The West Dorset Magazine, Edition 34, November 2023

Edition 34

of

November 2023

Monthly, PRICELESS

The West Dorset Magazine

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Miranda Robertson Editor

Karen Bate News Editor

miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Stuart Wickham Sports editor

Laura McManus Advertising sales director

stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

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

Nick Horton Chief Sub

Dan Goater Reporter

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Lyndon Wall Cartoonist

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Contents:

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

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Plans for lodge are delayed Plans to create homes on the once-grand Cattistock Lodge site have been delayed by new guidance on ‘nutrient neutrality’ from Natural England.

The guidance, which aims to tackle development proposals that ‘have the potential to affect water quality, resulting in adverse nutrient impacts on internationally protected habitats’, is still in discussion – there is not yet a firm policy setting out any ‘rules’.

But it is thought the estate, which once had numerous buildings and fine gardens, but has been left to rot, is too close to the river to avoid affecting nutrient neutrality.

People’s imaginations have been ignited by the romantic notion of the imposing lodge, once immaculately kept, being lived in as it collapsed around the ears of its spinster owner, Peggy Soulsby.

Peggy’s parents kept the lodge and environs in good condition, however a series of events caused Peggy to stop maintaining it. In recent years ‘urban explorers’ on YouTube have uploaded videos of broken staircases, collapsed floors and walls, piles of paperwork and a rotting Jag in what was the garage. Peggy lived there until at least 2011.

A few years ago the site was boarded up and a planning application for homes on the site was refused on ecology grounds.

A new application last year addressed these concerns – but then the nutrient neutrality advice derailed the plans, along with numerous others, while the council awaited the outcome of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which would clarify the policy.

Many applications are being held up until at least the end of January 2024 over the issue.

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Antique & collectable toys Praise be! Village FIRST CLASS: bought and sold The Uploders Methodist Chapel n Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Lego, Timpo... n Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kits n Early Action Man & Star Wars n Model railways

TOP PRICES PAID 01935 816072 07527 074343

and, right, villagers enjoy a get together with (L-R) Carol Hall, Richard Hall, Lois Gribble, Graham Wilson, The Reverend Jane Wilson, and Pauline Dyer

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The Greyhound Inn Sydling St Nicholas, DT2 9PD

Volunteers have stepped up to turn a rural Dorset chapel into their village’s ‘Other Public House’.

Since February, Uploders Methodist Chapel has been opening once a week for Post Office staff to offer counter services to locals.

But chapel volunteers and co-ordinators are now seeing the venue grow into more than just a part-time Post Office – it’s become a place where villagers regularly gather for a friendly chat over a cup of tea.

Volunteers are even hopeful that over time they could see the space used for art exhibitions and musical performances.

“It’s a little Methodist chapel that was built in 1827 to serve Loders and Uploders,” says steward Lois Gribble. “There were moves to close it in 2005 but myself and others resisted that. We said, ‘No, we’re here for the chapel and for the local community.’

“We managed to persuade people we could restore the chapel, which cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, but we did it.

“We call it the village’s ‘Other Public House’ because we have no shop and just one pub.”

Fellow volunteer Richard Hall said: “When we got the opportunity to host a Post Office we jumped at it. The Post Office at Crewkerne provides the equipment and personnel to run it. The nearest Post Office had been at the shop in Bradpole, but when that went people used to have to go to

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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adds tea and chat to chapel Post Office

Bridport instead. But the chapel is also run as somewhere people come for companionship – it’s not just a part-time Post Office.”

Richard said the Post Office/tea shop combination on offer in the chapel draws in dog walkers on a regular basis. But he added: “It’s been really well accepted by the community, but I don’t think word of it is getting out too well to the surrounding villages. Parking here is not incredibly easy but it’s still easier than in Bridport.

“We would love to tell people locally to stop by to do their business then stop for a cup of tea and chat afterwards.”

Summing up the ethos of all the chapel volunteers, Lois added: “We’re all about being useful for the community and to help people who want to use the space.

“The acoustics in there are brilliant – it would be the ideal place for a musical recital and great for an art exhibition.”

After visiting the chapel Post Office recently, West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: “It is evident from my visit how important this service is to the residents of Uploders and the surrounding areas; it is convenient, supports cash and card, and eliminates the need to travel far to access postal and banking services.

“I recently supported the installation of a new BT line into the chapel, which has demonstrably improved connectivity. I’m grateful to Teresa Smith of Beaminster Post Office for enabling the outreach at Uploders, and I’ll work with the Post Office to look at the feasibility of establishing other such services.” n The Post Office has changed its opening times to Wednesdays 1pm to 2.30pm.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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Weds, Nov 8 There’s a House History Project Meeting by Bridport Heritage Forum – a new project looking into the history

of the town’s houses, and the families who lived there, over the last two centuries.

The aim of the project is to discover and record the town's development, both social and

To all pub/club/organisation managers Boost your income & support your local Air Ambulance with a really good fun evening.

WUD LYE Three Dorset chaps of a certain age will present to your audience 14 weird 2 YEW and wonderful items. All they have to do is decide who is telling the truth...

Call Eric on no one has yet scored 14! Why not combine this with a regular meeting 01935 872690 or event?

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

economic, through the stories of ordinary families at home and at work. The meeting is taking place at Marsh Barn, Burton Rd Bridport at 2pm.

A meeting for updates on the research and to discuss any problems. Email Jane at jferentzi@aol.com Every Wednesday, baby and toddler group Precious Ones meets at Bridport Christian Fellowship Hall in King’s Square DT6 3QE, 9.30am11.30am. Creative craft, singing, stories and puppetry.

