hour, five times a week, as they carry out their rehabilitation exercises at home, with the support of community physiotherapists and occupational therapists. To find out more about the trial, call 01935 601454 or email dhc.dorsetstroke andneuroservice@nhs.net

SNAP HAPPY Midnight Raver, pictured by Sandra Stalker

Frozen in time: Last living resident

The last person to have been born and raised in the nowdeserted village of Tyneham in Dorset has made a final visit to his family home.

When Peggy Read died before Christmas in Australia aged 94 it left her childhood pal

Peter Wellman as the last living connection with the ‘village that died for England’.

Peter, 99, recently returned to the tiny Purbeck settlement that was evacuated just before Christmas in 1943 to enable the army to extend its ranges.

Around 250 people from Tyneham and the valley farms were forced out, but promised they could return when Hitler had been seen off. But they were never allowed back.

While still on MoD land, the ruins of the village and the walk to the beach at Warbarrow Bay are open to the public for 160 days of the year and are frozen in time.

The school that Peter went to and the church at which attendance was mandatory have been restored, but the rest is decaying with time.

Peter, who was born in Tyneham in 1924, had attended the village’s annual memorial service until last year when he had a fall. But his daughter Lynne and son Michael drove him back for a look around as the last remaining villager.

Peter said: “I don’t suppose I’ll ever come back, which is a shame. After Peggy died I am the last person to have been born and raised here.

“I do love it here and people are always very interested in hearing about what life was like. But we knew no different.

“We had no electricity, no mains gas and no running water – we had to pump that from near the church. There’s a tap there now.

“I remember going to the beach and fishing and we

often had mackerel. We were happy until we got moved out.”

Peter, whose family connections to Tyneham go back many generations and whose grandfather was the shepherd, attended the little single-room school. He said he ‘scribbled like anyone else would’ and when the school closed in 1933 when he was nine, he spent several years attending another school by bus. At 14 he started work on a nearby farm where he stayed for 36 years and then he had a job in the clay industry until

retirement.

Many of the villagers enjoyed long lives and Peter put it down to the lifestyle.

“Fresh air is the main thing,” he said, “and hard work with a good heart and a contented mind. That’s how you live. “Now I’m the only one left. “They’ve all gone.”

Peter said he didn’t regret leaving the village because there was little there for younger people, but would have liked the residents to return.

“They were told they could come back,” he said, “but they were never allowed.”

Peter recalls watching a dogfight in the sky above the fields he was working in during the war, and waving at the Spitfire pilot who downed an enemy plane.

The village was owned by the Bond family who lived in the grand Tyneham House that is now mostly gone.

They were resistant to modernity meaning life in the village in 1943 was much like it had been a century earlier. After a campaign led by historian Rodney Legg to allow the residents back, the MoD in 1975 permitted people to visit what was left, and it has become an increasingly popular place for day-trippers and tourists.

Peter, who now lives in nearby Swanage with his family close by, is also the last person to speak with an authentic Tyneham valley voice, which has a rich, velvety Dorset burr.

The widower, whose family lived in Tyneham for generations, has two children,

CLASS ACT: Peter Wellman front row second from left, at school in 1937, aged three, and below, looking around the abandoned village. Right, in the one-room school

visits lost village

two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Mark White, the grandson of Peggy Read who was the second last Tyneham resident and who has researched the village for years, said: “Peter is the last living link to the village.

“Tyneham was completely unremarkable until December

1943 when the residents were forced to leave.

“They were promised they could move back but the place was compulsory purchased in the late 40s and the only ones who returned were those who were allowed to be buried in the churchyard.

“People like my nan and Peter have unintentionally become immortalised in history.”

Encore! Join singers in making a joyful noise

A friendly, lively, Dorchesterbased choir, singing mostly songs from the shows and popular modern songs, in four-part harmony, is inviting new members.

The Encore Singers’ everchanging repertoire includes songs from Mary Poppins, Les Miserables, My Fair Lady and other musicals, as well as songs by Adele, the Beatles and Leonard Cohen. A spokesman said: “We are always looking for opportunities to expand our range and include songs from a wide variety of genres.” They hold several concerts every year, raising funds for a charity. They also sing at the Carols In The Borough Gardens and the Light Up A Life service in Dorchester.

The spokesman said: “We currently number about 35 singers across the voice parts and, whilst we think we make a good sound, we would like to increase our numbers, particularly in the tenor and bass sections, so that we are able to take on more ambitious works and have a greater strength in depth.”

The ability to read music is an advantage, though not essential.

No audition is required, simply go along and sing on Thursday evenings during school term time, at 7.30pm in the United Church, 29 South Street, Dorchester DT1 1BY. Contact Liz Williams on 01305 786421 to let her know you’re coming.

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High time for Jubilee Clock to change colour

Weymouth seafront’s Jubilee Clock will become a kaleidoscope of colours throughout the year in honour of local charities.

The town council received more than 100 nominations when they asked people to select the good causes they wanted recognised through the Jubilee Clock light up scheme.

After considering the nominations, it was decided the clock would be lit blue

from February 21 to 23 in honour of girlguiding.

From March 29 to 31, the clock will be lit dark blue for Weymouth’s street pastors, and from April 19 to 22 it will be green for the Samaritans.

The clock will be orange from May 10 to 12 for the Repair Café, and on June 6 it will be red, white and blue to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

From July 19 to 22, the clock will be lit

blue for MV Freedom and again from August 5 to 8 for The Will Mackaness Charity. The clock will be lit blue again from September 20 to 23 for the Alzheimer’s Society, and green from October 25 to 28 for the Nothe Fort. Rounding out the year, the clock will be lit red for the Royal British Legion from November 7 to 11 and yellow, red and blue for the Salvation Army from December 7 to 9.

Put pen to paper with Swannery’s nature trail initiative

Families can follow a seaside story trail thanks to a collaboration between Abbotsbury Swannery and the Brambly Hedge book series.

Brambly Hedge is a collection of children’s stories and illustrations by author Jill Barklem following the lives and adventures of a community of selfsufficient mice who live in Brambly Hedge.

This year’s swannery trail is based on Sea Story from the series, leading visitors on a walk around the grounds to discover more about the birds and the ‘adventurous mice’.

Swannery manager Charlie Wheeler said:

“The Brambly Hedge stories celebrate nature and encourage children to discover the outdoors. The

swannery embraces this philosophy too, making the introduction of the Sea Story trail a wonderful activity for families and visitors this season.

“With stamp points, characters to meet and an activity booklet, there is

READ

plenty to do, alongside feeding the swans and discovering more about the swannery.”

Brambly Hedge director Peter Barklem added:

“The Abbotsbury Swannery trail offers a unique experience for

children and adults to immerse themselves in Sea Story, following the stream down through the trail to the Fleet and to the sea beyond.”

The swannery is open daily from March 16 to November 3.

Campsite plan refused at island farm

A much loved petting farm that hoped to boost its income with seasonal camping has been left disappointed after the plan was refused.

Portland Town Council and nearby residents had backed the plan for Fancy’s Farm to have 25 pitches

available from Easter to October.

But Dorset Council’s Highways officers objected to the site as the surrounding roads are unsuitable for caravans and motorhomes.

Natural England said the plan could hamper

conservation. The planning officer felt a campsite would spoil what was largely an untouched landscape, with tents, caravans, cars and motorhomes disrupting the view of the coastline. Fancy’s Farm is hoping to appeal the decision – it

needs to raise funds to pay for the animals’ upkeep, especially since costs have rocketed in recent years. The farm is free to enter and features pigs, sheep, chicken, ducks, alpaca and goats, among other creatures. There’s also a café and a soft play area.

Live

FREE

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The WDM’s favourite baker Liz Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a very early bird. In the depths of winter she is to be found knocking up piles of sweet and savoury goodies from 4am. In the summer she starts at 2am. “It does mean I go to bed at 6pm though,” she said.

Liz, now 58, worked for the NHS in clinical governance until she was 40, but always loved baking.

“I started baking with my mother aged four,” she said. “And when I worked for the health service I used to come home and cook the stress away.”

Liz was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder and gave up her job. But naturally energetic, she found she couldn’t do nothing for long and started selling preserves at the pub over the road from her home in Upwey, The Old Ship.

She said: “I got to the stage where I wanted to do something and Brian, my partner, told me to get my finger out.

“I did Melplash Show, and people bought things and liked them – people seemed to like what I was doing. It’s still my favourite show, as it was my first and everyone is so friendly.”

Liz has now been a professional baker for 17 years. She bakes anything and everything, and has been known to turn her hand to catering events and even doing the odd wedding.

She said: “The work is

OUR DAILY BREAD:

Pictures: LARA JANE THORPE

Early bird Lizzie raising dough to raise some dough

such that I can work when I’m well and if I’m not well I don’t have to. I have the flexibility.

“Winter keeps the business ticking over and allows me to employ people, but it’s only in summer I make any

possible, such as Book & Bucket cheese.”

The ingredients are used in a myriad of delicious goods, with sausage rolls in a number of varieties the most popular, plus bread, cakes, tarts and more.

money, which then has to keep us going in winter.”

In summer, production goes up a gear: “In summer I go through about 360 eggs a week, and 25kg of butter. I use local ingredients wherever

Liz’s newest offerings are inspired by what she did during the covid lockdowns. She said: “I did these boxes for people voluntarily during the week, and sold food outside the pub at weekends. It was a really anxious time and people wanted food. “I’m going to start doing food boxes – small, couples and family boxes with sausage rolls, pasties, cakes and bread in them. The small ones will be £12-£14, the medium ones about £20 and I will

distribute them in the Weymouth and Dorchester areas.”

Now based primarily in an outbuilding at Foot Farm, Liz is enjoying a new lease of life. She said: “I just want to make enough to live on, really. I’ve worked really hard but I love it – I will continue until I can’t.”

n Liz sells her bakes at the Old Ship, 7 The Ridgeway, Upwey, Weymouth DT3 5QQ, every Saturday morning from 9.30am-12pm and on Fridays from 10am-12pm at her bakery at Goulds Hill, DT2 9EZ (Foots Farm). She is also to be found at many of the farmers’ markets and food events around the area.

Call 01305 816378, or 07876 541589 or go to lizziebakingbird.co.uk

n Baking Bird: P75

Liz Crow hard at work in her kitchen making bread and cakes

Discovering more about our Everyday Heritage

A new community project will lift the lid on the everyday lives of Dorset’s 19th-century rural working classes. The project, entitled Tolpuddle Family Lives: A People’s Heritage, imagines the past as experienced by those who laboured in cottages and on the land, particularly women and children.

It is one of 56 projects throughout the country that will receive between £6,800 and £25,000 from Historic England’s Everyday Heritage grant. Tolpuddle’s Old Chapel will be the project hub where visitors can delve into evidence from diaries, memories, family tales, crafts, folk art and family histories.

A Historic England spokesperson said: “The Everyday Heritage grant programme aims to shine a light on the diversity of our heritage and is part of Historic England’s commitment to ensuring that a wider range of people are able to connect with, enjoy and benefit from the historic environment.”

Oddfellows’ coffee mornings raise £1,500 for good causes

A mental health initiative launched by the Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows has raised more than £1,500 for good causes in Dorset. At a lodge coffee morning, Oddfellows’ welfare officer Mary Brewer presented cheques for £756 each to representatives of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the appeal for a therapy chair for Fortuneswell Ward at Dorset County Hospital. Pauline Howden for the air ambulance and Jane Edsell for Macmillan Cancer Therapy Team said they were “delighted” to

THANK YOU:

Howden

accept the Oddfellows’ donations and took the opportunity to speak to those attending about their work.

The funds were raised through the lodge’s coffee

mornings, which began in November 2022, and now regularly attract 100 visitors per session. The coffee mornings began as a way of encouraging members to meet and

make donations for good causes.

Mary said: “It is truly overwhelming to see how much these mornings have become so popular. The Oddfellows are so grateful to members and those in the community for their support and generosity.”

The coffee mornings will continue on the second Friday of each month at Crossways Village Hall from 10.30am until noon. For more information about the Hand in Hand Lodge, which covers Dorchester, Weymouth and Bridport, call branch secretary Mike Clarke on 01305 260081.

Scheme to improve rental standards

A new scheme has been launched to improve rental property standards in Weymouth and Portland.

Dorset Council says its Safer Renting scheme will “help landlords comply with a range of laws”.

The authority said in the last year 75 per cent of landlords who have been contacted about the scheme have signed up and received bespoke advice.

The council said it is keen to contact the remaining landlords that have been written to but have not

responded.

Landlords approached through Safer Renting will receive a letter advising them to log their details and complete a form for their rental property.

They will be asked to confirm they meet legal requirements such as possessing a current gas safety certificate, electrical condition report and providing a smoke detector on each level of the property.

Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care,

health & housing, Councillor Jane Somper said: “This front facing service is helping landlords comply with their legal requirements and improve standards and safety in rented properties. It also means we can target those properties which are rented, but where the landlord has not told us about the conditions and can act accordingly.

I would appeal to landlords in Weymouth and Portland to complete the online form on our website if they

haven’t already done so, to be sure they are complying with the law.”

If a landlord fails to complete the form, the council may arrange to inspect the property. When landlords have submitted their information, the council will send a confirmation email as well as bespoke advice on how to achieve full compliance. The Safer Renting scheme also links landlords to the council’s popular landlord forum called Dorset Landlords.

Pauline

for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Mary Brewer, branch Welfare Officer, Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows and Jane Edsell of the Macmillan Cancer Therapy Team Pic: PAUL BREWER PHOTOGRAPHY

Fitness group’s golden anniversary

A men’s fitness group in Sherborne is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Calling themselves squatthrust.com, group members have an average age of 73 and join in an hour’s circuit training every Thursday evening at Gryphon School.

Their sessions are normally followed by a volleyball match and refreshments at the Digby Tap in the town. Despite their name the group does not have a website.

A spokesperson for the group said: “In addition to helping the members to keep fit and moving, there have been various spin-off activities like a badminton group, a golfing association, and various social events such as

meals, walks and curry nights.

“It was on a walking weekend on Dartmoor the rather unusual name for the group was chosen, after one of the exercises we do in the class.”

The group was set up by Alan Fall, head of PE at the old St Aldhelm’s School, as a way for friends and

colleagues to keep fit.

It was then adopted by the local council as an adult education course and was taken over by the Head of PE at the Gryphon School Allan Martin, who still runs the sessions.

It ceased to be a local authority course years ago and now members have banded together to start

running sessions themselves.

The group spokesperson added: “The evening’s activities are very much based around what each person feels capable of doing although Allan very much encourages full commitment.

“Squat-thrust.com are always happy to welcome new members, especially if it drops their average age a bit, so people in the 50s and 60s and even younger are very welcome – please just don’t show up the older members too much!”

n For more information on the group, call Dick Bennett on 01935 474306 or 07768 251920 or email dicklynnebennett@ gmail.com

COME AND JOIN US: Men’s fitness group Squat-thrust.com is celebrating its 50th annversary

Literary fest wants to hear your D-Day stories

The organisers of this year’s Sturminster Newton Literary Festival are seeking contributions from local people whose family members took part in the D-Day landings.

As the nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of the military invasion of Normandy, the festival is looking to create an exhibition of family

testimonies and images to go on show in The Exchange Gallery, Sturminster Newton from June 6.

On June 9 the exhibition will be formally launched alongside author events commemorating the invasion. To contribute to the exhibition email up to 500 typed words describing your veteran family member’s

experiences to sturlitfest1@ gmail.com or you can deliver a handwritten account to the town council offices in Sturminster Newton marked: FAO Cllr Pauline Batstone –D-Day 80th Anniversary Project. by Friday March 29 2024. Sturminster Newton Literary Festival is running from June 8 to 16.

New equipment for print firm after funding windfall

A Dorchester business has purchased state of the art new equipment thanks to a grant from the Governement’s Levelling Up fund.

