The West Dorset Magazine Edition 40, May 2024

The West Dorset Magazine

Miranda Robertson Editor miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Stuart Wickham

Sports editor stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Karen Bate News Editor karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Laura McManus

Advertising sales director laura@westdorsetmag.co.uk

News, letters to the editor and general feedback: newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Display advertising: advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Classified advertising (text ads): classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Sport: sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk

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

When

Nick Horton Chief Sub nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Bob Holman

Advertising sales bob@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Dan Goater Reporter dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Lyndon Wall Cartoonist justsocaricatures.co.uk

Our Page 3 stunna for May is the super sweet Pablo – the new guard dog at the Three Compasses pub in Charminster. Pop in for a snuggle and a pint!

Submit your Page 3 stunnas to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

IN BRIEF

Live launch

Japan based, Wessex loving band i-nichi, led by Seiko Nemoto and accompanied by muti instrumentalist Philip Collings, with Simon Chesterfield, will be performing live at Clocktower Records on St Michael’s Estate, Bridport on Friday, May 31 at 7pm. i-nichi play an enchanting take on indie and alternative music, with Seiko choosing Clocktower for the launch, preferring it to any Tokyo venue for its intimate, creative and supportive vibe. Tickets £10 from bridportandwestbay.co.uk

Q&A session

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch answered questions from Dorchester Chamber of Business members. They were hosted by MP Chris Loder at Kingston Maurward.

IN BRIEF

ATM assurance

Sherborne Banking Hub will have an ATM cash machine in the town centre. West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: “I can confirm a cashpoint will be included at Sherborne’s Banking Hub, which will be operational from 2025. Lloyds Bank has confirmed that the current ATM provision will remain open until the hub is fully operational.”

n Beaminster Raucous Chorus raised £1,330 for the Stroke Association with an afternoon concert – the first since 2019. Some 60 singers sang popular songs for an audience of nearly 200. The Raucous Chorus was formed in 2010 – a community choir where people did not have to pay up front, didn’t need to audition, only paid for weeks they attended and just wanted to sing for the love of it. It meets every Wednesday during term time at 7.30pm at the Beaminster Primary School in Clay Lane. Contact Maggie on 01308 861685 or 07804 109127.

Couple backed in bid to

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A couple living off-grid near Melplash for the last four years were overwhelmed with the support they received from local people and councillors in their bid to retain their home.

More than 100 people wrote in to support designer maker

Asaf Tolkovsky and his wife Rosetta in their retrospective application for a three-bedroom home converted from a barn at Jack’s Hill Farm.

The couple, in their 50s, purchased the land in 2013 and relocated their woodworking business from Bridport to the site. In 2015 they applied to build a barn for processing timber. In 2019, with covid restrictions looming they moved on site and started converting the building.

The property is entirely offgrid – electricity is generated by the wind and the sun, they have composting toilets and they grow as much of their own food as possible.

However a planning officer at Dorset Council decided that their life on the land, was ‘unsustainable’ – a claim councillors found hard to believe.

All but the chairman, who abstained, backed the Tolkovskys.

Asaf said: “That felt amazing. It was clear that the councillors understood that we spoke from the heart. That’s what touched everybody there.

“There is a good reason for planning regulations, but there is also a need to acknowledge why people need to live on the land. Our case is very real and we

expressed that, which was felt by everybody in the room and that’s why they stuck to their guns and supported us.

“It was a very special moment.”

Netherbury parish council, neighbours and nearby farmers all wrote in support of the application.

The couple have planted more than 10,000 trees, train apprentices and offer opportunities to acquire practical skills in woodworking, land based activities and low-impact living.

Support for their lifestyle came from all parties, with members agreeing that the application ‘ticked all the boxes’ for sustainability. Asaf said: “We started our project here because of our desire to work on the land, plant trees, give back and

stay living off-grid

AMAZING: The

had

enhance the countryside and the landscape. We wanted to apply ourselves to something positive. It’s a very exposed site and it was very challenging at times, but the payback is seeing everything growing.”

He added: “We are practically

minded people. It has taken us 10 years to get to this point and now our home is secure, we can further our efforts in becoming even more environmentally sustainable as a smallholding and a rural enterprise.”

COME AND VISIT, AND CHAT TO OUR FRIENDLY, HELPFUL AND KNOWLEDGABLE STAFF! Salway Ash, Bridport, DT6 5HT.

Open Mon-Fri: 7.30am-5pm, Sat: 8.30am-4pm ( 01308 421545

* sales@johnbrigh琀encing.com

Tolkovskys

the support of more than 100 people in their mission to keep living here

Let’s get your home connected. Visit wessexinternet.com today.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association meets at the Main Digby Hall, Hound Street at 7.30pm for a talk by Barbara Elsmore –SDGA member, on all aspects of topiary. Admission Charge

to non-members £3. For more information contact Richard Newcombe 01935 389375.

Recent work by Lucy Erskine will be on show at Gallery On The Square 1 Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, DT1

GIGS IN MAY: Thurs 9th 7pm, OPEN MIC: SI GENARO. Sat 11th 7pm VANILLA RADIO. Sun 12th 4pm MARKY DAWSON TRIO. Wed 15th 8pm JAZZ JAM. Sat 18th 7pm THAT CHRIS PAYN!!! Sun 18th 4pm FIRSTY THIRSTY FERRETS. Tues 21st 7pm KELLEY SWINDALL FROM THE USA, with support: BURG & THE VAGABOND CHOIR. Sat 25th 7pm BLUE COLLAR (HARRY FROM THE FEW!). Sun 26th 5pm ALL FUNKED UP. JUNE GIGS: Sun 2nd 4pm MILLIE & ROXIE. Sat 8th 8pm ISLE 45. Sun 9th 4pm ROB DAVIS

3BL until May 26. Paintings from her recent travels in oil, print making and fused glass. Meet the artist and enjoy a glass of wine on Saturday mornings. 10.30-noon.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Weymouth’s thrice-yearly fortnight of fantastic food starts today.

FEAST24 offers a whole range of great deals on restaurants until May 24. Tables must be pre-booked, quoting FEAST24WDM. See pages 47-50 of our April edition for details, & an extra

24 Carlton Road North, Weymouth DT4 7PY is opening its garden for the NGS from today till Monday, May 13 2pm-5pm. This is a long garden on several levels. Steps and narrow sloping paths lead to beds and borders filled with trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants inc many unusual varieties. Wildlife is encouraged. Raised beds create a space for vegetable growing. £4, children free. Home-made teas. West Dorset Ramblers walk

Bridport Auction

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

l Full and part house clearance service

l Valuations for probate & insurance

01308 459400 or email for auction valuations

Hours:- 9am-3pm every weekday

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

10 miles. Dorset Bumps –circular walk from Beaminster via Lewesden Hill, Laverstock Farm, Pilsden Pen. Starts at 10am. Call Heather 07587 098079.

A flower festival will be held in St Martin’s Church and the churchyard in Martinstown today and tomorrow from 11am-4pm.

The theme is Dorset Life. Refreshments will be served in the village hall, where parking is available. In the evening the church will host a choral concert In Springtime, by Parnham Voices directed by Stephen Tilton, at 7pm. Refreshments will be served. Donations at the door. Proceeds of both events to Dorset Poverty Action and church funds.

Oddfellows will hold a coffee and get together with bring and buy 10.30am-noon at

Crossways Village Hall.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Milborne St Andrew Gardening Club is holding its annual plant sale from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the village hall. Plants have been locally grown in MSA soil and will be great value for money. There will also be homemade cakes and refreshments.

Dorset Patchworks – an exhibition of patchwork and quilting will be held from today until Saturday, May 18, 10am-5pm daily at Eype Centre For The Arts, St Peter’s Church, Mount Lane, Eype, Dorset DT6 6AR. Free.

Beaminster Horticultural Society is holding a plant and produce sale from 8am-noon in The Square, DT8 3AU.

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Poundbury Art Group Exhibition

Martinstown Village Hall – Free entry

10am-4pm Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2

40+paintings,Swanage model railway, woodturning exhibits. Greeting cards for sale Refreshments

Donations and profits to Amelia Rainbow Charity (a local charity supporting critically and terminally ill children)

ImagebyNorriedeMontigny(venue7)

EmilyMyers(venue102)

MoiraHazel(venue167)

SophieSharp(venue79)

KimCreswell(venue10)

Breakfasts

l Fish and chips l Sandwiches l Cakes

Lovely outside seating area l Dine-in l Takeaway A cafe in the daytime... a bistro in the evening!

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

Steak l Salads l Desserts l Jacket potatoes l Pies

AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoying a refreshing afternoon tea in the rare ‘Devon Belle’ Pullman observation car as you steam through the spectacular Purbeck countryside. Your refreshing and tasty afternoon tea is served by our attentive and helpful attendants dressed in pristine Pullman uniforms.

SATURDAY, MAY 11 CT’D Dorset Chamber Orchestra perform at St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester at 7.30pm. They will play: Incidental music to Rosamunde Schubert, Variations on a Rococo Theme and Nocturne for Cello and Orchestra – Tchaikovsky with soloist Lionel Handy and Symphony No. 5 – Beethoven. Tickets from dorsetchamberorchestra.org or call Linda Ryall on 01305 269069.

Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands near Beaminster (DT8 3NR) will hold a Taste of West Dorset Market today and tomorrow 10am4pm – tickets £5 on door or at mapperton.com Tickets include gardens entrance, proceeds to The Prout Bridge Project. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal cheeses, chocolate, and breads, not forgetting local wines, beers and ciders, there will be something to tempt everyone’s taste buds.

A new weekly Health Walk is being held at Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve near Dorchester

This free, guided walk is part of the Dorset Health Walks initiative, and is designed for people who would like to get more active in a sociable setting. 10am-11am Meeting Point: Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre

The walk lasts an hour. Specially trained volunteer health walk leaders will be on hand to welcome walkers and guide them through the enchanting paths of the nature

Study Counselling and Psychotherapy with Iron Mill, your local College in Poole

reserve. Some of these paths can be uneven and hilly in parts, so walkers should be prepared for and capable of navigating this type of terrain. Walkers are asked to complete a questionnaire on the Dorset Council website or over the phone on 01425 480811.

Oddfellows will hold a guided walk around Powerstock Common at 11am.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club, 7 mile walk from Symondsbury. For info call 01308 898484 or 01308

Experience the beauty of Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast at the Dorchester Walking Festival from today until May 19.

Unforgettable walks suitable for all abilities, showcasing the beauty and heritage of Dorset. Some featured walks include: In the Trail of Thomas Hardy, Iron Age Forts, Family Scavenger Hunts, Exploring Coastal Paths, In the footsteps of the Romans, the Big Dorset Picnic Walk and family

scavenger hunt walks. Go to discoverdorchester.co.uk/what s-on/dorchester-walkingfestival/

The Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society holds its annual plant sale and coffee morning, 10am to 12noon. Entry £2 for all, includes a drink. ulrhs.wordpress.com

There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm for a 2.30pm eyes down.

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Baby Swans Hatching

863340. New members/ visitors welcome.

SATURDAY, MAY 11 CT’D

Avon And Somerset Constabulary Male Voice

Choir will perform a concert in aid of St Nicholas Church and Henstridge Village Hall at St Nicholas Church Henstridge at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 from 01963 364063.

Bridport Choral Society presents Now is the Month of Maying, featuring works by Mozart, Karl Jenkins and Thomas Morley, traditional

English folk songs and a spiritual, contemporary songs and a medley from Mamma Mia at Bridport United Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £13, including programme and refreshments, available from Bridport Music Centre, Smith & Smith or on the door.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

The Poundbury Independent Market will be held 10am-4pm, bringing you the best Dorset makers,

SOFT PLAY FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 OR UNDER 179 Bridport Rd, Poundbury DT1 3AH

Open Mon 9.30am-1pm, Weds-Fri 9.30am-3pm, SatSun 10am-1.30pm. Book at bookwhen.com/100giggles

bakers, producers and artists. Discover over 100 amazing stalls with makers, bakers, and artisans lining the streets of Poundbury. Fabulous food, incredible Dorset produce, and talented local makers galore.

Choral Eucharist, 10.30am, St Peter’s Church Dorchester. Music for Ascensiontide by Croft, Mozart and Ole Gjeilo. Free.

Salway Ash Village cream teas 2pm-5pm at Strongate Farm (DT6 5JD). Delicious homemade scones and fabulous variety of homemade cakes. Parking, plant stall and raffle. Proceeds to Holy Trinity Church. Contact Tess 07792 609617.

Specialist Plant Fair at Athelhampton House, nr Puddletown 10am-3pm. £7 includes free access to the

ornamental gardens until 5pm. Around 20 specialist nurseries, growers, craft & wildlife stalls arranged around the very large side lawn at Athelhampton House. A wide range of plants will be available at reasonable prices, direct from the grower. Italian Coffee Stall amongst the plants. Some stalls take cash, others have card machines. Proceeds support plant conservation, education and events in Dorset. Organised by Plant Heritage plantheritagedorset.org.uk

The 9th Dorchester Jumble Trail will take place on Sunday May 12th in Monmouth Road and the surrounding streets. With over 100 residents selling everything from clothes to cakes, books to toys, plants to cars! Come along and find something you didn’t know you needed…

MONDAY, MAY 13

Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild meet at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, DT1 3DF at 2pm to hear from Anna Kent about working as a midwife in a war zone. Visitors will be made very welcome (£3). Tea and coffee. Enquiries 01305 832857.

Sherborne Book Fair, featuring secondhand books, maps and printed ephemera, will be held 9.30am-4pm at the Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, DT9 3NL.

West Dorset Ramblers walk Around Portland. 8 miles. Starts 10am from Portland Heights.

To book and for details contact Laraine 07889 921435.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Southill Gardening Club will meet at the Southill Community Centre at 7.30pm. Speaker is Amy Ralph form Abbey Farm Flowers of Abbotsbury, on growing cut flowers. Nonmembers welcome. Refreshments available. Info Nigel Smith on 01305 788939.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Talk: William Barnes poet and the Dorset dialect by Barbra Willock, at Bridport WI Hall, North Street, 2.30pm. In support of Bridport Millennium Green. £5/£4 members to include tea and biscuits. Raffle. Sandra Brown 01308 423078.

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Recent work by LUCY ERSKINE

GALLERY ON THE SQUARE

1 Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, DT1 3BL.

APRIL 27-MAY 26

Paintings from her recent travels in oil, print making and fused glass. Meet the artist and enjoy a glass of wine on Saturday mornings. 10.30-noon.

West Dorset Magazine, May 2024

THURSDAY, MAY 16 CT’D

West Dorset Ramblers, 6.5 miles around Symondsbury at 10am from the car park next to Bridport FC. To book and for details contact Janet 07947 881635.

Wyke Regis Horticultural Society will enjoy a guided tour of Hardy’s Cottage Garden. Non-National Trust members £10. Meet10.30am at Hardy’s Cottage. To book come to the Trading Post, Rylands Lane, Weymouth, DT4 9PY Weds 2pm-4pm or Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Big Christian Aid Quiz Night at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, Melcombe Avenue at 6.30pm. Entry £6.50 inc ploughman’s. Refreshments, raffle. Book with Jackie on 07772 595576. Teams (max 6)

and individuals welcome. All profit to Christian Aid.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

The Dorset Vegan MegaMarket returns today and tomorrow at Maumbury Rings 10am to 4pm. 50+ stalls of 100% vegan products, free entry. Delicious food and drinks, health and beauty care, ethical clothing, eco-friendly products, jewellery, information and advice. If weather permits, there will be an inflatable play zone and free gong bath sessions. Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.

A ‘Menopause Meet Up’ will be held at 2pm at The Crafty Cuppa, 46 High East St, Dorchester, DT1 1HU. £5 inc tea and cake.

TRINITY Club EVENTS

ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER

19

For information contact the club on 01305 262671 or visit our Facebook page and website

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk around Portland. Call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Beaminster Singers will be in St Mary’s Parish Church, Beaminster at 6.30pm. The programme will contain several very popular pieces and will feature the trumpet. Tickets £15 or free for U18s from Yarn Barton, the church office and choir members.

Free lunchtime concert, 12.30pm-1pm, St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. Recital by Winston Leese (trumpet) and Ian Davis (organ) with music by Stanley, Archer and Clark.

A coffee morning will be held at All Saints church, Wyke Regis, 10am-12pm. All are

welcome to join us for coffee, tea, cakes, books, Fairtrade stall, music, catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Dorset Record Society invites you to the launch of their new book Minutes of the Dorset Standing Committee 1646 at 2pm at Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RP. Author Tim Goodwin will give a talk about this important ‘missing’ part of Dorset’s Civil War history, and will sign copies of the book. Refreshments. All welcome, free.

A plant sale and cream tea will be held at Bradford Peverell village hall at 2pm. Free entry.

Poyntington is holding a May Fair from 10am-4pm (free entry and parking) in the

Minterne Spring Fair

Sunday, May 12, 11am-4.30pm Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna, DT2 7AU

Bugfest, dog show, hook a duck, cra昀s, food & plant stalls, classic cars and longbow demo. Fabulous gardens featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. Adults £9, children U12 free. In aid of the RNLI and St Andrew’s Church minterne.co.uk

Dorchester

grounds of the historic and beautiful Manor House, whose gardens will be open. Sir Walter Raleigh spent his last night as a free man here, before going to the Tower of London! Proceeds go to All Saints Church, Weldmar Hospice and The Rendezvous charity which works with young people in the Sherborne area.

The Wessex Morris men will

The Potting Shed at Middlemarsh, Sherborne DT9 5QN, will be holding an NGS open day. There will be an entrance charge of £4.50 for adults, children free, for the charities supported by the NGS. Cream teas. Gluten free & vegan scones available, freshly picked herbal teas & home-made jams.

be dancing at 11.30am and 1.30pm, there will be stalls selling plants, local produce and wares from local artisans, refreshments, activities for children including a fancy dress “book character” competition at 2pm.

Mind Body Spirit Fayre at Digby Hall Sherborne (next to library) 11am to 5pm. Psychic mediums, therapists, lots of different therapies and treatments to try. Exhibitors selling all things spiritual. Medium demonstrations throughout the day. Delicious homemade cakes and coffee/tea served all day. Tombola. All welcome. Entry £1.

Longburton Garden Club is holding a plant sale 10.30am-noon at 6, Dene Close, Longburton DT9 5LU. There are plant stalls, a cake stall, and refreshments, all in aid of club funds. Admission free.

Dorset Art Girls: Exhibition at Poundbury Garden Centre (upstairs), Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, until Wednesday, May 29, 10am-4pm daily. Free entry. Ten Dorset artists and creators, including ceramic pottery, watercolours, abstract landscape, cyanotype photography, jewellery, coloured veneered plaques & woodwork, sculpture, textiles and cards and prints. Organised by Dorset Art Girls, four art friends, who live in and around Poundbury. Find on instagram and FB Charity Quiz Night, 7pm at St Nicholas Church, Broadwey, DT3 5DN in aid of MV Freedom.

Half of the proceeds of the ticket sales will also go towards the urgent repairs still needed to the church. Tickets £15 to include a ploughman’s must be booked in advance with Susana Malik on 07944 617553 or susanamalik@yahoo.com

Doors open 6.30pm. Cash bar, raffle.

Whasson? (and where’s

Car boot sale at St Swithun’s Church North Allington Bridport 10am-1pm. Seller pitches £12 on 07887 483228.

Dorset County Hospital Charity’s DCH100 Jurassic Coast Challenge takes place today and tomorrow for the DCH Emergency and Critical Care Appeal. Walk or run between 10km and 100km along the spectacular Jurassic

Coast. Find out more at dchcharity.org.uk

SUNDAY, MAY 19

St Mary’s Church and Tower in Bridport will be open for the Charter Fair Day, from 10am until 3pm, with refreshments and exhibition stands. Come and visit and try the bells!

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SUNDAY, MAY 19 CT’D

The Occasional Singers 30th Anniversary Concert is at 4pm St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester DT1 2HL. The programme will be a selection of short part songs dating from 1603 through to the romantic settings of Elgar and Holst, and culminating in some beautiful contemporary pieces. Entrance is FREE. The retiring collection will be in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare. Everyone is most welcome.

Birthday cake will be served!

MONDAY, MAY 20

Bride Valley Gardening Club will enjoy a talk at Litton Cheney Village Hall DT2 9AU at 7pm – Phil Gamble on Busting the Myths of Compost Making: A light hearted approach to a serious subject.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

A talk by Lesley Windsor for Turn Lyme Green on How to be a Fashion Revolutionary will be held 7.30pm to 9pm at

the Driftwood Cafe, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 2NY. Free, all welcome. Refreshments available. Lesley works with Sustainable Bridport and founded the campaign Bridport Fashion Revolution. This is part of a Fashion & Textile Network that works on sustainable solutions locally, nationally and globally. This talk will follow the AGM for Turn Lyme Green 6.307pm. All welcome. Contact enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk

Oddfellows will hold a visit and walk around Silverlakes at 2pm followed by cream tea in Crossways Village Hall.

WEDNESDAY MAY 22

The Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society hosts a demonstration by awardwinning florist Angie Blackwell, Cottage Flowers of 4 or 5 flower arrangements to take us from spring into summer. Uplyme Village Hall DT7 3UY. Members free, nonmembers £3. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments, demonstration starts 7.30pm. ulrhs.wordpress.com

Sherborne Science Café presents speaker Daisy Meadowcroft of rewilding project Wild Woodbury at 7.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall (DT9 3NL). £3 entry on the door, no membership required. Sherbornesciencecafe.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23

The New Arts Group presents a talk entitled The Girl with the Tutti-Frutti Hat: The Magic of Busby Berkeley by John Francis at 2pm at Bridport Town Hall. £10

West Dorset Ramblers walk, 7 miles. Minterne to Hermitage – Start from Minterne Church at 10am. Contact Heather 07798 732252.

A rewilding tour for the NGS will be held at Mapperton Gardens (DT8 3NR) 10am4pm. £40

Limited number of tickets. Meet at the Coach House Café, where you will be joined by ranger Ben Padwick. The tour will last for 2 ½ hours and covers a distance of 2 miles. Wear appropriate footwear. Parts of the tour will take you up steep hills and across uneven ground.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Pipsford Farm, Beaminster DT8 3NT will open its three acres of formal and informal gardens 2pm-5pm. Ponds surrounded by mature specimen trees, Acers, hydrangeas, ferns and bamboo. Bog garden, with raised walkway. Walled garden with herbaceous beds, pond, pergola covered in apples and productive beds surrounded by Ilex crenata. Cut flower area with paths to greenhouses and fruit cage, surrounded by mature yew hedges. Home-made teas. Refreshments included.

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Sherborne Book Fair

Secondhand book, map & printed ephemera fair

Saturday, May 13, 9.30am-4pm at the Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, DT9 3NL

Little Benville House, Benville Lane, Corscombe, DT2 0NN will open its contemporary garden today and tomorrow 11am-5pm, with landscape interventions by Harris Bugg Studio within a varied ecological ANOB and historic landscape off Benville Lane, mentioned in Thomas Hardy’s Tess. New herbaceous borders, woodland planting, walled vegetable and cutting garden, cloud pruned topiary, ha-ha, ornamental and productive trees and moat

which is a listed ancient monument. Bring a racquet and try the tennis court and enjoy the view! Adm £8, chd £4. Home-made teas.

The Wessex Event Company is holding its third summer fair in the beautiful house and grounds at Bryanston School today and tomorrow, including a climbing tower, alpaca walking and the chance to meet a Disney princess.. A host of artisan foods, crafts, plants, garden furniture and accessories, why not chill out in our two Street Food Areas,

where you can enjoy mid morning snacks, lunches and afternoon treats, including Pizzas, bratwurst, falafels, Dorset lamb burgers, hot potatoes, ice cream, churros and crepes, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or something slightly stronger from the bar. Be entertained by fabulous local artists including Emma Hardy, Max Elmore, Tom Carr, Shannon White, and Phil Smith.

Flower arranging demos, with the chance to win a beautiful flower arrangement, falconry

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and classic cars, plus a bouncy castle, rides, games and face painting and a circus skills workshop, magic man, sand art and craft area. £4 adults, £3.50 concs U16 £1.

Community craft cafe 125pm at the Crafty Cuppa, in High East Street, Dorchester, for their grand opening. Demo workshops, meet a princess, children’s activities and enjoy a cuppa and cake.