Voluntary donations.

Thurs, Nov 9 Bridport History Society is holding a talk entitled 80 Years Ago US 16th Infantry Regiment Arrived in West Dorset' by Jane Ferentzi-

Sheppard, Nick Pitt, Cheryl Ludgate, Robin Singleton and the West Bay Discovery Centre.

The talk will look at the places they stayed, where they went in town and the people they met during their stay in Bridport, West Bay and Walditch. The talk takes place at the United Church Hall, East, Bridport at 2.15pm for 2.30pm.

All welcome, visitors £4. For more information visit bridporthistorysociety.org.uk Chesil Bank Writing Shed meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm-9pm at Portesham Village Hall. From poetry to prose, fan fiction to literary fiction, and biography to travel guides. Whatever your writing style and genre come and share it. New writers always welcome. Find out more:

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

Entries are now being accepted for our forthcoming auctions.

GIGS IN NOVEMBER: Thurs 9th 7pm, CHRIS DAVIES. Sat 11th 7pm STEALING WHISKEY. Sun 12th 4pm HAMISH JEFFCOTT. Weds 15th 8pm JAZZ JAM. Fri 17th 7pm DEVIL’S PREFECTS. Sat 18th 7pm SPREX MAFIA. Sun 19th 4pm STACEY LOU. Sat 25th 7pm BURG & VAGABOND CHOIR. Sun 26th 4pm CARLEY VARLEY & 6pm BILLY BOY MISKIMMIN’S MERCY LOUNGE BAND. DECEMBER: Sat 2nd 7pm LEANNE JACKSON. Sun 3rd 5pm SHADY BEARD.

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

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

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

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Join the journey to

brilliant broadband writingshed.co.uk

Friday, Nov 10 Film Night: The Red Turtle.

Wyke Regis Memorial Hall.

7pm (doors open 6.30pm).

2016 Japanese animated fantasy drama. The film, which has no dialogue, tells the story of a man who becomes shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and meets a giant female red turtle. PG. Entry £5.50, includes glass of wine or soft drink. Reserve a seat at parishofwykeregis.org .uk/events or 07710 096174.

Saturday, Nov 11 Bridport and West Dorset Rambling Club is hosting a six-mile walk from Musbury.

For more information, please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/ visitors welcome.

The West Dorset Group of Somerset and Dorset Family History Society will meet at Loders Village Hall at 2pm for a talk on Dorset Bridges: Spanning the Ages, a Journey along the Rivers, Highways and Byways of Dorset by Bernard Paull. All welcome, members £1.50 and visitors £3.

For more information contact Jane on 01308 425710 or email: jferentzi@aol.com A Christmas craft and food fair is being held at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester today and tomorrow. Scores of stalls offering tantalising

festive fare. Adults £3, concs £2.50, U16 free.

The Salvation Army Band, Songsters & Timbrels are performing at St Nicholas' Church, Dorchester Road, Broadwey, DT3 5DN at 3pm (doors open at 2.30pm).

The proceeds will be split between SSAFA Dorset, the Armed Forces charity, & St. Nicholas Church Repair Fund.

Tickets on the door, or from Susana on 07944617553 or susanamalik@yahoo.com There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, DT2 0QL from 2pm – eyes down 2.30pm. Children’s games, raffle, tea and coffee.

An organ recital at 3pm at St Swithun's Church Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU will feature students taught by Richard Godfrey under the Salisbury Dioese Pipeup scheme, from beginners to Grade 8+. A programme of mostly short pieces, but including substantial works by JS Bach. Admission free with retiring collection.

Register your interest at

wessexinternet.com Dorchester

TRINITY

EVE N

Club

TS

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

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

Monday, Nov 13 The Dorset branch of the MS Society is holding its regular Bridport social evening at The Bull Hotel in Bridport 6.30pm-9pm.

If you have MS, care for someone with MS or would like to volunteer go along to

Continued page 8

01308 456933 dhtownsendeng@aol.com

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Nov 13 Ct’d their social on the second Monday of each month.

Chat, advice and hot drinks.

Play table tennis every Monday evening 7.15pm9.15pm in the lower gym at Beaminster School.

All levels of players are welcome. There is good parking at Tunnel Road entrance. £3.50 per session adults. £2 juniors. Email j.barnett.tabletennis@gmail.com

Tues, Nov 14 The Dorset branch of the MS Society’s Weymouth social evening is in the Lulworth block at Weymouth College 6.30pm-9pm.

Monthly social meetings on the second Tuesday for chat, advice and hot beverages.

Ann & Neil's Acoustic Night

is held at The Woodman, South Street, Bridport at 8pm.

Solos & duos play and sing folk, blues, country and all things rootsy in the round.

Material for all to join in with.

Free entry. Every second Tuesday. New performers and singers welcome or just listen and enjoy.

Beaminster Museum hosts a winter talk A Digger’s life in commercial and community archaeology by Chris Tripp at 2pm.

Chris shares insights on the sites, the people and the making a living from the past.

Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. Entry £5.

More information at beaminstermuseum.co.uk.

Weds, Nov 15 Adolf Hitler's Holiday Snaps – Luftwaffe Target

MAPPERTON CHRISTMAS FAIR 25TH & 26TH NOV 80 STALLS ~ LIVE BAND 7,&.(76 e Ȕ 8 Ũ6 )5(( ~ MAPPERTON.COM ~

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Reconnaissance is the intriguing title of local author Nigel Clark’s talk and presentation about his unique collection of German World War II reconnaissance pictures taken by the Luftwaffe at the Salt House, West Bay (DT6 4HB). Tickets from Bridport TIC 01308 424901 priced £5.