Minuteman Press

Dorchester used cash from the Shared Prosperity fund allocated by Dorset Council to buy a latex printer and cutter. The printer produces printed materials including banners, roller banners, and posters.

“We’re excited about the opportunities this new equipment brings to our business and our customers,” said the firm’s director David Prince.

IN BRIEF

n Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is increasing its council tax precept by 2.99%.

The increase will mean Band D property owners in the Dorset Council area will pay an annual fire service precept of £86.95 as part of their overall council tax bill.

The fire service authority agreed to increase its share of the tax at a meeting in February as they approved a budget of £73.9million for 2024/25.

n Dorset Council is carrying out essential beach maintenance at Greenhill, on

“Thanks to the support from the growth hub, we can enhance our services and provide innovative solutions

that meet the evolving needs of our clients.” Dorset Council was allocated £6million

funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support businesses and community groups.

Weymouth Esplanade.

A section of the beach at Greenhill Gardens – from the Seascape Café heading south towards the Beach Café at the end of Brunswick Terrace – will be closed to the public while the work is ongoing.

The work is expected to be finished by March 11.

n Affordable homes near the former Value House between Lanehouse and Wyke Regis have been refused.

The 32 three-bed homes off Mandeville Road would all have been ‘affordable’.

However they were refused due to the impact on the

Heritage Coast. Traffic and wildlife concerns were also raised.

n Two rental homes proposed for an empty former mill in East Road, Bridport have been refused. Neighbours and the town council felt the town needed more rented accommodation. However Dorset Council wants the site retained for employment use. The 19th century mill, in East Road Trading Estate, has been empty for six years.

n The Amalthea Ensemble will be performing in a

concert on Friday, April 12 at 3pm in Beaminster Church. The musicians Meg Diamond (flute), Alice Cheer (cello) and Beth Haughan (piano) appear by kind permission of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Their programme will include trios by Weber, Martinu and Alwyn and flute/cello duos by Beethoven and Bruch. Tickets are £15 from the Yarn Barton Centre, Fleet Street, Beaminster or The Bookshop, 14 South Street, Bridport. Also available on the door (cash or card).

PRINTS CHARMING: David Prince of Minuteman Press

Cash boost for MV Freedom friends

A charity that provides accessible boat trips to wheelchair users and people living with disabilities has received a £500 cash boost.

Weymouth-based Friends of MV Freedom has been chosen by Care South as the latest beneficiary of its chairman’s fund.

A company spokesperson said the fund was set up to ‘give back’ to community groups, services and organisations which directly benefit Care South’s residents and staff and their Care at Home clients.

Volunteers from the charity were on hand to receive the funds from Simon Bird, chief executive of Care South, at Buxton House care home in Radipole

THANKS VERY MUCH: Care South presents £500 to Friends of MV Freedom

Lane, Weymouth.

Mr Bird said: “The residents in our care at Buxton House look forward to their trips out with the Friends of MV Freedom and often say it’s one of their highlights of the summer. It’s fantastic to be able to give something

back to the volunteers towards the maintenance and upkeep of the boat to ensure that the residents can enjoy trips out for many years to come.”

Weymouth Mayor Cllr Kate Weller, who is also president of the Friends of MV Freedom, said: “Our

heartfelt thanks go to Care South for such a generous donation which will make a big difference.

“We love taking Buxton House’s residents out on the water as they enjoy seeing Weymouth seafront from a different perspective, feeling the breeze through their hair, smelling the salty sea air and feel like being out on the sea is an experience unlike any other.”

The Friends of MV Freedom operate a 10metre motor catamaran specially designed and built to cater for wheelchair users and people living with a disability.

Each year they take out around 2,200 people onto the water in Weymouth.

Stan takes a stand on school uniform costs

Colfox School pupil and youth parliament member Stanley Bowden says he is on a mission to make uniforms in Dorset more accessible and affordable.

Stanley, who has been campaigning on school uniform for two years, is calling for schools to be more accommodating and ease the financial pressure on families during the cost-of-living crisis.

He said: “I think schools could use cheaper brands for uniforms and set up places where students can swap their old uniforms.

“I’d also like students to have more personal autonomy with their uniform and use it to express themselves.”

He is calling for uniforms to be more practical for students to wear outside of school, including removable school logos. He would also like a ‘uniform rating system’ that score uniforms on comfort, practicality and cost.

Housing help

Charities Shelter and Citizens Advice have joined forces with Dorset Council and launched a Housing Advice Line to help anyone with housing cost concerns.

Experts can offer legal and debt advice, help to find a new home due to eviction and in some circumstances facilitate financial assistance to enable residents to remain in their accommodation.

The Housing Advice Line is open to anyone who: n has a mortgage n rents privately n has a social landlord or n are landlords themselves.

The service is also open to lettings agents, so they can share information with landlords and their clients. Call the Housing Advice Line on 01305 221000, or email housinghelp@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Battery plan unanimously refused

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A battery storage plan has been unanimously rejected over fears it would not be safe.

Councillors on Dorset Council’s Strategic and Technical Planning Committee heard from applicants Corylus Planning & Environmental Ltd, who claimed the five transformers and five pairs of battery units planned for a site south of Coldharbour between Chickerell and Southill could store enough power for eight per cent of Dorset – enough for 13,500 homes.

But councillors did not believe those figures were accurate, with one saying the firm was ‘trying to pull the wool’. He said there were a ‘number of serious flaws’ in the firm’s claims

and it was ‘nonsense’ to claim the small plant would support 13,000 Dorset households.

One of the primary reasons for refusal was the risk of fire – not only the fire risk itself, but the huge quantities of contaminated water that would be generated by putting it out, which could harm wildlife. One councillor said the plan could have a ‘catastrophic’ outcome for the area if one of the batteries went up in flames, pointing out that a blaze at a similar facility in Australia took 150 firefighters over three days to extinguish.

One councillor said: “There is no way anyone can guarantee it won’t burst into flames.”

Planning officers have said the plan is in the national interest and would make a significant contribution to

climate change, with a ‘biodiversity gain’. The proposal was one of two battery storage facilities being proposed in the area –the other, for a much larger scheme to the west of the site, is still not decided.

Though small, members felt the dangers were simply too great, and that they had a ‘duty of care’. “One battery is one too many,” declared one.

Another pointed to ‘overwhelming evidence’ of the fire risk posed by lithium batteries. And councillors were unhappy the batteries would have been closer than the 6m recommended to allow firefighters access. The nearest hydrant was also thought inadequate.

John Worth, councillor for Chickerell ward, said: “This is the right solution in the wrong location.”

SMART MOVE: Youth parliament member Stanley Bowden

Emergency repairs on harbour wall

Emergency repairs are being made to a harbour wall at West Bay to stop it collapsing into the sea.

Dorset Council began emergency remedial works to Wall B late last month and is planning to complete longer term works at the end of the year which could take six months to complete.

The council said that following assessment and monitoring in recent months, it has become clear the wall needs “more significant repairs than first thought”, initially requiring six weeks of urgent works to prevent the wall collapsing.

The emergency repairs involve installing 35 metres of steel sheet piling to the toe of Wall B and filling in any holes that have opened up.

Food and drink kiosks at the harbourside have been closed since Monday, February 26 while works take place but are due to reopen in time for the Easter holidays.

The Mound car park is shut during the works to allow for materials and construction equipment –including an excavator and large crane – to be kept at the site.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS:

The harbour wall at West Bay is in danger of collapse

Access to the Esplanade, Jurassic Pier, Windy Corner café and Helmet City shop will be largely unaffected and the Harbour Master office will also remain open.

There will be a longer and more significant programme of works at the end of the year and into early 2025 to construct a new wall.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We’ve been keeping an eye on this wall for many years now, balancing the need to maintain the harbour with the potential effect of works on West

Help wanted at the elections

Dorset Council is calling on county residents to work at polling stations this summer. The county will go to the polls on May 2 to elect 82 councillors for Dorset Council, plus 150 town and parish councillors.

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

day.

A council spokesperson said: “We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in working with us, particularly if you have previous experience working in a polling station.” Register at dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/-/workingat-elections to be part of the May elections.

Bay’s businesses and tourist trade. But the time has come to take action to prevent further damage to the wall in the future and keep the area safe.

“Given the disruption to the kiosks in the area, it’s been vital to keep business owners up to date with our plans and I want to thank them for their input and understanding. Everyone involved appreciates the challenges of maintaining an historic asset such as the harbour, and I’ve every

confidence our team will work efficiently and considerately to keep disruption to a minimum. “West Bay is a beautiful part of Dorset, and its harbour attracts visitors from all over the country, so I’m pleased that we’re working to ensure the kiosks will be open in time for the peak holiday season. As soon as our plans for the new wall construction are ready, we’ll be sure to let everyone know.”

A purpose-built residential care home for children with disabilities has opened its doors in Weymouth.

Dorset Council said its new Chestnut House facility is designed to replicate the atmosphere of a ‘real home’.

The building is now ready to offer a ‘supportive environment’ for up to three young individuals aged eight to 17 in need of longer-term residential care.

Daun Tattersall, the council’s residential service manager for children’s services, said: “We’ve created a space with the young people in mind, incorporating interior decorations that also serve as sensory tools.

“We want every room to feel homely and inviting, and for this to be a really positive space where young

Children’s home now open

people thrive for the time that they are with us.”

A major focus of Chestnut House is to prepare its young people for a successful transition into adulthood.

Whilst the children and

young people are at Chestnut House, the staff will actively engage the young people in everyday activities, including cooking, and fun outings.

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder

for children, education, and early help, commended the home during its opening. He said: “It was brilliant to visit and witness all the hard work that’s gone into making this a great place.”

Digital champions get plenty of online traffic

Digital champions who help people in Dorset get up to speed with using the internet had their busiest year in 2023 – with more than 2,000 face-to-face appointments.

Dorset Council’s volunteer scheme, which also celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, held 2,063 appointments and saw more than 1,800 people.

In previous years, the volunteers held on average between 1,000 and 1,500 sessions.

Dorset Council has 45 volunteers based at libraries, community centres, GP surgeries and even a café in Wareham. Cllr Jill Haynes, the

council’s portfolio holder for corporate development and transformation, said: “The record number of visits to our volunteer digital champions shows just how much the help they offer is needed.

“Some people might be surprised that in 2023 there was still a significant number of people who need digital help. People can find their nearest volunteer digital champion session by calling the council or visiting dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/volunteer-digitalchampions Community groups interested can email digitalchampions@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Chancellor role for Martin

West Dorset resident and Doc Martin star Martin Clunes has been made the inaugural chancellor of Hartpury University and Hartpury College. He will serve as the honorary head of both specialist educational institutions in Gloucester in a ceremonial and ambassadorial capacity. Martin, who runs a 130acre farm in West Dorset with his family, is an advocate for animal welfare and shares Hartpury’s focus on “driving positive change in animal and equine wellbeing” through its research and academic programmes.

As well as presenting documentaries focussed on animals, conservation and the relationships between

humans and animals, Martin is President of the British Horse Society, a patron of the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, the Horse Course, Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and the Fortune Centre. Speaking about the appointment, Martin said: “I’m deeply honoured to be appointed as the inaugural Chancellor of Hartpury University and Hartpury College. I look

staff, governors and alumni and am excited to share in their numerous success stories.”

Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO of Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “We are delighted that Martin will become our first Chancellor and look forward to him playing a pivotal supporting role in the growth and evolution of Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

HEAVERS HEAVERS

3rd Generation Award Winning

“Martin’s commitment and experience in the equestrian, agricultural, animal and countryside realms align particularly well to Hartpury’s own values and specialisms.”

Livestock Bill progress

Legislation to tackle dogs worrying livestock has completed a second reading in Parliament.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has spoken publicly of the need ‘for action against the suffering of animals as a result of careless or negligent dog owners’.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock – Amendment) Bill aims to strengthen the law regarding the offence of livestock worrying, including changing what constitutes an offence and providing increased powers for investigation of suspected offences.

Mr Loder said: “I’ve spearheaded the campaign to ensure livestock worrying is tackled through legislation.”

West of Dorset stars at tourism awards

Attractions and businesses in the west of Dorset were recognised at the 24th Dorset Tourism Awards.

Dorset Museum claimed multiple awards, including the coveted Winner of Winners title.

Claire Dixon from the museum said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised by the Dorset Tourism Awards, especially for our commitment to inclusivity.

“It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. These awards provide a beacon of hope as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic and other crises impacting tourism.”

Shire Hall Museum won bronze in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year award.

Tamsin Little from the museum said: “We’re thrilled to win bronze.

“This award is a testament to our incredible team and volunteers who work tirelessly to offer visitors a memorable experience.2

Jack, Alex, Natalie, and Richard, from The Acorn Inn at Evershot near Dorchester won Pub of the Year and expressed their gratitude by stating:

“We’re honoured and delighted to receive this year’s Best Pub and Best Small Hotel awards.

“It’s a true testament to our amazing teams and their dedication to our

AWARD WINNERS: Dorset Museum, the Acorn Inn and the Shire Hall Museum at the Dorset Tourism awards

guests. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Evershot in 2024.”

n The full list of winners in the west of Dorset: ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD

Gold - Dorset Museum, Dorchester

Bronze: The Tank Museum B&B AND GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR

Silver: Barton Cottage Bed and Breakfast, Dorchester BUSINESS EVENTS VENUE OF THE YEAR

Silver: The Tank Museum Dorset Museum, Dorchester CAFÉ/TEAROOM OF THE YEAR

Gold: Upwey Wishing Well Tearooms, Weymouth

Silver

Bronze: The Story Pig, Sherborne CAMPING & CARAVANNING PARK OF THE YEAR

Bronze: Coppet Hill Camping and Glamping, Bridport CASUAL DINING AWARD

Bronze: Poco Pizza, Lyme Regis ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE

& SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Gold: Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport

Bronze: Warmwell Holiday Park EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

Silver: Durdle Door Cruise –Weymouth Bay RIB Charter Commended: Mellulah Therapy & Yoga Retreat, Evershot HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR

Gold: Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR

Gold: Dorset Museum, Dorchester

Silver: The Tank Museum, Bovington

NEW TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD

Silver: The Queen’s Arms, Sherborne

Bronze: Rudge Farm Cottages, Bridport

Commended: Weymouth Land Train, Weymouth PUB OF THE YEAR

Gold: The Acorn Inn, Evershot

Bronze: The Queen’s Arms, Sherborne

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Silver: Restaurant Les Enfants Terribles, Weymouth

Commended: The Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR

Silver: Rudge Farm Cottages, Bridport

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Gold: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot SMALL VISITOR

ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR

Gold: Nothe Fort, Weymouth

Bronze: Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester

TOURISM EVENT / FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

Silver: Tankfest 2023, Bovington

Commended: Shire Hall Christmas Market 2022, Dorchester

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Gold: Rosanna Dean, The Tank Museum, Bovington

WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR

Bronze

Dorset Museum Weddings

WINNER OF WINNERS

Dorset Museum, Dorchester

Brewing firm’s £27k hand-out to community groups

More than 20 community grants totalling £27,000 have been handed out.

Brewer Hall & Woodhouse awarded £2,700 to Weymouth Foodbank for milk,

cheese, and eggs.

Dorset-based charity Countrymen UK which helps individuals experiencing isolation due to physical or mental

deterioration received £1,000, and Portland based Island Community Action, received £1,000 to fund arts and crafts and workshops.

Little Green will be a little greener

A little green in Weymouth will be a little greener in future thanks to the efforts of The Wyke Society and the town council’s Parks department.

Little Green between Wooland Gardens and Lymes Close in Wyke Regis is a popular spot for dog walkers and a green oasis used by the community in general. The Wyke Society, with the support of Cllr Helen Toft, have planted a small hedge with saplings donated by The Woodland Trust. The council’s Parks department also helped by taking off the top turf, making the area weed-free and also

Long and short term care for the elderly

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CARE HOME: Come and join our friendly team

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Primrose Lodge – Dorchester Road, Weymouth primroselodge-weymouth.co.uk

Long and short term care for the elderly

Primrose Lodge Weymouth is a cheerful residential home popular for its proximity to the seaside. We have a team of highly-trained, friendly and dedicated carers, delivering the highest standard of care and professional support, 24 hours a day.