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SATURDAY, MAY 25 CT’D

Dorset Arts Weeks start today. See page 7 and 62. dorsetartweeks.co.uk

Choral Evensong for Pentecost, 4.30pm, St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. Music by Elgar, Gibbons, Ayleward and Matthias. Free with a glass of wine to follow.

Abbotsbury Swannery is holding a food and craft fair today and tomorrow, with over 30 stalls from Dorset Food & Drink, plus live music, fluffy cygnets, and the Brambly Hedge Trail.

Royal Manor Theatre, Fortuneswell, Portland DT5

1LT, hosts an exhibition by 18 Artwey artists (artwey.co.uk) as part of Dorset Art Weeks (dorsetartweeks.co.uk) until June 9, open every day 10.30am-4.30pm. Freedom is the theme. Tea, coffee and

cakes, proceeds to the women’s refuge.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Sydling St Nicholas Open Gardens will be held today and tomorrow, 2pm to 6pm. Beautiful gardens of all sizes plus an excellent selection of locally grown plants to buy. Tea, coffee and delicious cakes in the hall. Tickets from the hall from 1.30 on the day– £5 (or £8 for both days) children free. Sorry, no dogs.

The Manor House, Beaminster, North St, DT8 3DZ will open its 16 acres of stunning parkland with mature specimen trees, lake and waterfall today and tomorrow 11am-5pm. Peaceful haven for wildlife with a woodland walk, wildflower meadow and walled garden ‘serendipity’. Ornamental ducks, black swans, pigmy goats, alpaca, chickens and guinea pigs.

Partial wheelchair access. £7, chd free. Home-made teas. Careys Secret Garden, Wareham BH20 7PG will open for the NGS 11am-3pm. Behind a 150-year-old wall, just outside of Wareham, sits 3 ½ acres in the midst of transformation. Left untouched for more than 40 years, this garden is about to flourish again, with a focus on permaculture and rewilding.

£7.50, chd £2.75.

Pre-booking essential, 07927 132148, email hello@careyssecretgarden.co. uk or careyssecretgarden.co.uk Cream teas.

MONDAY, MAY 27

Alweston Car Boot Sale, sellers 7am, buyers before 7.30am - £5, Buyers by donation. Info: 01963 23436

The Sherborne Castle Country Fair returns! Set in the beautiful grounds of

Sherborne Castle in Dorset, this local, much-loved event appeals to all ages. With main ring attractions, dragon boat racing on the lake, dog competitions, silent auction, rural crafts, rare breeds show, music, funfair, vintage vehicles, food and shopping there is something for everyone.

The event is organised entirely by volunteers and last year it raised an amazing £63,000 for children’s charities.

Headlining is the 3SIXTY Bicycle Display Team, and Gui Godt, the accomplished horseman and stunt rider –with a comedy twist! Entry in advance is £15, £4 for a child: sherbornecountry fair.com/tickets

TUESDAY, MAY 28

The next Bridport U3A monthly speaker is Alan Jenkins, on My Police Journey – Liverpool to Dorset at United Church hall at 2pm.

WEDNESDAY MAY 29

West Dorset Ramblers walk, 10 miles. Lambert’s Castle Circular – via Coney’s Castle, Marshwood Vale, Bettiscombe, Start Lambert’s Castle car park at 10am. Call Heather 07587 098079.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

West Dorset Ramblers walk, 8 miles. Water Meadows –circular walk via West Stafford, Winterborne Came and Stinsford. Start 10am Kingston Maurward lower car park. Call Ian 07826 150114.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton, DT2 7BS is holding a craft and producers’ market supporting artisan crafters and producers. A sunny afternoon in the Gaggle gardens, stalls, crafts, local tipples and good food! Get in touch if you are local crafter or food producer and would like a stall.

Wessex Folk Festival will be held around the harbour at Weymouth today and tomorrow, 12pm-2pm. Free. Bands on two stages, dancing around the harbour, workshops and sessions in the pubs. Local and more widely known acts will be in Trinity Road and Hope Square. Dancers include morris, rapper and clog dancing teams. Pubs holding sessions include the Sailor’s Return and the King’s Arms. Wessexfolkfestival.com

Celtic music concert with Head North will be at All Saints church, Wyke Regis at 7pm. The 5-piece band from Weymouth, Hampshire and Wales returns for another evening of traditional and progressive Celtic music. Doors 6.30pm, tickets £6 parish ofwykeregis.org.uk/events or Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174 or on the door. Cash bar.

Helen Baggot will be the Friends of Weymouth Library speaker at 10.30am. Her talk will be about her great-aunt’s travels illustrated with postcards that her greataunt sent home, showing just how far she travelled and what adventures she had. Tickets at the library 01305 762410 £2/3. Refreshments, all welcome. Enquiries to 01305 832613.

Bridport & West Dorset

Rambling Club 6.5 mile walk from Beckford Bridge. Ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. Visitors welcome.

Hooke village is holding an open gardens and plant stall from 2pm-6pm. Nine varied gardens, refreshments. In aid of St Giles Church. £8 per person U5s free. Start at the church, DT8 3PA.

Poundbury Art Club is holding an exhibition at Martinstown Village Hall 10am-4pm of about 40 works in mixed media today and tomorrow in aid of Amelia Rainbow, which provides holidays and experiences for life limited and seriously ill children. Refreshments available. Free, donations to charity. 10% of sales to charity.

SUNDAY JUNE 2

An open mic poetry afternoon will be held at The Occasional Bookshop, 16 Durngate Street, Dorchester DT1 1JP, 3 - 5 pm (Doors open 2.30). All welcome. Free.

The Tarrant Valley 10 – a 10km race starting and finishing from Tarrant Monkton starts 10.30am followed by a children’s run. Great refreshments, BBQ, icecreams, and raffle.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Dorchester and District U3a Art and Weaving Exhibition

will be held from today until Sunday, June 30, daily 10am4pm at PIP Cafe – Pavilion in the Park (closed on Mondays), The Great Field, Poundbury

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Dorchester Tree Walk starts today at 6pm to 7.30pm, then runs every Wednesday in June, July and August. £7.50 per adult (children accompanied by an adult go free). Meet in front of The Colliton Club, Colliton Walk, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. A whistlestop tour of 20 trees in 90 minutes – learn how to identify them and the amazing ways in which they work. Town centre and riverside. Walks will run whatever the weather. No need to book. treewalksindorset@gmail.com

Dorchester and District Gardening Club host a speaker from the Gardens Group Gold Club on growing

fruit and vegetables on the patio at St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, DT1 1LB, 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Visitors £4 on door. Bring and buy and draw. 01305 268523 or dorchestergardening@gmail.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

A community coffee morning will be held 9.30am11am at St Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. Friendly get together and chat, coffee and free refreshments.

D-Day 80: An Evening to Remember will be held at 6pm at All Saints Church, Wyke Regis. D-Day documentary, live music, fish and chip supper (6th June is also National Fish and Chip Day), church bells and beacon lighting at 9.15pm. Tickets £10 (inc supper) from parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events or Jeff on 07710 096174.

Sunday 12th May 2024 10am-4pm

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New home found for pub’s old sign

A new home has been found for the sign from Weymouth’s old pub The Clipper.

The sign from the Grade II Listed building, named The Rectory, was presented to Jo Holland by DJ Property, the new owners of the building.

Jo gave the sign as a surprise moving in gift for her parents, Jon and Julie Andrews, in exchange for a donation to Weymouth Foodbank.

Jo said her parents, who recently moved the Weymouth area, have

always felt a special attachment to the town.

Her father Jon expressed a desire to own the sign and even named his boat The Clipper.

Mickey Jones, chief executive at DJ Property said: “Jo’s heartfelt connection to Weymouth and her desire to fulfil her father’s wish deeply resonated with us.

“We are delighted to be able to play a part in this special moment, while also contributing to the important work of the Weymouth Foodbank.”

Free parking for charity events

Weymouth-based charities are invited to apply for free parking to help them run events throughout the year. The town and county councils have teamed up to offer three dates when local organisations can use selected car parks for free to offer ‘exciting events that will attract both residents and visitors’. The parking will be available on three dates in Dorset Council-operated

Shield your home from care costs with a living trust

A Living Trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs along with potential inheritance tax implications.

Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

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

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.

4. Reversable Nature: One

of the advantages of a living trust is that it is reversible, meaning you can make changes to the trust or remove your home from the trust 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 alongside one to three other trustees. Thus, maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Surviving trustees take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death.

n The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances.

Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

car parks across Weymouth, excluding December. A fourth day has been allocated on Sunday, June 23 as part of the Armed Forces Weekend event.

Charities and community groups in Weymouth can now request which car parks they would like to use free of charge by completing a survey. Email events@weymouth towncouncil.gov.uk

SIGNS ARE GOOD: Jo Holland, Jon Andrews, Claire Hoff of DJ Property and Andy White of Weymouth Foodbank Picture: DJ Property

Tories blue as Lib Dems take control

The Lib Dems ripped through Tory seats at the Dorset Council elections, taking 13 extra places at the table – 42 altogether, putting them firmly in charge of the authority. It’s the first time the Lib Dems have won control of the council since 1993.

The Conservatives now have 30 seats, the Greens have four, Independents for Dorset have three and Labour two, with an Independent of no party, one. Bridport lost its long-standing and popular Green councillor, when Kelvin Clayton, pictured, lost by just 25 votes with 1,562 to Lib Dem Bridget Bolwell on 1,587.

Another popular and longstanding councillor lost was Conservative Peter Wharf, in West Purbeck.

Planning portfolio holder David Walsh, who butted heads with campaigners against the 4,000-home

Norchester development, also lost his seat.

Immediately on the Lib Dems’ hit list is looking at parking charges and council housing. In the Police and Crime Commissioner election, Conservative David Sidwick was re-elected, with nearly 58,000 votes to Labour’s 26,884, Greens’ 32,237 and the Lib Dems’ 34,774.

Full results:

Beacon: Con hold: Jane Somper. Beaminster: Con hold: Craig Monks. Blackmore Vale: Con hold: Stephen Murcer. Blandford: Con hold: Byron Quayle and Noc Lacey-Clarke. Bridport: LibDem hold x2, win x1: Bridget Bolwell

Lib Dem, Dave Bolwell Lib Dem, Sarah Williams Lib Dem. Chalk Valleys: Con hold: Jill Haynes. Charminster St Mary: Lib Dem hold: David Taylor. Chesil Bank: Lib Dem win: Sally Holland. Chickerell: Lib Dem win x2: Simon Clifford and Gill Taylor. Colehill & Wimborne: Lib Dem hold: Jindy Atwal and Andrew Todd. Corfe Mullen: Lib Dem win: Scott Florek and Duncan Sowry-House. Cranborne and Alderholt: Lib Dem hold: Dave Tooke. Cranborne Chase Con hold: Piers Brown. Crossways: Lib Dem hold: Nick Ireland. Dorchester East: Lib Dem hold: Stella Jones and Rory Major. Dorchester Poundbury: Lib Dem hold: Richard Biggs. Dorchester West: Lib Dem and Ind hold: Andy Canning Lib Dem; Les Fry Ind. Eggardon: Lib Dem win: Neil Eysenck. Ferndown North: Con hold: Cathy Lugg and Mike Parkes. Ferndown South: Con hold, Ind win: Hannah Hobbs-Chell Ind and Julie Robinson Con. Gillingham: Con hold x2, Lib Dem win x1: Val Pothecary Con, Belinda Ridout Con, Carl Woode Lib Dem. Hill Forts and Upper Tarrants: Con hold: Sherry Jespersen. Littlemoor and Preston: Con hold x2: Peter Dickenson and Louie O’Leary. Lyme Regis & Charmouth: Green hold: Belinda Bawden. Lytchett Matravers and Upton: Lib Dem hold x2, Con hold x1 Steve Robinson Lib Dem Alex Brenton Lib Dem and Bill Pipe con. Marshwood Vale: Con hold: Simon Christopher. Melcombe Regis: Green hold: Jon Orrell. Portland: Ind hold x 2, Labour hold x1: Pete Roper Ind, Rob Hughes Ind and Paul

Kimber Lab. Puddletown and Lower Winterborne: Con hold: Emma Parker. Radipole: Lib Dem hold x2 Matt Bell and Louise Bown. Rodwell and Wyke: Green hold x2, Labour hold x1 Clare Sutton Green, Kate Wheller Labour and Claudia Webb Green. Shaftesbury Town: Lib Dem hold x2 Derek Beer and Jack Jeanes. Sherborne East: Lib Dem hold: Jon Andrews. Sherborne Rural: Lib Dem hold: Robin Legg. Sherborne West: Lib Dem hold: Richard Crabb. South East Purbeck: Lib Dem win: Ben Wilson. St Leonards and St Ives: Con hold x2 Ray Bryan and Barry Goringe. Stalbridge & Marnhull: Con hold: James Vitali. Stour and Allen Vale: Lib Dem win: Will Chakawhata. Sturminster Newton: Con hold: Carole Jones. Swanage: Con hold x 2: Gary Suttle and William Trite. Upwey and Broadwey: Lib Dem hold: David Northam. Verwood: Con hold x3 Simon Gibson, Toni Coombs and Spencer Flower. Wareham: Lib Dem hold x2: Beryl Ezzard and Ryan Holloway.West Moors & Three Legged Cross: Con hold x2 David Shortell and Andy Skeats. West Parley: Con hold: Andrew Parry Local Conservative. West Purbeck: Con hold x1, Lib Dem win x1: Michael Baker Lib Dem and Laura Beddow Con. Westham: Lib Dem hold x2 Alex Fuhrmann and Ryan Hope. Wimborne Minster: Lib Dem hold x2 Shane Bartlett and David Morgan. Winterborne & Broadmayne: Lib Dem hold: Roland Tarr. Winterborne North: Lib Dem win: Barrie Cooper. Yetminster: Lib Dem win: Chris Kippax.

Dementia café

Selwood House care home in Charlton Down is launching a dementia café on June 5 to run on the first Wednesday of each month 10am to noon.

The Forget-me-not café will be open to all and is aimed at those living with dementia and anyone caring for them. Refreshments will be laid on including a cake. The café will host something different each month, from educational speakers to promote awareness of dementia, as well as dementia friendly activities such as singing for the brain. The café is being supported by the Alzheimer's Society who will be on hand

to provide signposting to local services.

Renewables boost

A low-energy carbon company has bought an anaerobic digestion facility in Poundbury. ENGIE acquired the awardwinning Rainbarrow Farm, which has been providing renewable energy to the local community for over ten years. The facility provides enough renewable gas to power 3,500 homes and renewable electricity for 628 homes. Biogas is produced through the breakdown of agricultural feedstocks such as farm waste, food production byproducts and sustainably grown crops.

It’s set fair

Bridport’s annual Community Charter Fair will be held on Saturday, May 18.

This free event at Mountfield’s Millennium Green from 9.30am to 3pm and in Bucky Doo Square from 10am to 3pm will feature more than 40 community stalls, including the community shed and entertainment from 14 local acts. Refreshments will be provided by Brit Valley Rotary, with a bar by Jurassic Fields Music Festival.

First up at Mountfield is the traditional Maypole Dancing on the Green with the Lyric School of Dance. The Mayor of Bridport will crown the 2024 May Queen. The Fair’s Annual Awards for service to the community will then be presented by the Mayor.

The 2024 “Above and Beyond” Award for an individual goes to Alan Williams, who for many years has contributed funding to local organisations, including the arts centre, Bridport Musical Theatre Company, Bridport Young Performers, and Axe Valley Ring and Ride bus service. As reported nationally, he saved the X53 Sunday service between Bridport and

New craft cafe

A new arty, crafty space is officially opening its doors on Dorchester on May 25.

The Crafty Cuppa, at 46 High East Street will offer shelf space for local artisans to sell their creations, showcase music by talented local performers, host monthly art exhibitions for emerging artists and serve cakes and hot drinks sourced from local bakers and suppliers.

There will be workshops led by local instructors, covering everything from hobbies to mental well-being.

The launch event will run from 12pm-5pm.

BYO bags to shop

Several businesses in the west of Dorset are taking part in the Litter Free Dorset’s BYO Campaign.

We are being encouraged to bring our own packaging to reduce single-use plastic and Baboo Gelato, Hive Beach Company, Oxfords Bakers, Groves Garden Centre, Brace of Butchers, Norden Farm and Plaza Cinema are all taking part.

for Bridport’s yearly fiesta

events and raise money for charity. “We firmly believe that a pub should be for the community and should be the central hub for social events.”

Entertainment throughout the day is offered, at Mountfield, by Rough Assembly, Bridport Steel Band, Bridport Young Performers, Local Vocal, Bridport Musical Theatre, Trumbonium, Wyld Morris, and the Phoenix Youth Band. And in Bucky Doo it’s the Bridport Big Band, Bridport Choral Society, Silver Lining, and duo Shiraz.

New service has more byte

Some 8,700 households and businesses in West Dorset are set to benefit from new ultrafast full fibre broadband. Dorset-based Wessex Internet was awarded the Dorset and South Somerset contract, worth £33.5 million in the latest Project Gigabit government procurement contract.

Weymouth, for which he was awarded a medal by the Campaign for Better Transport at a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons.

The Charter Fair Trophy for a group or organisation will be awarded to The Ropemakers Pub and its proprietors, John and Geraldine Baker. They said “We’re delighted to have been selected for this trophy. We believe that we are perfectly placed to host

The children’s area at Mountfield will have face painting and “OOPSWOW” arts activities, whilst at 10.15am a magic show will be presented by Strawberry Jam Entertainments. Following this, Forest School leader Kate will be demonstrating skills which the children and parents can have a go at. For more information email Claire.PetersWay@bridport-tc.gov.uk or a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com Free programmes are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Bucky Doo Square.

Write your life

Writer Sheena Dearness invites you to her ‘Write your Memoirs’ sessions. Write a book of your life to pass on. Help with devising and researching your family tree is on offer too. Part I and II cost £35 each. Email sheenadearness51@ gmail.com or ring 07875 842399.

2 Royal Mews, Princes Street (off Trinity Street) Dorchester DT1 1RL (

TROPHY COUPLE: John and Geraldine Baker of the Ropemakers will receive an award

Museum story

Beaminster Museum will be telling the town’s story this half term.

Parents and carers looking for family-friendly activities can visit the attraction to learn about the area’s history from the Jurassic era to the present day. The museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays from 10.30am to 4pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 4.30pm. Entry is free, but donations are welcomed.

Meet councillors

Dorchester residents are invited to meet their town councillors at an informal meeting at the Corn Exchange on Thursday, May 16 from 11am to 1pm. Email Emma Scott at e.scott@dorchestertc.gov.uk

EU are all welcome here!

Sherborne welcomed 140 delegates from 24 partner towns, each a different EU country, to the Douzelage General Meeting, an annual meeting which takes place in a different country every year. The local committee of Sherborne Douzelage produced a comprehensive programme of meetings, workshops, musical entertainment and excursions exploring the

Dorset landscape to connect with nature.

A reception was held for the international guests at Sherborne School, where mayor Margaret Crossman councillors, MP Chris Loder and sponsors and guests were entertained by local musicians and dancers.

Three parallel Meetings (Youth, Education and General) took place at which completed and

current projects were presented and future events planned.

It is hoped that many Sherborne groups will now take the opportunities offered to explore all that the 27 partner towns have to offer.

A highlight of the event was the Ad Hoc Orchestra, under the expert direction of Dr Rachel Milestone, Director of Music at Leweston School.

BONJOUR: Some of the delegates at Sherborne Abbey

Douglas to return

Douglas Dare is returning to the Bridport Arts Centre at 7.30pm on June 1 fresh from launching his fourth album Omni in London. He will be performing an intimate set of songs from his new album and his back catalogue, including the critically acclaimed Milkteeth, featuring stories of his West Dorset childhood.

stripped back set, revealing how the songs were written on his beloved piano. This may be Douglas’s first time headlining at the BAC but not the first time treading these boards.

Whilst his upcoming headline UK & EU tour brings a new electronic sound, Douglas, pictured, will be giving the Bridport Arts Centre audience an exclusive

Douglas has many fond memories of performing on that stage in numerous youth theatre and music performances and is so excited to return after all these years and with many stories to tell. Tickets are £17, £15 for concessions and supporters, from bridportarts.com or Bridport TIC on 01308 424204.

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Fire service thanks for support from

Portland Prison and Sherborne Girls’ School have received awards from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in recognition of their support to on-call firefighters.

HMP Portland has released staff for fire calls over many years and is the employer of Daniel Terrey, station commander at Portland fire station. The award was collected by Nigel Duggan, from the prison’s management team.

Sherborne Girls’ School was recognised for allowing two members of staff to respond to fire calls from work, and the award was collected by its head, Dr Ruth Sullivan.

The presentations were made at the Service’s annual awards ceremony by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, and Matt Bland, client director at sponsor Kubus.

Mr Bland said: “It is an honour for Kubus to continue our relationship

with DWFRS, who give so much to our communities.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “These awards are very well deserved. These two employers have allowed our firefighters time for training and provided

flexibility in working hours. In return, the staff have used their knowledge and expertise in areas such as fire marshal duties, first aid, and guidance with risk assessments. The communities of Portland and Sherborne have benefited greatly from their support of their local fire stations.”

He added: “If someone is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, they should look at our website to see whether there’s an on-call fire station near to where they live or work, then get in touch with us to have a chat about what’s possible. The main things are that people are enthusiastic, want to work as part of a team, and want

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s important to have your NHS Health Check. Have you had your FREE NHS Health Check? Aged 40-74? Scan the QR code for more

THANKS: Matt Bland from sponsor Kubus, Nigel Duggan from HMP Portland, and Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell

prison and school

to be part of their community.”

Working as an on-call firefighter means being involved in a wide range of activities in your local area, including responding to emergency calls, carrying out work to support the community’s

needs, and providing prevention advice to help keep people safe.

n For more information about being an on-call firefighter with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, visit dwfire.org. uk/on-call-firefighters

Oar-some! Oscar all set to row width of Borneo

A Thomas Hardye School pupil is aiming to row the width of Borneo to raise sponsorship money to visit the country.

Oscar Clarke, 14, is aiming to raise £4,980 for an expedition next year with Camps International Ltd. Camps International Ltd is an international volunteer travel operator running a four-week expedition that will include community development work, environmental projects, and wildlife conservation to raise education and living

standards, preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable habitats.

Oscar, who will be rowing around 960kms, said:

“This expedition is extremely important to me because I feel that I will acquire and develop many important life skills such as independence, confidence, and a greater cultural understanding of the world.”

n To support Oscar visit gofund.me/c0c13bfb or email oscarclarkey3 @gmail.com

This is Martin... He Grows the Roses!

THANKS AGAIN: Matt Bland, Dr Ruth Sullivan from Sherborne Girls’ School, and Ben Ansell

Not just a farm shop, more a perfect

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Fate has wafted Lucinda Ackland through the sort of life Billy Connolly would describe as ‘windswept and interesting’.

And fate has decreed that she is now at her very happiest, having landed her nirvana in a shop, right in the heart of the Bride Valley, combining her passions for great food, lovely people and superb local products – but most of all, giving her peace.

She said: “Modbury Farm Shop was just a dream. I wake up and I still can’t believe it that I’m going down to open the shop.

“I loved the shop, and always just felt wonderful when I shopped there. But when I asked about it after moving just up the road, it was all but sold. I was devastated when I heard its sale had been agreed, and not to someone who would continue what they were doing there. My heart broke.”

A few months later though, Lucinda was told Modbury was back up for sale.

She said: “Tim and Julie (Garry) called me back to say I could have it and I was so thrilled – all we wanted to do was to love it.

“We ended up taking it over at the end of May, so it will be our first full year this month. It’s growing all the time, and people are returning.”

Lucinda, 57, is a gut health practitioner, with her own brand, Lensomy Lifestyle Ltd – Lensomy is a

Sanskrit word for unconditional love, which she adopted to convey the holistic nature of her teachings about food, lifestyle and how they affect the body.

She said: “Gut health and where our food comes from are so important. So many people over a certain age can’t digest food.

“It is important to know what your body can handle and how to cook it.”

quite slow. I was probably dyslexic, I probably have ADHD.

“I’ve been with Tim for 15 years. We were first together when I was 16 and he was 18, but I ran away to Scotland. Every three years I moved. I was married twice and had three children.

Lucinda now feels at peace, following years of feeling jarred by life.

She said: “When I was a child I was perceived as

“I was living on a hillside in Scotland

with my three kids when I had a stroke aged 40. In retrospect it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had to relearn how to do everything. And I

realised I had been scared of living and scared of dying. You should never be scared of living or dying.