Booking essential.

Thurs, Nov 16 An illustrated talk – Surf & Turf – The birds of Peru’s coast and Andes at Bridport WI Hall, North Street at 2.30pm.

Mike is back with another fascinating talk with beautiful pictures. In support of Bridport Millennium Green. £5/members £4 to include tea and biscuits. Raffle. Details Sandra Brown 01308 423078.

Put on your sparkles and get ready for a fabulous evening at Abbey Farm in Abbotsbury.

Colmers Hill Fashion Boutique and From My Mother's Garden Boutique are hosting a sparkly fashion show and dinner in Cherries at Abbey Farm to help get you into the festive spirit!

Doors open 6pm, with a complimentary glass of sparkles on arrival. The show is taking place in the magnificent Medieval Tithe Barn which has recently been renovated. This will be followed by a fabulous dinner in Cherries next door to the barn.

The show will include a wide range of outfits from everyday comfortable and cosy through to full-on sparkles! Colmers Hill Fashion is based at Symondsbury Estate and is an award winning boutique stocking a variety of designer brands including Naya, Desigual, Joseph Ribkoff, Grizas, Marble, Red Button

Ct’d page 10

HUG CHRIS HUGE HRISTM TMAS AS FAIR AIR ALLS OF WITH 80 STALL GIF GIFTS AND GOODI GOODIES! S! Mapp pperton on Estate | DT DT8 3NR Saturday ay, Nove ovember 25, 25 12p 2pmm-8p 8pm & unday ay, Nove ovember 26, 26 10 10am-4 m-4pm Sun

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

LIVE MUSIC

BINGO

BT and Sky Sports

Sunday & Wednesday

WYKE WORKIES Darts l Pool l Skittles l Quiz Nights FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE TO HIRE

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

Nov 16 ct’d and many others. From My Mother's Garden is newly based at Abbey Farm Abbotsbury and is designed by Penny, the owner of Colmers Hill Fashion. Last year it won Brand of the Year at an industry awards in London and it has been nominated again this year. Honnor & Queens is also showcasing some of their amazing head pieces, tiaras, festival and alternative wedding headdresses.

Tickets cost £35 including a glass of Prosecco and dinner.

There is also a limited option for £10 which is show only including a glass of Prosecco on arrival. For information and booking, visit abbeyfarm abbotsbury.co.uk or email: events@cherriesdorset .co.uk The event forms one of an advent calendar of events taking place at Abbey Farm Abbotsbury in the build up to Christmas which also includes the Christmas Market on November 24 and 25.

The Bridport & District Gardening Club meets at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street Bridport, when Mike Burks will give a talk on Gardening for Climate Change.

His talk will consider the changing weather conditions and give different ideas about what plants to grow and how best to look after them.

This talk contains tips on how to get your garden in a robust state in order to cope with the challenges that climate change will pose. He will also talk about how the changing climate affects soil, plant choice, watering, feeding, lawns, pests and how gardening can help in the battle.

Non-members welcome for £2.

More information at bridportgardeningclub.co.uk

Friday, Nov 17 A fun quiz will be held at 6.30pm at St. Swithun's Church Hall Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. Tables up to 6 at £5 per person cash includes tea and cake, bring your own nibbles and drinks.

Book in advance on 07741 457505.

Saturday, Nov 18 Coffee morning. All Saints church, Wyke Regis. 10am to midday. All welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, Fairtrade, books, music and chat.

The Independent Sherborne Book, Map and Printed Ephemera Fair will run 9.30am-4pm at the Church Hall, Digby Road (opposite the Abbey), DT9 3NL. Good selection of local history publications (Somerset &

Dorset), also vintage Ordnance Survey Maps, Military History and other decorative pieces Flautist Nadia Divincenzo (a music scholar at Bournemouth University) will be giving a lunchtime concert 12.30pm1pm at St Peter’s Church Dorchester. Free, all welcome.

Do you or a friend or relative have poor sight? Dorset Blind Association are hosting a Low Vision Day at The Dorford Centre in Dorchester with Dorset County Hospital.

Speakers on various eye conditions as well as the emotional and practical impact of sight loss. Join DBA’s community support workers and NHS nurses for advice and information 10am-2pm. A range of low vision aids will be on display. Talks on macular conditions, cataracts, diabetic eye conditions, glaucoma, coping with the transition from sighted to visual impairment and more. Call 01202 712869 or find @dorsetblind on Facebook or Instagram.

Dorset Golf and Bowls Resort in Bere Regis, (BH20 7NT) is holding free trial sessions on Saturday, November 18 from 10am-2pm. All equipment provided. Free coffee.

A black tie fundraising ball will be held at the George Hotel and Spa at Wardon Hill (on the A37 between Dorch and Yeovil), 7pm-midnight.

The glittering bash, with great raffle, will raise money for the Friends of Maiden Newton Play Area, Maiden Newton Youth Football Club, Maiden Newton Childcare Provision, and Friends of Greenford School. Email friendsofmnpark@gmail.com for tickets.

There’s a Beaminster Singers concert at St Mary’s Church in

Beaminster at 7.30pm.

Allegri Miserere/Haydn Jugendmesse and Te Deum/Mozart Kyrie/Schubert Song of Miriam.

Soloists: Sopranos Augusta Herbert and Penelope Appleyard Music Director: Hilary Keenway, Organ and Piano Simon Carkson.

Tickets £15 for adults, children free beaminstersingers.org/ beaminstersingers@gmail.com The Accidentals will be in concert at 2.30pm and 7.30pm in The Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, DT9 6LG. There will be an entertaining mix of toe-tapping tunes, merriment and mischief performed by this versatile local group. Interval bar.