Come and see for yourself what Primrose Lodge has to offer Call Lisa Summers on 01305 786568 or email lisa@primroselodge-weymouth. co.uk

give the saplings a good mulch.

Some 90 native saplings were planted along a boundary fence on a very wet mid-February day and the next project planned by the society is to purchase some bird boxes to go in the mature trees

surrounding the green. Part of the area will be left wild in the summer to encourage bees and insects.

If you’re interested in helping look after the lovely area of Wyke Regis in Weymouth, contact The Wyke Society at georgina.s.skipper@gmail. com

DIGGING IN: Members of The Wyke Society plant saplings along the border of Little Green in Wyke Regis, Weymouth

Care for your best friend with dog first aid course

A first aid for dogs course is being run at Tolpuddle Village Hall, Main Street Tolpuddle DT2 7ES on Saturday, April 13 from 10am12.30pm.

David Harding, vet and director of Damory vets in Blandford, will go

through what to do if your dog has an accident or sudden illness, the signs that your dog is in danger and how to spot an emergency and when to call a vet.

All aspects covered – CPR, drowning, burns, bites, traffic

accident bleeding, heatstroke, fractures, vomiting and diarrhoea, choking and bloat.

All proceeds to go to Margeret Green Animal Rescue. Sorry, no dogs allowed in the hall. Entry is £10, cash only.

Give your mucky pup a good scrubbing down

A self-service dog wash has been opened at Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre. Dog owners visiting the attraction and Thorncombe Wood nature reserve can now pay to clean their mucky pups before leaving the site. The self-service facility, installed by Polygon Pets, runs warm water infused with shampoos and offers a twospeed blow dry function. The service takes contactless payments and Apple Pay.

Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment Cllr Ray Bryan said: “Our country parks are perfect for dogwalkers, and we’re especially proud of our dog-friendly reputation at Hardy’s Birthplace Thorncombe Wood. “But there’s no escaping the mud during the colder months, so we’re delighted that Polygon Pets has provided such a convenient and useful service for our visitors.”

Double council tax on second homes

Second home-owners in Dorset will pay double their current council tax from April 1 next year.

Dorset Council members approved proposals for a council tax premium on second homes and an amendment to begin applying a long term empty homes premium from April 1 this year.

The council is able to apply the premium early under new flexibilities for authorities provided in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which received Royal Assent in October 2023.

For properties classified as long-term empty and

unoccupied, a 100% council tax premium will, from April 1, be applied after one year rather than the existing two years. The introduction of the 100% council tax premium on second homes will come into effect on April 1, 2025, making a total council tax charge of 200%.

Unlike empty dwellings, there is no requirement for a property to have been used as a second home for a fixed period of time before the premium can apply, so it becomes chargeable from the first day a property is considered a second home,

or a dwelling that is periodically occupied. Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for corporate development and transformation, Cllr Jill Haynes, said: “The proposal to introduce council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties has been discussed in Dorset for several years.

“Now that the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been passed and received Royal Assent, we will implement the changes and additional premiums in 2024 and 2025. Council agreed to use 40% of the

additional monies raised to support the delivery of affordable housing.

“These new powers will provide much needed additional funds to help the council continue our track record of protecting vital frontline services on which Dorset residents rely.”

A council spokesperson added: “Where exceptions (to increased council tax rates) are provided for in law, and once final regulations have been provided, Dorset Council will adopt and apply such exceptions.

“The council website will be updated as soon as this information is available.”

PAMPERED POOCH: Dogs visiting Thorncombe Woods are now able to have a good clean before going home

Celebrating college’s rising apprentices

Weymouth College marked National Apprenticeship Week 2024 with a celebration lunch, with special guests.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax, BBC political reporter Tristan Pascoe and the Mayors of Weymouth and Dorchester were among the guests at the lunch in the college’s Bay Theatre.

Guests had the opportunity to network and talk about apprenticeship opportunities with college staff before a buffet lunch and talks from guest speakers.

Matthew Cousens, who started working as an apprentice training coordinator in construction at the college last September, spoke about his

experience of undertaking an apprenticeship to becoming a learning and skills assessor in his new job.

He said: “I found it very nerve-wracking, going back into learning, but the team around me have been

really supportive and the content of the course has proved to me very worthwhile.

“I am hopeful that going forward, and working with my mentor and the rest of the apprenticeships team here, I can become the best

apprentice training coordinator I can be. My story just shows that apprenticeships are open to all and are a great opportunity to develop new skills.”

National Apprenticeship Week aims to highlight the significance of apprenticeships in fostering skills development, bridging the gap between education and employment, and propelling individuals towards successful careers. The week is held annually to celebrate the achievements of apprentices in their personal and professional growth, with several of the college’s apprentices and the local employers they work with also attending the lunch event.

TIME TO TALK: Local employers, apprentices and Weymouth College staff in the Bay Theatre

Go back in time to a outfitters where

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Walking into one of Bridport’s oldest businesses is like stepping back in time, to a much nicer, gentler world.

At Smith and Smith, rows and rows of polished wooden cubbyholes are filled with classic, timeless men’s wear. Every colour of tie and sock in the rainbow is here – it’s just lovely.

Upstairs, their women’s department is another antidote to other shops’ dreary greys. Here you will find the famous ‘Bridport coat’ – a coat so fabulously colourful it’s been dubbed with the name of the creative town around it.

Smith and Smith opened 140 years ago this year, initially as a tailoring business in South Street, next to the Methodist Church (now the Bridport Art Centre).

It moved to its current home in West Street in 1923.

Nowadays it’s run by Sue England, who joined the business after her father Don Wraight, who ran the store for over 30 years, died in 1985.

Sue had initially trained to be a nurse, before realising her eczema would have been badly affected by all the hand washing.

Luckily, she loves running the historic store.

She said: “We have the best team in the world, without a shadow of a doubt. They are marvellous.

“They are so knowledgeable about our

stock and they are able to tell customers about the sustainability of our clothes, where they are made, what they are made from. “We are very conscious of using companies who produce ethical clothing.

“We stock Meyers trousers, and they are the best trousers we’ve ever found. They use organic cotton and use 40% less water making it. They are 100% climate neutral. The zips are rounded, meaning they won’t hurt you and they won’t fall

down…

“There’s no getting away from it, they are expensive, but they will last years, so you have to look at it on a price per wear basis.

“People come from a long, long way away to visit our shop, Bristol, Southampton for example. People with holiday cottages make a point of popping in.”

The business started when Edwin Smith, his wife and family came to Bridport in 1884. Robert, the eldest

child, was just 15 when his father died, followed by two siblings, leaving just Robert, Stanley and a sister Mabel.

Mrs Smith continued the business and Robert was sent away to learn the tailoring trade. When he returned, his brother Stanley was also sent to Huntsmans in London to learn the trade.

When he returned the two brothers took over the business from their mother, forming Smith & Smith.

In 1923, when they moved to larger premises at 8 West Street, their sister Mabel and her husband Jack Bedingfeld took over the South Street premises with

SUITS YOU, SIR: One of Smith & Smith’s colourful Bridport coats, Don Wraight in his office in 1967, a shop window display from the late 1960s and John Williams and Sally Trevett in 1991 with their award for the best poppy window

colour has never gone out of fashion

their chemist’s shop.

In 1936 Donald Wraight was appointed to run the outfitting side of Smith & Smith, after an apprenticeship in Wantage. Just before the outbreak of war in1939 Donald, a member of the Home Guard, joined up, and became an instructor at the ruggedised aircraft maintenance test station. He returned to Smith & Smith after the war and enjoyed playing hockey, and taking part in amateur dramatics and the local operatic society. In 1953 he became engaged to Sheila Hine, whose family had a stationery and printing business in Bridport.

That year, Stanley Smith died of a sudden heart attack, but Robert kept the business going with Don’s help. However, the following October Robert also died. While the bespoke tailoring finished, the outfitting and ‘cut, make and trim’ continued and Sheila’s father Eric Hine helped Don form a company, Smith & Smith (Bridport) Ltd.

assistant Mrs Shaw returned from her native Scotland with a beautiful jumper, which Don thought would sell well. A small corner of the shop was allocated to the fairer sex, but took off – so a new staircase was put in, and a full floor was then devoted to the

It wasn’t until the late 60s the ladies’ department was launched, after shop

Sue now employs several staff, and they all enjoy finding new items for the shop.

She said: “It’s a lovely business to be in. All the companies we deal with are so lovely. We go to the trade shows and meet the reps, who are like old friends. And we find new labels too.

“Covid was difficult. We have a very small online business, preferring to speak face to face with our customers. I had all the deliveries coming to my house – I had rooms full of stock. When we were allowed to go out I started to deliver to people.”

Thankfully, those dark days are over and Smith and Smith is once more filled with people and colour. “We like colour – colour lifts your mood,” says Sue. There’s something for most budgets here, with some unusual materials, such as possum fur – the animal’s fibres are hollow, which retains heat, and combined with merino and silk makes for a luxurious, warm knit. There are belts made with seven plastic bottles each –the bottles have been rescued from the sea. And Smith and Smith even sells a men’s fragrance only sold in independent retailers and Harrods.

In February 1985 Donald had a heart attack, and died a week later. His widow Sheila took on the business, with help from Sue.

n Smith and Smith are open Mon-Weds and Friday 9.30am-4.30pm, Thursday 9.30am-1.30pm and Sat 9.30am-3pm. For 10% off store-wide, cut out their voucher on the back page.

smithandsmithonline.co.uk

ALL WRAPPED UP: Sue England with staff at Smith and Smith and, below, the selection of belts made from recycled plastic bottles and colourful socks from Corrymoor and Falke

Culture

Gypsy jazz outfit swinging round these parts

Get in the swing of things with gypsy-jazz band Latchepen as they head back to Dorset for a second tour with Artsreach next month. Born out of a collective admiration of Django Reinhardt, they perform jazz on strings, with influences ranging from Romani music to bebop. With Matt Holborn on violin, Simon Read on bass, and Kourosh Kanani

and Dave Kelbie on guitar, the quartet regularly play at London venues like Ronnie Scott’s. Between them, the band have performed with most of the leading figures in the style all over the world, at festivals such as the Django Reinhardt festival, Turin Jazz Festival and March Manouche (UK). Latchepen will be live at Sydling St

Nicholas village hall (01300 341777) on Thursday, March 7, at Winterborne Stickland village hall (01258 880920) on Friday, March 8, at Powerstock hut (01308 485730) on Saturday, March 9 and at Studland village hall (01929 450587) on Sunday, March 10. All the shows start at 7.30pm. n artsreach.co.uk

Hammer time with sea shanties trio

Sea shanty revivalists The Longest Johns have crafted a new ode to the history and traditions of quarrying on the Jurassic Coast.

Commissioned by Dorset’s rural arts charity Artsreach, with the support of Dorset National Landscape, the new song is called Drop The Hammer.

The Longest Johns are a Bristol-based folk band covering everything from maritime songs to experimental contemporary folk.

In just a few short years, Jonathan Darley, Robbie Sattin and Andy Yates have gone from singing sea shanties in a kitchen to appearances at international folk festivals, worldwide tours and TV appearances.

As well as eight full length albums, they have released four EPs and nine singles, including the 2021 version

of the 19th century anthem Wellerman, which sparked a sea shanty revival, finding millions of new fans across the world on social media.

The Longest Johns took inspiration for Drop the Hammer by researching the county’s quarrying history and visiting various sites along the Jurassic Coast. Writer Robbie Satin was

particularly inspired by archive footage, held by Windrose Rural Media, of Portland quarrymen working to shanties using a ‘call and response’ technique.

Once written, the lyrics and musical scores for the song were shared with choirs from across Dorset to learn, before coming together en masse with The

Longest Johns to record Drop the Hammer live at The Mowlem theatre in Swanage in January. The final film for the song features evocative images reflecting the impact the stone industry has had along the Jurassic Coast and was premiered as part of The Longest Johns sellout album launch concert in Swanage on February 9. Songwriter Robbie said: “It’s been a joy to work with Artsreach and a very interesting opportunity to explore the history of the Dorset coastline. Huge thanks to the choirs that took part and thank you for bringing our song to life.”

n Find out more about this project and listen to ‘Drop the Hammer at artsreach. co.uk/projects/drop-thehammer

Get a ticket for Sister Act before there are nun left

Wessex Musical Theatre is bringing their adaptation of the rousing, feelgood musical Sister Act to Dorchester in May.

The action begins when lounge singer Deloris witnesses a murder and is placed in a convent to hide

from her gangster boyfriend. As she spends time with her fellow nuns, she inspires them to find their true voices, sing out loud and proud, and save the church from financial ruin. Featuring music by Oscar winner Alan Menken and songs inspired by

Motown, soul and disco, the show runs from May 29 to June 1 at the Thomas Hardye School Theatre, including a Saturday matinee. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite at eventbrite.co.uk/o/wessex-musicaltheatre-27468123281

LET’S ROCK: The Longest Johns explore the traditions of quarrying with Drop The Hammer

James back with tales of family life

Enjoy a captivating mix of storytelling, comedy and music when critically acclaimed storyteller

James Rowland returns to Dorset this month.

With a brand new show about fathers, sons and the hope that makes life liveable, James will perform at three rural communities through Artsreach, the county’s touring arts charity.

James’s visit to Dorset follows an acclaimed run at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival.

He will perform at

Yetminster Jubilee Hall (01935 873546) at 8pm on Friday, March 15, at Drimpton Village Hall (07771 554601) at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 16,

and at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall (07786 880676) at 3pm on Sunday, March 17.

Please note that the show is suitable for ages 14+

and contains a brief discussion of suicide and mental illness. Tickets and further information are available online at artsreach.co.uk

Debut exhibition at renovated venue

Artworks by Paul Jones will form the first exhibition at new arts venue

The Sherborne running from March 1 to April 6.

The Sherborne has been renovated and brought back into use by the Sherborne House Trust working with Dorset-based SPASE Architects and Stonewood Builders.

The restoration was guided

by Historic England and other conservation and heritage groups, and supported by the Friends of Sherborne House.

This inaugural exhibition is only viewable by booking limited spaces on one-hour tours on Fridays and Saturdays from March 1 to April 6, ahead of a public launch and a exhibition curated by Amanda

Wallwork in late April. Dorset Visual Arts’ creative director Paul Newman said: “Dorset Visual Arts are thrilled to be the lead arts partner for The Sherborne, and at the heart of a thriving Wessex arts scene. This provides a welcome platform for Dorset artists and makers, with a unique model for exhibiting and displaying work, alongside

other cultural activity on site. Dorset’s talented community of creatives will be at the heart of the cultural programme here, with a carefully curated range of exhibitions celebrating and championing contemporary practice in the arts and providing a wealth of experiences for inquisitive audiences.”

It’s a murderous melodrama, and it’s a Miracle

Cornwall’s acclaimed Miracle Theatre is back with a highly anticipated new show Hell’s Bells at venues throughout Dorset in March.

Hell’s Bells is a murderous melodrama; a comic seaside mystery like no other, promising an enthralling blend of detective thriller drama and Miracle Theatre’s trademark colourful characters, physical antics, and humour.

The show will play at Poole’s Lighthouse on March 2, the Mowlem in Swanage on March 6, Marnhull Village Hall on March 7, and Dorchester Corn Exchange on March 27.

Miracle Theatre’s founder and artistic director Bill Scott said: “In addition to our open-air productions in unlikely and out-of-the-way venues every summer, Miracle also used to spend the

winter months visiting indoor spacesfrom theatres and arts centres to village halls and schools.”

Hell’s Bells was developed with support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund through the £132m Good Growth Programme, managed by Cornwall Council.

Tickets are now on sale.