“Two years after my stroke Tim and I got back together. And he put the engagement ring he had kept all those years back on my finger.”

Now Tim runs the shop with Lucinda, where they stock a huge range of gorgeous products – apart from the fresh food there are bouquets of frilly tulips, plants, woollen blankets and shawls and products using essential oils, along with carved wooden items, secondhand books and walking sticks.

Lucinda said: “It’s a real farm shop, not one with a thatched roof and ridiculous prices. There’s

YOU’RE WELCOME: Lucinda and Tim at Modbury Farm Shop in the Bride Valley

spot for everyone

no need for farm shops to be expensive. We sell our eggs for the same price as our supplier does – and we get through 2,000 eggs a week in high season. We get Italian cheeses and tomatoes from Ilaria at Mercato Italiano in Bridport as some things are worth importing, but mostly the products are produced in this area. If we all support each other there won’t be a food shortage. If people have a surplus of anything, such as apples, they can bring it in and we will sell it for them.

“Modbury isn’t just a farm shop, it’s a bit different.

“It’s more of a community hub – people meet here and have a chat and end up leaving an hour later.

“I found out it is at the

heart of the Bride Valley and wanted to celebrate that, so we put all the local events on our notice board and we celebrate local producers – many of them supply our shop.

“I’ve had shops before and been a visual merchandiser, but this place in particular is a joy – everyone comes here and has conversations about everything, whether it’s their problems, or if they need a hand with something. They all sort themselves out!”

n Modbury Farm Shop, Bridport DT6 4NE, is open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm and 9am-2pm on Sundays. See their 10% off everything offer on the back page. modburyfarmshop.co.uk

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Your chance to explore these idylls

The National Garden Scheme has been championing the health benefits of garden visits since 1927. And since then, more than 3,500 gardens open every year.

In Dorset these spectacular green idylls will be opening their garden gates:

FOLLY FARM COTTAGE

Spyway Road, Uploders, Bridport DT6 4PH

Contact: Neil & Steph Crabb.

An established garden of an acre with a contemporary twist. The garden has four connecting rooms, a main lawn with borders, ornamental trees and rose bed, a large pond area with mature trees, grasses, golden willow and silver pear, which leads to a natural fruit orchard, tennis court, greenhouse and mixed raised bed.

Far reaching views of Eggardon Hill and the surrounding fields.

The majority of the garden can be enjoyed via wheelchair, there are three short steps at the kitchen side entrance of house.

n Opening: Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 from 1pm Admission £6. Children free

THE MANOR HOUSE, BEAMINSTER

North St, Beaminster DT8 3DZ.

Contact: Christine Wood. Set in heart of Beaminster, 16 acres of stunning parkland with mature specimen trees, lake and waterfall, The Manor House looks forward again to welcoming old and new visitors to enjoy this peaceful garden a haven for wildlife with a woodland walk, wildflower meadow and walled garden

‘serendipity’. Ornamental ducks, black swans, pigmy goats, alpaca, chickens and guinea pigs. Partial wheelchair access.

n Opening: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from 11am

MAPPERCOMBE MANOR

Nettlecombe, Bridport DT6 3SS.

Contact: Arthur Crutchley. Elegant Manor House originally a monks’ rest house with stew pond and dovecote.

South facing gardens on four levels with ancient monastic route and sweeping views. Approx four acres of gardens with wellplanted borders, inc echiums, salvias and euphorbia. Apart from stonework and mature trees, garden mostly replanted in last 25 years. Many old roses and a haven for bees and butterflies. Dogs on leads. Partial wheelchair access, gravel and stone paths, steps. 150-yard walk from car park, limited parking by house.

hedges, circular herbaceous borders with late summer colour. Exuberantly planted terrace, purple and white beds. Box parterres, mature trees, pond, sheets of daffodils, tulips, glorious churchyard. Ha-ha, pleached hornbeam circle. Enchanting bog garden with stream and islands. Ten acres of woodland walks. Mostly wheelchair accessible.

n Open: Sunday, June 2 and Thursday June 6 from 2pm

Admission £8, children free. Home-made teas.

UTOPIA

Tincleton, Dorchester DT2

Contact: Nick & Sharon Spiller. Approximately half an acre of secluded, peaceful garden made up of several rooms inspired by different themes. Inspiration is taken from Mediterranean and Italian gardens, woodland space, water gardens. Seating is scattered throughout to enable you to sit and enjoy the different spaces and take advantage of both sun and shade

n Open: Sunday, June 9 from 1pm.

kitchen garden, orchard, Mediterranean garden, boules court and herbaceous borders, each providing their own ambience. Informal perennial borders enclose terraces around the house. Photographic display in the barn within the garden. Gravel driveway.

n Open: Sun 9 June (12-5). Adm £5, chd free. Homemade teas.

HOLME FOR GARDENS

West Holme Farm, Wareham BH20 6AQ.

Contact: Simon Goldsack. Extensive formal and informal gardens strongly influenced by Hidcote Manor and The Laskett. The garden is made up of distinct rooms separated by hedges and taller planting. Extensive collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals sourced from across the UK. Spectacular wildflower meadows. Grass amphitheatre, Holme henge garden, lavender avenue, cutting garden, pear tunnel, hot borders, white borders, ornamental grasses, unusual trees and shrubs. Grass paths are kept in good order and soil is well drained so wheelchair access is reasonable except immediately after heavy rain.

n Opening: Sunday, June 2 from 1pm

Admission £6, children free. Home-made teas.

THE OLD RECTORY, PULHAM

Dorchester DT2 7EA.

Contact: Mr & Mrs N Elliott.

Four acres of formal and informal gardens surrounding the 18th century rectory with splendid views. Yew pyramid allées and

Admission £5, children £4. Light refreshments.

YEW TREE HOUSE

Hermitage Lane, Hermitage, Dorchester DT2 7BB.

Contact: Anna Vines.

A recently landscaped and planted ½ acre plot, surrounding a new-build eco home. House and garden designed to connect harmoniously and sit naturally within the surrounding rural landscape. The garden comprises a small

n Open for NGS: Tue 11 June, (10am-5.30pm). Adm £7, chd free. Cream teas in The Orchard Café.

HOOKE FARM

Hooke, Beaminster DT8 3NZ.

Contact: Julia Hailes MBE & Jamie Macdonald. Hooke Farm’s third Wilding Weekend shows its transformation into a wildlife haven with bats, butterflies and bee-friendly wildflower meadows. It includes

as gardens open their gates to public

woodlands, ponds, orchard trees, standing stones and a stilted henhouse all interlinked by meandering paths. There will be talks and guided tours on both afternoons, covering different aspects of wilding and environmentally friendly gardening. This will include butterflies, moths, reptiles, weed control, tree maintenance, grassland management and how to attract insects and birds. We are peat-free. There are areas of the garden that cannot be accessed by wheelchairs but there’s still plenty to see if you can manage slopes.

n Opening: Wednesday, June 26 from 11am – 4pm

Admission £7. Light refreshments at our Deans Court Café on Deans Court Lane.

SLAPE MANOR

Netherbury, Bridport DT6 5LH

Contact: Paul Mulholland and Tarsha Finney. River valley garden in a

available at Hingsdon only. The Chantry, Chantry Street, Netherbury, Bridport DT6 5NB.

Contact: Peter Higginson. Set in the middle of the village and within stone walls and hedges, a 1 acre established traditional garden of lawns, trees, shrubs and colourful mixed borders on a gently sloping site, with a formal pond and some new planting. Hingsdon is a hilltop garden of about two acres with

spectacular panoramic views. There are many unusual shrubs, mostly planted within the last 15 years, a mixed border of two halves, rose garden and a large kitchen garden. There is also a small arboretum with an idiosyncratic collection of over 90 trees. The main garden is accessible, although sloping, but the arboretum is too steep for wheelchair access.

Buckland Newton Art Group

n Open: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from 10.30am – 4pm

Admission £8, children £4 Locally sourced lunch, cream teas & refreshments throughout the day.

DEANS COURT

Deans Court Lane, Wimborne Minster BH21 1EE.

Contact: Sir William Hanham.

Some 13 acres of peaceful, partly wild gardens in ancient monastic setting with mature specimen trees, Saxon fish pond, herb garden, orchard and apiary beside River Allen close to town centre. First Soil Association accredited garden, within C18 serpentine walls. For disabled access, please contact us in advance of visiting to help us understand your specific needs and work out the best plan.

transformation. Spacious lawns, wildflower meadows, and primula fringed streams leading down to a lake. Walk over the stream with magnificent hostas, gunneras and horizontal Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans’ around the lake. Admire the mature wellingtonias, ancient wisterias, rhododendrons and planting around the house. Kitchen garden renovation underway. Slape Manor is one of the inspirations behind Chelsea 2022 Gold medal winning and Best in Show Garden designed by Urquhart and Hunt with Rewilding Britain. Mostly flat with some sloping paths and steps. Ground is often wet and boggy.

n Opening: Sunday, June 30, from 1pm

Admission £9, children free.

COMBINED OPENINGS

NETHERBURY GARDENS: The Chantry & Hingsdon, Netherbury, Bridport. The Joint Opening will take place on Sunday, June 23 from 2pm until 6pm A combined admission fee for both gardens of £8 for adults. Home-made teas are

at the village hall, Thursdays 1.30pm-4.30pm

£5 for two hours | £8 for three hours

Contact Andrea on: 07780 710081 (Or just turn up! Bring your art materials).

Computer award for student Ewan

Former Weymouth College student Ewan Gordon has been recognised for his hard work and perseverance with a prestigious award from the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT).

Ewan joined the college after being home schooled and his journey has taken him from the Routes Into programme

THE OCCASIONAL BOOKSHOP

all the way to a BSC in Computer Science at Bangor University.

Ewan received his engraved shield and award from Martin Oliver, the college’s

16 Durngate Street, Dorchester, DT1 1JP | 01305 261186

RECENTLY ACQUIRED: A wonderful collection of works by REYNOLDS STONE, comprising two original watercolour paintings, numerous signed limited edition wood engravings and several books illustrated by Stone, some of which

are limited and signed. Please make an appointment to come and see these treasures, and many others we have on show in the shop.You will be most welcome.

l If the shop appears shut, ring the bell as the owners live on the premises, and will open the shop during normal business hours if they are home and it is convenient, which it normally is.

Director of Curriculum and Skills, who said: “Ewan has been on a fantastic learner journey, and it is some effort to go all the way from our Routes Into provision up to Level 3 and now degree level at university.

“His dedication, hard work and willingness to do his very best has helped him achieve this well-deserved award.

“Alongside the expert support from the computing and IT team, Ewan’s expertise has grown, and it has been really satisfying to see all he has achieved so far. We all wish Ewan the best in future and may this be just the beginning of many more successes.”

THURSDAY 22 nd AUGUST

simply

0BL by 31 st May

DCH charity goes for a cheque-up

Nearly 140 years ago, two lodges of Oddfellows in Dorchester, ‘Bud of Hope’ and ‘Hand in Hand’ were generous donors to the establishment and maintenance of the Dorset County Hospital, then in Princes Street, which was founded in 1838.

In the days before the National Health Service, the friendly societies of the towns would provide health care for its members and employ doctors to tend to the poor and destitute.

The two branches have since merged and this year the Hand in Hand donated £500 to the Dorset County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care appeal.

Mary-Jane Attwood told the lodge why they need to raise £2.5million – to increase

capacity and provide additional services such as child and adolescent mental health care. There will be facilities to cater for the families of patients as well as the staff. The Hand in Hand branch covers Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport and the surrounding areas. The

group is organising a programme of social events including outings and gatherings and trying new things.

Contact Mike Clarke on 01305 260081 or 07397 241794, or email mike.clarke@oddfellows.co.uk or go to oddfellows.co.uk

Hit the decks

Street In The Park will return to Dorchester Borough Gardens from 2pm to 7.30pm on May 11, showcasing the best local dance and music artists in a family-friendly setting.

The free outdoor event is aimed at everyone who loves music mixes, street dance and local DJs who are ready to play to a big crowd.

There’s an Up & Coming DJ competition, graffiti skills and performances by local dance schools and professional artists. Refreshments and food will be available.

The event was conceived by students from Weymouth College Music Technology course.

The selected winners will be offered DJ opportunities at We Out Here 2024, Anonymous Festival 2024 and a slot on Air 107.2 fm, plus a £100 cash prize.

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ODDS ON: From left Secretary Mike Clarke, the charity’s Mary Jane Attwood, member Lin Robins and past chair David May Picture: PAUL BREWER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Villages’ grand celebration

West Dorset villagers are preparing to celebrate 1,000 years of community and heritage with a series of events throughout the year.

Wheels were set in motion last year to recognise and celebrate that 1,000 years ago in 1024 King Canute wrote a charter giving the area known as Porteshamme to his manservant Orc.

Stored in Dorset History Centre, with a copy on display on Portesham village green, this charter is the first written record that defines the area now known as Portesham. Abbotsbury will also celebrate its millennium this year, but unfortunately, the written record has been lost to time.

A spokesperson for Map24,

a group of locals planning the celebration of Abbotsbury and Portesham’s millenniums, said: “There is evidence of humans inhabiting this area of West Dorset since

have already taken place.

“Villagers are entering into the spirit and celebrating in a variety of ways.”

A millennium garden is being constructed in Portesham and a calendar of events in both villages is on display in Portesham village hall.

Neolithic times, but the Portesham charter is the first written record.

“To mark this important milestone both villages will hold a number of events throughout the year and some

The spokesperson said: “June, July and August will be the time of a series of events where we hope good weather will shine on us.”

June’s events will include open gardens and a festival of art on Sunday, June 9 from noon to 5pm in Abbotsbury.

n For more information on Maps24 visit MAP24.org or email maandp24@gmail.com

Crew’s brew

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched its latest fundraising initiative, Brew for the Crew, to get friends, family, colleagues, and the wider community together for a catchup, a good old cup of brew and some lovely treats.

It’s free to sign up and by doing so you’ll get everything you need to promote your event.

For details visit: dsairambulance.org. uk/brew-for-the-crew

Big day out

Enjoy a classic car display and a Punch and Judy show at Charminster village fete on Saturday, June 1.

Running from 2pm to 5pm at Charminster House, East Hill, there will be stalls, a barbecue, a beer tent and a bouncy castle. Entry £1, free for under 12s.

HERITAGE: Portesham celebrates

The future looks Bright for established

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The Bright family will never forget just how long they’ve been in the fencing business – John Bright started the firm when their daughter Beth was born, 42 years ago in 1982.

He and wife Bridget are still at the helm, though of a much larger ship, after launching their country stores in 1994. And Beth is now a lynchpin of the business.

They may not have made it this far, if John hadn’t miraculously pulled through after a serious illness 20 years ago. Happily, he did, though it was touch and go at the time. He was in hospital for weeks.

It was a tough time for the family, as Bridget’s father had just died and so had their dog. But the business had to carry on, without their expert estimator. Every night, Beth would visit him in hospital armed with questions from the team.

“Dad knows everything,” said Beth. “We’ve got a solution for everything here, because dad can just look at a situation and know exactly what’s needed.”

John is now 71 and would like to retire. But unless they find someone who is as skilled at estimating, he will have to carry on.

“When dad was in hospital I visited every night to ask him stuff,” said Beth. “We were so worried about him. But he was the only person who

would know the answers.”

Beth worked in a local vets after studying animal care at Kingston Maurward. She joined the

family firm 22 years ago. She now has a son –George is nearly four and loves the store and wants to work with mummy

when he’s old enough. John started out as John Bright Fencing before buying Pavelands Farm in Salway Ash, just outside Bridport, and turning it into John Bright Country Stores.

“We needed stock for the fencing business,” said Bridget, “and we kept extra, so we thought we would also supply the trade and whoever might need it.

“This place, Pavelands Farm, came on the market with a house and a few acres – 11 acres. We got rid of most of the buildings and got planning permission to open here.

“We worked out of temporary buildings till this building was put up.”

The original building incorporated a small showroom, offices and a

John, Bridget and Beth at Bright Fencing and Country Stores and, right, Beth and John setting up for Melplash Show in the 1980s. Below, just some of their huge range of stock

fencing and country store business

workshop. A few years later a new workshop for the carpenters was built, where they make gates, garden furniture, sheds and chicken houses and can make items to order. The garden furniture is made from iroko wood, which is sustainable and Forest Stewardship Council approved.

The current offices were added later, so they could expand the shop floor, and now their shop is heaving with all sorts, from animal care and housing to clothing, greetings cards, tools, ironmongery and garden items. Nearly all their products are also available to order online on their website,

johnbrightfencing.com and they offer free delivery in the DT6 area. They also deliver up to 40 miles, and nationally via couriers.

Though people have been known to drive for hundreds of miles to buy from them.

The firm also has teams of

fencers out on site, working on domestic, agricultural and industrial fencing for a wide variety of customers: “We fence anything in, or anything out,” said Bridget.

Above all, John Bright’s pride themselves on having very knowledgeable and super helpful staff, who have the time to answer questions and help customers find just what they need.

n Pop in Monday-Friday, 7.30am-5pm and Saturday 8am-4pm at Salway Ash, Bridport, DT6 5HT. 01308 421545

sales@johnbrightfencing. com johnbrightfencing.com

WHAT A LOT WE’VE GOT: John Bright Fencing at Salway Ash, Bridport

Bob was just the ticket

Diamond couple Bob and Diana Holman celebrate 60 years of marriage on May 23.

These days Bob, who is 80 this year, is selling advertising for this magazine, despite thinking he’d retired 20 years ago. He spent most of his career in sales, starting with Betterwear in the 60s and ending up with Canada Life.

But it was Diana selling him a raffle ticket in 1963, while they worked at RAF Little Rissington in the Cotswolds that won his heart – he swears she won him in a raffle!

Diana sold Avon products, realising she couldn’t get enthused about the household cleaning products offered by Betterwear.

The pair married in Bourton on the Water and settled down in a 22ft caravan, where they spent their first three years together. They now live in Affpuddle.

Bob launched Bere Regis Swimming Club in 1976, which he ran for 44 years. He swam the Channel aged 47, winning the Most Meritorious Swim award that year.

Diana took up flower arranging and has won medals at Chelsea, among a raft of top tier contests. The couple now compete together, Bob having discovered a liking for flower arranging too.

Bob said: “Diana has been my rock and the love of my life for more than 60 years. We have given each other the space to follow our dreams and passions whilst supporting each other in all we do.”

HAPPY 60TH

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

and

Charity’s safety boat is launched

Sailing charity officials gathered to name and launch a new safety rib at Portland. Trustees, volunteers and sailors from Chesil Sailability gathered at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy with trustees of the Dorset Health Trust charity for the naming ceremony for Chesil Sailability’s new Safety Boat.

Dorset Health Trust charity for their generous grant which has made it possible for us to purchase a new safety boat.

“Our previous main safety boat was taken out of service after many years.

May 23rd

BOB AND DIANA HOLMAN

A Sailability spokesperson said the purchase of the 5.8m Ribcraft RIB, named Juniper, was made possible thanks to a “very significant” grant from Dorset Health Trust.

Sailability chair David Griffith said: “We are very grateful to the trustees of the

“We have been fortunate to be able to borrow a safety boat from the WPNSA each week over the last couple of years, but having a new boat which has been built specifically to meet our needs and with which our volunteer safety crew can become confident in, is the best way to ensure the safety of our sailors.”

AT SEA: Juliet Busby, daughter of Juniper Greener, pouring the bubbly,

Lavinia Barbour, vice chairman of the Dorset Health Trust charity, who is standing a little back from her

Bus service trial goes into the valley

Intense lobbying by Dorchester Transport Action Group has finally achieved a trial bus service for people in the Winterbourne Valley.

Group member Les Scarth, from Martinstown, spearheaded the campaign. He said: “First Bus has agreed to a trial diversion of their X51 bus service from Weymouth to Axminster so that it will go through Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton. “At the moment it just goes via Dorchester, Bridport and Lyme Regis.”

The trial diversion will be for the 2024 summer period, starting on May 12 and ending in September. First Bus will assess the success of the service and consider making it

permanent as long as it generates sufficient revenue to justify the costs of the diversion. So it’s important that local residents use the service and promote its benefits to summer visitors.

Group chairman Stewart Palmer said: “This is a great opportunity for local

residents but everyone needs to realise that it is a ‘use it or lose it’ moment.

“The service frequency will help people go into Dorchester or Bridport for shopping trips as well as providing an excellent means of having a cheap day out to Weymouth, Lyme Regis or Axminster.

“With the costs of town centre parking and fuel and with the maximum single fare being capped at £2, the service will be a great benefit for everyone.”

Members are delivering promotional leaflets to everyone living along the trial diversion route.

Les added: “It’s great that First Bus has agreed to this trial, all credit to them! So

we want to help them by promoting the service.

“We appreciate that it is a commercial service and they are taking the commercial risk here.”

The trial service will operate seven days a week, every couple of hours during the day.

As well as maximising opportunities for work, leisure, hospital visits and social activities, improving our public transport services also reduces congestions in our local towns as well as reducing carbon emissions and getting people actively out of their cars.

DTAG was set up in early 2022 with the purpose of finding solutions to near term transport problems and investigate options for moving Dorchester towards a low-carbon transport system. DTAG is part of a network of transport action groups (TAGs) which now cover most of the Dorset Council area.

All the TAGs are supported by Dorset Council and DTAG is also supported by Dorchester Town Council. DTAG now has around 45 active members.

One-day counselling workshop

Anyone interested in pursuing a counselling career is invited to a oneday workshop in Dorchester. Bournemouthbased Redlands Counselling and Training is also offering online training sessions and a oneday workshop in Salisbury. Company service director Paul René said: “With the enormous rise in demand for mental health support, the time has never been

more urgent to make this type of training more available to the public.

“Our new Learn to Listen one-day workshops in Dorchester and Salisbury are also ideal to try out counselling training before committing any further.”

n For event details and more information email training@redlands counselling.co.uk or call 01202 859354 or visit

redlandscounselling.co.uk

ALL ABOARD: The X51 service will run through Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton as a trial service

New warning signs alerting motorists to adjust speed and take greater care have been installed at Thickthorn Cross, on the A354, near Blandford, the B3145 at Clatcombe Lane, near Sherborne and will soon be installed at Thornicombe. There have been several serious collisions at the locations, prompting the

need for proactive safety measures and the signs will serve as a visual reminder to all road users that they are entering a high-risk zone so they slow down and be extra vigilant.

Jack Wiltshire, Head of Highways, Dorset Council, said: “Our aim is to raise awareness and encourage responsible driving behaviour.”

Step up to walking festival’s challenge

The Dorchester Walking Festival is introducing a 50km Challenge, with the chance to win a stay at the Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury and Monart Spa treatments, to celebrate 50 years of the Dorchester Town Council from Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, May 19. Walkers are invited to join this cumulative challenge during this nine-day celebration of walking while raising funds for Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

To complete the 50km Challenge, participants can choose from a selection of longer Challenge walks in the programme, including the Cerne Valley walk and the Hardy Monument Jurassic coast loop.

TWO COURSES FOR £19.85

Thurs-Sat lunchtime, May 10-24

Pre-booking only: Quote FEAST24WDM

Additionally, two ‘Walks by Train’ offer longer routes for the more adventurous hiker. All guided walks featured in the brochure count towards the 50km Challenge.

To enter visit eventbrite. com/cc/dorchesterwalking-festival-2024 or pick up a walking festival programme from the Dorchester Town Council Offices or at the Shire Hall Museum and log your progress.

Once you’ve completed 50km, email your log to dorchtourism@gmail.com All qualifying logs will be entered into a draw on Monday, May 20, to win a one-night stay for two at the Duchess of Cornwall and spa treatments at Monart Spa. Look out for

Chelsea win and other things you didn’t

We all love a pretty garden, and most of us are keen enough to keep ours at least neat and tidy. For a few, growing their own fruit and veg and raising flowers from seed has become a passion and here’s where the many gardening clubs and horticultural societies come into their own. Though their members are principally skilled amateurs, enjoying competitions for the longest runner bean or the heaviest pumpkin, they do have their successes on bigger stages.

Did you know that Beaminster Horticultural Society once won Gold at Chelsea? The society was called Beaminster & District Gardens and Allotment Association when they stepped forward when the BBC’s The Big Time show was looking for a small

amateur gardening society they could film competing.