Tickets £10 (under 12s free) from Yetminster Spar shop and the Old School Gallery, or from ycp873@gmail.com A one-man (and one puppet) musical journey through a zombie uprising, combining live performance and animation will be held at The Lyric Theatre, Bridport at 7.30pm (doors and bar: 7pm).

Ridiculous, dark, sometimes gruesome, warm, funny and sad. Do zombies dream of undead sheep?

Even amongst the chaos and pain, there are moments of love and light… ticketsource.co.uk/ thewoodlouse Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club is holding an eight-mile walk from Bere Regis. Call 01308 898484/01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire are holding a Christmas Craft Fair 2.30pm-4.30pm at their centre in Poundbury. A great opportunity to get started on

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Email your events to

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newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

your Christmas shopping with unique and individual gifts.

Refreshments available. £1 entry fee for adults will go directly towards helping Relate deliver their wide range of services, from counselling to domestic abuse and supervised child contact.

Sunday, Nov 19 A folk workshop will be held at Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne DT9 3NL 1.30pm-4.30pm, £15 on the door or cheaper in advance at sherbornefolkband.org Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance. info@sherbornefolkband.org or Julia: 07527 508 277

An organ recital at 3pm at St Swithun's Church Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU will feature Alex Davies, musical director at Lyme Regis Parish Church, with music by Bach, Barstow and Mendlessohn.

Admission free with retiring collection.

Tuesday, Nov 21 Sherborne Historical Society will meet at 8pm to hear from Bill McNaught on Brunel – Father, Son & Grandson. An exploration of the lives of three generations of one of the greatest engineering families and their remarkable achievements. Digby Hall,

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

Weds, Nov 22 Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society is holding its AGM followed by a talk on The Art of Dishevelment by Charles Chesshire, international garden designer. Uplyme Village Hall DT7 3UY. Members free, nonmembers £3. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments, talk starts 7.30pm. ulrhs.wordpress.com Bridport Heritage Forum, House History Project meeting, Mountfield, Bridport, 7.15.

Update on the research and discussing any problems.

Contact Sheila at sheilannmeaney@ btinternet.com Wessex (Weymouth) Branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild will be holding a hands on demonstration of cupcake toppers with a Christmas theme with Lisa Tarr at St Ann’s Schoolroom, Radipole, Weymouth DT3 5HS at 7pm.

Visitors always welcome. £7 on the door (cup cakes included!) More details from mabissell@hotmail.com

Thursday, Nov 23 The South Dorset RSPB Group will hear a talk by Claire Platten on Work and Wildlife at Thorncombe Woods in the Quiet Space, Poundbury, at 7pm. £3 members and £4 visitors to include coffee and biscuits. All welcome.

Sladers Yard Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery in West Bay DT6 4EL will hear from former university lecturer turned eco-adventurer Kate

Ct’d next page

LIVE MUSIC THIS MONTH AT

WYKE WORKIES * Nov 9th KABOODLE * Nov 18th ORIGINALS * Nov 25th ICARUS * Dec 2nd CHILL * Dec 9th TOTAL MADNESS GREAT LIVE MUSIC FROM ALL ERAS

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

Dorchester

TRINITY Club

Bingo Weds, Sat, Sun Pool, darts & skittles Weddings & events

£5 toa year join!

dorchtrinityclub@gmail.com 01305 262671

A NIGHT OF

SPARKLES

The Mayor of Bridport is holding a quiz fundraiser at the youth and community centre in Gundry Lane, DT6 3RL, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. £5 pp, max six in team. Prize for best dressed table. Book at the TIC or on 01308 424901.

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FASHION SHOW & DINNER TICKETS £35 INC DINNER/£10 SHOW ONLY THURSDAY 16 NOV 2023 6.0OPM | CHERRIES, ABBEY FARM ABBOTSBURY, DT3 4JJ ABBEYFARMABBOTSBURY.CO.UK / EMAIL: INFO@CHERRIESDORSET.CO.UK

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Email your events to

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

November 23 Ct’d Rawles on Adventure in the Andes: The Life Cycle biodiversity bike ride at 7pm (Doors 6pm hot supper and bar available).

Tickets: £10 (concs and U21s £5). Proceeds to Dorset Wildlife Trust and the making of the Vicar of the Amazon film. Call 01308 459511.

Saturday, Nov 25 Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club will have a seven-mile walk from Abbotsbury. Call 01308 898484/01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Ambassadors Big Band will play at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church at 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 in advance from Pete 01305 812637 or on door £12.

There’s a Christmas craft fair in Sydling St Nicholas village hall from 10am-3pm. Free entry, tea, coffee and homemade cake.

Abbey Farm in Abbotsbury is holding a Christmas market 11am-4pm today and tomorrow, with music, specialist food and gifts. Free entry.

A Christmassy Mind Body Spirit Fayre will be held at Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA between 11am and 5pm. Entry £1.

The (NEW) Bridport and District Social Club, North Street, Bridport presents Silver Lining Band. 50s/60s rock and pop at 7pm. Free admission. Bar at club prices.

Upwey Ceramics – not to be confused with Upwey Potters – a talented group of artists working in a variety of mediums – are holding their

annual exhibition in Upwey Village Hall DT3 5GE (opposite the Wishing Well) between 10.30am and 4pm today and tomorrow. Ceramics, paintings, prints, textile art, dichroic glass, cards and more will be on show and for sale.