Visit miracletheateatre.co.uk

MAKING A POINT: Storyteller James Rowland has a few dates across Dorset this month

Culture

Chamber choir springs into voice with concerts

Bridport chamber choir Cantamus will perform its spring programme at three county venues this month. Named after a Thomas Morley song lyric, the ‘Spring, clad all in gladness’ programme features a mix of sacred and secular music.

The first half of the performance includes Ne Iscaris Domine by Byrd, Panis Angelicus by Franck and Crucifixus à 8 by Lotti.

After an interval there will be arrangements of traditional English folk songs, including Come to the Fair, arranged by the

choir’s musical director, Peter Nardone.

There’s also the bittersweet, nostalgic The Slow Train, originally by Flanders and Swann and arranged for the choir by Malcolm Knowles, and the

exuberant The Keel Row, a traditional Tyneside folk song.

The concerts are at Holy Trinity Church in Bothenhampton, Bridport, on March 9; St Candida and Holy Cross in

Whitchurch Canonicorum on March 16; and St Mary’s Church in Edward Road, Dorchester, on March 23.

All the concerts start at 7pm and tickets are £12 on the door, by cash or card.

The Fleet’s in with a live soundtrack

Described as an “exhilarating cinematic experience” a production of The Fleet is coming to two Dorset venues in March.

Sound artist, beatboxer and composer Jason Singh performs a live soundtrack to John Grierson’s monumental silent documentary film Drifters as part of a special tour with Artsreach, the county’s touring arts charity.

Premiering alongside the acclaimed Soviet silent film Battleship Potemkin in 1929, Drifters is a ground-

breaking portrayal of the dramatic life of North Sea herring trawlermen, following them through their daily routines as well as the industry’s struggles between tradition, modernity, and nature.

Originally commissioned by British Film Institute (BFI) to create a new soundtrack to Drifters in 2012 for a Blueray version of the film, Jason Singh’s critically acclaimed and unique solo score combines

live vocal sound effects, beatboxing techniques and live sampling to create a thrilling cinematic experience.

Critic Mark Kermode called it “so powerful and so beautifully done” in his Observer review of the show.

Artsreach says it is delighted to present ‘The Fleet: Drifters & Seiners’ at Portland’s Royal Manor Theatre (03336 663366) on Friday, March 15, and at Langton Matravers Village Hall (01929 423834) on Sunday, March 17.

n artsreach.co.uk

It’s a family affair with the Kanneh-Masons’ classical gig

Three members of the renowned Kanneh-Mason classical music family are set to perform in Dorset. Dorchester Arts is hosting the special musical event at Sherborne’s Gransden Hall from 7.30pm on June 24.

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason,

violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will perform alongside Edgar Francis on viola and Toby Hughes on double bass.

The concert, sponsored by Dorchester’s Dukes Auctioneers, will feature works by Schubert,

Mendelssohn and Brahms.

The centrepiece is Schubert’s ‘Trout Quintet’, based around the melody of one of the composer’s most famous songs.

Tickets are available from dorchesterarts.org.uk or by calling 01305 266926.

ALL TOGETHER NOW: Cantamus, the Bridport chamber choir

Greenham Common play explores protests

A Common Woman

Reimagined, a community play produced in Bridport, is being performed at the Lyric Theatre in April.

The play is based on the protests at Greenham Common and was hailed a ‘huge success’ after its 1984 performances at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington. In this reimagined production, 30 local singers assert You Can’t Kill the Spirit as they bring to life the many songs that echoed around the camp's nine gates and nine-mile fence. New scenes have been added; of the women in Greenham, showing their life in benders, with no water

Pic: Lesley McIntyre

and cooking over open fires, but determined to stay until the cruise missiles were removed from the common land.

The original play followed a family managing the conflict that engagement with the protest brings. The domestic tension, caused by the mother’s dilemma, is powerfully and sensitively depicted by playwright Mary Rensten, and those scenes are

interwoven with the episodes at the gates in Greenham. Local actors form much of the cast. Barbara Darnley plays mother, who worked professionally as an actress for many years and Andy Hern, who has performed with Encore and the Wye Theatre Company in Hereford.

The young brother and sister are played by Harry Lockett and Ellie Taylor, both of

whom have starred in Bridport Musical Theatre’s shows. Scenes at Greenham include Romla Walker, ex professional actress of TV and stage, Mel Still, Tamlin Morgan and Rosie Russell. This play also involves young people from Bridport, many of whom had never heard of the protests. The play is in partnership with Bridport Arts Centre and Bridport Youth and Community Centre.

Directed by Margie Barbour the play will be performed on Saturday, April 6 at 7.30pm and Sunday, April 7 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 and £6 conc from the TIC: 01308 424901/ bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets

Prestige honour for gardening group’s director

Poundbury Gardens’ managing director Mike Burks has been made an honorary member of the Garden Centre Association (GCA).

Association chairman Will Blake said Mr Burks had earned the position for his “commitment to and achievements on behalf of the industry”.

Mr Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, which also owns Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, received the honour at a GCA conference near Cirencester.

Mr Burks, who recently stepped down as a GCA

executive committee member, said: “I am bowled over by this announcement.

“The GCA represents the UK’s leading garden centres, so to be recognised and celebrated for my

You’re invited to walk round glorious gardens

Beautiful gardens in Dorchester and throughout west Dorset will be opened to the public to mark the National Garden Scheme in April.

Admission to Broomhill garden in Rampisham will be £5 for adults on April 21.

The former farmyard has been transformed into a “delightful, tranquil garden” set in two acres. Visits can also be arranged between June 5 and August 9 for groups of eight to 45. Also opening its gates is the garden at the old rectory in Litton Cheney on April 28. Visits can also be arranged between April 30 and September 30. The garden of Slape Manor

at Netherbury, Bridport will be open on April 21, as will Horn Park in Tunnel Road, Beaminster on April 24.

Frankham Farm at Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne will be open on April 21 as will the old vicarage at East Orchard, Shaftesbury on April 26 and 28.

Crichel House at Moor Crichel, Wimborne will be open on April 25 as will Edmondhsam House in Wimborne from April 3 to 24. The garden at Knitson Old Farmhouse at Corfe Castle, Wareham will be open on April 1.

Organisers warn that all entries could be subject to change.

n Visit ngs.org.uk

contribution is such a privilege.

“We are always inspired and motivated following the GCA Conference, and this year is no exception. “Our team is already looking at ways to

implement their new ideas at each garden centre this year.”

GCA chairman William Blake said: “Mike took the reins (of the GCA) just two months before the first covid lockdown. He was instrumental in getting garden centres listened to by government, so that they could reopen after just seven weeks, undoubtedly saving many businesses within our industry. “His guidance, support, leadership and environmental focus for the GCA and our industry is undeniable, and he will be sorely missed at executive committee meetings.”

AWARD: Immediate Past GCA Chairman Tammy Woodhouse, Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, and William Blake, GCA Chairman

Timing is everything with sowing seeds

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

thegardensgroup.co.uk

It’s coming into the right time for seed sowing –especially with summer bedding plants in mind. Starting too early will give you problems later in the season as most varieties will only be able to be planted out at the end of May due to the chance of frosts. Starting too soon will also mean that plants will grow leggy and will lose their quality whilst you wait to put them out. The range of bedding plant seeds that’s available here this year is fabulous – more than we’ve had for years because of a resurgence in interest in raising plants from seed.

If you don’t know where to start the seed packet has lots of useful information and it’s worth reading this for each packet to understand the needs of each type of seed. Some can be sown directly into the soil, but others will need sowing in a seed tray first.

Select a seed tray and a good quality seed compost. I like to mix the compost with a product called Perlite. This lightweight, white material is sterile and opens the compost, allowing really good root development which falls apart easily when it’s time to transplant the seedlings.

Most seeds will need covering and whereas instinct will tell you to cover them with a layer of compost it is much better to use another material called Vermiculite. This is very lightweight, allowing the seedlings to easily push through without getting distorted as they would do if you used compost as the covering. With a watering can and a fine rose head on the end, water the seeds in.

Cover the tray with a propagator lid (a clear plastic cover) and place them in a warm position

with good light levels. A heated propagator is ideal and will both speed up the germination and will make it happen evenly too. Label your tray with a description of what you have planted and the date the seeds were sown. This

will hopefully avoid confusion later in the gardening year!

And then wait…The seed packet will tell you how long germination should take and the date on the label will remind you when you sowed the seed.

Buyer beware... of hidden drainage problems

DRAIN BRAINS

By Jak Norwood of Valley Drains

Home buyers’ surveys are highly recommended as we see so many people move into a new property then

inherit a whole list of drain issues that could have been avoided.

Why you should consider a pre-purchase drain inspection: Moving home can stretch you financially, and it’s even worse for first-time

buyers, who typically have less cash to play around with after moving in. No one wants unexpected maintenance problems. A survey highlights drainage problems before you buy, removing the surprise of costly repairs.

We often speak with new house buyers faced with extensive drainage repairs just months after moving home. Had they arranged for a pre-purchase drain inspection beforehand, they’d have been able to discuss the findings with the seller. They could even have negotiated the cost of repairs off the sale price if there wasn’t time for the vendor to fix the problem.

A pre-purchase drain inspection shows how the

drains are used and where they connect to sewer lines, what the pipes are made of, their size, and their overall condition and whether there’s a build-up of grease or fatty deposits. It will also show if there’s a build-up of scale, which can lead to a blockage or corrosion, whether there are any damaged, broken or misaligned joints and if tree roots have entered the system, such as through a leaky pipe.

Everything else is checked by a surveyor except the drains underground. Don’t let your wallet get emptied by a defective drain!

Call Valley Drains on 07958 335973 and book your home buyer’s survey today.

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Nearly time to tiptoe through the tulips

Andy Cole is a reiki healer at The Potting Shed in Middlemarsh. He specialises in planting for healing.

This month has flown by, and still no let-up of the rain, nevertheless natures plants are resilient, and the spring bulbs are showing their heads just waiting for some lovely sunshine to appear.

The tulips are starting to shoot and these will be out soon. The energies from tulips help reinforce your own self-worth and assist in creative expression. As you walk around your own gardens you will notice all the shrubs and herbaceous plants starting to bud up.

Once it’s dry enough this is a good time to weed the beds and mulch them to help reduce the weeds.

Here at The Potting Shed we have been busy sorting out the perennials and herbaceous plants in preparation for re-opening at Easter. We will be having a spring plant sale with 10% off all plants over the easter weekend, so why not come down and grab yourself a bargain?

The progress to the sewage treatment plant has been slow due to the weather, but it is now finished and we just have the plumbing to get done for the welfare unit to be up and running. We hope to resume work on the barn extension as soon as the sun comes out again.

Those who visited us last year will see significant changes, as different parts of the community garden get planted and other areas evolve.

Despite the challenging winter we have still had therapies and yoga taking

place. Catherine from Snapdragon holistic therapies is still taking bookings so please drop her a line if you would like to find out more about what she does. Email Snapdragonholistictherapies @outlook.com

Andrew is available for reiki healing, card readings and spiritual pathway guidance and can be contacted via email, acole_@hotmail.com

Mary is with us on a Thursday for energy healing, you can just turn up have a chat and some healing.

Thursday is also the day we have students from a local college come out for work experience. These students have been a great help, also gaining practical skills and experience.

Friday morning yoga with Yoga Sherborne is continuing and we hope to see more people involved as the weather improves, for further details contact Dawn on 07817624081 or email hello@yogasherborne.co.uk

Why not give it a go? The class is for all abilities and it’s lovely to hear all the birdsong. We would also like to thank the volunteers who have helped us, some almost from the start, but particularly Suzanne, Colin and Mary whose help has been invaluable. If you would like to join us and volunteer, drop us a line to info@therapygarden.co.uk

Plant summer bulbs, such as dahlia and lily.

Prune plants such as roses, buddleia, cornus, and hydrangeas.

Plant snowdrops in the green for next year’s display. Prepare the veg plot.

Plant fruit trees and shrubs. Happy gardening.

Finally, here are a few jobs you can do in the garden when the weather permits.

Arrow

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3 Anofficialstatement (11)

4 Leastyoung (6)

6 Screenplays (7)

7 Quick,sharpbark (4)

8 Show (7)

10 Modifyingthepositionof (11)

13 Comparison (7)

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words Wordsearch Crossword Sudoku

9681 761

98 Brain chain (Easy version) EASIER PUZZLES 36 RESULT -50%+44-14×1/4-25%

7524

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.

Brain chain (Hard version)

32

RESULT +55÷3+130-7÷4

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.

HARDER PUZZLES

Cryptic Crossword

Across

1 Desperateenterprise?SeeRoyalNavybefore springbehindriverblockingenemy (7,4)

9 Onemanagingjockeymarstradition (13)

10 Newspaperscertainlyfirstoffcreatestress (8)

12 Typeforprintingamongstuffontable (4)

14 Beeconomicalwithoutmoneyorshare certificates (5)

15 Recordfrominspectoronarailway (5)

19 Sourceofoilingoodcondition (4)

20 DrivearrangedinaPCmag (8)

22 Traineewithsoundreasoningrightawaygets cap (13)

24 Airportrepmovingclosetodisplaybelonging toabrand? (11)

Down

2 Measureofresistanceoverroyalty (3)

3 Securesboundaryshowingfallofrockfrom cliff? (8)

4 Store’svandalizedinholidaydestination (6)

5 Seasoningputinanotherbowl (4)

6 Fragrantmixtureincontainer?Showpleasure aboutoldbitofincense (9)

7 Artistwithagentbecominghoarse (5)

8 Makeaspeechthat’sflowery,notnew (5)

11 Keylineaboutasetofdutiesrecalledas meansofattaininganotherlevel? (9)

13 Trimspinthat’swrongproducingtextual error? (8)

16 Expectacomediantograspfirstof animations (5)

17 Sunfoundoveradistantislandinjungle trek (6)

18 Knife’sfirstthrustintofantasticallylean joint (5)

21 Stumbleinjourney (4)

23 Knotofwoodinseriesbroughtup (3)

Every taxpayer is worse off under

I would really would respect having the opportunity to point out, as an accountant and tax adviser, that Chris Loder MP’s advertisement on page 3 of the West Dorset Magazine is totally misleading.

Hidden tax rises under this government reveal that your average taxpayer is paying £1,400 more in tax and National Insurance this year. In his advertisement in your last issue, Mr Loder selective use of tax statistics claims that the average salaried worker is £450 per year better off following recent National Insurance 2% cut. What he chooses to miss off in his calculations is that if you take both Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs), a taxpayer who is taxed at basic income tax rates has actually seen a tax rise of £1,400 per year and anyone earning more than £50,000 has been £2,275 worse off thanks to his government. This is just doing a quick review of tax rises between April 2018 and January 2024.

The single person’s tax-free Personal Allowance (currently £12,570) has been effectively frozen by the Conservative government for the last 6 six years. It has not kept up with rising prices and inflation. Mr Loder’s ‘average salaried’ worker (who I estimate earns £35,000 p.a. ), even with a NICs cut has seen a £1,000 tax RISE. Add in the extra costs of Council Tax, and if you feel worse off under this Government, it’s because you really are.

I would further like to point

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

out that Mr Loder as ignored the fact that his government has also increased company taxation by 6% this year. Most private sector employers are running business as companies as are many small business owners, yet no one seems to appreciate the damage caused by such high corporation tax rates. It affects small business owners and they employees the worst. This has massive impact on the affordability of staff pay in the private sector. Employers would like to help their staff and give pay rises to make up for high inflation but the only way to do this is to put prices up to cope with the government’s dual tax hikes. This in turn drives up

the RPI and so the spiral continues. Every taxpayer is worse off under this government.

Notes: I calculated the effects of freezing the personal allowance over a six year period: the RPI increased from 279.9 (April 2018) to 377.80 (Jan 2024).