It was a huge challenge in 1979/80 putting together ‘A Dorset Country Garden’ for the 1980 Chelsea Flower Show, with a committee of five headed by the late Joan Macksey. All the 130 members were asked to volunteer the contents of their gardens, before their entry was vetted by the RHS.

After that vetting the club was allocated a larger plot and a key position in the show ground. Tons of Hamstone went into building a cottage with a

BRIDE VALLEY GARDENING CLUB

~Established 1983~

n Flourishing membership, friendly atmosphere

n Meets Litton Cheney Village Hall DT2 9AU, third Monday of month 7pm, March-October

n Modern, spacious venue, good parking, drink on arrival

n Visitors welcome (£2) often becoming members

n Lively, knowledgeable speakers; diverse horticultural topics

n Summer show

n Locally grown plants for sale each month

More information from Liz Gibbs at liz_gibbs@hotmail.com 07751 942588

removable thatched roof. After months of hard work the garden was rebuilt at the show and Joan waited as the judges conferred out of earshot and then moved on, soon followed by the Queen with the President of the RHS followed by other members of the Royal family.

At 7.30 the next morning the show manager delivered the allimportant envelopes.

As the team learned they had won the gold medal a great cheer went up – they were laughing, crying, hugging and kissing one another. Someone

rushed off to telephone the news back to Beaminster and a large notice was posted on the newsagent’s door.

Following this Beaminster Horticultural Society was formed with an affiliation to the RHS. They meet on the third Tuesday for talks, visits and outings.

They are holding a plant and produce sale this Saturday, May 11, from 8am-noon in The Square.

n Bridport & District Gardening Club has 350 member households and takes part in various activities such as the popular Bridport Charter Fair held every May. They have Clive and Di Groves as our patrons and members enjoy a 10% discount on many items bought at Groves Nurseries. They have enjoyed making initiatives to benefit the

WYKE REGIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

115 Rylands Lane, Weymouth, DT4 9PY

This society was founded in 1925 and has been serving the community as its local garden club ever since.

Membership £10 a year. There is a small Trading Post providing gardening essentials: seeds, compost and fertilisers at very reasonable prices. Open Weds 2-4pm and Sat 9.30am-12.30pm enquiries@wrhs.org.uk | or call 01305 759668

First amateur club to win Gold at Chelsea Flower Show!

Beaminster Horticultural Society is a friendly, vibrant group of garden and plant lovers who enjoy high quality talks and well supported annual spring and summer shows. Organised garden visits, members’ garden party, informal visits to each other’s gardens. We meet third Tuesday of the month, 7pm bar and chat for 7.30pm start at Beaminster Public Hall. Only £10 per year membership (10% off Groves discount card). bemhortsoc@gmail.com

GARDEN GLORY: Beaminster’s gold-winning Chelsea entry

know about your local garden club...

Garden & Allotment Competition

community by working with Bridport Town Council and Groves. For example, they have replanted the town planters with pollinator-friendly plants and planted 4,000 daffodil bulbs in public spaces in the town. The club holds shows in spring and late summer with a record number of entrants this March when Joe Swift kindly gave out the trophies.

Every third Thursday they host a talk at 7.30pm at the WI Hall in North Street. Subjects range far and wide. This autumn Gardener’s Question Time regular Anne Swithinbank will be sharing her “lessons from a lifetime of gardening”. All are welcome, with free entry for members and £2 to visitors. Details can be found on Whasson? in this magazine or on at bridportgardeningclub. co.uk

n Once again, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are hosting two specialist plants fairs, organised by the Dorset Group of Plant Heritage. Over the past five years, these fairs have grown and gained in popularity attracting close to 1,000 visitors and some prestigious growers and nurseries. The spacious site is in a flat location on the West Lawn

at the heart of the beautiful Gardens. You can buy tickets on the day or in advance. abbotsburytickets.co.uk/events. Included in the £7 admission is free access to the gardens until 5pm, worth £12.95.

In addition to lots of plant stalls, you will find a handful of local crafts and wildlife stalls plus an Italian Coffee Stall. The fairs are open 10am-3pm and proceeds support plant conservation, education and events in Dorset. You will find some interesting bargains on the large Plant Heritage stall – all of these plants are grown by Plant Heritage members. Some stalls accept cash and some card payments (sometimes patchy 4G signal).

plantheritagedorset.org.uk

n Wyke Regis Horticultural Society was founded in 1925 by officers from the naval base in Portland and staff from Whiteheads factory. It still adheres to its original principles of serving the community, holding social events and outings, encouraging all forms of amateur gardening by providing support and education.

This garden club is unusual in owning the freehold of all its property and able to provide a

trading post stocking many of their members’ needs. With minimal overheads, very low margins allow for discounted prices from wholesalers. A wide range of peat free composts, fertilisers re-bagged into manageable sizes. Discount seeds, pots, trays and more. Three poly tunnels enable a steady production of seedlings and plants for sale. The Trading Post is open on Wednesdays 24pm and Saturdays 9.30am-12.30pm during which the café serves hot drinks and members are encouraged to sit and share their gardening experiences. Workshops and demonstrations include propagation and creative arts. Membership is £10 a year per household. For more info: enquiries@wrhs.org.uk or call 01305 759668.

n Bride Valley Gardening Club was established in 1983 and has a flourishing membership and a friendly atmosphere.

They meet at Litton Cheney Village Hall DT2 9AU, on the third Monday of the month at 7pm, March-October. Visitors are welcome for £2, and they often become members. Lively, knowledgeable speakers, a summer show and

locally-grown plants for sale make it an enjoyable club.

More information from Liz Gibbs at liz_gibbs@hotmail.com or 07751 942588.

Bride Valley Gardening Club events:

May 20: Phil Gamble Busting the Myths of Compost Making: A light hearted approach to a serious subject.

June 17: Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens: More Wow and Less Work: Grasses and their place in the Garden. Tickets £3 members, £5 non-members.

July 15: Saul Walker The Art of Growing in the Shade, head gardener of Stonelands House. Saturday, July 20, 2pm: flower and produce show at Litton Cheney Village Hall. Visitors to take part in the judging and enjoy refreshments (competition open to members only).

September 16: Suzanne Gale Carnivorous Plants. A hands-on talk and demonstration from Bridport Flycatchers.

October 21: Dr Bob Gibbons The Most Flowery Places in the World. Naturalist, ecologist, author and internationally renowned wildlife photographer.

There’s something for everyone at summer fair

The Wessex Event Company is holding its third summer fair in the beautiful house and grounds at Bryanston School from 10am-5pm on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.

There is something for everyone, with a host of artisan foods, crafts, plants, garden furniture and accessories.

You can enjoy a feast in two street food areas, where you can enjoy midmorning snacks, lunches and afternoon treats. While you sit and eat and relax you will be entertained by fabulous local artists including Emma Hardy, Max Elmore, Tom Carr, Shannon White, and Phil Smith. There will also be the ever-popular flower arranging demonstrations,

falconry and classic cars. There is loads for children to enjoy, including a bouncy castle and face painting. The cost of entry is just £4 for adults, £3.50 for concessions, and children under 16 £1.

Nationwide Home Innovations, Save Energy UK, Meyers Estate Agents Blandford, and Holt Recruitment are sponsoring the event.

Village memorial to RAF personnel

A village of just 100 people has managed to raise £12,500 towards a permanent memorial to RAF personnel who were based there during the Second World War.

A £22,000 project to install a new stained window at Warmwell church is underway, with the remaining money to be raised at a series of talks and fundraising events planned for the summer.

The installation is to be completed in time for the Armistice Day in November.

Immediately before the war in 1937 an RAF station, RAF Warmwell, was developed on land just north of Warmwell, in what has subsequently become the village of Crossways. During the Battle of Britain it was the base for Spitfire and Hurricane Fighter squadrons, which protected a sector of the south coast that included the important naval port of Portland. Later in the war it was also the base for a wing of USAAF P38 Fighters. The site was closed in 1946, and there are now few visible signs of the airfield, with the

old runways and hangars largely built over or pulled down with the ongoing expansion of Crossways.

In the churchyard are the graves of 24 air and ground crew killed while serving at RAF Warmwell. The graves are now maintained by the War Graves Commission. The village, with an adult population of about 100,

wanted to commemorate this history – of the personnel and the place, with a memorial window in the church – formerly the Garrison church for the base.

Talks and donations from individuals and charities has raised about £12,500 towards the window, which will be made by Andrew Johnson, a stained glass window expert from Exeter who has undertaken a number of prestigious religious and secular commissions. His design is currently on display in the church. The first fundraiser is a

talk is being given by two Second World War veterans – Flt Lt Colin Bell DFC, (aged 103) a Mosquito pilot in Bomber Command, and Flt Lt Desmond Curtis DFC aged 99, a Mosquito Navigator in Coastal Command.

Tickets are already sold out, but to add your name to the waiting list and for more information, please contact either David Walsh (07770 343441 or davidpwalsh 1802@gmail.com) or Gerry Gerrard (01305 852320 or ggerrard99 @gmail.com)

MEMORIAL: Warmwell Church and, left, war veteran Colin Bell, a former Mosquito pilot

Volunteers wanted to help run store

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Volunteers are urgently needed to keep the community shop in the heart of Bishops Caundle open at weekends.

Bishops Caundle Village Store is run for the community by the community and relies ‘heavily’ on volunteers for support.

The shop opens every day, serving villagers with a good supply of newspapers, a bountiful supply of food, milk and essentials often organising home deliveries for those in need along with being the collection point for dry cleaning and laundry, and of course boasts a full community noticeboard.

An outreach Post Office runs from the store on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

have great service from Whole Range Foods being just down the road.”

Katie Gardner, who took over the shop in 2011, said: “Bishops Caundle Community Shop serves

the village and local community as well as passing trade. We rely heavily on volunteers keep the shop open, both during the week and especially at weekend. Volunteering is a great way to get out in the community, meet new people and help to ensure a vital service is kept in the village.

“Supporting local suppliers is an important part of our shop, and we stock a range of Else’s pasties and pies, Oxfords bread is delivered daily throughout the week

Take care and look out for deer on the road after dark

People driving between sunset and midnight are being asked by the British Deer Society to take care as more deer are on the roads during birthing season.

With between 42,000 and 74,000 deer-related collisions in the UK every year, Dorset Council is sharing advice from the society to be deer aware and keep safe.

In April and May, when the birthing season is in full swing, the number of the animals on the road increases, as it does in October with deer on the move for the autumn mating season.

Jack Wiltshire, head of highways, said: “Deer are unpredictable and travel in groups so if you’ve seen one and avoided it, another could follow.”

as well as fresh whole milk from Woodbridge Farm. It’s not only fresh produce, as we also stock Blackmore Vale Honey, Saucy Cow Artisan Sauces, and even Kinder Kindling to name a couple.

“We also deal with independent wholesalers where we can, and lucky to

And now West Dorset MP Chris Loder is supporting Katie’s call for more volunteers to join the happy crew and keep the shop open at weekends. He said: “I am an ardent supporter of our small businesses and village shops, many of which rely on volunteers to stay open. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to meet new people.”

Bishops Caundle Community Shop are ideally looking for volunteers at weekends on a Saturday or Sunday from 7:30am to 10:30am. If you could help, pop in to talk with Katie Gardner, to find out more.

WHAT’S IN STORE: Chris Loder and Katie Gardner

We’re making every moment matter

A Dorset charity is aiming to raise a quarter of a million pounds in just 30 hours this month.

Weldmar Hospicecare has set itself the ambitious target for a fundraising marathon, which will see donations made by the public doubled.

The Making Every Moment Matter campaign, which starts at 10am on Sunday, May 19, sees contributions by members of the public, organisations and trust funds matched by other donors.

Weldmar provides specialist care in Dorset for adults with life limiting illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and

MAKE IT MATTER: Staff nurse James, fundraiser Clare, HCA Suzie, fundraising lead Gloria and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Diana at Weldmar’s Inpatient Unit

A charity spokesperson said “spiralling costs and increased demand” means it currently needs to raise £27,500 every day to keep its services going.

The launch of the appeal follows a debate in the House of Commons in

which West Dorset MP Chris Loder praised the work of the charity. He said: “We cannot speak highly enough of our hospice…we value the Weldmar team so much.”

He added: “Weldmar and its incredible team are cherished by the people of

West Dorset, and I am eternally grateful for all the work they do. Over the past three decades it has looked after 24,882 patients, both in the community and in its specialist in-patient unit in Dorchester. The care is free of charge, and last year alone 1,745 families benefited from Weldmar’s vital care and support. “But, as is the case for many hospices, in order to sustain itself and keep its services running, Weldmar needs to raise £27,200 every single day, on top of its NHS income. I’ve asked the minister and the Government to give proper consideration to the financial challenges hospices are facing.”

Motor Neurone Disease.

THANKS: Sylvia Fowler and Tracy Bartlett from No. 64, Marie Canning from Weldmar and Marlene D’Allen from Friends of Maiden Newton Railway Station

In memory of Steve

Villagers gathered at their local newsagents to share their memories of local man and keen plant grower Steve Chapman. More than 40 Maiden Newton residents raised a cup to their friend and, during the event, a donation of £1,650 was presented to Weldmar Hospice.

The donation was made in Steve’s memory with money raised through plant sales. Following a further donation from Friends of Maiden Newton railway station and contributions on the day, everyone was delighted that the final sum raised exceeded £1,900.

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Summerfest set to return

Weymouth and Portland Round Table’s Summerfest is making a welcome return on Saturday, June 8 at Redlands Leisure and Community Park from 10am to 10pm. Visitors can look forward to a packed day out including fairground attractions, live music, donkey rides, food and drink vendors, independent traders, demonstrations from the Combat Lab and performances by the Twirl Academy.

A bumper line-up of local musical talent includes Speedway Snails, Modern Disciples, The Undecided, Hustle and Chill, as well as DJ sets throughout the day. The event will conclude with a fireworks display.

Weymouth Lifeboat Station and Dorset Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Service will benefit.

Concern over stroke unit’s closure

Concern has been raised over plans to close the hyper-acute stroke unit and acute stroke care facility at Yeovil District Hospital – as extra provision at Dorset County Hospital will not be ready in time. MP Chris Loder has been talking with the local NHS Trust since the plan was announced. He said: “I have significant reservations about

the decision to remove stroke services from Yeovil District Hospital. Not least because my understanding is that provision in Dorset County Hospital will not be in place before the services at Yeovil District Hospital are closed.” He added: “The closure of the stroke facilities at Yeovil is intended to unlock the development of a single

hyperacute stroke unit at Taunton. But this means an unnecessarily long wait for West Dorset’s residents, and risks health outcomes until the services at Dorset County are operational. I’m concerned for the health and wellbeing of stroke patients in West Dorset, and I am working hard to ensure a suitable outcome for patients.”

Charlie scampers to the finish line in 4:54

Hairdresser Charlie Spencer smashed her 18th marathon out of the park, with a stellar time of 4:54:18.

Charlie, 60, from Maiden Newton, has raised nearly £11,000 for charity with her latest gallop through the city. She said: “I was really pleased with my time. There was an incredible atmosphere – and my daughter Olivia saw me in

four places.

“I’m so thrilled with all the sponsorship.”

The funds will be going to the Brain Tumour Charity, in support of a local man aged in his 30s with the condition.

There’s still time to donate at justgiving.com/page/charliespencer, or post to us at the WDM, 15 Stanstead Road, Maiden Newton, DT2 0BL and we will pass them on.

Station to get a revamp

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has secured further upgrades at Dorchester South Station as part of his ‘continual improvements’ campaign, which are set to be completed in July. The improvements include a larger ticket hall and waiting room, a new waiting shelter on platform 1, the realignment of the access ramp at the front of the station along with enhanced landscaping and lighting plus the replacement of the waiting shelter on Platform 2. Mr Loder, who worked on the railways for 20 years before being elected, said: “I’m continuing to press the Department for Transport about getting a lift at the station.”

Winnable and achievable: Lib Dem

“Both the party and I think West Dorset is winnable. It will take a coalition of tactical voting by Labour and Green and enough disgruntled Conservative supporters. But it’s achievable. We have to believe that there’s a better way. You’ve got to be an eternal optimist as a Liberal Democrat.”

The optimist in question is Edward Morello, 42, who is standing for election in West Dorset and, if the polls are accurate, stands a very good chance.

He would be the first person to topple the Tories here in 139 years.

Edward was born in Bristol and moved around a lot with his parents’ work, living in urban and rural areas.

“My family has always been political,” he said. “We always have discussed politics at the dinner table – you’re expected to come with facts, not just to have an opinion. It was a good grounding.

“My brother Sebastian is the editor of The European Conservative magazine.” There’s a chasm now between the brothers’ politics. But at university, Edward was actually a member of the Young Conservatives. “I’ve always been a floating voter,” he said.

“However I joined the Lib Dems at the end of the coalition, when Nick Clegg gave a speech about popularism and it really struck a chord with me. People do need to be out there waving the flag for

liberalism, equality and fairness.”

Edward went to university in Aberystwyth and studied international relations and strategic studies – which covered war and peace, international politics and diplomacy and political theory: “Basically understanding the world in which we live.”

In his first year at uni, “9/11 happened and the world changed” and Edward became interested in what that meant for everyone else.

He worked in geopolitical and security risk consulting, helping businesses, charities and investors understand the world they were operating in.

“I got to work with really, really incredibly smart people. It was quite a thrilling environment to work in post 9/11,” he says.

He met his wife 17 years ago while they were working together.

“Both my wife and I come from a long line of immigrants, with Italians in my family and Polish in hers.

“Her father came over from Poland after the war and my family arrived here in 1890.”

She now works for a notfor-profit digital agency working with charities, helping them with campaigning and digital fundraising.

They now have a six-yearold son and an elderly rescue dog called Reggie. After ten years in risk consulting he moved to Bridport, where his wife’s mum lived, in 2019.

For the last five years he’s worked in the solar industry and now runs the UK division of a Spanish renewable energy company, which funds onsite solar for UK

businesses.

In 2019, he ran for MP, achieving a large swing towards the Lib Dems, in the snap election.

This time, they’ve had more time to prepare and his team of volunteers has been pounding the streets and knocking on doors for months.

What would happen if he did win the seat?

“The first thing I would do if I won the seat is throw a party for Sue Biles, our hardest working member, who has been campaigning for the Lib Dems for about 50 years and never had a winning candidate. I’m very, very happy to make that commitment!

“On a national level, we need to be doing something about access to NHS services, particularly dentists. We will continue to bang the drum for proportional representation and we will support farmers. Farming is

ED FIRST: Liberal Democrat candidate Edward Morello in the West Dorset countryside

candidate Ed’s the eternal optimist

and, right, in Dorchester town centre. ‘We have to believe there’s a better way,’ he says

absolutely on its arse. This is going to be such a bad year for them.”

Edward has worked in Westminster and in Brussels and, having studied politics, is totally prepared for government and prepared to put in the legwork to get there.

“I will do hustings in every village, every hamlet, every pub – the more the better,” he said.

“I signed up to be an MP because I was just incredibly angry and frustrated with the way we were doing politics in the UK and how the governing party was behaving.

“I now feel differently as I am doing something about it. My wife said why don’t you stand and I made the mistake of thinking that was a good idea. But at least I’m in the game now.”

Being in the game would at least enable Edward to

make a dent in issues he feels passionately about.

“If I was ruler of the world I would address the climate crisis and invest an insane amount of money in carbon renewable tech,” he said. “It’s about saving humanity.

“If I could fix one thing the Conservatives have done in the last 13 years I would bring back Sure Start – that was the worst thing they did, getting rid of Sure Start.

“Sure Start was amazing, it saved so many people. It

was absolutely fantastic for social mobility and provided so much more bang for your buck when it came to early interventions. Social workers, after school clubs, community support. By spending that little bit of money early doors you save a fortune down the line.”

Above all, Edward prizes the equality and empathy of his party.

He said: “We have 35% female members – the highest rate ever.

“There are more openly LGBGTQ+ members than in society as a whole and we also have a lower ratio of public school educated members.

“Just as an example, when Universal Credit was introduced there was a sixweek wait for money –that’s a death sentence. We need more people in government with empathy.”

Campaign trail is a family affair for

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Returning Labour to power in South Dorset is a family business for 28-year-old Lloyd Hatton.

“My dad is delivering leaflets as we speak,” he said.

“I have aunts and uncles making phone calls, delivering leaflets. It matters because it’s our home. My relatives have voted Tory and Labour in the past but they are all frustrated with the Tory government now… and of course they want to support me.”

Labour is running so close to the Tories in this constituency now, with some polls predicting a landslide win for Lloyd. Others predict a narrow win for Richard Drax. If the results of the local elections are a signpost, anything’s possible.

And the two candidates couldn’t be more different.

Lloyd was born at Dorset County Hospital and attended Holy Trinity Primary School, then All Saints.

His mum worked at the hospital, dad at the Marlboro fish and chip restaurant in Weymouth.

“My grandparents have lived in Swanage for many years,” he said. “South Dorset is where I grew up and where my whole family live.

“I was the first boy in my family to go to university – I studied history in London. A proud moment.”

Despite his family’s staunch support of his political ambitions, there was no talk of it at the breakfast table growing up: “They are super supportive of me putting myself forward for election, but we’re not a political

family. We spend far more time talking about football and the X-Factor!

“But what we do is problem solving. If we see a problem, we crack on and solve it and if things are wrong we fix it.”

After his degree in history he stayed in London and joined the Labour Party.

“I’ve done lots of bits and pieces – I’ve helped get effective politicians elected in Britain and the USA.

My current job is researching policy, how we stop economic crime, such as money laundering, tax evasion and fraud.”

South MP came from frustration: “I decided to run at Christmas. I decided it had got to the point where the government was letting this country down and letting South Dorset down.

“I think having someone from this area as MP will make a real difference. That would be everything for me and I know it’s possible. To represent my home town would be amazing.

“One of the things I can offer if I’m fortunate enough to win is to be someone you can walk up to who will answer your questions. I will call people back and help them sort their issues. It’s what people expect from their local MP. I will have a constituency office on Weymouth high street. I will be a strong voice in Westminster and champion this community, because we’ve not had that for a very long time.”

There’s no arrogance to Lloyd – he knows it could be a close-run contest.

“I think it’s certainly the closest election since I’ve been an adult,” he said.

“It’s all to play for – it’s always been us or them, but it will come down to the wire this time. We are fighting for every vote we can get, and I’ve no plans to do anything other than be out on the doorsteps.”

He added: “Weymouth is an amazing place – I was so lucky to grow up here. But there are challenges. People can’t see a GP quickly, the town centre is really struggling to regenerate. We’ve lost a lot of high street chains.

His bid to become the Dorset

“An amazing number of people, particularly in Weymouth, remember Jim Knight and really miss having some who will champion them and the area. It’s not party political.

“It used to be a really bustling place. But the reason why people go into town has changed. We should be doing everything to make it as easy as possible to start a business. We want more family-run businesses, and we need people to feel like they can make something of themselves in this town.

“When the Olympics came here we saw the difference investment makes. But we didn’t secure that legacy. We now need investment, as we saw the good it can do.”

LABOUR OF LOVE: Lloyd Hatton at Bowleaze and, below, outside the Marlboro fish and chip shop where he worked

Labour’s Lloyd

STEPPING UP: Labour candidate Lloyd Hatton meets families in the South Dorset constituency

Lloyd has many priorities if he wins the seat – getting the NHS back on its feet, helping people at risk of losing their homes due to the cost of living crisis and the sewage scandal, as well as climate change, which will affect his generation the most. “We need to take it seriously and invest in green jobs, which will also benefit younger people in South Dorset.” There are also national issues that affect the constituency to chew down on. “I will do everything I can to try and end the use of barges and hotels for asylum seekers –they have been a horrific use

of taxpayers’ money,” he said. “I haven’t met a single person who wants the barge here. The incinerator is the wrong thing for this area – it could have a real knock-on effect on the local economy.”

Where will he find the time?

“Unlike Richard Drax, if I’m fortunate enough to become the MP, that will be my only job. He has land across the country and around the world – I don’t think you can give the job your full attention.

People expect their MP to be working for them full-time. We deserve better than that.”

n Next month: Conservative candidate Richard Drax

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Friends’ funds making a real difference

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Dorchester charity

Fundraising Friends have helped raise vital funds for a Weymouth family to make memories with threeyear-old Skye, who has a rare neuro- degenerative condition.

After much testing at Dorchester, Southampton and Great Ormond Street hospitals since September 2023, the cause of this debilitating condition remains unknown, and little Skye has been referred to the palliative team at Julia’s House.