All welcome at a monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music marks 400 years since Thomas Weelkes’ death and includes his Hosanna to the son of David and Sixth Service, Byrd’s Preces & Responses and Bach’s ‘O Jesu Christ Meins Lebens Licht’. Free event, stay for a glass of wine after the service.

Mapperton House (DT8 3NR) is holding its everpopular and growing Christmas fair today from noon to 8pm and tomorrow 10am-4pm, with 80 stalls offering gifts, food, drink and more. There’s live music too.

Tickets £5, U12 free.

Mapperton.com

Sunday, Nov 26 Continuing from Saturday, Nov 25: Mapperton Christmas Fair Abbey Farm Christmas Fair Walk around Dorchester in the footsteps of royal surgeon and friend of the Elephant Man Frederick Treves from 11am1pm. Learn undiscovered facts and see some monuments. £5 cash on the day.

The Candles on St Catherine’s Hill, Abbotsbury, event will pay tribute to the saint.

Decorated bags are placed during the day in a circle on the hill and along the pathway leading to the Chapel. They are lit by LED candle bulbs and are left glowing all night to

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

New exhibition on West West Bay in the War is the new winter exhibition showcased at the West Bay Discovery Centre from Saturday, November 11 until June.

The pop-up exhibition features existing and new

research about life in West Bay in the period leading up to D-Day in June 1944 and includes the recollections of local people and GI’s based in West Bay, along with an insight of the coastal defences that were put in place to guard against any possible invasion.

Linked to exhibition is a talk on Wednesday, November 15 at the Salthouse, when Dorset author and historian

form an amazing spectacle all night.

The service either inside or outside St Catherine’s Chapel, will start at 3.45pm.

Everyone is invited to buy a lantern bag @ £2 from local shops or the Lantern Workshop at Strangways Hall on the day from midday till 3pm, there will also be a workshop for the candlebags at the Abbey Tithe Barn Christmas Sale on Saturday, November 25. Call Barbara Laurie at 01305 871532 (email thcbar1@gmail.com) for more details.

charity Hangers Heroes based in Weymouth (hangersheroes.co.uk) There will be a large variety of crafts from wooden toys, jewellery to cards and many more. Free parking & free entry. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester DT1 2HL will once again be filled with the glorious sounds of choral music from 3pm, as the Occasional Singers perform a programme of Advent part songs. Taking us from 1600 through to the present day, the songs and carols will range from contemplative to joyful.

Admission is free. There will be a retiring collection in aid of Mosaic a charity which supports local children who have been bereaved. Everyone welcome.

The Wessex Craft & Food market will be held at Westfield Arts College 10.30am-3pm, hosted by

Monday, Nov 27 Terrorism, how to prevent it! A talk by Alan Jenkins, formerly of the Merseyside and Dorset Police. Alan worked with the Special Branch on counterterrorism and at Scotland Yard for the 2012 Olympics. His talk will include coverage of the current threats. 2.30 pm in United Church Main Hall, East Street, Bridport. National Trust Golden Cap Association.

Mike Nicks 01308 459855.

Members £3, Visitors £5.

Tueday, Nov 28 Georgia Piggott will be sharing her experiences of researching a historical novel set in plagueridden 17th century Dorset, followed by a book signing at Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, DT8 3NB at 2pm. Entry £5. More information at beaminstermuseum.co.uk A Bridport U3A talk will be

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

13

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Bay in the war to launch Nigel Clarke will reveal how he assembled a unique archive of German World War Two reconnaissance pictures taken by the German air force (the Luftwaffe).

The photographs of Britain and Ireland were taken between 1936 and 1943 for target and intelligence purposes include Lyme Regis, West Bay and Bridport.

Nigel has published a book

Adolf Hitler’s Holiday Snaps that contains many of the images and will be available for sale at the talk.

held at the United Church Hall in East Street DT6 3LJ at 2pm for about an hour, followed by a Q&A and then refreshments.

Jonathan Thompson of Co-op Legal Services will talk on Protecting the Family Nest Egg. Practical advice on how to protect as much of your wealth as possible.

A charity fundraising raffle will be in aid of the Dorset County Hospital Charity – Emergency and Critical Care Appeal. With some great prizes a £100 Goulds gift card, a Goulds hamper, a freshly cut Christmas tree, and more!'

Three-course Christmas dinner available. Don't forget to book!

Weds, Nov 29

Friday, Dec 1

West Dorset Community Orchestra will play a Christmas Concert at St John’s Church, West Bay (DT6 4EN) at 7.30pm.

Guest conductor Rosalind Tarry, and Local Vocals directed by Lesley Whatley.

Music and carols. Admission free, retiring collection.

Refreshments.

The Friends of Greenhill Gardens (greenhillgardens.co.uk, 01305 768446) are holding a Christmas Cracker Quiz at 7.30pm at Preston Village Hall. Tickets £12 including light supper.

Be dressed for the festive season.

Thurs, Nov 30 Goulds Garden Centre in Preston is holding a Christmas late night shopping event from 5.30pm until 9pm Prepare for a delightful latenight shopping experience, where you’ll find a fabulous array of gifts, scrumptious food, and decorations to inspire your Christmas. Enjoy special offers, sweet treats, and triple points for reward customers.

n Admission to the talk is by tickets purchased in advance from Bridport Tourist Information Centre. The tickets costing £5 can be purchased online or in person. For information email info@westbay discoverycentre.org.uk

The Mummers will be performing at the Symondsbury Barn Christmas Fair today at 4.30pm, then the Hare & Hounds, Netherbury on Friday, December 8 at 6.30pm, then the White Horse, Litton Cheney on Saturday, December 9 at 7.30pm Also Please note – new venue for the traditional New Year’s Day performance: Loder’s Arms, 6.30pm.