Nichola Ross Martin FCA CTA (Fellow), Bridport

I write in response to Chris Loder MP, who in his letter last month suggested that the Labour Party is not on the side of UK farmers. He referred to actions taken by Exeter City Council and the Welsh Senedd, which are specific to those regions and although Labour-controlled,

they are not national Labour Party policy. Our policies, as I explained in the January edition, include encouraging councils to support local food producers.

Polling has shown that farmers have lost confidence in the Conservatives to deliver policies that support them. The Conservatives have traditionally been able to take the rural vote for granted. but this is no longer the case. The NFU’s outgoing president has called the Conservative’s decisions on farming “morally bankrupt”. Farmers are facing a perfect storm with unfair treatment by large retailers; costs and regulations linked to climate change are increasing while fuel subsidies decrease; Brexit has added costs to trade and employment.

Warm words from the Prime Minister are not enough and judging by their actions to date the Conservatives cannot claim to be on the side of farmers.

Claudia Sorin Chair of West Dorset Labour Party

I find it ironic (some might say hypocritical) that Chris Loder MP makes such a song and dance about how his party has now achieved 100% monitoring of sewage discharges into our waterways (West Dorset Magazine, edition 37).

He talks a great deal about the Government now being in a position to monitor illegal discharges. What he is deafeningly silent about is that the vast majority of sewage discharges are NOT illegal... thanks to his Government’s policy of

current Conservative government

putting profits before people. Also, in the same issue, he boasts of how, without Government funding, the cost of social care would skyrocket in Dorset... right after stating that, again thanks to his Government, rural residents of the county already get 13% less in social care support from his party! Once again, I find the irony breathtaking (some would no doubt say hypocritical).

And another thing. At a meeting in Portesham recently – after being informed that the majority of villagers believe a speed camera would hugely help the serious issue of motorbikes and cars driving much too fast through the village – he unilaterally decided that it wouldn’t, and in any case was a police matter.

Thanks for your ‘support’ Chris... Letwin wouldn’t have evaded the issue like that.

R Adams, Portesham

I do hope that Kim Berlin keeps the readers informed about the ancient apple tree on Blackdown and whether propagation goes ahead. If so I hope that Blackdown will be included in the name, ‘Dorset Blackdown’?

S Herring

Following Kim Berlin’s account of the ancient apple tree he stumbled upon up on Black Down in the autumn, a number of people got in touch requesting an update on the possibility of grafting and ‘keeping it going’ as a Dorset tree. A cultivar was suggested as possibly identifying the tree but on researching it, it was found that the cultivar must be

younger than the tree growing on Black Down. But all suggestions are helpful and gratefully received. Since the original article was published Kim has met with the Dorset National Landscape Team and with their help he is taking the propagation of the tree forward. A number of scions have been cut from the tree to be grafted onto rootstocks at a local specialist apple tree nursery. Material will be taken from the tree in the early summer for DNA testing. It has been suggested by the nursery that the tree shares some characteristics with some medieval cultivars. Hopefully the DNA results will tell us more, or may even deepen the

mystery, but it is a journey worth travelling.

It is hoped that trees from these initial grafts may become generally available in the future.

Ian Baird, Portland

After reading Robert Theobald’s letter in the February issue dismissing the need for us to take action on carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, I thought that in the interests of balance, your readers might like to read what the Royal Society (one of the UK’s most prestigious scientific bodies) has to say on the matter. If they follow the link below they will find clear, concise explanations of the issues.

royalsociety.org/topics-

policy/projects/climatechange-evidence-causes/ In particular I draw their attention to the document on 12 misleading arguments put forward by deniers of manmade climate change (see link below). Some of them will sound familiar.

sustainabilityexchange.ac.uk/ files/the_royal_society_clima te_change_-

_fact__fiction.pdf

Gordon Lethbridge

Sherborne

I read the lovely article written by Jo on Page 76 (WDM, February). It was a fun read.

I would like to make known a correction that needs to be printed in the next edition to prevent misinformation and potential damage to business. The article mentions twice that Chris was doing his last tour at Lyme Regis. This is incorrect, and potentially damaging to Chris’ new independent venture, Fossilwise. Chris has continued taking tours out on the beaches of Lyme Regis; Jo happened to join his last walk on behalf of the museum.

Kate Acheson

I do apologise for not knowing that Chris would be giving independent guided tours in the future. He told us he was going to India. He also mentioned that if we saw him around in the future on East Cliff beach that we could ask him anything (which was very kind) but I had no idea that he would be doing independent tours. He was a brilliant guide – funny and knowledgeable and I wish him every future success.

Jo Belasco

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Letters

I notice that Chris Loder is shy about advertising his political affiliation (WDM February 2024). His contribution titled Constituency Issues (page 84) is carried alongside three other political think pieces, all acknowledging the authors’ political affiliations. Chris Loder’s does not and neither does his political advertisement on page 3. Indeed, the name ‘Conservative’ does not appear in either piece at all! If Mr Loder now considers himself an Independent, perhaps he would let his constituents know (though I am not aware of him rejecting the Conservative Party’s Whip). In any event, I suggest that WDM should insist that

Puzzle solutions

clearly political contributions (including advertisements) should always carry explicit statement of political affiliation. I myself belong to no political party.

Ian Seton

It’s in the news this morning how much Access Land is inaccessible. Dorset has hundreds (I haven’t counted them!) of Access Land sites but nearly 30 of them are inaccessible unless by permission or trespass as they can’t be reached by a public right of way. Access Land was created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and includes Common Land, mountain, moor, heath and down land. Everybody has a

right to roam and explore it but it gets very little publicity so I doubt if most people know it exists!

If you want to discover and explore Access Land near you, visit the Dorset Explorer website and, by juggling your way through it, click on ‘Countryside’ and scroll down to Rights of Way. Click on that and then on the various types of Access Land: Dedicated, Open, Common and Village Greens. Then get out and explore it!

Chris Slade, Maiden Newton

Our local organisations in Weymouth that run initiatives to reduce lives lost to suicide in our community already survive with very little

investment behind them. With the local suicide prevention funding they’ve relied on having come to an end, they may be forced to significantly scale back or completely stop these life-saving services. Samaritans has estimated that renewing this funding would only cost £1.40 per person - as little as the price of a loaf of bread. Surely that’s something the Government can commit to on 6th March, if it can help save lives?

I urge readers to take any action they can to save this local funding, so that we’re doing all we can to prevent suicide in the local area.

Corinne Jane Bryant, Weymouth

From pages 64-65

Jumbo 3D Sudoku Brain

It’s the journey, and not the destination

Life is about the journey, not the destination according to Ralph Waldo Emerson, among others.

The funny thing is that we won’t truly understand how true these words really are until we’ve taken the journey. Or as a character in the sit-com The Office says: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

When it comes to the journey to Easter, we could see it simply as a mad scramble along the difficult road of Lent, a scramble that we want to be over as quickly as possible because we just want to get there. But as in so much of life, the journey isn’t

Services

Sherborne Abbey Weekday Services

simply the fastest route to the destination. Isn’t it more about what happens to us, and those we travel with along the way?

Life is the journey.

In the season of Lent, we have had an opportunity to focus on what it means to be on the journey. Or in the words of the poet Mary Oliver the chance to

“Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

Paying attention to the journey is surely about openness and receptivity to everything around us. It’s less about what we do with our eyes and ears, and more about what we do with our hearts. It’s staying awake to and aware of my needs and hopes and those of

Friday, March 15

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

Every Monday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel

Every Tuesday at 12noon, Holy Communion - The 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 Chapel -

Every Saturday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel

Sunday, March 10

Sherborne Abbey 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 6pm Choral Evenson – RNLI Anniversary Service

St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30am BCP Holy Communion

St James the Great, Longburton 10am Family Communion St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30am All Age Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 11.15am BCP Holy Communion

Cheap Street Church 6.30pm Taize Service

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton 9.30am Eucharist

St Saviour’s, Dottery 10.30am Morning Worship

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell 11am Benefice

Eucharist

Burton Bradstock 11am Holy Communion

Litton Cheney 9.30am Mothering Sunday Service

Swyre 11am Morning Worship

Puncknowle 9.30am Holy Communion

Shipton Gorge 9.30am Mothering Sunday Breakfast Church

Littlebredy 11am Holy Communion

Abbotsbury 9am BCP Holy Communion

Portesham 10am Family Praise

Langton Herring 11am Parish Communion

others, the beauty and disfigurement of our lives and world, the gifts and the callings coming to us. It means taking it all in and closing our eyes to nothing. Paying attention is what keeps us in the present moment. The present moment is the only one we have.

It’s the place where Jesus shows up, where meaning is made, where relationships are restored, hearts are healed, and life is lived. It’s where we see how all things are connected.

If we just hurry along, looking ahead to where we think we are going instead of being astonished by the journey itself, we miss the reason for travelling: we miss life, the

Sherborne Abbey 11am Remembering the Fallen

Sunday, March 17

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

St Martin Tours of Tours, Lillington 9.30am Morning Service

St James the Great, Longburton 10am Family Communion

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30am Holy Communion

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 11.15am Mattins

St Mary Magdalene, Loders 9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 11am Benefice Eucharist

St Paul’s Broadoak 6.30pm Holy Communion

Burton Bradstock 9.30am Café Church

Litton Cheney 9.30am BCP Matins

Swyre 11am Holy Communion

Long Bredy 9.30am Morning Worship

Portesham 11am Parish Communion

Langton Herring 10am Family Praise

Sunday, March 24

Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.15am

Liturgy of the Palms Procession 9.30am Parish Eucharist

6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30am Morning Service

St James the Great, Longburton 10am SAID Holy Communion

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30am All Age Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 11.15am Matins

St Saviour’s, Dottery 9.30am Holy Communion

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 11am Benefice Eucharist

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton 6.30pm Evensong

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell 6.30pm Evensong

Burton Bradstock 8am Holy Communion

Litton Cheney 9.30am Morning Worship

Puncknowle 11am Café Church

Shipton Gorge 11am Holy Communion

Littlebredy 11am Morning Worship

Abbotsbury 10am Morning Prayer

Portesham 9am BCP Holy Communion

10.30am Palm Sunday Procession

Monday, March 25

Sherborne Abbey 7.30pm Music and Readings

Tuesday, March 26

Sherborne Abbey 7.30pm Compline (SAID)

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 7pm Compline

Wednesday, March 27

Sherborne Abbey 7.30pm Compline (SAID)

St Mary Magdalene, Loders 7pm Compline

life of wholeness, meaning, and abundance - isn’t that the life you want for yourself, others, our town, the world?

The journey of Easter isn’t about answering questions, eliminating doubt, or making judgments. It’s more about imagination, possibilities, and hope. It is the travelling itself that opens and enlarges life, opens us, and enlarges our compassion and love.

And when we do get to Easter Sunday we understand once more that the journey is not over just yet…the journey continues and we want to tell anyone who will listen what that means as we say: Alleluia he is risen!

Wednesday, March 27

Litton Cheney 6.30pm Easter Reflection through Music

Thursday, March 28

Sherborne Abbey The Last Supper, Washing of Feet and Vigil, The Watch at the Altar of Repose

St Mary Magdalene, Loders Noon Holy Eucharist 6.30pm

Maundy Thursday Eucharist & Meditation

Long Bredy 7pm Holy Communion with Foot Washing

Langton Herring 7pm Holy Communion

Good Friday

Sherborne Abbey Noon Readings and Reflections 1pm The Good Friday Liturgy 2pm The Last Hour of the Cross Devotion

St James the Great, Longburton 10am Devotional Service

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10am Reflective Service

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 10am Devotional Service

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 12-3pm Good Friday

Meditation 6.30pm Easter Vigil & First Communion of Easter

Shipton Gorge 10am Litany

Abbotsbury 3pm Good Friday Reflection

Portesham 1pm Good Friday Reflection

Langton Herring 11am Good Friday reflection

Easter Sunday, March 31

Sherborne Abbey 8am BCP Holy Communion 9.30am

Parish Eucharist 11.30am Festal Matins

6pm Choral Evensong

St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30am Family Service

St James the Great, Longburton 10am Village Communion

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30am All Age Holy Communion

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton 11am Festal Matins followed by BCP Holy Communion

St Mary Magdalene, Loders 9.30am Eucharist

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton 9.30am Eucharist

St Saviour’s Dottery 10.30am Morning Worship

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell 11am Eucharist

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 11am Eucharist

St Peter’s, Eype 6.30pm Eucharist

Burton Bradstock 6.30am Sunrie Service at Hive Beach

Litton Cheney 9am Easter Communion

Abbotsbury 11am United Benefice Service

0Sunday, April 7

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Loders 11am Benefice Eucharist

CLT sponsors village U15 team shirts

Prior to the recent home match against Lytchett Matravers, Maiden Newton Under 15s gratefully acknowledged the support from Maiden Newton Community Land Trust for the sponsorship of their team shirts.

Steve May, Maiden Newton’s team manager, said: “Big thanks to the Land Trust for their generous sponsorship. The team and club are going from strength to strength. We now have over 100 playing members and seven teams in local leagues from the U6’s upwards.

“The club has become central to the youth of the community, and it is encouraging to see such positive support.”

ON A WINNER: Manager

Steve May and CLT secretary Sylvia Fowler with the Maiden Newton Under 15s

CLT Secretary Sylvia Fowler said of the sponsorship: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the

Under 15s football team and reinforce the relationship with the football club, as discussions progress about the shared ownership of the Youth and Community Centre.

Defences were on top with the match finishing in a competitive 0-0 draw.

n For information about joining the Football Club as player or volunteer please contact Steve May on: steven.mncfc

@btinternet.com

Anglers land cups at club trophy night

West Bay Sea Angling Club’s annual presentation night took place at the Jurassic Fun Centre.

Lidy Carter and Belle Chidzoy scooped multiple awards in the club’s junior division. Lidy was the overall winner of the Saturday Junior competitions, also winning the Saturday Cup, Junior Species League and Ladies Junior Trophy.

Belle was the winner of the Frank and Peggy Daw Memorial Trophy, the Stokes Family Trophy, and the Lambert Trophy. Lidy and Belle could not be separated for the Fred Bowditch Memorial Trophy and shared the award, this trophy being presented to the junior obtaining the highest points total in the Saturday junior competitions.

Mason Price was the winner of the Jurassic League, edging out Belle in second place.

In the Handicap Species League,

THANKS: Aaron Chambers acceptsthe President’s Cup on behalf of the Angling Centre from Dave Chidzoy

the overall winner was Lea Windsor with 55 points, while finishing top in the main Species League was perennial winner Paul House with 67 points. The club’s top boat angler of 2023 was Rod Barr with six trophies. Rod won the Conservation Trophy (Boat), The Boat Champions Shield, The Symes Cup, The Three Horseshoes Shield, the Tia Maria Trophy, while his boat Miss Grace also won the Boat Trophy.

Top shore angler of 2023 was

Paul House who bagged seven trophies - The Andy Neal Roving Challenge, The Axminster Cup, The David Cornick Trophy, The John and Frances Hunt Trophy, The Rickard Cup, The Summers Cup and The Whitehead Cup.

Top juniors in the main presentation were Aaron Chambers who won three trophies - The Eric Hamblett Memorial Trophy, The Junior Cup (Shore), The Woolwich Cup, The Junior Species Hunt Trophy, with an impressive 33 species caught. Aaron also took a share of the Jake Neal Roving Challenge with Belle.

Top senior lady for 2023 was Kim Chidzoy who collected The Pettet Cup and The Andy Neal Roving Challenge Ladies Trophy.

The Senior Species Hunt Trophy was won by Dean Francis who caught 46 different species, with

his decisive catch coming in the last month of the season. The team Species Hunt Trophy was won by Team Tales consisting of Ollie Mears and Dean Francis they caught 57 different species between them.

The last two awards of the night were eagerly-awaited with the recipients announced on the night. Steve Harwood was crowned the winner of the Clubman Shield for his consistent support of club events throughout the season.