Mum Sophie said: “Up until September last year our three-year-old little girl Skye was a ‘normalfunctioning’ little girl, meeting all her milestones and always trying to compete with her older brothers, Seth and Axel.

“In August we noticed she was falling over a bit more than usual and her speech became a little slurred.

Then September we noticed she switched dominant sides and was slightly dragging her right foot when she walked.

“She was admitted to Dorset County Hospital for lots of testing then was transferred to Southampton for further specialist investigations. “Fast forward six weeks and we were back in Southampton hospital due to a drastic decline in Skye’s speech, mobility and stability.

“She could no longer speak in sentences, only able to speak single words which were very slurred, had swallow difficulties and was considered high

n Tiny tots at Dorchester Community Nursery School will be making more music outdoors thanks to £1,600 from Fundraising Friends following an autumn fayre, a country dance and stalls on Weymouth seafront and Dorchester.. Pictured are Fundraising Friends chair Richard Crosby with Helen Christopher and Becki Reeve from the Dorchester Community nursery school

choking risk, she’d lost her motor skills in her right arm and hand and was no longer able to mobilise independently, unable to roll or stay sitting.

“Skye was issued a wheelchair, specialist equipment and specialist speech equipment and was

unsure of the cause of her rapid neuro-degenerative condition and it’s believed to be a significantly rare genetic that will affect her quality of life and her life expectancy is unknown.”

Sophie and her family have been on an ‘emotional rollercoaster’ and Seth has Type 1 Diabetes and Axel is autistic.

“We are trying desperately to ensure Skye stays as independent as possible,” said Sophie, “but the reality is she is extremely dependant, and we are making adaptions to everything to ensure she can still have a quality of life.

“We are trying to make as many memories as a family due to the uncertainty of her future. As a family we are trying to stay positive.”

Sophie added: “Despite all of this Skye is phenomenal, she continues to be as cheeky as ever, she still commands everyone’s attention she meets and captures their hearts and is just a truly beautiful soul.

referred to the palliative team and met the criteria for Julia’s House due to her rapid decline of unknown cause.

“Despite extensive investigations and testing at Dorchester, Southampton and Great Ormond Street we are still

“Her resilience and determination through all of this has us in awe and she really is an inspiration not letting whatever disease this is stop her from being her sassy, loveable self.”

n Fundraising Friends meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the day centre in Acland Road and is open to anyone who would like to help. Contact them via their Facebook page fundraising friends 222

THANKS: Fundraising Friends chair Richard Crosby, incoming chair Debbi Smith and Sophie with her three children, Seth, Axel and Skye

Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum is continuing to make strides in supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

Led by Anne Brown, the museum’s dedicated Learning Manager, and a team of volunteers, the Memory Café provides a safe and welcoming environment for people to engage in conversation and reminiscence activities, free of charge.

The Memory Café is a place where people living with dementia and their carers can find solace, understanding and joy.

Through object handling sessions, craft activities and engaging dialogues, attendees not only reminisce about the past but also forge meaningful connections in the present. Feedback from participants underscores the profound impact of Shire Hall

TAKING CARE: The Memory Café at the Shire Hall Museum

Café brings back happy memories

Museum’s Memory Café. One attendee said: “Shire Hall Museum’s Memory Café is fun, interesting, and it’s great to meet people with the same issues. There are very few places like it in the area.”

Another participant emphasised the importance of feeling understood, saying: “It is so nice to feel comfortable in an environment where everyone understands our circumstances. We don’t

have to explain or apologise – we’re all in the same boat.”

Since it launched in 2021, David Upshall Insurance Services have been key supporters of Shire Hall Museum’s Memory Café. David said: “At David Upshall Insurance Services, we are proud to support Shire Hall Museum’s Memory Café. “It is incredibly important to have inclusive events such as the Memory Café. “This support goes a long way, for both those living with dementia and their carers.”

As a registered charity, the Museum relies on support in order to deliver work with the community.

n For more information about Shire Hall Museum’s Memory Café, visit shirehalldorset.org or email info@shirehalldorset.org

Spread the word: Show’s new president is honoured

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A Bridport man born and bred who is passionate about the town and the community is ‘honoured’ to be president of the Melplash Agricultural Society this year.

Martin Cox, managing director of West Dorset Leisure Holidays (WDLH), told the West Dorset Magazine that it was a ‘privilege’ to be given the honorary role for a show which has been part of his life since he was a small boy.

Martin was born in Bridport where his father,

IT’S SHOWTIME: Some of the prize-winning exhibits from last year’s show and, right, new president Martin Cox

along with his brother, ran the local coal business in the centre of the town.

Martin served as a firefighter in Bridport for 31 years.

He started his career in

local government before joining is his wife Vanessa, in her family’s holiday park business at Highlands End Farm, Eype, in 1984.

Martin said: “Caravan parks grew out of agriculture.”

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Martin said: “I was born in Bridport and the Melplash Show has always been a large part of my life from a young child when I would go for the animals and all the activities. I have grown up with many of the society members. As we have built up our business and become more involved in farming, we have enjoyed it in our adult years.

“I am a keen supporter of the society’s Discover Farming and scholarship scheme – we have been a sponsor for a number of years.

“It is vital that the next generation understand the role and importance of farming and are

encouraged to take up careers within agriculture.

“Melplash Show is great at bringing town and country together and is a wonderful attraction for visitors and locals.

“Since taking on the role of president in January I’m starting to fully recognise that the society is much more than just the Melplash Show.

“Throughout the year it is actively supporting our local farmers, food producers and the community. I intend during my year to spread the word.

He added: “I am very much looking forward to show day. I am there most years by 10am but they tell me this year I must be there at 7am until the end! “It will be a long but extremely enjoyable day. I am so proud to be president.”

Cartoonist’s new book proves to be a big draw

It was an exciting moment for illustrious and prolific cartoonist Lyndon Wall when Amberley Publishing approached him with a book idea.

And now, 18 months in the making, Upsydown, a hugely fun book of Dorset-themed cartoons, is set to be released on May 15.

Lyndon said: “Once the general format was settled, which would entail coming up with 100 cartoons with explanatory notes, the question of a suitable title arose. Lots of head scratching here, with thoughts frequently turning to William Barnes and the Dorset dialect.

“One of the cartoons featured the Upside Down House in Bournemouth, which prompted the eventual title. The cartoon was, for a while, the publisher’s choice for the front cover.

“It’s great to indulge in the things we are passionate about, and hardly a day goes by without me cartooning away busily, often into the early hours. There was therefore more head scratching to decide which cartoons to select and likewise omit from the book.

course asked if they were happy to be portrayed.”

Lyndon added: “All in all, putting together Upsydown has been as much fun as actually drawing the cartoons!”

Lyndon Wall, pictured inset, who has been carrying the WDM pencil since we launched two years ago, is a multi-awardwinning cartoonist.

“Some of the more unusual events around the county clearly had to be included, such as the incident of a prisoner escaping in just his underclothes, and the moment the emergency services were called out to investigate a pile of clothes found on Weymouth beach.

“Famous residents also got a look-in, including Julian Fellowes, Martin Clunes and Sir Brian May. They were of

Lyndon won The Teniel Cup in the National Political of the Year 2022, he is besieged with commissions and his work has appeared in The Dorset Year Book and Dorset Life. An avid pipe smoker, he has cartooned for the Pipe Club of London and, as a classic car owner the Riley RM Magazine. n Upsydown is available from Amazon and direct from the publishers at amberleybooks.com

The WDM has a few copies to give away. Email classifieds@westdorsetmag.co. uk for a chance to win.

Funding for suicide prevention

Suicide prevention organisations in Dorset are set to a share of £10 million Government funding to reduce the rate of suicide over the next five years. Funding is set to be allocated to those organisations working with priority groups, including children and young people, middle-aged men, and mothers.

OUT SOON: Lyndon’s Upsydown book

Campaigners putting climate in the spotlight

Climate Vote campaigners spoke to shoppers in South Street in Dorchester about their drive to convince all political parties to do more to prevent climate catastrophe.

Volunteer Philip Browne said: “Climate change is happening more quickly than experts originally thought but I fear many politicians haven’t grasped this fact. We want to show them that voters fear

climate change will affect their children’s future. If politicians want our votes in the General Election, they must show more commitment and urgency in tackling it.”

The Climate Vote campaign is co-ordinated by Greenpeace and is nonparty political. Anyone interested in finding out more about it should visit the Greenpeace website or contact the local volunteer group on 07732 116605.

Farmers highlight issues to minister

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Members of Melplash Agricultural Society outlined the ‘real’ difficulties farmers are facing to Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Barclay when he visited Highlands End in Eype.

Mr Barclay heard concerns about the agricultural workforce in the current economic climate, public demand for higher environmental and welfare standards and the cost-ofliving crisis which means many consumers are having to buy food produced where much lower standards exist.

The high-profile visit came just days after the Rt Hon Ed Davy, Liberal Democrat leader also visited the holiday park to find out more about the society’s Discover Farming Classroom and the issues it addresses.

Melplash Agricultural Society chairman Philip Hardwill said: “As a society we are passionate about improving

the standards of agriculture in West Dorset. Educating the younger generation about the importance of agriculture to the local economy and environment. Enthusing and inspiring young people to study and to take up careers in, agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts.

“Our annual show is a showcase for all that is great

about agriculture in West Dorset. Our programme of competitions encourages excellence whilst our Discover Farming educational programme and our Scholarship Scheme provide amazing support for students. This has all resulted in our society being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service,

reflecting the dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of all of our volunteer members.

“The visits by these two high profile politicians reflect the value that those involved in the future of British politics attach to the views of our organisation.

“I am sure that these recent visits have resulted in two politicians having a much better grasp on the desire, voiced by our local farmers, to achieve high standards of animal welfare and to contribute to the improvement of our local environment, whilst being fairly rewarded for the huge contribution which they make.”

Meanwhile, you can win tickets to Melplash Show simply by counting sheep! Here’s one below to start you off. Try not to nod off! n melplashshow.co.uk n discoverfarming.co.uk

KEY ISSUES: Climate Vote campaigners in Dorchester

VISITS: Philip Hardwill, Steve Barclay and Martin Cox and, left, Ed Davy meets the Discover Farming team

New thatch ahead of Bottle opener

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

New thatch is glowing atop a much loved country pub as people work underneath to reopen it this summer. The wet winter has delayed the reopening of the Bottle Inn at Marshwood, which once was home to Dorset’s famed nettle eating contests before being closed and allowed to fall into disrepair.

Tessa and Julian Blundy bought the inn more than a year ago and have set about restoring it inch by inch, aiming to create a real community pub.

Opening is tantalisingly close, with new windows and a new roof completed: “We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel,” the couple said on their website, adding: “We very

much appreciate the interest, help and support given by so many local people.”

The couple said: “Much work has been carried out inside but there is also much that can’t be done until the building is weathertight and once dried out, we can make it serviceable to open later in the summer.

“The appropriate licenses are in place and we will arrange some “soft opening” sessions between now and then, which will be by invitation to groups of those who have given us so much support.” They sought to reassure the public after some ‘Chinese whispers’, saying: “We do not plan to sell the pub; it is a lifetime family

investment and will eventually be passed on to our two sons.

“Our intention remains unchanged, to repair the Bottle Inn and to reinstate it as the local village pub.

“We are talking to potential tenants, with whom we hope to work to get it up and running and who will take it on in the long term.” n See bottleinn.uk

Somerleigh Court Nursing Home.

Where every resident shapes the community.

At Somerleigh Court Nursing Home, we pride ourselves on offering high standards of nursing care, in a ‘home from home’ environment. CQC regulated, with Platinum Status in the Gold Standards Framework and rated 9.7 by Care Home UK. We cater for long-term nursing (including dementiafriendly care), as well as convalescence, post-operative care, physio rehabilitation, holiday stays, and palliative care.

A vibrant and caring environment in the heart of Dorchester, there are 40 generously-sized rooms each with TV, telephone and Wi-Fi facilities.

If you are seeking dedicated care for a loved one, please call Sharon Hill on T. 01305 211 833 or E. reception@somerleighcourt.co.uk

TAKE COVER: The new thatched roof takes shape at The Bottle Inn at Marshwood

Your dream is under starter’s orders

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

There is little more thrilling than the pulsating energy of the racetrack. Pounding hooves and racing hearts lure in the die-hard enthusiast and the casual thrill-seeker –little wonder horse racing has captivated audiences for centuries and known as the Sport of Kings. However, for most people, this thrilling and elegant sport which highlights the powerful connection between humans and horses, seems out of reach. To own a racehorse, even a part share, even more so.

Enter Helen Nelmes, owner of Warmwell Racing Stables, who is keen to dispel the myth that racehorse ownership should be the privilege of the elite.

Helen said: “Nothing quite compares to the spectacle of being an owner at the race. The sights, sounds, and thrill of being an active participant in the greatest sport on earth, has no equal.

“Whether you win or lose, the atmosphere at the track is electrifying – it’s second to none and by becoming an owner it allows you to connect directly with the sport of horse racing. And owning a racehorse is no longer a sport just for the elite.

“The reality could be closer than you think. If you think owning a racehorse is a costly experience, intimidating and beyond your

wildest dreams, let Warmwell Racing Stables prove you wrong.” Warmwell is a National Pony Society offering top class facilities. Helen and her husband

Ken create bespoke packages to suit all budgets for the horseracing enthusiast. And Helen has an exceptionally strong team, all loyal, passionate and dedicated to the sport and to the horses, creating tailored programmes for each.

Helen said: “We are a friendly yard that welcomes the enthusiast, a syndicate, partnerships, part share and sole owners of a racehorse to enable them to experience the thrill of the race as an owner without the hard work – we take care of all of that for you.

“We had two winners last season, and we can turn you dream into a reality so please get in touch and we can tell you more.”

n warmwellstables.co.uk 01305 852254

SADDLE DO NICELY: Warmwell Racing Stables near Dorchester offers bespoke packages to suit all budgets for the horseracing enthusiast

A1966 Morris Minor Traveller fetched £7,100 at auction – all of which will go to Weldmar Hospicecare in Dorchester.

The traditional Almond Green ‘Moggy’, with ash wood framework and leather interior, was donated for sale by the estate of Ian Stone, a former trustee and vice chairman of the board at Weldmar.

The car had been owned by Mr Stone for 14 years prior to his death last year and had been his passion outside of his work with the hospice team. His widow, Vivian, donated the car to the charity to raise funds for the hospice that meant so much to her husband. She said: “Being a trustee of Weldmar was hugely important to Ian. Shortly after he retired, he joined

AUCTIONED:

Ian Stone’s 1966 Morris Minor Traveller

Morris Minor’s a major fundraiser

the board and loved visiting, seeing the staff, and being part of a wonderful charity. When diagnosed he wanted to spend his last days at Weldmar where they cared for him so well, as well as looking after me too.”

The team at South Western

Vehicle Auctions waived all fees and commissions so that the entire proceeds went to the beneficiaries. Owen Shepherd, classics specialist at SWVA, said: “The Traveller came with a comprehensive history file including old paperwork, invoices, MoT certificates

and so on. It also had the original driver’s handbook and operation manual. In nice clean condition we were glad it reached above guide valuation, reaching over £7,000.”

The funds will be gratefully received by the charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It costs around £30,000 per day to run Weldmar Hospicecare, and all funding provides specialist end-of-life care to people in Dorset who are living with a life limiting illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease, and heart disease.

The charity is holding a 30hour fundraiser ‘Making Every Moment Matter’ on May 19.

n More details can be found at weldmarhospice care.org/moments

Culture

ON DISPLAY: Two of the many varied works by artist Sally Davies, right

Look around artist’s Goldfish Bowl exhibition

Artist Sally Davies, who makes unique splashbacks featuring photo montages, is opening her studio for extra days for Dorset Arts Weeks (May 25-June 9).

Her Goldfish Bowl Studio at St Michael’s Trading Estate in Bridport offers to create unique splashbacks, professionally printed on aluminium dibond, from almost any of her artworks, to any size. Weatherproof too, they can also be used as garden art.

Sally loves colour and her affinity for nature often features in her work. She works in a variety of styles, incorporating creative photography, (mainly) abstract painting, and a sprinkling of mixed media.

The studio – which Sally shares with portrait painter Elizabeth Sporne – is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-3.30pm. But during the arts weeks event she will be open every day 10.30am-4.30pm.

They are venue no 69 in the DAW

guide book, the print version of which is available from the Tourist Information Centre and elsewhere; the website is dorsetartweeks.co.uk – it’s also downloadable as an app.

n Goldfish Bowl Studio is at Studio 12, Unit 10, Tower Building, St Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport DT6 3RR. Sally is online at sallydaviesart.co.uk, @sallydaviesart1 (Facebook) and Instagram.

Celebrating our county’s creativity

A rich mixture of art and craft will be showcased during Dorset Art Weeks, the two-week celebration of creativity at its finest. The biennial Dorset Art Weeks is taking place across 266 venues, featuring contemporary work by more than 500 artists demonstrating and displaying their new work in open studios, shows and galleries between May 25 and June 9.

Visitors can enjoy printmaking, painting, sculpture and drawing,

ceramics plus jewellery, wood, metalwork, glass and textiles.

The Sherborne is the county’s major new venue for the arts, and it’s exhibition, ‘Housework’, marks the start of a new programme of cultural activity. As well as a specially curated show in the Georgian and medieval parts of the building, there will also be a new sculpture trail with a variety of works in the terraced grounds.

Art Weeks producer,

Dorset Visual Arts (DVA), is working with sponsor Hall & Woodhouse which has launched a residency programme for two emerging artists at the Brewery Tap, Blandford and curating an exhibition celebrating the county’s unique biodiversity in partnership with Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve. Information about each venue can be found in the Dorset Art Weeks Guide, with 30,000 copies located

at cultural outlets across Wessex.

n Full venue details are available at dorsetartweeks.co.uk together with an online flipbook of the guide and events calendar.

The Dorset Art Weeks App can be downloaded (search for Dorset Art Weeks on Google Play and the App Store), and is ideal for navigating to venues, creating a favourites list or finding nearby venues.

Instagram: @dorsetartweeks

Festival attracting a host of quality talent

A host of musical talents from up north will be heading to Beaminster Festival 2024 from June 17 to 30.

The Treorchy Male Choir from Wales, widely recognised as one of the greatest male voice choirs, will be filling St Mary’s Church, Beaminster

with their wonderful voices on June 22. The internationally recognised Tim Kliphuis Trio will play at St Mary’s Church on June 27 and you can dance the night away with The Liverpool Beatles at Beaminster School on June 29.

The closing event on June 30 will be a gala concert given by former BBC Young Musician Emma Johnson and Friends.

For info tickets visit beaminster festival.com or TicketSource by calling 0333 666 33 66.

Comedy, classical and rock at fundraiser

Langton Herring is getting ready to rock once again as preparations for the 11th Chesil Rocks music and arts festival get under way.

This year’s event, taking place from June 20 to 22, will once again be supporting Samaritans of Dorset.

Starting off on Thursday with a comedy night, this event will be compered by Tom Glover and features comedians James Ellis, Louise Leigh and the nationally known Nathan Caton.

On the Friday evening, a prelude of classical music and opera will take place, and guests are being encouraged to dress up for the occasion.

They can wander the grounds of Higher Farmhouse and be treated

to incidental magic from Chris Howat. Moving to a marquee, the audience will be entertained by concert pianist Duncan Honeybourne.

On the Saturday, the main Chesil Rocks event will take place and feature fabulous guitar duo Trip Guitars, Evolution Dance Studio, singer songwriter

Lost Sheep just for ewe

An exciting new arts initiative in Bridport called Lost Sheep Productions Ltd is collaborating with Common Ground to present worldrenowned artists alongside first class contemporary Dorset artists.

The Dorset Pavilion Exhibition will be held during Dorset Arts Weeks (Monday,

May 27- Sunday, June 9) at Priority Sheds, Foundry Lane, Bridport DT6 3RW. This event is in preparation for a Dorset Pavilion to sit alongside the National Pavilions in September and October at the Venice Biennale 2024.

Chris Davies, a variety of music from The Venn, the Portesham Ukulele Band under the musical direction of Sam Brown, sea shanties from Dorset Wrecks, hip-hop from Chima 101, funk from Vanilla Radio, a variety of music from Steve Wilson and the Innocent Bystanders, rock covers

from the excellent Balance of Power, reggae from London based Jamaicans Royal Sounds and finally the most welcome return of the London Gay Men’s Chorus.

Organisers said:

“Following our events last year, we were able to give the Dorset branch of Samaritans £18,000 –nearly half of their annual budget. We would like to convey our sincere thanks to our volunteers, and to our sponsors RiskStop Group Ltd, Symonds & Sampson, MN Walker and 3SC Scaffolding Group, farmer Robert Mayo, Dorset Wood Fired Pizza and one sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous – but we know who you are.”

Tickets are available from chesilrocks.com

Double Rum for folk fans

Raise a glass to Rum Ragged next month as the celtic/folk roots musicians make their way from the Great White North to Dorchester. Hailing from Newfoundland, Rum Ragged has performed at some of the world’s premier venues and festivals, and have

recorded five acclaimed, award-winning studio albums.

Rum Ragged will perform live at Drimpton Village Hall (07771 554601) on Thursday, June 6, and Broadmayne Village Hall (07443 659912) on Friday, June 7. Both at 7.30pm.

GOOD CAUSE: Chesil Rocks has raised thousands of pounds for The Samaritans

Theatre group set to make debut In Harmony

Thespians of Millstream Theatre will be treading the boards at Dorchester Corn Exchange for the first time on May 8.

Millstream is renowned for highlighting the lives of disabled individuals in Dorset, and its new play, In Harmony, has been co created by both Millstream members and professional artists.

Millstream Theatre is the adult company of actors with learning disabilities from East Dorset, who meet to create original storytelling and drama.

Supported by funding from the Dorset Community Foundation’s Performing Arts Fund, In Harmony is a heartwarming production of the story of a cherished local café facing

an uncertain future. Mark Tattersall, artistic director of Dorchester Arts said: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing a platform for inclusive storytelling and building connections within our community. It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon of theatre!”

n In Harmony, Millstream Theatre Co. Wednesday, May 8

Dorchester Corn Exchange 2pm (doors 1.30pm)

£7/£5 concessions – including tea and a rock cake! Book at dorchesterarts.org.uk

Here’s a rare chance to see artist’s work

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A rare chance to see the distinctive work of Sherborne painter Lucy Erskine can be found at the Gallery on the Square in Poundbury.

Lucy’s paintings focus on landscapes while her etchings explore everyday life scenes. Playing with shapes and textures Lucy’s work is sensitive and intense.

Born in London, Lucy spent much of her childhood and teenage years in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

In 1987, after studying with Nera Simi in Florence and at the Byam Shaw and Chelsea Schools of Art, she was one of ten UK art students selected by Brian Sewell to take part in a Young Masters exhibition at the Solomon Galleries in London’s Dover Street. It was this early recognition that marked the beginning of a successful career.

Lucy has showcased her

SCENES: Lucy Erskine at work and, below, Summer in Wareham and, right, View from Cadbury Castle

work in several exhibitions in London galleries, the Nico Malan Opera House in Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch. Her work has been selected for several Royal Academy summer shows.

The show at Gallery On The Square will showcase her skilful draughtsmanship focussing

on the Dorset, Devon, Cornish and South African and includes a retrospective element. The exhibition runs until May 25.

CORNEX SHOW: Millstream Theatre

Nostalgic evening with a man of music

REVIEW

Tim Rice

My Life in Musicals

The Lighthouse, Poole

By Diana Holman

Meeting 17-year-old

Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1965 proved to be a turning point, when Tim was to shift his prime writing to musical theatre. (He remembers thinking that Andrew was going to have to change that surname). They eventually went on to write five musicals together. The first was The Likes of Us in 1965, based on the life of Dr Thomas Barnado. Shortly afterwards Tim and Andrew were approached by a music teacher at Colet Court School,

The concert hall at the Lighthouse was absolutely packed for Tim Rice for what he describes as his saunter through the past six decades. We know him so well, and judging by the riotous enthusiasm and warmth with which this gentle, humorous and basically self-deprecating man was greeted, we all love him so well too. Back in 1964, Tim rather fancied himself as a pop singer. He sent off a recording of a song he had written to a company who saw possibilities in the song, but when he tentatively asked what they had thought of the singer, the answer was – rubbish!