Saturday, Dec 2 The Concert Before The Fair

featuring the Portland Coves will be at Wyke Village Hall at 7.30pm. Cash bar, raffle.

Proceeds shared with Wyke Church. Tickets £7.50 from 07966 439161 or parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events University Music Chamber Choir (formed from singers from Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth) will be providing the music for an Advent carol service at 4.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The service will include hymns and choral music by Britten, Howells, Weir, Farrington, Tavener and MacMillan. Glass of wine after the service.

One Voice Choir is performing Nutcracker Jingles – a delightful medley of beloved Christmas classics and

Continued next page

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Sat, Dec 2 ct’d festive tunes, at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church (32 Melcombe Avenue) at 7pm.

Tickets are £10 including refreshments (U16 free) from John Ellis on 07779 772264 or cash on the door.

A Charity Christmas Fair

CALENDARS £10 AVAILABLE NOW!

and Coffee Morning will be held at Martinstown Village Hall (DT2 9JU) 10am-noon, with craft, gift & Christmas stalls, bric-a-brac, games, tombola, a cake stall and refreshments.

A festive coffee morning will be held at Loders village hall from 10am-noon. Tea, coffee, cake, Christmas wreaths, cards and a raffle.

Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market will feature antiques, arts, crafts, food & more. Cafe, free entry, parking and toilets. New Digby Hall, next to the library DT9 3AA. The Portland Coves, Dorset’s favourite folk tunes band, will be playing at the Wyke Mission Hall, Weymouth.

Doors open 7pm for a 7.30 start. Tickets £7.50 on the door to include a complimentary

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Hilarious take on Scrooge An alternative take on the Christmas Carol is coming to Dorset later this month.

Bristol theatre company Living Spit are bringing their mean-spirited version of the classic Dickens tale to Chetnole Village Hall on November 27.

Stu Mcloughlin portrays hard-hearted Ebenezeer Scrooge in this hilariously tender, idiotic and musical adaptation.

For tickets call 01935 873555 or visit artsreach.co.uk glass of wine. Contact Rick Potter on 07479 532159.

A fundraising coffee morning will be held at Bridport WI hall, North Street, Bridport, DT6 3JH, 10am-noon by the National Coastwatch Institution, Lyme Bay. All are welcome for coffee, tea and cake, and cakes, preserves sweets, DVDs, books will be available to purchase.

Airports

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Art in Poundbury’s Sea of Talent: The Winter Exhibition starts today at The Jubilee Hall, off Queen Mother Square, DT1 3BW until December 10.

A veritable feast of art in all its guises. Paintings to prints, paper mache to pottery, wood to wire, ceramics to cards and everything in between.

Open daily 10am-4pm. Meet the artists sessions daily. Full details at artinpoundbury.co.uk

Ports

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15

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

West Stafford Village Hall (DT2 8AG) will host a Christmas Artisan Market 9.30am-12.30pm. Local crafts and produce, raffle, tombola, breakfast rolls, teas and cakes.

Free parking and entry.

Tuesday, Dec 5 There’s a members' Christmas Evening for Sherborne Historical Society at 8pm, with a talk by Prof David Carpenter on Henry III: how can we know the personality of a medieval king? This talk shows how unique source material enables us to come very close to the character of the king who, among other achievements, built Westminster Abbey.

Digby Hall, Hound Street.

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

Weds, Dec 6 Bridport United Church’s

popular Christmas Tree festival kicks off today until December 17, open 11am-4pm Mon-Sat and 2pm-4pm Sun. There’s an opening service the day before (Tues 5th) at 7pm, folk carols at 7pm on the 8th, a toy service at 10.30am on the 10th and a carol service at 4pm on the 17th.

Friday, Dec 8 A drop in cafe is held for people with dementia and their carers at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church on the first Friday of every month 2pm4pm. Cost £2 per person. Come and enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake, music and activities. More info from Esme 01305 812637

TICKETS at your

local m

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West Stafford Village Hall present an Artsreach event 6.30pm – Forest Forge and

and explore the Isle of Purbeck by train

Continued page 17

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Friday, Dec 8 ct’d Bumblefly Theatre – The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, a swashbuckling tale of derring-do and ridiculousness fresh from the travelling players’ suitcase. Contact Jacquie.walton@outlook.com for tickets.

The Friends of Holnest Church are hosting an evening of music and readings by the Stanchester Quire. Seasonal refreshments will be served.

Starting at 7pm at the church, DT9 5PU. Free admission, donations welcome. Contact Graham on 01963 210632 for booking as we have limited seating for this event.

Dean Carter Live: Out Of The Loop album/CD launch

17

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

7.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne DT9 3NL. Entry by donation to British Red Cross Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal. Dean will be premiering songs from the new songs with words album Out Of The Loop and tracks from the acclaimed instrumental Songs Without Words albums.

‘A refuge for the soul in a world overwhelmed by words and noise, providing solace, healing, and space for personal reflection…a transformative musical odyssey’.– Indie Suburban

information please ring 01308 898484/01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

refreshments (U16 free) from John Ellis on 07779 772264 or cash on the door.

There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall (DT2 0QL) from 2pm – eyes down 2.30pm. Children’s games, raffle, tea and coffee.

Film night: Merry Christmas.

Wyke Regis Memorial Hall.

7pm (doors open 6.30pm).

2005 war drama film based on the Christmas truce of 1914.

Against all the odds, four unlikely individuals from opposing sides bond during this bloodless respite. Cert 12.