The final presentation of the evening was the coveted President’s Cup, given to the president’s pick for the person or people who had worked hardest to promote or support the club during the season. Rod Barr, standing in for President Dave Cornick highlighted a number of strong candidates, before announcing the Angling Centre, West Bay, as the 2023 winners.

Weymouth Pickleball Club have been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about their plans to double their current membership and hopes for further success at national and international level.

The club has a number of very successful players who regularly play at national tournaments and 15 members will be representing Weymouth at the English Open in August. James Mathie and Ed Gateshill both picked up bronze medals in the European pickleball league, with Mathie and Colin Kilpatrick both winning silver at the 2023 English Open.

The club’s web manager, James Baddiley, said: “We have seen a huge upsurge in membership and are hoping we can get to 200 members by the end of the year. New outdoor courts are currently being built next to the tennis courts in Radipole Road and we hope there might be more to follow.

“We have members aged from 18 to over 80. A number of our players use the club as a way to recuperate from serious operations or to help with other medical conditions. Pickleball is a really good way of being active and it’s

members of all abilities.

Club looking for more members to get into a pickle

such great fun.

Formed in 2022, the club now have over 100 playing members, and are the largest group to use facilities at Redlands Sports and Community

Centre. With ten indoor courts at the centre, club members are regularly racking up over 60 hours of court time each week. Weymouth are an inclusive club and are open to new

Moonfleet’s open day

Moonfleet 2000 are holding a club Open Day on Saturday, March 16.

Visitors are welcome to come along from 10am to 2pm to try their hand at indoor bowls. Fully-qualified coaches will be on hand, and all equipment will be provided. Moonfleet 2000 are located at the Marsh Sports Ground, Weymouth. There is no need to book, please contact the club on 01305 759106 for more details.

James said: “The club currently has five main sessions a week, catering for players of different abilities and competitiveness. We also hold coaching sessions to help players improve their game skills.

“We are also now running regular induction courses, where players new to the game will have a coached introduction to the sport over several weeks, so they can all start off with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to build on.” There is a strong social element to the club too.

James said: “We hold regular events, such as quiz nights and summer barbeques. Club members have been active in opening and running a new cafe at the centre. We are hoping to host a pickleball festival in the coming months which should allow a lot of people curious about the sport to have a taster session. We really would love more people to give the sport a try.”

For further information, please see the club’s website.

COME AND JOIN US: Weymouth Pickleball Club members and, below, James Mathie and Ed Gateshill and, right, Mathie and Colin Kilpatrick

Vittles (food & drink)

You could be a million miles from Dorset

FOOD REVIEW

Drgnfly, Dorchester

By John Clements, chef at The Olive Tree, Bridport

You kill the soul of a chef every time you grind away on the salt and pepper mills before tasting food prepared for you because the food has already been seasoned. In cooking we’re always striving for a delicate balance between sweet and sour, soft and crispy, hunting to find that perfect amount of seasoning which allows the flavours of a dish to shine. Balance is crucial. Without it, we (and the universe), would fall. It’s the same in nature.

expecting that fact. I wasn’t expecting to visit Drgnfly in Dorchester either, but it is the year of the dragon, the magazine deadline is tomorrow, and so, on balance, it seemed appropriate.

My lunch guests are some

Dragonflies actually fly by balancing positive and negative thrust in their four wings. Bet you weren’t

dear, lovely, long-standing friends, one of whom worked as a clinicaldietician and who knows a

balanced diet when she sees one. The Pan-Asian menu here is exciting and extensive. After some prolonged perusal we chose edamame, tempura vegetables, a sushi platter, tuna teriyaki, crunchy prawn maki and a mango and avocado salad. Each dish was vibrant, fresh, perfectly seasoned and not a salt or pepper mill in sight. Downstairs is the Opium Lounge, a cocktail bar complete with sumo wrestlers and samurai swords. Dorchester needs this. The food presentation, service, ambiance and decor here are just so good. Every detail has obviously been carefully weighed, measured and considered. You’re in Dorset but you

could be a million miles away. I like it when restaurants do that. Food reviewing is all about balance too and I’m really struggling to find a downside here. Will have to keep coming back until I find one. It’s a tough gig but I always try to accept both the good and the bad with equanimity.

Glorious outside space tucked behind café-bistro

A licensed Beaminster eaterie which transforms from a café during the day to a twinkling bistro at night has a surprise tucked away – a gorgeous garden, offering space for weddings and special occasions as well as regular diners.

Grandmother Debbie Trocian, who was born and bred in the area and worked at the café for years before buying it in 2020, has created a multi-use space at Dexters in Hogshill Street. She launched Dexters in 2020 after buying the premises from Steve, who ran Steak Out there.

Three months later the covid lockdown happened – but

undeterred, Debbie set about offering takeaway and delivered food and transforming the large garden behind it.

She said: “There’s a massive garden out the back and we took the opportunity during lockdown to do it up. Looking

back, it was probably a good thing as we might not have got round to it and now it’s a great space for all sorts of occasions.”

Dexters opens seven days a week from Easter and offers a huge range of different options for diners, from breakfasts and

lunches to takeaway roasts, outside catering and more.

Debbie said: “It’s quieter in the winter and people are tending to come out more for a treat or a special occasion now rather than eating out once a week as they used to.

“However Sundays are absolutely heaving!

“We have a music licence, which we are using a little bit more now. We can have music indoors or in the garden.

“I have a really good team and lovely customers. We source our ingredients as locally as we can, too.”

n dexters-beaminster.co.uk

hello@dexters-beaminster.co.uk 01308 863285

Summer Lodge regains prestige rosettes

A village hotel and spa has rewon its prestigious three-rosette award after a change of chef, with the inspector raving about its food – particularly the rabbit starter. Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in Evershot has enjoyed the designation of three rosettes for years, but had to reapply when they appointed James Mearing.

It’s a homecoming for James, 40, who was born in Yeovil and whose foodie grandmother Molly lived not far from Summer Lodge. He now lives in Crossways with his wife and children.

James and general manager Jack Mackenzie, 50, received the honour at a ceremony in London.

Jack said: “James has reinvigorated the menus and brought new energy.

“The inspector was absolutely raving about his rabbit starter.

“The best thing about our food and drink is that more than 75% is sourced within 50 miles – it’s an absolute showcase of the best of the best of what’s available in Dorset and the west country.

“Everything is fantastic, but if I had to choose one thing it would be the cheese. There’s cheese, cheese and more cheese – our cheeseboard is a thing of beauty.

“There are 26 cheeses on our cheeseboard – the hard thing is choosing what not to put on as it could easily be 76 cheeses.”

The hotel offers food seven days a week, from breakfasts to lunches and teas and evening meals.

Jack and wife Alex, 43, share the general manager role, looking after the hotel guests, the spa and pool and the

restaurant.

South African Jack has been here eight years. He said: “When I moved here I was almost the only South African around, but now you can’t go anywhere without bumping into one!”

The pair run the whole place with a view to providing ‘rest, peace, relaxation and an escape from the crazy world outside’.

Dogs are welcome, there’s a kids’ playhouse and an indoor pool plus treatment rooms where you can ‘recharge your batteries’.

Inspectors said Summer Lodge was “An ideal retreat in the heart of Dorset, a peaceful setting and smart modern food.”

They added: “If you want stylish contemporary cooking in a comfortingly traditional country-house setting then look no further than Summer Lodge. Service here is polished, delivered with a youthful energy by an engaging team, and the food itself is elegantly crafted, demonstrating the skills of a chef with plenty of ability.

From the great bread and clever canapés, through to a brilliantly conceived starter of stuffed saddle of rabbit – a very refined and well executed dish – to a deft main course of lightly steamed turbot with roasted salsify, you can expect thoughtfully constructed menus.

“Finish with a delightful honey and thyme parfait with honey jelly, fresh blackberry and honeycomb.”

HONOURED: Jack

Mackenzie and James Mearing, centre, of Summer Lodge. Inset below: Their rabbit starter

Vittles (food & drink)

As a proud mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Mother’s Day celebrates the role of all mothers, in honouring the tapestry we weave together with threads of love and togetherness. Today’s lush recipe is from Italy and is dedicated to all mothers out there.

Remember, you are doing a grand job.

Torta della Nonna

PASTRY

300g of 00 flour

1 tsp baking powder

130g of caster sugar

150g of unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes (plus extra for greasing the tin)

1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk, lightly whisked.

1 unwaxed lemon, zested.

CUSTARD FILLING

5 large egg yolks

100g of caster sugar

30g of 00 flour

600ml of whole milk

1 unwaxed lemon, zest peeled into thin strips. 1/2 vanilla pod, seeds scraped.

Pine nuts and a dusting of icing sugar to finish.

Pre heat oven to 180 ° C

TORTA LESSON: A pud fit for a mum

How much torta we grannies eat is nonna yer business

Combine the flour, baking powder and sugar in a large bowl and rub the butter into the flour. Add the egg, the yolk, and the grated lemon zest, and knead until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Wrap it in cling film and leave to rest in the fridge for 1 hour.

To make the custard: whisk the yolks with half of the

sugar until the sugar has dissolved completely. Slowly add the flour and keep whisking until fully combined. Pour over 60ml of the milk, whisk it in and set the bowl aside. Place the rest of the milk in a saucepan with the rest of the sugar, the lemon zest strips and vanilla seeds. Over a low heat and bring to

a slow simmer. Remove from the heat, discard the lemon zest, and pour the hot milk over the custard base, whisking continuously until smooth. Place the custard back in the saucepan and set it over a low heat. Cook the custard until dense and glossy. Do not let it burn. Remove the custard from the heat and place in a clean glass bowl, allow to cool cover with cling to prevent a skin.

Grease a tart dish.

Take the pastry out of the fridge and divide it into 2 pieces, one being 2/3 of the total. Roll the larger piece into a 2mm-thick circle that is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the tin. Cut off any overhanging. Pierce the surface all over with a fork. Fill the pastry shell with the cooled custard and level. Roll the remaining pastry into a thin circle that is large enough to cover the top of the tart completely. Sprinkle with pine nuts.

Bake the tart for 45 minutes, or until deeply golden all around. Allow the tart to cool completely before dusting it with icing sugar.

Mum’s Kitchen... with Diana Holman

Easy Chocolate Brownies

This is such a quick and simple recipe, with delicious results. It also works using gluten-free flour if needed.

Ingredients:

400g jar of chocolate hazelnut spread (a supermarket’s own brand is perfect)

90g self-raising flour

2 eggs

60g walnuts, chopped

Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan. Line a square baking tin of about 18cm with non-stick baking parchment. Lightly whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in

the chocolate hazelnut spread, and then the flour. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Tip the mixture into the lined baking tin, smooth the top and bake for 20-25 minutes until shiny on top.

Cool the brownies in the tin before cutting into 8 slices to serve.

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.

Vittles (food & drink)

How to ensure your scones are a hit

For years the scones that I made were pretty hit and miss.

Sometimes marvellous, others not so much. Finally I decided it was time that I listened to my mother and here’s what she said… Follow the basic recipe. Use sufficient raising agent.

I prefer both bicarb and baking powder but if only baking powder is available that’s fine

When rubbing the fat into the flour leave the butter slightly larger than breadcrumb size pieces (2-3mm). The resulting bakes will be flakier

One type of flour may absorb more milk than others so introduce the last 75g in smaller batches. Ensure that the final dough is slightly sticky

Use your hands to press the mixture down rather than a rolling pin and DO NOT OVERWORK

Ensure that it is thick enough (4cms) before cutting out scones

Leave to rest for 20- 30 minutes before bakingjust long enough to wash up

The oven must be hot enough - GAS 7/ 210C Anything can be added to scones from cheese to fresh fruit.

Take the basic recipe and experiment.

Scones are best served on the day they are made. If you do not need all of them allow to cool and pop in the freezer.

Basic scone recipe

6 scones

Gas mark 7/ 210C

450g plain flour

15g baking powder

5g bicarbonate of soda

Pinch of salt

80g butter, cut into 1cm pieces.

250 - 300g whole milk

1 egg to glaze (or milk)

To a bowl add flour, raising agent, salt and butter. Rub the fat into the flour mix until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Pop in 225g milk and mix (I use my hands but use a spoon if preferred). Pour the milk in gradually until the correct consistency is achieved. Turn the dough onto a

lightly floured work surface and pull the dough together.

Press it gently with your hands to about 4 cms in depth.

Taking a cutter, 8cms in diameter, dip it in flour and cut out 6 scones. Pop on a lined baking tray and leave to rest whilst you warm the oven up, 20 - 30 minutes. Finish with the glaze and put them in the oven for around 20 minutes, until risen and golden brown. The scone will sound hollow when the base is tapped.

Serve warm with butter or jam and cream.

Variations

Cheese and Chive

Add I tsp mustard powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 teaspoons chopped chives and 80g strong cheddar to the dry ingredients. Use 20g cheddar to top the scones before cooking.

Sweet scone

Tip in 60g caster sugar to the dry ingredients and proceed as directed.

n Lizzie is at the Bakery (DT2 9EZ) which opens on Friday mornings 10 - 12 and find her at the Old Ship Inn (DT3 5QQ) in upwey on Saturdays. Check out the website to see where she’s off to next www.lizziebakingbird.co. uk or Instagram lizzibakingbird.

Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker and has recently moved into her own bakery. She also has a stall outside The Old Ship Inn in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.

WELL WORTH TRYING: Lizzie’s tasty scones

Down to earth

Heritage on the horns of a dilemma

PAGAN VIEWS with JO BELASCO BA Hons History

Britain’s Pagan heritage is built into the fabric of our language.

Sometimes this history is just staring us in the face –like the days of the week. How many Tuesdays did I live through before I realised it was named after the Anglo Saxon God of War, Tir ?

Wednesday is named after Woden, the Anglo Saxon king of the Gods who in turn was a Germanic version of the Scandinavian, Odin.

Other times the old gods and goddesses of ancient religions pop up in unexpected places and give us a new insight into

how world religions influence each other. Such was the case when I was researching for a beachcombing column. I looked up the meaning of ammonite, expecting it to mean something prosaic along the lines of squidlike spiral. Ammonites are actually named after an Egyptian God of life and fertility – Ammon. It puzzled me as to why this should be so? As so often

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.

Everyone who ever considers the matter, most definitely including your correspondent, worries about collecting and eating wild fungi. They are exciting, free, and truly special. They may also have you in hospital. Or worse. With even the ordinary Field Mushroom (not the similar species bought at the grocers)

HORN OF PLENTY:

Ammonites with the horn photographed on a swan feather and, left, it could be Aries, Taurus or Ammon

in the naming of things it was all to do with what they looked like. The spirals of the fossil do look very much like horns and Ammon was frequently depicted as a horned god. Could these little fossils which I picked up from the beach at Lyme Regis help me to understand why the devil is so often depicted with horns?

Frankly, I have never found a reason for this fact which satisfies my curiosity.

Two hours later and I was dusting myself off from a seriously deep, sandy

rabbit hole. Armed with a lot of conflicting information I have to use up my annual quota of poetic license to suggest that.. Ammon as a foreign God was possibly used as a model for the Devil. Historically, whatever is not the official state religion is ‘demonised’ quite literally!

As we have seen the organisation of time like the days of the week and even the months of the year were named after Pagan deities and remain the same today. However, the beginning of the year was not midwinter as it is now but spring as central to the Pagan world are the seasons which governed light, food and temperature. The two first zodiac signs are Aries and Taurus – roughly April and May and yes, both named after the horned heavenly creatures of a ram and a bull which certainly adds more weight to the demonisation argument!