Hammersmith, Alan Doggett, asking them to write something for his choir of boys aged eight to 11. This was the birth of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Few people have cast a joyous influence so widely. Pope Paul VI said in 1973 that he believed that the film of Jesus Christ Superstar would bring more people around the world to Christianity than anything ever has before.

Tim’s gentle saunter through time was supported by a brilliant cast of singers –John Addison, Madalena Alberto, Katie Birtill,

Shonagh Daly and Sandy Grigelis, and the members of the Duncan Waugh Band – Tim Maple (guitar), Andy McGlasson (drums), Duncan Waugh (piano), Rob Waugh (drums) and Harrison Wood (Bass Guitar).

It was an evening of nostalgia, of lovely and much loved songs, of appreciation for this slightly stooping man of 79, who stood before us in his blue suede shoes (a tribute to his much admired Elvis Presley), showing us all the many the awards he had won over the last 59 years. (One of his favourites he said was his television Pointless Award!) What an amazing evening it was!

LIZZIE BALL

Photo: LezliRose

Culture

Ex-WOWsters in cast of Sister Act

Sister Act is a divine musical comedy, featuring original music by Alan Menken and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco.

Starring Stella Brading, who was Michael McIntyre’s Big Show’s ‘unexpected star’ as Mother Superior, Wessex Musical Theatre is bringing this joyous and uplifting show to Hardye’s School Theatre, Dorchester, May 29-June 1

The show also features former WOW Youth

Musical Theatre members, who are still treading the boards with Wessex Musical Theatre, pictured left to right: back row, Nikki Hicks, Rhian Stroud, Shakira Berrisford, Kirstie Purnell, Zoe Bamford, Ralph Ricardo, front row, Laura Buckland, Meredith Samways, Charlotte Watson, not pictured - Abigail Brewster).

n Tickets are £16 at eventbrite.co.uk/o/wessexmusical-theatre-274681232

81

STAGE STRUCK: Stella Brading after appearing on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show

Reaching out for

Artsreach has unveiled its summer season, with eight artists and companies performing 16 live dates in 13 Dorset communities. The season kicks off with two concerts by international Klezmer & Balkan music stars She’Koyokh. From performances in the famous concert halls of Europe, to TV appearances and live sessions on BBC Radio 3, She’Koyokh have also performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Cheltenham and WOMAD. With a sumptuous mix of violin, accordion, clarinet, double bass, guitar and percussion, and vocals from acclaimed Turkish singer Cigdem Aslan, expect a night of exhilarating and invigorating music.

There is also the opportunity to take part in a Balkan & Yiddish circle dance workshop ahead of She’Koyokh’s concerts in Swanage (May 25) and Sturminster Newton (May 26).

the open-air at Winterborne Stickland Sports Club (June 16) for Sherlock & Watson: A Murder in the Garden. When a body is found lying mysteriously in the middle of Landsdown Manor Gardens, the police have no option but to call on Sherlock Holmes and persuade him to take on his toughest case to date.

Expect a comical night out full of slapstick, multirolling, live music and rock ’n’ roll.

First performed in 1893, Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel retells the timeless fairy-tale of two siblings lost in the forest.

Rum Ragged take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling.

They visit Drimpton (June 6) and Broadmayne (June 7) while on a wider UK tour. Join Calf 2 Cow Theatre in

An exciting ensemble of eight singers and musicians invite you to follow Hansel and Gretel through this mischievous fairytale opera as they discover a house made of gingerbread and fall into the clutches of a wicked witch. Join Opera in a Box at Lytchett Matravers (June 30) for an immersive experience. Performed by five acrobats and a musician, Foley is a thrilling contemporary circus show for all ages by Collective ConTakt, a pan European circus collective who specialise in blending high level acrobatics and live music.

Pack a picnic for this special open-air event at Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage (July 4).

The Shaftesbury Tales troupe is walking from Corfe Castle to Shaftesbury this summer, stopping to perform interactive family shows along the way.

Catch The Shaftesbury Tales

CURTAIN CALL: Former members of WOW

a packed summer of entertainment

indoors at Child Okeford (July 20), and outdoors at Springhead Gardens (July 22).

Cornish favourites Miracle Theatre invite you to step into a world of etiquette, scandal and matchmaking in Love Riot – a vibrant reimagining of Hannah Cowley’s comedy of manners.

Join Miracle in the open-air air at Ibberton (Aug 1), Kimmeridge Bay (Aug 2) and Halstock (Aug 3).

Specialising in Indian mythology and music that draws on both Indian classical and contemporary traditions, Emily Hennessey and Sheema Mukherjee present

a day of at Litton Cheney (Aug 8). At 11am and 3pm, children can step inside their beautiful bell tent, The StoryDen, for a music-filled ride through colourful myths and folktales of India.

Finally The Three Inch Fools head back to Sandford Orcas (August 16) with Shakespeare’s shortest (and

wildest) comedy. The clock is ticking, as the Fools rush to untangle one almighty mess in this farcical tale of long-lost twins, hysterical misunderstandings, and endless mishaps.

n Full details and tickets from artsreach.co.uk and libraries

HOMELAND BAND (SEN)

JOHN SMITH LE VENT DU NORD(CAN) KÍLA (IRE)

FILKINS ENSEMBLE - JAEJA - MOSCOW DRUG CLUB - ARTHUR COATES & KERRAN COTTERELL - GOOD HABITS THE TROUBLE NOTES - TASHKEZAR - MARVARA - SUTHERING - HANNAH SAUNDERS & BEN SAVAGE - AMICA DUEA - THE GREAT MALARKEY - DANGER GOAT - TWO MAN TING - GABRIEL MORENO AND THE QUIVERING POETS THREEPENNY BIT - AAYUSHI - 14 WOLVES - GOOD TROUBLE - QUINNS QUINNEY - ANNA RENAE- PISKEY LED DEN MILLER - ARQUEBUS TRIO - THE ASHEN KEYS - DIRTY BIG CANAL DANCE BAND - IGLOO HEARTS- LAURA LOH DEVON YOUTH FOLK ENSEMBLE - MEGAN LINFORD - MUSTARD ALLEGRO - RACHEL HILL - PLUS LOADS MORE!

WHAT A LOT WE’VE GOT: Rum Ragged, The Three Inch Fools and, Collective ConTakt

Culture

Island folk exploring who they are &

Meet more of Portland’s people, inspired by B-Side’s project theme for the next two years: ‘Who Do We Think We Are?’ looking at stories of migration and the people who share the island. By VIVIANE HORNE

n Elaine Shepherd heads the dedicated team of volunteers at St George’s, the Georgian church on Tophill with a well-kept churchyard approved by Dorset Wildlife Trust. The church was declared redundant in 1970, the year Elaine moved to Portland and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. She is usually found, strimmer in hand amongst the stones, avoiding clumps of wildflowers and chirruping crickets. Elaine was born in Wales but grew up in Cornwall until her parents took over the George pub in Reforne. Arriving on the isle, Elaine wondered why on earth they were moving somewhere that looked so barren and uninviting. Elaine remembers the dreadful state the pub was in and the family sleeping in one room the first night as their dog Pip chased the odd rat. She will always be grateful to Sue Kelly, who popped in one day and asked her if she would like to join her friends, which made Elaine feel she belonged. She has a photo of herself and Sue in the churchyard of St George’s, which at the time was very overgrown and the stones inaccessible… little did she know she would end up taking care of it. In 2020 Elaine saw an

advert in the Free Portland News for an Adopt a Grave project. The neglected state of the churchyard had always saddened her and we now see the result of four years of hard work by the volunteers. Elaine has learnt so much about Portlanders from St George’s. It’s her hope that old stories and history will continue to be documented and shared. You can book a graveyard tour at the church, for details check the Facebook page Forget Them Not at St George’s or pop into the church, open till 4pm daily. There are two services a year, St George’s day and Carols by Candlelight.

Elaine loves the uniqueness, wildness and community mindedness on Portland and is concerned that housing

shouldn’t get out of control or character and green spaces are precious. She can’t imagine living anywhere else and loves the peace and tranquillity, she has roots there and her daughter is a born Portlander.

n Chloe Taylor was born in Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, but could only be described as a true Portlander. Her grandad was a quarryman from the age of 15, grandma worked in the dockyard, her father was born in Tillycombe and Chloe has lived in Fortuneswell all her life.

As a youngster she hated that everyone knew each other, she couldn’t go to the shop without bumping into a friend, neighbour or relative and she had dreams for moving to a

city and being anonymous. Now she says that leaving the house and having ‘multiple reunions just on the street’ bring light into her life and she cherishes the Portland community. She and partner Becca want to stay on the isle for the rest of their lives.

Chloe volunteered at Portland Museum and after graduating from the Open University, she successfully applied for museum co-ordinator, a dream job.

The museum was originally founded by Marie Stopes, famous for her campaigning for women’s health. She lived at Lower Lighthouse, bought the thatched cottage on Wakeham and became the first curator in 1930. Thomas Hardy and his wife were friends of Marie and Avice’s

HERE WE ARE: Elaine Shepherd, Chloe Taylor and Kim Berlin

why they’re there

cottagefeatures in Hardy’s novel The Well Beloved, based on Portland. Chloe wishes there were more opportunities for the island’s communities, prospects for the young, access for the disabled, security for the older generation, she worries about the future. Check the Facebook page or website, there is a lot to get involved in at the museum and Chloe enjoys organising events for children. Pirate Craft Day in April, naturally with the staff in pirate gear, raised £400 towards protecting and promoting the museum’s collection and future community activities.

portlandmuseum.co.uk

n If you live on Portland but were not born/bred there you are a ‘kimberlin’. The West Dorset Magazine’s Kim Berlin (a nom de plume) was drawn to Portland by a love of sailing 14 years ago.

Just prior to the move he was asked to work on the replica of the James Caird, the lifeboat of Shackleton’s ill-fated 1916 expedition to Antartica, which was finished off on Portland. Kim had recently completed a long boat building course in Lyme Regis and had re-created a harbour crab and lobster boat, the Witch of Weymouth, and he was honoured when it was displayed in the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall alongside the

original and only one in existence.

He earnt some notoriety soon after arriving on the isle with his campaign PLOP – ‘Portland Locals Opposing (dog) Poo’. A storyboard for car stickers offended some: ‘Are you a Complete Tosser’ (poo bag over your shoulder) or a ‘Squeaky Clean Plopper’ (into the bin) but it certainly drew attention to the problem and he thinks it did some good. He has since become something of a local horticultural advisor, creating the Isle of Portland Gardening and Allotment Group on Facebook and is collecting Portland roses, named after the Duchess of Portland, Margaret Cavendish Bentinck (1715-1785, WDM issue 38 P88). He can often be found dispensing plants and advice at Lynch Lane Garden Centre, finally fulfilling a lifetime desire to work in horticulture. He also loves sustainable and traditional crafts, learning to whittle spoons and turn wood after an accident 10 years ago immobilised him for a while. He likes living on Portland because he feels freedom there, as if looking out to sea all around you there are no barriers and you could go anywhere. He also appreciates the free thinking and artistic community.

Art group set to stage fundraising exhibition

Poundbury Art Group is holding an exhibition at Martinstown Village Hall on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 – free entry. Donations and profits to the Amelia Rainbow Charity – a local charity supporting critically and terminally ill children.

There will be more than 40 paintings, a model of Swanage Railway Station and woodturning exhibits, plus greetings cards for sale and refreshments will be available.

The group of amateur artists meet every Thursday morning at Martinstown Village Hall to practice and learn skills from each other. Throughout the year they have professional artists visit to give demonstrations and workshops, and weather permitting they organise outdoor painting trips to various locations. n Call Richard Dunford on 07484 649946.

NUTS: Squirrels by Teresa Blades

Culture

Eggs and milk on the shopping list

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The artist who paints with eggs and milk will be showcasing his work during Dorset Art Weeks. Yes, really! Lower Bockhampton artist Anthony Paul will display a range of new pictures created with home-made paint – a blend of topquality pigments bound in egg yolk or casein (a strong glue made from milk protein.)

So, why does he make his own paint when Herrings, the Dorchester art shop is only a 10-minute drive away from his front door?

“I first saw egg tempera paintings in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions,” said Anthony.

“I was really inspired by the wonderfully fresh and vibrant egg tempera paintings by David Tindle, a Royal Academician.

“Very English in feel. “During the Summer Exhibition in 1979 the RA was also hosting an exhibition of American artist Andrew Wyeth’s egg tempera work. Very different from Tindle’s work, but equally inspiring. So I took a short course on the medium with a student of Pietro Annigoni, started using it and have enjoyed doing so since.”

Egg tempera’s vibrance and fresh colour is created because the pigment and egg are the only ingredients, diluted if needed with water. It is made up just before painting. The result is brighter and more powerful colours than you would get from shop bought ready-made paints. Anthony said: “In art shops processed paints spend much of their time

in tubes hung up by the neck in racks, so they need additives to prevent deterioration, and other ingredients that ensure the colour squeezed from the tube has a satisfying ‘toothpastey’ consistency. “These additives reduce the pigment content and dull the colours.”

Egg tempera paintings dry fairly quickly, but take six months or more to harden. They cannot be varnished until then, so are often framed behind glass instead. For larger works or where glass reflections might be a problem, Tony uses casein as the binder. This dries at the same speed as egg but becomes hard enough to varnish in an hour or so.

n Dorset Art Weeks runs from May 25 – June 9. Tony’s studio is open from 10.30am to 4pm daily at No161 in the Dorset Art Weeks brochure.

Keeping a murder mystery secret for 70 years

REVIEW

The Mousetrap

The Lighthouse, Poole

By Diana Holman

The Mousetrap came to the Lighthouse as part of its 70th anniversary tour. The stage is set as a 1950s drawing room in a converted guest house. A snowstorm is descending on the town making the guest house difficult to get to but one by one all the guests manage to arrive. As they arrive, their stories

unfold with their background and the development of their characters.

It comes to light that there has been a murder in London believed to have been committed by a person wearing a dark coat, light scarf and a felt hat –coincidentally the exact outfit that each of the guests arrived in.

A sergeant arrives to question the guests, each of whom seems to have something to hide.

This is the point where the guests realise that there is a murderer in their midst.

A second murder occurs with the discovery of the body of diminutive guest Mrs Boyle.

As an audience member you start to wonder about the characters and try to work out the plot.

Typical of Agatha Christie, the characters are all quite different with potentially different motives which adds to the intrigue. The characters were all

played superbly well.

The scene does not change, so all the tension, humour and entertainment comes from the actors on the stage.

At the end, the murderer is revealed.

As the audience we are asked by the cast during the curtain call never to reveal the truth of this classic whodunnit that has been enthralling audiences since 1952.

So, I simply couldn’t think of telling you, could I!

SHOWCASE: Anthony Paul’s self-portrait

Life during wartime at the Discovery Centre

The West Bay at War exhibition is running until the end of June at the West Bay Discovery Centre. The exhibition features existing and new research about life in West Bay in the period leading up to D-Day in June 1944.

For seven months in 1943/44 West Bay played host to American soldiers from the second battalion of the 16th Infantry Regiment. The recollections of Sergeant Don Wilson are featured and those of local people. The exhibition also

features the coastal defences against a potential invasion and a look at food rationing.

n The Discovery Centre is open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm. Free admission.

In the Mood for a swinging evening

Dorchester Arts opens Dorset’s D-Day commemorations with an evening of swing with The Glenn Miller Orchestra performing at Dorchester’s Hardye Theatre on Saturday, May 11. This event marks the UK’s only official Glenn Miller tour, and features the exact line-up devised by Glenn himself. Audiences will be treated to the authentic big band sound, the fabulous harmonies of the

Moonlight Serenaders, the sublime vocals of the orchestra’s featured vocalists, and the swinging jazz band, The Uptown Hall Gang.

The event will feature classic arrangements of Glenn Miller’s most beloved tunes, including timeless hits such as In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug and Tuxedo Junction. n For tickets visit dorchesterarts.org.uk

Newspaper’s charming story doesn’t ramble on

A new play at The Corn Exchange in Dorchester pays tribute to the Clarion Newspaper and its impact on social and outdoor movements

Behold Ye Ramblers delves into the vibrant world of The Clarion newspaper and the remarkable organisations it inspired, notably The Sheffield Clarion Ramblers, and The

Clarion Cyclists.

Set against the backdrop of late Victorian and early Edwardian England, Behold Ye Ramblers brings to light the courageous endeavours of these two pioneering groups, whose mission extended beyond promoting socialism as they also championed healthy outdoor pursuits and fought

for the fundamental right to roam across England’s green and pleasant land!

The play pays homage to the indomitable spirit of these ramblers and campaigners, weaving together their voices, songs, and poetry.

n Thursday, May 16 at 7.30pm. £15/£13 concessions.

D-DAY COMMEMORATION: The Glenn Miller Orchestra

THERE’S A WAR ON: Some of the exhibits at the West Bay Discovery Centre

Hear God’s love in singing of the birds

When Jesus speaks to his friends, he invariably uses images from ordinary life. He opens hearts and minds by helping us to see what is right in front of us. So, he speaks of lost coins, salt, light, good seed, the birds of the air, vines, and branches. The ordinary stuff of life, which he uses to help us see what is precious in our midst. To help us make connections, to puzzle out where God is in our lives, to understand that it matters how we live in the world with each other and to discover the source of these gifts, who is the giver of life. One of the ordinary, yet miraculous, things we all enjoy as a gift is to wake up in the morning to hear the birdsong on these spring days. Yet, as I read in my newspaper this week, the diversity of

Services

Sherborne Abbey Weekday Services

TWEET TWEET: Morning birdsong reminds us of God’s glory Picture: SALLY COOKE

birdsong and animal noise is diminishing the world over. Over the last 50 years Earth’s wildlife populations have plunged by 69 per cent. And now some fear because of agriculture and climate change, the growing crisis means the sounds of nature are fading away. In some

Monday to Saturday at 8.30am, Morning PrayerThe 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 ChapelEvery Saturday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel

Thursday, May 9

Litton Cheney

9.30am Ascension Day Service

Sunday, May 12

Burton Bradstock: 11am Holy Communion

Puncknowle: 9.30am Holy Communion

Shipton Gorge: 9.30am Breakfast Church

Littlebredy: 11am Holy Communion

Abbotsbury: 9am Holy Communion

Portesham: 10am Family Praise

Langton Herring: 11am Holy Communion

Sherborne Abbey 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am

places they have already disappeared.

One of images that Jesus uses is this: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

How do we remain in God? And what does it have to

Parish Eucharist, 6pm Evensong

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30am Morning Worship

Cheap Street Church, Cheap Street

6.30pm Taize Service

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury

9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton

9.30am Holy Communion

St Saviour’s, Dottery 10.30am Morning Worship

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell

11am Benefice Eucharist

Friday, May 17

Sherborne Abbey 11am Remembering the Fallen

Sunday, May 19

Burton Bradstock: 9.30am Café Church

Litton Cheney: 6pm Evensong

Swyre: 9.30am Holy Communion

Long Bredy: 11am Morning Worship and Baptism

Portesham: 11am Holy Communion

Langton Herring: 10am Family Praise

Sherborne Abbey 8am Holy Communion 9.30am

Parish Eucharist 6pm Evensong 6pm Friends of Sherborne Abbey Evensong and AGM

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

St Mary Magdalene, Loders 9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 11am Benefice Eucharist

do with birdsong? Is it by making connections between our faith, whatever that is for you, and how we live?

Is it in realising that the way we live in the affluent West has an impact of people thousands of miles away? And if we can understand how a branch is united to the vine, why stop there?

We can live our lives as one. Love for the giver of life, one another, and ourselves, for the earth and all creation, these are all connected, these all become one love. We are living one life and the fruit of that life and love is abundant, overflowing. And richer too for birdsong.

Canon Deb Smith

St Paul’s Broadoak 6.30pm BCP Evening Prayer Rogation

Sunday, May 26

Burton Bradstock: 8am Holy Communion

Liton Cheney: 9.30am Morning Worship

Puncknowle: 11am Café Church

Shipton Gorge: 11am Holy Communion

Littlebredy: 11am Morning Worship

Abbotsbury:10am Family Praise

Portesham: 9am BCP

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30am Morning Worship

St Saviour’s Dottery 9.30am Holy Communion

St John the Baptist, Symondsbury 11am Benefice Eucharist

St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton 6.30pm Compline by Candlelight

St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell

6.30pm Evensong

Sunday, June 2

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

St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock 9.30am Celtic Worship

St Mary Magdalene, Loders 11am Benefice Eucharist

I mite have a few tips on pests!

In an era when we are all striving to be more environmentally aware and when, anyway whether we like it or not, there are fewer insecticides available for the control of insect pests, we need to find alternative methods for protecting the plants in our garden. One such method is the use of biological control. This is where a naturally occurring predator or parasite is introduced to keep the pest under control.

In commercial horticulture the system has been used for many years but in recent times a number have become available to the amateur gardener.

Some are for controlling pests, such as Red Spider Mite or Whitefly in the greenhouse. For Red Spider Mite there are separate spring and summer treatments both using mites. The mite for use earlier in the year copes with lower temperatures whilst the later treatments use a mite that will also be able to tackle pest populations that already exist. Whitefly can be controlled by the larvae of a tiny parasitic wasp. Regular applications between April and August are needed to get good control.

important part of the soil ecosystem helping to breakdown plant debris. However, many gardeners won’t be convinced of that and control here is possible using a naturally occurring nematode. These microscopic worms multiply inside the slug causing it to stop feeding and so it eventually dies. The nematode comes in a powder and needs to be watered onto the garden between March and October.

In pots and in the ground, a tricky pest is the Vine Weevil. You may not notice the adult but signs that it exists are notches cut into the leaf of plants. The real damage though is done by the white larvae with an orange head that have an incredible appetite for plant roots especially Fuchsias, Heuchera and Rhododendrons.

A parasitic nematode mixed in with water and applied in September and then also in the spring will help control the larvae.

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

SOPHIE ROSE

Made to measure soft furnishings

Outside in the garden, aphids can be tackled by the introduction of ladybirds. These are available as larvae or indeed the adult ladybird. We get these in abundance in our house over the winter. I collected dozens of them that were hibernating in the corner of a window and transferred them to the greenhouse where they are really enjoying themselves.

Lawns in recent years have suffered very badly with leatherjackets. These are the larval stage of the Daddy Long Legs or Cranefly and have a huge appetite for the roots of grass. You may only notice it when you see birds pecking away at your lawn and sometimes badgers dig up the turf to get at the leatherjackets too. Control is difficult these days as no chemical is available, but a parasitic nematode will relish helping you out! It’s available in April and May and then again in in September and October when it is most effective.

Slugs are probably the gardeners worst enemy but there is now evidence that they are also an

In the house in recent years clothes moths have had a resurgence and these can be controlled with another tiny parasitic wasp. The term wasp gives it a bad name but you won’t ever notice it as it is so tiny and also doesn’t sting! There are many more that I haven’t mentioned which are also very useful. Some are available off the shelf whereas others we can organise to get delivered to your door through the post.

These are environmentally sound treatments that have been tried and tested usually in commercial horticulture first. They are also very safe –unless of course you are a pest!

Curtains, Roman blinds, roller blinds, cushions, lampshades & upholstery 01308 861064 sophierosesoftfurnishings.com PARROTT LOCKS LOCKSMITH

Doors, safes, vehicles & keys ( 07709 545701

paul@parrottlocks.co.uk | parrottlocks.co.uk

HOUSE SITTING, PET CARE AND GARDEN WATERING OFFERED by retired classical musician couple, from August to mid-September. Call 07986 622627.

Homes & Gardens x

It’s full steam ahead to clean your driveway

DRAIN BRAINS

By Jak Norwood of Valley Drains

Valley Drains have recently invested heavily in the latest steam and hot pressure washing

equipment. Using the latest equipment on the market, we can offer the best services for your driveways, patios, render, brick walls and any other exterior surfaces that require a more delicate touch than our cold water

pressure washers. Steam cleaning

Our equipment uses steam reaching temperatures up to 150 degrees and pressure as low as 80 bars. This eliminates any risks of damaging surface areas from high pressure at close range.

The hot steam, lowpressure cleaning produces fantastic results, as well as killing any organic growth, leaving your driveway clean and hazard free. Steam cleaning is one of the safest ways to remove dirt and organic matter. This high temperature cleaning process is particularly useful for cleaning delicate surface areas such as brick walls,

patios and boundary walls. The high temperature also provides a deeper clean and kills any organic growth, delaying any forms of regrowth. Steam is also highly effective for removing grease, paint, oil and chewing gum. It is a great alternative to pressure washing and reduces the need of chemicals.