Entry £5.50, includes glass of wine or soft drink. Book at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events or on 07710 096174.

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

Tickets are £10 including

Saturday, Dec 9

Medway Farm

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

free range bronze turkeys Delicious, corn-fed. Ready for the Christmas table.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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A Weymouth writer is offering up the chance for groups to entertain themselves with ‘mini pantos’ requiring no rehearsals or stage experience.

Iain Campbell’s 15-25-minute pantos have been performed in pubs, care homes and village halls – sometimes raising money for a cause, but always raising a laugh among friends and colleagues.

He said: “I thought a much shorter, but funny version of traditional pantomimes could work. During lockdown I

wrote 'The Lockdown Panto' – no stage performances were allowed but folk Zoomed it to their various clubs, groups or families. I sent it free to whoever asked for it in the expectation that they would raise monies for the NHS or other charities. Hundreds were sent all over the world!”

Cue cards are used by the performers who and stand to say a line or two then sit again. Each panto is £24.99 from minipantos.com or ring 01305 768446 or email: iaincampbellgo@yahoo.co.uk

New mystery novel released Dorchester author Eliza Merry has published a new mystery novel.

The Lost Children of Fulhurst tells the story of how ten-yearold Tom Lulham becomes involved in a terrifying adventure, linked to an unresolved disaster concerning children several centuries ago.

Trying to make sense of these mystifying and frightening experiences, Tom and his sister uncover the truth behind the tragedy, which has left a long and sinister shadow and

still threatens the children of today.

Eliza is an arts and literature lecturer, poet and prose author. Her first book, Thoughts of the Muses, was published last year.

Her new novel is published by Pegasus Publishers and is available now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, STAFF AND VISITORS! From everyone at Kingston Maurward

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A Portland town councillor is ‘reluctantly’ taking Dorset Council to court after a judge ruled it was the authority’s responsibility to ensure the Bibby Stockholm barge had the correct planning permission.

Island mayor Carralyn Parkes, who is bringing the action as a private citizen, tried to take the Home Office to court over its decision to house 500 asylum seekers aboard the vessel, which was built to take 200 residents. However, in October Mr Justice Holgate ruled that the Home Secretary was not the correct target for the claim say her lawyers: ‘seemingly putting responsibility for planning objections solely on local

CONTROVERSIAL: The Bibby Stockholm in Portland Port and, inset below, island mayor Carralyn Parkes

Council faces new legal action over Bibby Stockholm authorities’. A spokesman for Carralyn’s legal team said: “Following the court’s decision, our client has therefore been left with no option but to issue a claim against Dorset Council for their ongoing failure to take enforcement action in respect of the Bibby Stockholm, which she believes is part of

their jurisdiction. Establishing that the local authority has jurisdiction over the barge would allow the nature of the plans to be properly examined and would ensure that relevant regulations are complied with.

This is therefore a significant and important planning case with wider implications for the powers of local

authorities.”

Carralyn said: “I have been really reluctant to take my local authority to court.

Although I am acting as a private individual, as an elected town councillor I recognise the difficult position that the Home Secretary has put Dorset Council in.

“However, I also strongly disagree with Dorset Council’s ongoing determination that it does not have jurisdiction over the Bibby Stockholm barge.

“I feel very strongly the decision to accommodate people in this way in Portland has been imposed upon us as the local community, without any consultation, without proper processes being followed, and without local people having the opportunity to raise concerns and objections.

“I believe that in the 21st century the Bibby Stockholm is a wholly unsuitable place to house asylum seekers and I am very concerned about the risks to the vulnerable people who will shortly again be accommodated on the barge.”

An initial attempt to place asylum seekers on board in August ended in farce after

Authority is ‘disappointed’ by court challenge In a statement Dorset Council said it “is very disappointed at Ms Parkes’ decision to issue judicial review proceedings claim against the council.

“Ms Parkes will be aware that, after much consideration and having taken advice from King’s Counsel, Dorset Council decided it was not appropriate to use public funds to actively pursue legal action against the Home Secretary regarding the siting of the Bibby Stockholm at Portland Port.

“The council continues to stand by the decision it made

in July this year that the Bibby Stockholm is outside its planning jurisdiction and so does not have planning enforcement powers.

“The arguments Ms Parkes is making to dispute this position are materially the same as the ones put before the High Court as part of her claim against the Home Secretary. Mr Justice Holgate found those unarguable. Ms Parkes is now attempting to reargue materially the same unarguable points, but replacing the Home Secretary with Dorset Council as the

Defendant. The council has already been required to incur legal costs by participating in Ms Parkes’ claim against the Home Secretary. Ms Parkes’ decision to pursue materially the same arguments against the council will simply force the council to incur further costs to taxpayers – funds which should be used for the people of Dorset.

“The council does not doubt that Ms Parkes is acting with good intentions and out of concern for those to be accommodated on the Bibby Stockholm. As publicly

stated, the council shares many of those concerns. Ms Parkes’ cause is not served, however, by pursuing points against the council which the court has already found to be unarguable.

“In his judgement on Wednesday this week Mr Justice Holgate invited Ms Parkes to undergo a process of “mature reflection” before issuing any fresh claim against the council. Just two days later, however, Ms Parkes has done just that. The council invites Ms Parkes to reconsider her position.”

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023 legionella was discovered on board. There have also been serious concerns over fire safety. But in the last couple of weeks the Home Office has started to place migrants there again.

The news comes after it was claimed that a 23-year-old Nigerian man who has been in the UK at least five years, told he was to be forced to live on the barge, attempted to take his own life.