By George! Is that a spring

causing a great deal of trouble when it is mistaken for the very similar Yellow Stainer, it is good to hear that there is one that is unmistakeable. St George’s Mushroom is just that. Physically, it is very distinct: offwhite all over (and large, completely white mushrooms are rare), the stem short and thick and with no ring or other structure attached, the cap domed and about ten centimetres in

diameter, flesh dense and meaty, and the whole thing smelling strongly of raw pastry. Smell, incidentally, is extremely helpful in identifying fungi. Species can smell of coconuts, almonds, Elastoplasts, radishes or even curry powder. St. George’s Mushroom almost invariably grows in grassland, even if that grass is on the roadside. Finally, and this is a knockdown feature, it appears in the spring when almost no large mushrooms appear. It is this spring

of Architecture and Design

Did he do it? He did, he did, he did!

It’s official, March brings the start of spring. But as Dorset’s mild February brought the queen bumblebees out buzzing, birds gathering nesting material and ponds full of frogspawn, I reckon it’s been in full swing for some weeks now.

One of my favourite indications of the change from winter into spring is the gradual increase in the variety of birdsong. In the depths of winter, it is only the robin and sometimes the wren that I’ll hear singing but one of the first to join them in the new year is the song thrush. The males mark their territories with their beautiful repetitive song, often going to the very top of the tallest tree to sing. The Ladybird Book of Garden Birds that I had as a child, suggested words for the song as ‘Did he do it? He did he did he did!’

and I will forever hear it as that.

While I am always really pleased to hear a song thrush singing, I am even more thrilled to see one feeding. I love encouraging birds into my garden and I probably shouldn’t calculate how much money I’ve spent on birdboxes, feeders, sunflower hearts, peanuts and birdseed over the years. The sparrows are the main beneficiaries of all my generosity and they repay me by pulling the petals off flowers, dustbathing in my newly planted seedbeds, stealing raspberries and vandalising my runner beans. The song thrush, however, is probably the only bird visiting my garden that properly gives rather than takes and I like to think of it as my ‘Head of Snail Control’.

Controlling the slugs and

snails in the garden is an age-old problem. As an organic gardener I’ve tried all sorts of techniques over the years beer traps, barriers and the crazy lady out in the rain with a torch method, picking them off while they munch! These days I’m more likely to leave nature to sort out its own balance. The song thrush is the only one of our native thrushes that eats large snails as it has a technique of picking up the snails and bashing them on a hard stone (or ‘anvil’), breaking the shell and eating the animal inside. Sometimes even if I haven’t seen song thrushes doing this I find

several broken snail shells in a favoured place and I know they’re around. Like many of the common garden birds from my childhood song thrush numbers have decreased dramatically in the last 50 years or so, loss of habitat and pesticide use being put forward as reasons. But fortunately there are signs that numbers are starting to recover. Look out for the tell-tale broken snail shells and listen for ‘He did, he did, he did!’ from the tree tops when you’re out and about this spring.

Pic by Sally Cooke

mushroom named after England’s patron saint?

appearance that provides its name, and indeed they are often found on St George’s Day. If you find it in the summer or later, it simply won’t be a St George’s Mushroom. I once found a large number on that very day and shared them with a restaurateur friend to go on that night’s special’s menu. Not a single patron bought them –but then they might have been Scottish.

They require fairly old grasslands to enable them to establish, and are usually found in incomplete rings. Unfortunately, these have a relatively short life, unlike many other ring fungi that can (quite literally) keep going for centuries. I have never found one with a maggot in it, the fungal gnats of which these are the larvae, awaiting the main mushroom season. St George’s Mushrooms are splendid

fried in butter, garlic wiped around the pan just before some cream is added and the whole served on toast. The cooking should take about ten minutes, a little water added if they look like they might burn. But what about that raw pastry smell?

Although strong in fresh specimens, it is moderated to pleasant mildness when cooked, so don’t be put off.

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.

Down to earth

KIM BERLIN – A newcomer to the Rock

A few years ago I had the good fortune to find a copy of a book that is quite rare. I paid more pounds for it than have been admitted to Mrs Berlin, but that’s another story…

A Portland Vase is a compilation of diverse tales, historic events and ephemera, compiled by Portlander Sarah Pearce, published and printed by Longman’s in Dorchester. Her name roots her to the island – Pearce, Stone, Way, Comben and Attwool, amongst others, are a sign here that your family history on the island stretches back in time and that you can properly call yourself a Portlander. Those that do not have that distinction, who were born elsewhere and latterly came to the island are Kimberlins. It was the practice for many years, for women on Portland to have a vase on their mantlepiece into which were stuffed scraps of information about anything, or anyone, concerned with the island. This haphazard, but

A fascinating collection of

interesting, mish-mash of ephemera gave Sarah the idea to reproduce this practice in printed form. Although starting with an interesting chronological list of significant historic events, it soon charmingly resembles the scraps of paper that would have been dropped into the eponymous vase, in which George III rubs shoulders with the raised beach at Portland Bill, a Portland funeral is supported either side by wild flowers and an apple cart, and smuggler’s holes rest next to industries. Perhaps that last example wasn’t so accidental, as the court

records show that smuggling through Portland was genuinely industrial, its remote situation and hidden cove making it the perfect place to land contraband.

The historical context is fascinating. Beginning with an entry in 501 AD in which ‘Porta, a Saxon pirate with his two sons Bieda and Meagea, seized the island after taking possession of what is now Portsmouth’. There follows a description of the now well-known first recorded landing of the Vikings in England, recorded in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles in 787 AD, probably at Church Ope Cove, in which the Kings Reeve arrived to collect taxes from these ‘merchants’ and was promptly run through with a sword!

Later, in 1457, there is an account of the first appearance of the Veasta, the Portland Sea Monster that inhabits the waters off Chesil beach.

“In November 1457 in Portland was seen a cock coming out of the sea

having a great crest on its head, a great red beard and legs half a yard long. He stood in the water and crowed three times and every time turned himself about and beckoned with his head North South and West. He was in colour like a pheasant and when he had crowed he vanished.”

A far-fetched tale from a medieval bestiary? Well, it would seem that the Veasta won’t go away. It was reportedly seen again by the Reverend John Hutchins in 1757, in 1965 in Church Ope Cove and most recently, off Chesil Beach in 1995, “some twelve feet high, half fish, half giant seahorse.” There was actually an attempt to suppress knowledge of the 1757 sightings, it being believed that if this escaped into common knowledge it would stop the newly adopted, and lucrative, practice of ‘seabathing’ dead in its tracks. Place names on the island are a wonderful source of folklore, recorded in A Portland Vase. Shepherd’s Dinner is a clifftop pasture

Volunteers plant more than 350 trees at growspace

Some 350 trees have been planted at the Tumbledown community growspace in Weymouth to support the area’s biodiversity.

Weymouth Town Council said Tumbledown has welcomed more than 50 volunteers to help plant the trees including children from Southill Primary School, Westfield School, Weymouth College and The Lantern Trust.

The council’s chair of environment and services committee, Cllr Ryan Hope, said: “It’s great to see so many people getting involved and volunteering in the recent tree planting events at Tumbledown.

“Planting more trees is great for people, planet, and the wildlife they will one day support, and supports Weymouth Town Council’s commitment to tackling climate

change.

“If you would like to get involved in planting more trees at Tumbledown, we are looking to welcome more people into this great community space to help out over the next few weeks.”

To volunteer to plant trees contact Tumbledown site manager Alan Chambers on 07799 237629 or visit the Tumbledown Facebook group.

tales from the island in rare 1949 book

that lies just to the north of Church Ope. As the story goes, during the Napoleonic Wars, a French spy was landed on the island. He had been living rough amongst the cliffs and the cornfields with nothing to eat for days. Three admirers of the shepherd, that tended his flock on the pasture, brought out three hot dinners for him, “each wi a nice little pudden basin, tied up in a white cloth an’ all…” but being unable to find him, they left them on the clifftop until his return. The poor, starving French spy could not bear the smell of it, so he crept out and ate the shepherd’s dinners! But at that point the shepherd returned, and all did not go well for the Frenchman.

“Half-an-hour later, Shepherd climbed up and over and there he found Johnnie Frenchman as ill as a starvin’ man could be

with eatin’ too much.

Shepherd was a bit wild to think his dinner was stole and by such a one, but the thief was too ill to fight so taking a bit of rope and tyin’ his arms and legs he flung ‘en across his shoulder and carried ‘en along!”

Delivered to the authorities by the shepherd, the hapless spy’s pockets were found to contain information about his

spying activities, but division on the island about the true hero of the story had already begun.

“Shepherd, he reckon he saved all we a lot o’ trouble by dealin’ so clever with ‘en but when Grandmother heard tell o’ the story she reckon as ‘twas they three love-sick maidens what saved England!”

In a country that has largely forgotten its

folklore, its stories and songs, obscure local publications such as A Portland Vase are incredibly valuable repositories of our culture. Sarah Pearce, who thoughtfully left this collection for us, began her book with these words, that form a fitting epilogue to this article about her work.

‘Not an exhibition piece of wonder

Not unique, not of great monetary value

But just that useful ornament that every true Portland housewife owns; It is there on the mantlepiece in the living room and in it, if you care to look,

Are old letters, odd slips of paper, a hundred and one bits and pieces of printed or written local news, All pushed inside, to be one day turned out and looked over.’

Do your bit and count the birds in your square

By PETE CADOGAN Regional representative for the British Trust for Ornithology

How about a nice springtime walk, noting the birds you see and being a ‘citizen scientist’?

The British Trust for Ornithology [BTO] is our most scientific bird organisation, collecting data from the whole UK, crunching the numbers and providing analysis for the government and others on birdlife and what it means for all of us.

The BTO is about birds,

science, people.

Where do you come in? You are not necessarily an expert, a twitcher, even a regular birdwatcher.

But you know your birds pretty well.

You recognise any bird that you are likely to encounter.

The BTO randomly selects 1 km survey squares throughout the UK. So what

do you have to do? You check the land use of your square late in March. Then you do a visit in April or early May and a second visit in late May or June. The walk is about 4 km in total; you have to get back to where you started. You start around 7am and avoid very wet or windy days because the birds do too. You

make a note of every bird identified by sight or sound, and you may be surprised how many there are. The whole visit takes less than two hours. After each visit you enter your data online and hey presto! You have done your bit and had a good walk as well. There are quite a lot of vacant squares in Dorset so we need more volunteer surveyors. Please get in touch to find out if there is a square anywhere near you.

n pcadogan361@gmail.com

FEAST YOUR MINCE PIES: Shepherd’s Dinner

Are you Anxious? Stressed? Overwhelmed?

Are your fears getting you down?

Worried about ‘what if’?

Negative self talk, constant internal dialogue?

Feeling of churning inside?

Panicky, shaking, trembling with an urge to ‘run’?

Feeling tense?

I teach tools to help you manage these symptoms I am more than a life coach, I am an educator and a therapist! I offer down to earth practical solutions to anxiety and loss

As an educator, I first teach the tools to help you regain control of your state. Look at the triggers and causes and deal with them through various methods of coaching, education and therapy.

TESTIMONIAL QUOTE “

I am now stepping free from fear and anxiety and am confidently stepping into the meaningful life I was dreaming of”!

Live life free

If your life is not working out for you as you would like it to be I give clients the time that they need Call or email me to book your initial free discovery appointment Loss

Tel: 07964 290933 email: info@positiveclarity.co.uk

Dulcie James

A beautiful village walk full of twists and turns

Chris Slade

Start at the walkers’ car park, which is a little way north-west of Greenford School. Walk up the road, crossing the former railway bridge, then turn right and join the footpath that heads north east along the railway line, giving you interesting views over the water meadows.

After a while you’ll pass into Maiden Newton parish, then, as you’re approaching a road bridge, turn right down a steep bank into a small field with a footpath that takes you down to the River Frome by some ancient hatches adjacent a bridge. To the left of the bridge is a bathing pool, popular in summer.

In a few yards the path takes you under the railway line. It’s very rubbly under there so take care. There was a smooth gravelled surface until there was a ‘once in 100 years’ rainstorm in May 1982, followed by another that November. The path continues upstream along the river bank with woodland in the old water meadows on your left. It can be muddy in places so make sure you’re appropriately shod.

When you’ve passed the woodland you may notice on your left a couple of clumps of trees in ponds. They are on the boundary with Frome Vauchurch and the (unsigned) definitive path passes between them and continues north-east in a straight line across the water meadow towards a wooded boundary hedge about a furlong ahead. This section of the path is seldom used nowadays as it is unsigned and there is, for wimps, an alternative continuing along the river bank and then turning left at a sign indicating (incorrectly!) that it’s an official footpath.

You’re now back in Frome Vauchurch and when you enter the next field turn left and follow the well trodden path south towards a water pumping station where you veer right towards a gateway

onto the road. Turn left, and walk down past your car and the school until you meet the main road which you cross to cross Skip’s Bridge over the river Hooke (formerly the Toller). Turn right and head upstream to a gate in the corner of the field. Head uphill across the next field with the hedge on your left which takes you onto Back Lane.

Cross Back Lane and head up the fenced path between two fields to a clump of woodland through which you manoeuvre to continue uphill, taking care not to tread in rabbit holes, until you meet the road at Greenford Hill.

Turn left and walk along the road enjoying the views. After half a mile join the footpath on your left, which takes you eastwards across a field, through a gate and into the next field. Soon you’ll cross the unmarked boundary into Maiden Newton, where the path curves left and takes you down to the boundary again where it turns right and takes you down to the road near Cruxton. Cross the road and the adjacent bridge over the Frome and follow the path upstream, crossing a bridge with hatches back into Frome Vauchurch.

Follow the well trodden path until you come to a gate at the end of a road. Join the road which soon takes you to the ancient St Francis’ Church, which is normally open and worth a visit. Then continue north-west along the road which soon rejoins the Frome. Don’t

cross the next bridge, but join the footpath at the corner and follow the path upstream through another gate, across the field, recrossing Skip’s bridge and the road and soon you’ll be back at your car, having walked about five miles.

Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES is based in Wyke Regis and has a keen interest in history. He is currently charting the histories of long-lived Dorset businesses.

The rise and rise of Oxford’s Bakery

In Edwardian North Dorset, Frank Oxford spotted an opportunity. An agricultural labourer, he realised he could earn more by turning the farm produce – wheat – into bread.

So in 1911 he invested £175 to buy the lease on a small farm with its own bakehouse.

Today Oxford’s Bakery is still based in that small farm bakery, in Alweston, near Sherborne. From there it’s grown into an award-winning, fourth-generation family business with five shops around Dorset.

Master baker Steve Oxford, Frank’s great-grandson, takes massive pride in their traditional approach to making bread. He’s also hugely proud that they still bake in the oven his great-grandfather installed in 1921.

When Frank took over the bakehouse in 1911 it served a few local houses. Wanting to widen his market he harnessed his love of the business to a horse and cart, and began deliveries to nearby Sherborne.

It’s easy to assume that in a family business there’s a natural transition between the generations. Steve’s happy to acknowledge this doesn’t always happen. Both he and his father took their time in coming round to the idea of being a baker. Having got there, they threw themselves into the role.

Every generation of Oxford made their mark on the business. Frank had the entrepreneurial vision to get it established. His son, Ron, was an outstanding pastry chef. He

served as an army cook in the Second World War, treating troops to exquisite creations crafted from poor grade flour and potato flakes.

Over time the horse and cart deliveries were replaced by Morris Minor vans. Oxford’s was a home delivery business until their first shop was opened in 1969.

It was the idea of Steve’s father, Roger. Within a couple of days of taking over the premises of a Sherborne florist, he’d set up a trestle table to sell bread. Despite there being 11 other bakers in town, he soon had queues down the street. Oxford’s had a reputation for quality.

methods. Today, most bread in Britain is made using the Chorleywood process, developed in the 1960s. The

process was adopted by big industrial bakeries because it’s much quicker. It helped put thousands of small firms out of business.

It also had a reputation for making bread using traditional

The Oxfords shunned Chorleywood bread. They, and their customers, preferred bread prepared in time-

honoured fashion and baked in their ageing oven. Much of the equipment in Oxford’s bakery is decades old, including a massive dough mixer, the last of its kind in the world. This commitment to quality, consistency and tradition has helped Oxford’s survive when many other bakeries have closed.