Alongside this we are also still offering our full package of drainage services and gutter cleaning.

n Call Valley Drains on 07958 335973 for all your drainage and pressure washing needs.

WANTED

WANTED: OLD TOYS

Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Hornby, Railway Items, Airfix, Tamiya, Frog Model Kits. Fast, friendly service Call Paul 07824154510

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

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS Call 01935 428975

Antique restoration and bespoke

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

The fine weather has made such a difference to everyone, to feel the sun on your back is so uplifting after a long, wet winter. Mother Nature is bursting with life, the birds are in full chorus and the gardeners are getting back to the seasonal work in their gardens and allotments. What a joy it is to be able to connect with the soil and plants again.

We recently put up a small shed for a staff tea room. Within a couple of days of completion we noticed a little jenny wren had built a nest and taken up residence. These normally shy birds are not deterred by our comings and goings and are still nesting quite happily, we have however reduced the amount we use the room, and have sat in the garden when having a tea break. Blue tits are in another nesting box, and we are keenly keeping an eye on the others in hope they to will be used. The oak trees are out before the ash and as the old wife’s tail goes, oak before ash we are in for a splash, so if this holds true, we should be in for a good summer. The energies of the oak tree are said to aid in a variety of things such as leadership, authority, endurance, unwavering wisdom, their energies are commonly known to provide strength, longevity, consistency and spiritual grounding. Such a majestic tree.

Fine weather is a joy after wet spell

The ash tree’s energies on the other hand are considered the cradle of life, the gentle giant, and a protector of youth. Legend presents this tree as the original support of the world, with the roots connecting to the lower world, the trunk connecting with our world and the canopy connecting with the spirit world. The energies provide healing, both physical and emotional, aid in the renewal and rejuvenation of your own energies, thus helping you to focus on your own potential, creativity and inspiration will follow. They assist in providing protection against negative energies and harmful influences. We have been using our organic feed on the shrubs and

perennials. This is made from stinging nettles, which are picked before going to seed and placed in a large water butt and left to decay along with comfrey. This year’s pickings make next year’s plant feed –

we have several of these as we use quite a bit on the nursery. On May 18, we open our doors for the Nation Garden Scheme. An entrance charge of £4.50 will apply on this day and all proceeds go to the NGS. So come on down and help to support this worthy charity. Qi gong has started again, now the weather has improved; this takes place every Thursday morning from 9.30am to 10.30am. For further details contact Moria on 07709 999679. This week it took place in the community garden and the bird song accompaniment was just divine. Mary is available for energy healing on Thursday mornings. No appointment necessary, just turn up.

Friday is yoga from 9am-10am. Contact Dawn at Yoga Sherborne.

BRIDPORT MUSIC CENTRE: 01308 455660

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26 Qualityrating (5) Down

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.

2 Hasemotions (5)

3 Ludicrous (7)

5 Lovers’meet-up (5)

6 Try (7)

7 Tradeshow (4)

8 Poppy-derivednarcotic (5)

9 Thestudyofweather (11)

15 Left-leaning (7)

16 Lessdirty (7)

17 Suddenconvulsion (5)

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21 Currentcraze (5)

22 Shortbranchroad (4)

Crossword

Across

1 Pieceoffurnitureforhigh-levelpoliticians (7)

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9 Oneofaspirationtoadegree? (13)

10 PartyIcaughtbehindcourtregardingabody ofstars? (8)

11 Nothinginchapmakingcomplaint (4)

12 Commercialundertakingthat’suncertain,an excitingexperience (9)

16 Necklacekeptbyactorcorrectly (4)

17 Privateplaneroseawkwardlywithnoendof noise (8)

19 Climbtreewithpipethat’sbroken?It’s difficulttoappreciate (13)

21 Alarmsopranowithworry (5)

22 Cutalmostendofgameinweather conditions (7)

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2 Womanwithalineaboutrefinedtypeof plant (6)

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8 Persianwithcorporation,say,overpaid executive (3,3)

11 Wayofworkingwithvariedminorsbefore massinasystemofbelief (9)

13 Awaitspecialisttakingbitofcarefor Queen (6)

14 Colourfulpublicationaboutoriginofscience regardingtheorderofthings? (6)

15 Handyplaceforkeepingbread? (6)

18 DriveawaysalespersonwithEnglish lecturer (5)

20 Musicalaptitudeamonglearners (3)

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.

Brain chain (Hard version)

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.

Regular contributor and Magpies fan Stuart Voss of The Same Old Few blog, has been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about Dorchester Town’s rousing finish to the season.

Despite being in the relegation zone in January, Tom Killick’s men finished in a creditable ninth position, with just one defeat in 18 games elevating them to within touching distance of the end-of-season play-offs.

Stuart said: “If you had asked me how things were shaping up three months ago, it would have been a different story, but the runin has been fantastic for us. Frankly as good as I can remember as a Magpies’ fan, even compared to our great times under Mark Morris.

“We even had a mathematical chance of reaching the play-offs if things had gone our way in the last two matches, which is incredible to think given that we looked in real trouble earlier in the year. I always had faith in Tom’s ability to turn things around for us but the transformation in the squad over the last three months has been exceptional.

“I really didn’t expect this change when I watched us against Hungerford in January.

“It was such a poor

Avenue good times return as Magpies end on a high

performance at home, but full credit to the management team and players for the transition since then.”

The Magpies’ impressive form included twelve wins and some battling draws, and Stuart is upbeat about the future and excited for next season.

Stuart said: “With seven

CLOCKTOWER RECORDS:

PROUD SPONSORS OF LOCAL SPORT

players committing already for next season, I think it augurs well, particularly as four of them are really key – Will Spetch, Corby Moore, Jack Dickson and Olaf Koszela. Olaf has been a different player in the last few games and it’s good to see him on board.

“It’s great to see us get some work done early to

sort out the squad, and I hope that players will be excited to stay or to come and join us in the close season.”

“The last game was a dead rubber against Totton and to have a gate of 1,300 speaks volumes. There were around 300 Under 16s who came in free due to a club initiative, but it’s still a fantastic gate for our last game with nothing on the line.

“It feels like the good times are truly back at the Avenue and I’m buzzing for next season. There is such a good atmosphere about the place now.”

HAPPY DAYS: All smiles at the Avenue after an impressive run-in

Picture: JAKE WELCH Below, Stuart Voss#

Wellworthy Bowls Club in Weymouth are throwing open their doors to welcome new players as part of Bowls Big Weekend. Wellworthy are the only club in Weymouth and Portland who offer indoor and outdoor facilities and Ladies secretary Carol Dixon hopes that the friendly welcome and the prospect of making year-round friendships will encourage lots of people to come along.

Carol said: “We always take part in Bowls Big Weekend and we can certainly promise anybody who comes along a big welcome. We are opening each day of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend –Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27, from 10am to 4pm and we hope that many people will come and see what we can offer. “We are also open each Saturday from 10am to noon and are always happy for people to drop in and see us. The more, the merrier.”

The club is based on the site of Wellworthy’s engineering firm in Dumbarton Road in Weymouth, and boasts spectacular views of Portland harbour from the bar. Although the company

YOU’RE WELCOME

Wellworthy Bowls Club In Wyke Regis, Weymouth, will be taking part in the Big Bowls Weekend

Club keen to sign up new bowlers

has gone, the bowls club still remains in its original location.

Membership has dropped in recent years with around 35 players regularly using the club, and Carol is hoping that their recruitment drive will result in many more people enjoying the facilities.

Carol said: “I think one of our greatest advantages is that we offer bowling throughout the year. We have three artificial outdoor rinks, complemented by two indoor rinks. Bowls is such a sociable sport and whether members play competitively or just enjoy a friendly roll-up, it is a great way to meet people and make lasting friendships. Our members are so glad that this part of their lives lasts throughout

CLOCKTOWER RECORDS:

have worried. Within a few months I was playing in a couple of the club’s leagues and I’m really enjoying it.”

Diane, another recent recruit, said: “My friend, Ron, came to an open day and enjoyed the game so much that he brought me along – I became just as enthusiastic as Ron and have now persuaded my husband to join. I think of it as gym membership without the expensive fees – my joints and muscles have eased and I have lost weight since I started bowling too.”

the year, rather than just for a five or six-month season. “New members are encouraged to participate in the club’s leagues in order to improve their bowling skills, get to know other players, and socialise with other members, but it’s entirely up to the individual. Bowls is a sport in which you can make quick progress and our qualified coach will help you go from beginner to competent bowler in just a few months.”

Many of the club’s bowlers have joined from past open days and are now established players. Val, who joined Wellworthy at an open day last May, said: “I was a bit nervous about coming on my own but everyone was so friendly and helpful that I needn’t

Carol said: “We are lucky to be in such a great location and have a great view out onto the harbour for those enjoying a drink after a game or coaching session.

“We are such a friendly club who are committed to making new members feel at home from the moment they come through the door.”

n Wellworthy Bowls Club will be open to visitors onSaturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th from 10am to 4pm, and on all other Saturdays from 10 am to noon. Shoes and equipment can be provided, although visitors should wear flat-soled shoes.

The sessions are free and there is no need to book, contact Carol Dixon on 01305 779982 with any enquiries.

Skate expectations for angler Mike

Senior members of West Bay Angling Club fished at West Bexington in good weather. All competitors managed to catch fish, mostly dogfish, with the clear highlight being Mike Rose’s scarce blue skate, which tipped the scales at 4kg 270gms. The catch landed Mike the Best Fish prize, and also set a new club record being the first of the species caught in the club’s history. Steve Harwood finished first for landing the most fish. Meanwhile nine members and two guests signed up to fish the latest rover match held in various venues, with seven of the anglers catching a range of species including dogish, plaice, whiting pout and bull huss.

RESULTS

1: Rod Barr 15 points

2:Steve Harwood 11pts

3: Paul House 10pts Best Fish: Rod Barr 67cm

Bull Huss

The winner of the club's Fish of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2024 was Tom Marley with a boatcaught pollock, weighing an impressive 5kg 589gms. Tom landed the fish out of West Bay harbour aboard the charter boat Jolly Dodger and scooped a £30 voucher for the Angling

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Phone number 01305835366

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CLOCKTOWER RECORDS:

Centre, West Bay. The Fred Tolley Memorial Match was the first junior match of the season, with 13 juniors fishing in lovely weather, including some new young anglers. The fishing was tough with 23 of the 24 fish caught coming from the rocks and from just two rods, with species including tompots,

n Austin Scott-Kennedy emerged the winner as ten juniors took part in the fourth round of the DDAS Junior points match series, and now leads the championship with 79-points. Austin’s match haul of 167lbs 9ozs was just enough to fend off

shannies, corkwings, shore rockling and flounder. Belle Chidzoy fished really well and took first fish, most fish, smallest fish and heaviest round fish whilst Sam Carter went off looking for a flounder and was rewarded with one on his last cast to take heaviest flatfish, a prize donated by Richard ‘Tiny’Daw.

reigning champion, Jack Copp, who finished with 162lbs 4ozs, while Jack Cryer with 151lbs 5 ozs secured third place.

The next DDAS Junior event is at Harbourbridge Lake in Chickerell on Saturday, May 11. See ddasjuniors.co.uk

WHAT A CATCH: Belle Chidzoy pictured with her prize-winning catch, Mike Rose with his handsome blue skate and Tom Marley aboard the Jolly Dodger with his lovely pollock

WDM by far the best local magazine

I just wanted to say what a brilliant magazine you are producing!

It truly is ‘for the West Dorset community ‘...something that comes through on every page. It always makes me want to go and do something that I hadn’t considered before!

By far the best local magazine; we are so lucky to have you. Well done to the team and thank you.

Jo Thornton

Hello! I just have to congratulate and thank you for this article (Mum speaks out over gender and puberty blocking drugs, April edition).

I am 87 years old and a great grandmother and feel very distressed about what is happening to our very young children and feel it is now of utmost importance that it is investigated thoroughly.

I watch GBNEWS and this topic comes up quite often and think Patrick Christy would be very interested in your excellent report.

Best wishes, keep up keeping us informed.

Margaret Hunt, Sherborne

In Orwell's 1984, the totalitarian regime manipulates reality to such an extent that The Ministry of War is the Ministry of Love.

I must admit to experiencing a sense of deja vu when reading our Conservative MP’s claims to be environmental in the last edition of this magazine. I quote: nearly 60% recycling rate of waste collected'; ‘making Dorset Council property carbon neutral’ and ‘working towards delivering net zero by 2040, protecting our environment’.

I have been contacting Chris

regularly over the years on topics such as: new oil fields, onshore wind, insulating homes, new coal mines in Cumbria, increasing the windfall tax on oil giants and even on banning industrialised trawling that destroys sea beds and fisheries. On every occasion, the reply has been of disinterest and has had to be chased up.

Quite simply, if you care for the environment, the reality is that, despite limited green rhetoric, this Conservative party is not remotely interested.

Joe Brake, West Knighton

The link between Poundbury and a proposed development in Faversham, Kent is rather tenuous, except that both are,

‘has sparked outrage’ and ‘fresh fury’. As far as I can tell, there have been objections from some local people, as there are to any and every new housing scheme, and one or two that have been quoted are intemperate and/or plain wrong. Neither Poundbury nor Faversham are motivated by ‘greed’, though it is a legal requirement that Duchy schemes don’t make a loss. Vastly more thought goes into them in terms of careful planning and design than any commercial scheme promoted by the big national developers, such as Persimmon. Are you aware that Persimmon’s commercial model is based on a 30% profit margin? That is what I would call greedy.

Roger White

or would be, Duchy of Cornwall schemes (Kent ‘Poundbury’ criticised, April edition). However, what is certainly inaccurate is to say that the Faversham development is ‘proposed by King Charles’. Poundbury was of course promoted by the then Prince of Wales as Duke of Cornwall, but as King he has no involvement whatever with the Faversham scheme – this would be for the present Prince of Wales, though in reality I doubt if he is much involved.

It is in any case an exaggeration to say, as your piece does, that the Faversham scheme (which would actually be on the outskirts of the town, separated from it by the A2)

Firstly I want to say how much we enjoy reading the articles in WDM, and the useful What's On diary. In the February issue I was interested to see Karen Broad's recipe for London Cheesecake. It is a great favourite of ours, but something which is only to be found in London and the home counties, and not always in those bakeries nowadays. We look forward to eating them when we visit my sister in Southend, and I used to make a large one to cut up like a cake, but I can no longer buy shredded coconut. I see Karen's recipe says dessicated coconut, although the picture shows shredded. Only shredded gives the right chewy quality of experience –dessicated is small bits, shredded is like strings. Obviously bakers can get shredded coconut, but where can I buy it?

Meg Rolfe

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Vittles (food & drink)

Getting smashed on SMaSH sounds smashing!

A tap house in Sherborne that opened last July has won industry recognition for its ale.

The Parachute Tap Room and Bar won a bronze award for its Ripcord SMaSH Pale Ale in the Keg Pale Ale category of the Society of Independent Brewers Association’s MaltingsFest awards. A spokesperson for the business said the team was “delighted” with the award win.

See their voucher for 10% off your first round of drinks in the Whasson section.

Vittles (food & drink)

From a different world, far, far away

FOOD REVIEW

Dorshi, Bridport

By John Clements, chef at The Olive Tree, Bridport

Dining out is even more of a luxury these days due to the rising cost of, well, everything. Avoiding costly mistakes by choosing the right restaurant has become much more important. Opinions, expectations, budgets, moods, palates and tastes, all vary. No restaurant can please everybody, always.

When deciding where to go out to eat I like to take a step back and consider the totality of online reviews. The odd negative review doesn’t make for a bad restaurant. Find out where locals eat. Investigate tips from friends and family you trust who know good food.

Dorshi has consistently been rated by local folks I trust. Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive. All boxes ticked then, which, coincidently, is how you order food here. Check their selective opening

VIBRANT: We made a good choice to dine out at Dorshi in Bridport

hours to avoid disappointment. Hiding down one of Bridport’s many rope-walks, upon arrival, you do feel like you’ve stepped into another world, far, far, away. Love that. The culinary influence is from East Asia with fresh Dorset ingredients used to fill their onepage, innovative and exciting menu. Dumplings, rice bowls, bao buns and broths which embrace

carnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans alike. I can confirm they do cocktails too. We chose cauliflower popcorn, with a punch-inthe-face kimchi sauce, organic haggis and chicken dumplings. All divinely good. Next, fried chicken bao buns. Soft folded pillows of crunchiness. Finally, a

wholesome buddha rice bowl containing featherylight, crisp, tofu cubes, sweet coriander, sour pickled carrots and fragrant garlic mushrooms. This offering actually attained vegan-nirvana. Yes, yes, yes, it did. Warming, complex, interesting, fresh, enlightened, vibrant, bold flavours. Hip and on-trend. Service informal, discreet. Portions generous. Playlist tonight, sultry old school reggae. So happy we chose Dorshi. Everything we are comes from choices. We make thousands of them every day. The trick is to make the right ones.

Vittles (food & drink)

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

I was a daydreamer at school, or so I was frequently told; a creative romantic and a thinker.

My tutors sussed me out; I was not particularly ‘bookish’, so they channelled me to more practical subjects, and cookery was my favourite. Mrs Kitchen (yes, that was my cookery teacher’s name) inspired me and one of my very first culinary successes was a classic Swiss Roll.

I remember so well proudly bringing it home to my parents. This versatile recipe can be plain and traditional for afternoon tea, or it can be turned into a dinner party treat and it’s not as difficult to make as you think.

Ingredients

2 large eggs

50g caster sugar

Vanilla extract or paste.

50g plain flour.

Your choice of jam Butter for greasing, some baking parchment and Swiss roll tin. Method.

Grease and line the Swiss roll tin with baking

A TREAT: A Swiss roll is versatile and not too tricky

Traditional sponge still has a roll today

parchment. Preheat oven 180C/160C.

Place the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract into a bowl and whisk until the mixture is thick and creamy. Gently fold in the flour in two batches. Use a metal spoon for this and don’t be tempted to beat it in.

Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and gently ease to the corners.

Bake for 10 to 12 mins until it’s just light golden in colour. Do not over bake or it will crumble and become

biscuit-like.

Whilst you are waiting for the sponge to cook, dampen a tea towel and place on a worksurface. On top of this place a sheet of baking parchment and sprinkle with caster sugar. Warm the jam in the microwave for 20 seconds.

Turn out the sponge onto the sugared paper, remove the lining paper and spread with warmed jam. Roll the sponge from the short edge, don’t be afraid of this bit, go for it and use the paper and the damp

Tea towel to help roll it. Leave to cool on a wire rack. If you want to fill it with cream, then it needs to be cooled so roll the sponge up whilst still warm without any filling. Keeping the damp tea towel over it allows it to be more pliable so it can be carefully unrolled and filled when cooled.

Without any fat, it makes a lovely light summer cake or dessert.

Raspberries and strawberries make a lush summery filling. Spread a thin layer or lemon curd which adds a sharp piquancy. Add a little amaretto to fresh cream with some chocolate spread and sprinkle with almonds. If you add coffee essence or chocolate powder to the sponge in place of the vanilla, you have another created another delight. Add chocolate chips to fresh cream or top with a coffee glace icing with a coffee buttercream filling.

This is a simple no fat ‘fun’ sponge that has great potential.

Mum’s Kitchen... with Diana Holman

Creamy Prawn Pasta

Serves 2

This is a wonderfully quick and easy recipe, with very tasty results.

Ingredients:

180g pasta of choice

1 courgette

Small bunch of parsley

½ lemon

1 garlic clove

150g crème fraiche

Water for the sauce -100ml

1 small 10g pot vegetable stock paste

150g raw king prawns

Method:

Boil a large saucepan of water. Add a little salt and the measured pasta. Cook for the time given for the type of pasta chosen. Drain and sprinkle with a little olive oil to stop it sticking together. Keep warm with

the plates whilst you prepare the sauce.

Trim the courgette. Halve it lengthwise and slice into 1cm half moons.

Chop the parsley. Zest the lemon, then cut it in half. Peel and crush the garlic.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan to a fairly high heat without oil and add the courgette slices.

Cook for 3 or 4 minutes each side

Vittles (food & drink)

Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker and has recently moved into her own bakery. She also has a stall outside The Old Ship Inn in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.

Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb

Rhubarb & vanilla cake

Time to make the most of glorious rhubarb.

I didn’t eat rhubarb for years due to my grandma. She used to pop the rhubarb on to cook for what appeared to be days before we turned up for lunch serving it grey and syrupy.

Thankfully this didn’t put me off cooking it myself.

I don’t cook the fruit but rather throw it in the sweet cake batter providing a lovely tart contrast. If you like rhubarb to be slightly sweeter cook for 15 minutes in an oven on a baking tray with a sprinkle of sugar. Cool before use in the cake.

If you want a smaller cake this can be easily halved and cooked in a loaf tin.

Oven 180C/ Gas 4

Ingredients

5-6 sticks rhubarb, cut into 2 cm pieces

until they are starting to brown. Add the crushed garlic and cook for a further minute, stirring. Once the courgettes are browned, reduce the heat and add the crème

140g butter, melted plus two tbsp

250g Sunflower oil

8 free range eggs

400g caster sugar plus two tbsp

1 tsp vanilla extract

425g flour

2 tsp baking powder

Method 9 inch square cake tin. Grease and line a baking tin.

Clean and chop the rhubarb.

Melt the butter and put with the oil, eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat well for 2 or 3 minutes

fraiche, water and vegetable stock to the pan.

Season with salt and pepper. Stir together and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the prawns and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the prawns are completely cooked - pink

until the mixer is lighter in colour. Stir though the vanilla. Tip in the flour with the baking powder and whisk until combined. Do not over mix. Tip it in the baking tin. Scatter the rhubarb over the top of the cake. Bake for 40 - 50 minutes until a skewer comes out clean and the cake is golden.

Melt 2 tbsp butter and brush over the top of the cake and scatter 2 tbsp caster sugar over the top. This cake is delicious served warm with custard or clotted cream

n Lizzie is at the bakery DT2 9EZ on Fridays 10am-12pm

At the Old Ship Inn in Upwey DT3 5QQ Saturdays 9.30-12pm Check out where she is lizziebakingbird.co.uk Insta Lizzibakingbird Don’t forget to tag her in if you make the cake.

on the outside and opaque in the middle.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste and also a little water if the sauce has thickened too much. Mix together the lemon zest and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of each plate of prawn pasta.

Toss the drained pasta into the sauce add add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve on warm plates or bowls if preferred.

GLORIOUS: Rhubarb and vanilla cake

Down to earth

Black for death, green for re-birth...

PAGAN with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

My own black dog Zelda is my dream dog. Perhaps because of this I have been struck by how many pubs in Dorset are named The Black Dog. Sidetracked researching black dogs when I should have been searching for green men in Dorset’s dusty corners, I was amazed to find a link between the two.

At St Nicholas’ church in Abbotsbury there is carving of a green dog in the nave.

What is meant by green dog or green man is an image where foliage frames faces or often sprouts from their mouth,

ears or eyes! Originally they were probably painted green or black. I remember being very surprised to learn from my tutors that ancient Greece was once a riot of colours and only faded to the white we associate with classical architecture after years of weathering. I guess it could be called the original shabby chic. The green man is said to represent rebirth and is celebrated even now in May Day ceremonies around the world. The regreening of the natural world after a long winter

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 awardwinning Forager’s Calendar and in 2021 his Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries was published.

Perhaps you already know that many of the mushrooms we see in woodland arise from masses of underground fibres known as mycelia that are symbiotic with trees. These are the ‘Ectomycorrhizal Fungi’ (EF). There is, however, an even more important group of fungi similarly associated with trees and also with many, many

is something we can still very much relate to. To our ancient ancestors the renewal was sometimes literally the difference between life and death. It is not a coincidence that hawthorn leaves have the nick name, “bread and cheese”, this tree is the first to bud in the spring and in years of famine the leaves were devoured as a life saver. Hawthorn leaves are among the many different leaves used to decorate the green man in sculpture. Oak, acanthus and palm leaves are also employed, all of

which grew in ancient Greece and were associated with immortality or rebirth. From an architectural view the original green men were probably copied from ancient Greek masks and Roman Gods including Dionysus and Oceanus. But how does the ‘green’ black dog fit in?