Part of this commitment includes Steve sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge about breadmaking. He runs courses in how to make traditional English breads, sourdough and croissants. The shop in Alweston is also part-museum, where you can see some of the historic equipment once used in the bakery. It includes the oldest working dough mixer in the world. Dating from the late 1800s, it’s even older than the Oxford’s Bakery business. Next month I’ll profile another historic Dorset business. If you know one, I’d be thrilled to hear about it.

Email

andrew@andrewknowles.co.uk

KNEAD TO KNOW BASIS: Founder of Oxford’s Bakery Frank with his wife Olive and their grandson Roger –Steve’s father. Right, Steve in front of his 1921 bread oven and below, the oldest working dough mixer in the world

Why life insurance matters at any age

By Barry Jones of Watts Mortgage & Wealth Management

The purchase of a first home with a partner - the prospect a mortgage being in place and the emotional tug of wanting to protect one another is a common prompt to put life insurance in place, very often followed by starting a family and having children to raise.

Once the mortgage is repaid and the children (finally) financially independent, many people look at life insurance and wonder whether they still need it. Very often the answer is ‘yes’, that’s one less direct debit to pay every month, but there are a few

areas that people can overlook where life cover can really add value:

Do you have an inheritance liability?

With the nil-rate personal band at £325k, any assets you leave to your beneficiaries above this level could be taxed at 40%. A life insurance policy, written into trust, can be used to cover this cost.

Are you still working? Would the household struggle to pay the bills and running costs if your income stopped suddenly?

Are you a blended family? Typically, people will wish to leave their home to their new partner, but may also want to ensure that their children are not overlooked and receive a legacy from

Is your household reliant upon your pension income? State pension will cease if you pass away, and if

you are lucky enough to have a defined benefit pension, this will typically reduce by 50%. Could your household continue to run on this reduced income level?

Do you have any later life lending products in place you wish to coverthere has been a large rise in equity release and RIO (retirement interest only) lending over recent years. Do you wish to leave a sum to your beneficiaries to ensure that they have access to a lump sum to cover your funeral costs?

Whilst this list is certainly not exhaustive, it gives some very common examples of areas I see on a daily basis where clients wish to review and potentially replace life cover moving towards retirement.

n Contact Barry on 07980 800 474 or barry@watts-ifa.com

A prenup can offer security for both parties

Lisa Pharaoh is a solicitor and registered mediator with the Civil Mediation Council. Contact her on 01305 819696 or at info@pharaohlaw.co.uk

In the realm of modern relationships, legal documents such as pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements are gaining increasing prominence. While these contracts may not be the most romantic aspect of marriage, they serve a crucial purpose in protecting your assets and interests, providing clarity and security in unforeseen circumstances. A pre-nuptial agreement, often referred to as a prenup, is a legal contract signed by a couple before marriage, outlining the division of assets and responsibilities in the event of divorce or death. It typically addresses issues such as property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights. Contrary to common misconceptions, prenups are not just for the wealthy; they can benefit couples of various financial backgrounds by establishing clear expectations and preventing lengthy and contentious legal battles in the future.

One of the primary advantages of a prenuptial agreement is the protection of separate assets acquired before marriage. This can include businesses, investments,

real estate, or family heirlooms. By clearly defining which assets are considered individual property, couples can safeguard their pre-marital assets from being subject to division in the event of divorce.

Post-nuptial agreements serve a similar purpose to prenups but are executed after marriage. They allow couples to address financial and other marital issues that may have arisen since tying the knot. Common reasons for entering into a post-nuptial agreement include significant changes in financial circumstances, career advancements, or the desire to clarify ownership rights over assets acquired during marriage.

Post-nuptial agreements can also be valuable in reconciling marital conflicts or addressing trust issues. By openly discussing financial matters through a legal contract, couples can strengthen their communication and foster a greater sense of security in their relationship.

However, it’s essential to approach both pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements

with transparency, fairness, and mutual respect. Each party should have independent legal counsel to ensure that their interests are adequately represented, and the agreement is entered into voluntarily without duress.

While pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements offer valuable protection and clarity for couples entering into or navigating the complexities of married life –they allow couples to define their own path to happiness. By addressing potential issues up front and establishing clear guidelines, these legal documents can mitigate conflicts and provide peace of mind, allowing couples to gain a sense of empowerment and agency.

Our family law specialist solicitor, Deborah Schmieder, has over 20 years’ experience and is available to facilitate this service and help you to focus on building a strong and fulfilling partnership.

Campaigning for farmers and dental patients

Late last month, I had the honour to join our armed forces in the Falkland Islands to see the important work they do and the important services and defences they provide in an increasingly fragile world. I know many of my constituents fought in the Falklands and I was moved to go to two war memorials to pay respects on our behalf to the 255 members of the British armed forces who laid down their lives. Last week, I was able to welcome environment minister Robbie Moore to West Dorset, following the Government announcement that meant Church Cliff Beach may win bathing water status. I wanted to pay tribute to volunteers involved with the Clean Rivers of West Dorset (CROWD) group. Andrew Carey particularly has done a great deal and I was delighted the minister was keen to meet us. Last month, the Government announced its plans to recover and reform NHS dentistry and I am glad to see rural and coastal communities will receive specific benefits this year as I know how difficult this situation has been and continues to be. This includes the

Politics

introduction of new mobile dental provision to bring dental care to the most remote under-served communities where there are no NHS dental practices. It also includes incentives to retain and encourage dentists. We will also see an uplift to the minimum payments.

While I welcome these measures, I still want to see West Dorset recognised as a priority area for further reforms. It’s vital any reforms account for the geographic, demographic, and economic challenges we face. I’ve raised this in a letter to the Dentistry Minister, and raised my concerns with the Integrated Care Board at Dorset NHS, which has the ultimate responsibility for commissioning NHS dental services in West Dorset.

I’m glad to report there’s been significant progress with my campaign to ensure farmers are paid a fair price. The Government announced late last month that new regulations will ensure dairy, poultry and pig farmers get a fair price. This will ensure farmers’ contracts with supermarkets are fair and transparent. It’s

immoral many farmers and food producers are still turning a negligible profit –sometimes less than 1p profit, when supermarkets declare record profits. The Government will also introduce a £15m fund for farmers to redistribute surplus food at the farm gate which cannot currently be used commercially. This will reduce waste, ensuring produce is put to good use.

It’s excellent to see the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is nearing the end of its parliamentary passage. Last week, it completed its Second Reading in the House of Lords. Once implemented, the law will put an end to the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, ending unnecessary stress, exhaustion, and injury on long journeys. I have been campaigning for a ban on livestock exports since I was elected in 2019; it comes on top of my successful Private Members Bill, which increased the maximum sentence for cruelty to animals from 6 months to 5 years.

Email: hello@chrisloder.co.uk or write to House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Our fairer deal manifesto for Dorset Council

By now I am sure you will be aware that we are having local elections on May 2. By the time you read this the Conservatives may even have decided to put us out of our misery and opted for a General Election on the same day. Regardless, come May we will have the chance to decide who runs Dorset Council. Dorset Liberal Democrats have drawn up a manifesto outlining what a LibDem-run administration will do to improve the lives of residents. It’s called ‘A Fairer Deal for Dorset’ and will be published in full very shortly. However I wanted to highlight some of the key policies. We will:

n Use Dorset Council’s influence and our policies to

By EDWARD MORELLO West Dorset LibDems

improve NHS services for our residents. To support our current NHS staff and encourage health professionals such as nurses, doctors and dentists into Dorset.

n Provide better support for the many voluntary carers in our communities, and help ensure respite care and holidays are provided.

n Support and invest in youth clubs, and improve mental health services for our young people.

n Improve the offer for children with SEND and make sure Education, Health and

Care Plans (EHCPs) are done quickly.

n Double the amount of trees being planted in Dorset by the end of this council.

n Make it easier for residents to recycle while not increasing the number of household bins or reducing the level of service.

n Double the rate of building new affordable homes by the end of the next council, boosting Dorset’s economy by supporting local workers such as nurses and care staff, and young people and families to live in Dorset.

n Address second home ownership, and use council powers to reduce the number of long-term empty homes.

n Work with bus companies

to restore Saturday services, and operate more through services, to avoid the inconvenience and disincentive of travel changes mid-journey.

n Change the ‘cabinet system’ of running the council adopted by the Conservatives. We will work cross party, in a way that is more representative of the voting of the electorate. The Liberal Democrats have a real plan to improve the lives of residents of West Dorset, and Dorset as a whole. May’s local elections can’t come soon enough, but until then we’ll be out and about in the community knocking on doors to tell you more about our vision for A Fairer Deal for Dorset. It’s time for change!

Councils need proper funding to deliver services

The February meeting of Dorset Council approved the council’s budget for 2024-25. For most people, the headline from this annual event was that Council Tax (including the adult social care precept) will rise by the maximum amount allowed without having a referendum – 4.99%. Dorset was far from the only council to raise it by this amount. Out of the 136 county and unitary authorities who have so far published their budget proposals, 128 (95%) plan to do the same.

Nearly all councils are struggling to deliver their core, legally required services. One in five are at risk of ‘bankruptcy’. Some have already declared themselves so. Why has this situation arisen?

It is not because they are

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

poorly run. You could possibly accuse one or two of this, but not the majority. It’s partly due to inflation, and partly due to the increasing number of adults requiring social care, but it’s mostly due to the slow erosion of central government funding – a process that has been ongoing since the introduction of the austerity measures by the coalition government of 2010. The new Dorset Council budget has just 1.2% of its money coming from central government. The rest is being raised by Council Tax (81.8%) and Business Rates (17%). And all this despite the ‘emergency injection’ announced by government in

January! Yet despite all this the Conservatives at Westminster keep talking about tax cuts. Their reasoning, I assume, is that ‘hard-working families’ have seen their cost of living soar in recent years and would welcome some financial relief – and thereby vote for their Conservative candidate at the fast approaching General Election.

Such reasoning brackets out the vast profits being made by many large corporations, especially energy companies, and the huge bonuses being paid to their senior executives. The government needs to be raising the taxes applied to these corporations and executives and redirecting the money to local councils (and the NHS) to help them deliver the core

services the average ‘hardworking family’ relies upon. Dorset Council, like most local authorities, deliver very little above the core services which they are legally required to deliver. Services like youth clubs, which supply an invaluable service to local communities, have already been cut. Dorset stopped delivering them in 2016. If we are to have healthy communities, councils need the funding to deliver not only what the government thinks of as essential, but also services like properly funded youth clubs. But without increased funding, more and more councils will become insolvent. And who will suffer then? ‘Hard working families’.

Let’s not sleepwalk into a cashless society

Probably all or most of us use credit or debit cards at some time. Since the pandemic many of us have found ourselves using contactless cards (or our phones) more frequently and for smaller purchases than ever before –and why not? It’s quick, easy, efficient, it seems like the most modern way to live our lives. Yet for the last several years there have been numerous campaigns warning of the hidden dangers of the move away from using tangible notes and coins in favour of digital transactions. Some of these campaigns have been concerned with slowing the closure of bank branches and ATMs (cashpoint machines), so that individuals and businesses can continue to

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

withdraw and deposit cash. Others have been focussed more on the increasing number of businesses that accept only card payments and have pressed for a statutory obligation for businesses to accept cash as legal tender. It is often argued that the move away from cash disadvantages some of the most vulnerable in society – the elderly, who may feel left behind by technology, those without bank accounts, and those on lowest incomes. Indeed, during 2023, as the cost-of-living crisis intensified, the proportion of retail transactions in the UK using cash grew for the first time in a

decade; when times are hard many people find it easier to budget and to manage their spending using physical cash. There is, though, a wider point that affects all of us. Imagine a cashless future, where all payments are digital. In such a society one or other of a small number of large payment provider companies would impose a fee on every transaction, on every purchase however large or small. It would be in effect a universal private sales tax on the entire economy. Moreover, it would provide an unprecedented level of surveillance, where every transaction and its location was recorded, which should certainly worry anyone concerned about data privacy. Some have warned that we are

at risk of sleepwalking into a cashless society. So next time you have the choice between either pulling out a card or your phone or reaching for some cash – or between patronising a card-paymentsonly establishment or one that offers a choice of payment methods – take a moment to consider your options. This may be a matter, as with so much that we value, of use it or lose it.

Correction

In my column in the February edition of the West Dorset Magazine I wrote that “residents of Littlemoor and Preston find themselves with no representation on Dorset Council”. This is incorrect as there are two seats for the ward and only one is vacant.

Farming insurance experts’ podcast a mine of useful info

Farming insurance experts Cornish Mutual is bringing the second series of its popular podcast Farming Focus to farmers across Dorset. Exploring the future of farming, this series asks what farmers can do to put themselves and their farms in the

best possible place to face what lies ahead.

The 10-episode series sees podcast host Peter Green and his guests investigate and debate today’s bigticket items for South West farmers. From Tuesday, March 26, hear

Dorset farmer Ian Baggs discussing his Nuffield scholarship on futureproofing your land in the face of climate change. Access the podcast at cornishmutual.co.uk/newsadvice/farming-focus-podcast, Spotify or Apple podcasts.

New spring show offers two days of farm fun

The new Dorset Spring Show at Kingston Maurward will be held on April 27 and 28.

There will be lambs, floral demonstrations, axemen, bees wax rolling, terrier racing and more at the show, organised by the Dorset County Show team.

There will be some of the rarest pigs in the world in The Hogg Show, and the Sheep Show introduces you to nine different breeds of sheep – that dance!

Organiser James Cox said: “We welcome in the new season with a Spring gettogether for Dorset. Whether

you wish to indulge in delicious Dorset foods, purchase local crafts, enjoy watching extreme BMX bikes, meet a lamb or watch local demonstrations. Dorset Spring Show has it all when it comes to celebrating spring in Dorset!”

You can enter more than 90

competitions across cookery, photography, flowers, vegetables and crafts. There are also garden classes and school, college, and club competitions.

Children go free and adult tickets are £12, from dorsetcountyshow.co.uk or 01305 264249.

Land sharing versus land sparing

By Marianne McHugh

One of the most enduring concerns about recent revisions to agricultural support has been about food production. Assuming we only ate UK-produced food from January 1, we would go hungry from August1. Britain is approximately two-thirds sufficient in food production. Add to this the impact of a dry spring, an economic crisis, or a war affecting shipping, and food supplies begin to look vulnerable.

Hence concerns about Defra’s Environmental Land Management schemes. Some of the most attractive SFI area payments prioritise non-food production. Has Defra got it wrong?

Not necessarily.

While food production is unmistakeably the purpose of farming, we cannot ignore

that one in six UK wildlife species is at risk of extinction, driven by farming and climate change2.

No farmer sets out to deplete the beauty and diversity of their land: rather, farmers have the greatest desire and opportunity to make meaningful differences to nature. Which is where land sparing, versus land sharing, comes in.

Land sharing is where we use land to do everything – grow food but also protect wildlife, perhaps by reducing pesticide

use. The result is often a mixed bag: less crop grown and limited impact on biodiversity. In land sparing, meanwhile, the most productive land is focused on food and less productive land is left to nature. Studies have shown that this system is better for both3. Which is where we come back to SFI, with its potential to focus food production where yield could be greatest, while diverting less productive land to the equally important protection of vulnerable plants

and animals. A win-win for all. To find out more about SFI and your farm business, attend one of the free Future Farming Resilience workshops, running until Dec 2024 by visiting businessinfopoint.co.uk.

1 UK Food Security report gov.uk/government/statistics/unitedkingdom-food-security-report-2021/un ited-kingdom-food-security-report2021-theme-2-uk-food-supply-sources

2 National Biodiversity Network State of Nature 2023

nbn.org.uk/news/state-of-nature-2023

3 Exeter University, June 23 news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-ofenvironment-science-and-economy/c urrent-conservation-policies-riskdamaging-global-biodiversity-resear