We need something beyond architecture to understand how the dog gets to join the other corbels on display at the front of the church. And that something is sacrifice. Black in ancient times was as it is today associated with death but also, surprisingly, with fertility. The Roman pagan ritual of Robigalia was when people walked the fields in May, beseeching Robigus to protect the crops and as part of this ceremony a black dog was sacrificed. This ritual is echoed in today’s ‘beating of the bounds’.

Thanks to mycorrhizal fungi,

other plants: the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF).

Plant roots are inefficient gathers of soil nutrients (such as phosphates and nitrogen compounds), so they delegate the task to the finer and more extensive mycelia of a fungal partner. The host returns the favour by supplying sugars to the fungus. The functional difference between them is that parts of EF mycelia ‘tap into’ plant roots by wrapping themselves around them and

only partially penetrating them. AMF, by contrast, penetrate the roots to form structures that look remarkably like little trees buried inside. This ‘little tree’ explains their name: ‘arbuscular’ means ‘tree-like’ (think ‘arboretum’). Etymology aside, without these near ubiquitous associations, terrestrial plant life would be almost impossible. Of great importance too is the ability of AMF to consolidate the soil, their mycelia having been compared to ‘sticky string bags’.

WOOF: Affpuddle pew end carving of the green man and, right, a green dog at Abbotsbury's St Nicholas’ Church

Down to earth

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

Busy time of year for our sparrows

May is without doubt my favourite month of the year, and in the garden it is probably the busiest with so much digging, planting and weeding to do.

As I work I am very much entertained by my resident sparrows as May is one of their busiest months too.

House sparrows are very social birds. Everything they do, they do together feeding, cheeping, bathing, preening, squabbling and, in May particularly, nesting. I popped out to do a quick count while I was writing this and reckon on our home we may have as many as ten nests between the boards of the wooden cladding and in the nestboxes. Although they all nest close to each other, they are territorial and the male will defend his territory of the small area around the hole vigorously.

Once the sparrows are happy with their scruffy nests of grass, straw, stolen garden twine, feathers and dog hair, the female will lay three or four eggs. The parents will take turns incubating the eggs and then once

hatched, the frenzy of feeding the tiny gaping beaks begins.

It’s always obvious to me when the chicks have started hatching as suddenly the sparrows become expert flycatchers. They are hardly the most agile of birds in the air, nothing like as adept as a swallow, but fortunately

May sees the emergence from our pond and the local waterways of huge numbers of the appropriately named insects, the mayflies. Seen up close, mayflies are beautiful insects with delicate lace-like wings,

very short antennae and three very long fine tail bristles.

Having the scientific name Ephemera, meaning shortlived, some mayflies will display, breed and die within hours of emergence, and they have long been recorded in art and literature to represent fleeting life. For the

sparrows the mayfly’s slow, vertical, almost bouncy flight means it just takes a quick leap and swoop off the top of the hedge to catch one of these protein-packed morsels.

The deliveries to the nests of mayflies and other bugs are constant and before the end of the month the first brood will have left the nest.

I love to see the fledgling sparrows in the garden, small and fluffy with yellow beak flanges and constantly begging food from their parents by fluttering their wings and opening their beaks wide. There’s no rest for the parents once the young sparrows become independent though, as most years the sparrows will have a second and even third brood over the summer.

we can eat more than fish, seaweed and cabbage...

Despite there being only a couple of hundred AMF species known worldwide (there are thousands of EF species) most mycorrhizal relationships are of this type. Only a small number of plants (perhaps ten per cent) do without any mycorrhizal relationship, the most notable of which are stinging nettles and members of the cabbage family. While EF produce mushrooms or other fungal fruiting bodies, AMF fungi remain permanently out of view, with

no fruiting body at all. They do, nevertheless, produce spores. These are sometimes very large indeed (for a spore), reaching nearly a millimetre in diameter in some species – one hundred time the diameter of a typical spore.

This is no doubt due to them containing very many nuclei, not just one as is usual with fungi. With no fruiting body to distribute the spores and living entirely underground, one might wonder how

they spread. Earthworms and other denizens of the soil will distribute them, and sometimes the spores will accumulate on the soil surface and be carried far away on the feet of birds and other animals.

We must hope that mycorrhizal fungi live long and prosper, because, among all the other the other problems that would ensue from their demise, we would be left with a diet of fish, seaweed and cabbage.

FAMILY BUSINESS: Male and female sparrows feeding their young with tasty morsels of mayflies

Down to earth

KIM

BERLIN – A newcomer to the Rock

Grass is ‘riz’, as old folk may say...

‘The spring has sprung, the grass is riz…’ as the old nonsense rhyme goes, and this spring my heart is especially filled with hope as I have begun to plant a new garden. To tell the truth, it began just over a year ago when contractors moved in on a derelict piece of land near my cottage, that I had long had my eye on, to cut back the sprawling brambles that covered it and erect a wooden fence to separate it from the equally untended plot next to it.

What was going on, I enquired? ‘Don’t know, just clearing it for the owners’ was the reply. He didn’t know who the owners were. A few weeks went by. It began to green over with weeds and then a flush of beautiful primroses, that had been invisible before, emerged shouting at the weak spring sunshine. Daily I trudged past, sure that someone was poised to move in on the land to do something wonderful with it –the thing that I wanted to do, start a garden. But nothing happened…

A social conversation then brought about a rather wonderful happenstance. I found out who the owners were, and I knew them. I just didn’t know that they owned this plot of land! They had no plans for it, they were just clearing it. What was my interest? When I explained, they loved the idea. An exceptionally generous rent (from my point of view) was agreed, a tenancy agreement drawn up, and the garden could begin to take shape.

BLOOMING GREAT: The spoils from Kim Berlin’s adopted garden

At 107’ long by 25’ wide it is a good-sized area, particularly for Portland where many gardens are small. Bounded by 200-year-old drystone walls to the east and west it is on the south facing slope looking towards the Bill and has sun all day long. The soil has long been cultivated, having been the garden of a cottage that was bombed in World War II and never replaced, so the topsoil is a rich dark loam perfect for planting. And there was another unexpected benefit. On top of the slab of limestone that is the bulk of Portland there are occasional patches of clay, an acid subsoil that counters the alkalinity of the limestone beneath. This is one such patch and a pH test revealed a perfect neutral 7. Readers may remember that I am an advocate of no-dig gardening, so to counter the rapidly encroaching weed growth I covered the plot with

cardboard, laid out beds of peat free compost, mulched the paths with woodchip from a tree surgeon friend and waited. Few weeds struggled through the cardboard mulch, it did its job admirably, saving me a colossal amount of work. Although no-dig can be planted immediately, I decided to wait until the autumn before planting. The bramble roots were still in the soil as were alexanders that have a tap root that goes down miles, so I decided to wait and only deal with those things that made it through. Not much did, and of those that did,

they were severely weakened and easy to deal with. Last autumn I covered the areas laid out as beds with compost and planted straight into them. I am nowhere near planting the whole plot yet, but already we have had a colourful harvest of tulips, stocks and wallflowers with the sweet williams soon to follow.

In the last edition of the West of Dorset Magazine I told the story of the Portland group of roses. This garden will be themed around my collection of Portland roses but will include many shrubs and perennials. A local friend, Ryan, is keeping bees at the far end of the garden so I’m hoping that the bees and my plants will live together in perfect symbiosis, returning this land to its intended purpose as an island cottage garden.

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Many geocaches along this pretty perambulation

BOTHENHAMPTON WALKING IN DORSET

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Start at Walditch, which is within the parish of Bothenhampton, parking near the church, which is worth a visit. Then make your way a short distance west to visit the real (indoor) tennis court. On my visit I was invited inside to take a picture and join for a game.

Walk back a little way and then head south up a very steep hill through Access Land, joining a track leading east south east at the top.

Then head west along the ridge for half a mile to join a footpath heading south then west, then south again down hollow ways to Bothenhampton village.

Head east to visit the remains of Holy Trinity Church, then join Long Lane

that takes you east for half a mile to the parish boundary, giving good views.

When you get to the boundary turn back and return to the village going along the road as far as the new (1890) church.

Turn right and wend your way north along roads through housing for about half a mile, turning right, eastwards, through Jellyfields Nature

Reserve. Then rejoin the road, which becomes very sunken. It curves round to the right, crossing a stream and heads south eastwards to a junction where you turn right and head south westwards back to your car. You’ll have walked about five miles and possibly found several geocaches.

Business

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.

In 1545 King Henry VIII watched in horror as his majestic warship, the Mary Rose, sank in the Solent. She took with her several hundred Tudor sailors, and even more Tudor sausages. That’s the story told by Richard Balson, a butcher in Bridport. He should know, because his family were making and selling sausages at least 30 years before the ship went down.

Richard runs RJ Balson and Son: Butchers in West Dorset since 1515. At 509 years old, his is the oldest family business in Britain. It’s one of only 13 British firms to have been managed for over 300 years by the same family. Walk into the ‘new’ Balson’s shop in Bridport and you’re immediately served with slices of the firm’s history. Sepia photos of Balson’s historic delivery vehicles – horse and cart, motorbike and sidecar – and a butcher’s bill from 1897. Despite growing up with a sense of the business being old, Richard didn’t always know when Balsons began as butchers. That changed in the 1980s when a local

Butchers pleased to meat you since Henry VIII’s era

1515 emerged on a visit to Dorset History Centre, as part of filming for Hidden Histories: Britain’s Oldest Family Businesses (2014). The evidence is in the form of leases for stalls in Bridport’s meat market. A butcher named Robert was the first in a long line of Balsons with a stall in the town’s Wednesday and Saturday markets. Twice a week animals were herded to the meat market, or shambles, in the centre of town. The only

way to ensure meat was fresh was to keep it alive, so animals were killed on the spot, just in time to sell. Sausages were made there and then, to ensure nothing was wasted. The shambles were demolished in 1786 and a new town hall built on almost the same spot. The Balsons, and nearly 30 other butchers, continued their trade in the arcade beneath the new building. There’s still a butcher’s shop on the site today.

A small market stall wasn’t enough for the ambitious Balsons. They needed premises to sell meat six days a week, not just on market days. After a few years running a pub, and selling meat alongside, they opened their ‘old’ shop. That was in 1887, about the time that commercial refrigeration was becoming more common.

A few years later, in 1892, the family bought the building next door to their leased premises. It’s here, in their ‘new’ shop at 9 West Allington, that I met Richard. He’s a 25th generation small business owner and butcher, and he’s confident of passing it on to future Balsons. Richard loves talking about the history of his business. Go into his shop and ask about it. He raises money for charity by telling the fascinating story of the Balsons to local groups, such as the Women’s Institute and Young Farmers. You can get in touch with him through his website. As for those sausages that went down with the Mary Rose? Ask Richard how he knows, and he’ll reply: ‘How do you know they didn’t?’

n 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.

NOW AND THEN: Balsons today and, below, early in the 1900s. Inset below: Richard Balson

Sales assistant/office administrator

County Town Fencing & Landscape Centre is a family run fencing and landscaping supplies business and we are looking for a sales assistant/ office administrator to join our small team and to help with the daily running of the business. About the role: As a small family run business, we pride ourselves on customer service, therefore an enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful manner is required. You will be the first point of call to customers, assisting them face to face at our trade counter or over the telephone. You will be required to take orders and advise/quote on products,

take payments and schedule deliveries. There will also be a variety of administrative tasks to include data inputting and purchase processing/stock control.

Duties/Responsibilities:

n Greeting and assisting customers.

n Taking customers’ orders by phone, email and face to face.

n Raising customer sales orders through to invoices.

n Processing online orders.

n Data inputting to include raising supplier purchase orders, entering stock and processing supplier invoices.

n Record keeping and entering data into Excel

n Filing and any other ad

hoc clerical tasks as required. The ideal applicant will have the following:

n A friendly and approachable demeanour along with exceptional customers service skills (by phone and face to face)

n A team player with the ability to work as part of a team and independently if required.

n A good sense of humour.

n The ability to work under pressure during busy times.

n Able to multi-task and prioritise various tasks according to importance and deadlines.

n Good IT skills with basic knowledge of Word, Outlook

and Excel required. Sage experience would be an advantage.

n Previous experience in a similar trade counter role or within landscaping/fencing would also be advantage but not essential. The position is full time – Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm with alternate Saturdays (8am-12pm between March and October)

A competitive and attractive package for the right candidate. Salary between £24,000-£25,500 dependent on experience.

If you are interested in the above position, please forward a CV to accounts@ctagg.co.uk

Help at hand to navigate court fees rise

Lisa Pharaoh is a solicitor and registered mediator with the Civil Mediation Council. Contact her on 01305 819696 or at info@pharaohlaw.co.uk

As the proposed increase in family court fees looms, individuals navigating the legal intricacies of divorce, child arrangements, and financial proceedings are poised to face new financial considerations. At Pharaoh Law, we recognise the potential stress and additional cost concerns that this increase can bring, but whilst the court fees are being raised, our rates and fees will not be rising to match this.

Transparency is integral for us and we want to ensure that all who may be considering legal action within the family court feel informed and in safe hands throughout the whole process. But why are court fees increasing?

The family court system serves as a cornerstone of justice, ensuring equitable resolution for families across England and Wales. However, sustaining this vital service has recently presented a challenge. Inflationary pressures have exacerbated operating costs, calling

for a careful balance between affordability and ensuring enough funding.

The proposed 10% fee increase seeks to alleviate strains on the system while preserving accessibility for those in need.

In April 2024, the court fee cost of initiating divorce proceedings rose from £593 to £652. For those pursuing Child Arrangements Orders, the previous application fee of £232 rose to £255 on May 1.

It’s important to note that additional expenses, such as mediation costs, may also factor into the equation, although the government scheme offering the first £500 mediation cover is expected to continue. Securing approval for a consent order, which formalises financial agreements between ex-partners, typically involves a £53 court fee. This fee structure may see an uptick to £58 in line with the proposed

adjustments. Applying for a financial remedy order within divorce proceedings currently incurs a fee of £275, which could climb to £303 post-implementation.

Individuals embarking on multiple court proceedings within the same divorce case should be prepared for separate fee assessments.

In the face of evolving fee structures and legal complexities, the guidance of experienced family law solicitors proves invaluable.

By offering clarity on fee breakdowns and advocating for amicable resolutions whenever feasible, we can help you to navigate family law proceedings with confidence.

Contact us today to talk our family law solicitor and feel informed, in control and empowered.

Constituency

West Dorset MP Chris Loder

Thanks to all the long-serving councillors

Congratulations to all our new and reelected councillors across West Dorset. I’d like to pay tribute to outgoing Dorset Councillors for all their work for the public good – often for many decades. Kelvin Clayton from Bridport. Molly Rennie, who has represented Dorchester for decades on either Dorset Council or its predecessors, Mark Roberts from Chesil Bank, who likewise has given years of service in the south, but particularly to Tony Alford and Mary Penfold – both of whom have retired after many, many years. Most of these people I served with on West Dorset District Council 10 years ago. I first received a Contribution to the Community award from Mary when she was chairman 25 years ago – when I was parish clerk for Bishops Caundle! And Tony was not only council leader previously, but he also spearheaded the waste reforms which today have meant that we have the best council in the country for recycling. Congratulations too to David

Politics

Sidwick, who was re-elected as the police and crime commissioner. I welcomed both the business secretary Kemi Badenoch and the environment secretary Steve Barclay to West Dorset. At a meeting with the Dorchester Business Chamber at Kingston Maurward College small business owners asked her about a range of topics, including red tape and investment in rural areas. With 97% of businesses in West Dorset small or micro-sized, it’s critical small business owners are listened to.

The environment secretary took questions from Melplash and Dorchester agricultural societies, an excellent opportunity for farmers, agricultural workers and students. The environment secretary also expressed his support for rural campaigns I have been advancing, including the animal welfare, paying farmers a fair price and clear food labelling.

The Somerset NHS provides care to a significant number of West Dorset constituents who are towards the north of the

county – whether that be at Yeovil, Crewkerne, Chard or Musgrove (Taunton) Hospitals. Somerset NHS plans to remove the Hyper Acute Stroke Care Facility from Yeovil Hospital. I shall be scrutinising this decision in a lot of detail. If you have any observations about this, please let me know. Major defence spending commitments were announced including the plan to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 – currently it is at 2%. I don’t just back the Prime Minister’s announcement, I have actively encouraged it, especially given the situation we face with our national and international security, which is increasingly coming under threat from conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. I’m also pleased that in West Dorset and the local area, we are contributing to the defence of our country, with Leonardo in Yeovil nearby and of course RNAS Yeovilton.

To contact me about any of the above, or have an issue or concern, please do email me at: hello@chrisloder.co.uk

Future’s never been brighter for West Dorset

I hope by now you will have heard the fantastic results of the local election and the joyful news that the Liberal Democrats now run Dorset Council.

It is a seismic event. In 2019 the Conservatives won 43 seats out of 82, with the Liberal Democrats on 29. In 2024 we overturned that majority, winning a massive 13 additional seats, and coming within a whisker in dozens more.

It has been a long campaign and candidates have been out talking to residents night and day, spreading the word about our vision for a brighter future for Dorset. Now the hard work really begins as we have to deliver

By EDWARD MORELLO West Dorset LibDems

on the policies outlined in our manifesto for Dorset. We have pledged to be more collaborative than the previous administration, we will involve other parties and ensure all voices are heard that share our passion for improving the lives of residents. No one individual or party has a monopoly on good ideas and we will work with those who believe that politics should be about public service not personal benefit, that we should be bringing people together not sowing division.

What struck me during the local election campaign was the support for change from all parts of our community. Life-long Conservatives angry at a Parliamentary party that has betrayed their values, Labour and Green supporters who voted tactically because they believed the Lib Dems were best placed to deliver the change they craved, people who had never voted before but were driven to the polling station by a sense of frustration at the status quo. Attention will invariably turn to the next big event, the General Election, which must be held at some point this year. As we did during this local election campaign the

Liberal Democrats will campaign on a platform of hope for a brighter future. We pledge to rebuild the NHS so people can once again see a GP quickly or get an NHS dentist appointment, prevent the water companies from emptying raw sewage into our rivers and beaches, provide proper support for our farmers and stop the policy of sacrificing domestic food production for trade deals, improve funding for education especially SEND support. As the sun rises on a Liberal Democrat-run Dorset Council, and weather improves with the first hints of summer, the future for West Dorset has never been brighter.

Election showed Dorset’s desire for change

Speaking personally, the most significant result of our local elections was that I lost my Dorset Council seat to the LibDems – by just 25 votes. This despite my share of the vote increasing by 1.7%. This also resulted in the Greens Group on the council being reduced to just four councillors. What was particularly frustrating about these results for the Dorset Green Party was that they were against the national trend. Across the country Greens increased our number of councillors by 69%, whilst the Lib Dems only managed 25%. For me, the question that needs asking is why? Well, there was no doubt that, as the Conservative former leader of Dorset

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

Council, Spencer Flower, said: “The whole election was skewed because of the national situation and people deciding they wanted change.”

This desire for change was fully utilised by the local LibDems, who managed to convince most residents of West Dorset that to get rid of the Tories they needed to vote for them – that only they could win. With regards to Bridport, the ward in which I was standing, and the ward in which I was already a councillor, this was grossly misleading – there were no Tories to beat. Oh well, that’s politics as they say!

On the positive side, these results mean that the Conservatives have lost control of Dorset Council. The Lib Dems now have a slender overall majority. How well they perform we wait to see. And whilst I will not be in a position to monitor their performance from inside the council, I will be watching what they do very closely from the outside. A particular area of focus for me will be whether they bring about what they campaigned for from within the council –the ending the single party cabinet system of governance and a return to one where all decisions are made by cross party committees. For a party that supports proportional representation this is the

least I expect from them. Whilst I’m very disappointed to have lost my seat on Dorset Council, I would have been absolutely gutted to have lost it on Bridport Town Council as well.

Fortunately this was not the case. And of course I’m still the Green Party prospective parliamentary candidate for West Dorset. I’m very much looking forward to the General Election – an event which, in light of the local election results, could happen at any time. In particular I am looking forward to the hustings – to being invited, along with the other candidates, to answer your questions at public meetings.

The message is clear: Tories’ time is up

Congratulations to our two longstanding Labour councillors Paul Kimber and Kate Wheller, who were returned for another term to Dorset Council.

It’s good to see that we also have Labour councillors on town and parish councils in Bridport, Weymouth, Portland, and Swanage. Disappointing to see that Dorchester Town Council remains mostly under one party control apart from one new Green member – well done Ms Farmer! And two “independents” helped by the controlling Lib Dem party not fielding a full set of candidates in those wards. In the lead-up to the local elections I, like other candidates, have been out

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

knocking on doors talking to voters. You can learn where your support lies and who is likely to vote for you but also about the issues that concern residents locally and nationally.

On the local level there can even be problems specific to just one street as I found out one afternoon in Dorchester, where rats had become a nuisance – possibly disturbed by construction work.

There was a time when the council would deal with pest control but not any more. Local councils’ spending power, funded by the

government, fell in real terms by more than 50% between 2010 and 2021. The effects of this can be seen in a reduction of services such as bus route subsidies, streetlights and community health services. The Liberal Democrats are now in control of Dorset Council and I wish them well, but there will not be much opportunity for improvement until we have a change of government in Westminster. Let’s have that general election sooner rather than later.

Thankfully most people on the doorstep are polite and pleased to see a candidate take the time to contact them. I think the biggest enemy of democracy is

apathy and cynicism. Voter turnout this time was about 35%, which means most people did not vote. Perhaps we have been subjected to so many negative impacts in recent history: Brexit, pandemic, the effects of wars in other countries, cost of living crisis, loss of trust in politicians, our struggling NHS, that people have lost hope. On the doorsteps there certainly was a good deal of anger and frustration at the appalling record of the current government. It’s no surprise then that these are the worst results for the Tories in many years and the message for them is clear –your time is up!

Discover Farming at educational open event

Discover Farming, Melplash Agricultural Society’s education programme, is collaborating with Marshwood Vale Farmers Cluster for the free Open Farm Sunday on Sunday, June 9.

The event is at the Syndicate Grain Dryer on the site of Buglers Farm Machinery in Beaminster where visitors will see firsthand how wheat is grown, harvested and stored before being transported for flour mills and made into bread,

biscuits or cakes. Trailer rides to Knowle Farm Dairy will give guests the chance to see the cows and learn about the crops and what environmental measures are being taken in order to combine food to feed the nation with

environmentally friendly farming. As the base will be at Buglers, there will be a range of farm machinery to investigate and climb over. For more information visit discoverfarming.co.uk and on social media.

Dorset wildlife plan gets share of £20m

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Making Space for Nature project is one of 20 conservation projects across the UK which will each receive a share of the government’s £25 million Species Survival Fund. The money will be used to create and revitalise over 500 hectares of habitats including woodlands and ponds across 18 sites in

Dorset, including Lyscombe, Brownsea Island Lagoon, recently acquired meadow land at Kingcombe National Nature Reserve and near West Holme.

Andrew Pollard, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s director of conservation said: “Nearly 400 hectares of this land has little or no wildlife interest currently and so when it is restored, it will help form

new nature recovery through the county.

“The funding will enable us to develop our land management services through which we advise and support neighbouring farmers and landowners with the aim of helping nature to recover, not just on our nature reserves but across the whole landscape.”

The project create four full-

time jobs, plus two traineeship opportunities.

Chief Executive, Brian Bleese, Dorset Wildlife Trust chief executive said: “These are great career opportunities for people that share our passion and dedication for creating a wilder Dorset; we would like to hear from people who want to make a difference for nature and the environment.”

New hedge project launched PROOFREADING,

A new hedgerows project has been launched by the Lyme Regis-based environmental education organisation Little Green Change, and Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN), as part of Dorset CAN’s Great Big Dorset Hedge project. Funded by Lyme Regis Town Council, there will be community hedgerow surveying sessions and class resources being made available to local schools and groups.

Little Green Change’s Founder and Director, Clare Matheson said: “Not only is it a great opportunity to teach younger generations and local residents about the benefits hedgerows bring to wildlife, climate change,

flood prevention and improved air quality, but it also provides opportunities for interested children, students and adults to gain new surveying skills, and to meet new people through volunteering.”

Some of England’s hedgerows date back to medieval times, yet many have been lost over the last century. A countryside survey revealed there were 511,000km of managed hedgerows in 1984. By 2007, around 109,000km of these had been lost.

n For details visit littlegreenchange.com/ hedgerows

Community hedgerow surveying sessions are: Tuesday, May 14 1.30pm2.30pm. Wednesday, May 29, 10am-11am.

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