Nicola David, of One Life To Live, campaigns against inappropriate accommodation for asylum-seekers. Of the young man who attempted suicide she said: “This has been a horrific incident – a tragedy which was entirely preventable. Before covid, asylum-seekers lived among us in the community.

“Now, they are ‘othered’: segregated away into ghettoes and deprived of respect and

dignity... Here is a young man, with his whole life ahead of him, who was treated as a number and not a human being, and for whom the prospect of the Bibby Stockholm was simply too much. The Home Office should feel deep shame – if it knows how.”

Claudia Sorin, of the West Dorset Labour Party, said: “It’s an unsuitable type of accommodation where there have been concerns about health and safety.

“I can understand why asylum seekers might think of it as a prison considering the site and its location. It’s a long way from the town centre and services, in an area which already has many social and economic challenges. I am not certain that the government are going to save any taxpayers’ money by housing migrants on the barge.”

Call

01308 720 106 to arrange an appointment

Carralyn’s lawyers Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors added: “Our client is seeking a determination by the Court that Dorset Council has erred in law in determining it cannot take planning enforcement action against the use and/or

stationing of the Bibby Stockholm barge connected to a finger pier and access road in Portland Harbour, notwithstanding that the Home Secretary has not applied for planning permission.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

VICTOR KRAUSE WOOD ARTIST The Dairy Buildings, Gorwell Farm, Abbotsbury DT3 4JX. Also on sale at Dansell Gallery, Rodden Row, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JL | facebook.com/victor.krause.wood.art

Shopping event’s £500 for cancer group A late night shopping special at Gallery On The Square in Poundbury has raised £500 for Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

The evening, organised by Stephanie and David Murdock and their team, involved bubbles and nibbles, and a great raffle.

The trust’s vice-chairman Loric Collins and chairman Paul Ryan chatted with guests.

The Fortuneswell Cancer Trust was started in 1998.

All the volunteer committee

GOOD WORK: Vice chairman of Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, Loric Collins, centre, with David and Stephanie Murdock at Gallery On The Square’s Late Night Shopping event

members (or their partner or spouse), is or has been a cancer patient.

Their aim is to improve the services to cancer patients in Dorset, mainly through

Dorset County Hospital (DCH), where more than 12,000 patients receive treatment each year in the Fortuneswell Outpatient Unit and Ward.

Over the past 20 years or so the trust has donated nearly £1million to major projects at DCH. It also funds items of specialised equipment for patients, pays for nurses to attend courses and conferences to keep their skills up to date, funds reflexology for cancer patients and even pays for newspapers for patients, so they have something to read as they undergo chemo.

Stephanie Murdock said: “It was a lovely evening.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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WIN! A six-foot Noma Buckingham pine Christmas tree worth £187!

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Email the page numbers, plus your name, address and number to classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk for your chance to win l The prize must be collected from Groves Garden Centre in Bridport before24/12/23 l No alternative will be offered. * By entering this competition you agree to your data being stored for the purpose of the competition

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

25

Chancellor hears plea for extra cash West Dorset MP Chris Loder joined fellow county representatives to lobby the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, for additional funding for his constituency.

At a meeting, he highlighted issues over second home ownership, small business rates, police funding and the Revenue Support Grant.

Mr Loder said: “I have outlined to the Chancellor how West Dorset deserves greater attention from HM Treasury, particularly in relation to the challenges we face with taxation policy.

“This is especially the case with the Revenue Support Grant, which continues to

favour urban areas over rural ones. The formula urgently needs reform, as it means that Dorset Council is forced to derive a greater percentage of its funding revenue from unacceptably high council tax rates.”

He added: “I’ve also raised with the Chancellor the issue of second home ownership, which is unfairly preventing locally-born residents from getting onto the property ladder. The proposal to introduce a second-homes tax goes some way towards addressing this issue by penalising absentee landlords who exploit tax loopholes on holiday lets.”

Mr Loder also spoke with the Chancellor about the need for better small business rates relief. He said: “Some 97% of businesses WISH YOUR in West Dorset are either small or CUSTOMERS A HAPPY medium sized and I have told CHRISTMAS WITH A the Chancellor FESTIVE BAUBLE IN of my view that our local THE WDM! CALL 01305 businesses deserve more 566336 OR EMAIL support. This advertising@ includes more westdorsetmag.co.uk representative rate relief, especially for those businesses located in rural areas with a population below 3,000.”

Groups reap benefit of tractor rally Five community groups and charities were presented with cheques totalling £3,000 at West Dorset Vintage Tractor & Stationary Engine Club’s (WDVTSEC) October meeting at Dorchester’s Colliton Club.

The money was raised at this summer’s annual West Dorset Vintage Rally held at West Bay – a vintage vehicle buff’s chance to indulge in all sorts of vehicles and engines, from stationary engines to tractors, vintage cars, motorbikes, steam engines and more.

Since the club started in the 1970s, it has donated nearly £100,000 to local charities.

This year Weldmar Hospicecare received £1,000, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance £500, Central Dorchester Scouts £500, Bridport Sea Cadets £500 and Charmouth Scout Group £500.

WDVTSEC president Loric

RALLY GRATEFUL: Cheque recipients, back row, from left: Bridport Sea Cadet trustee Peter Stapleton, WDVTSEC chairman Tony Cawley, Clare MacKenney from Charmouth Explorers Scouts and Central Dorchester Scout Samuel Long. Front row, from left: Marie Canning from Weldmar Hospicecare, WDVTSEC president Loric Collins, Susan Drudge from Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Jenny Long from Central Dorchester Scouts

Collins said: “We had a very good rally again this year, with good weather, and I’m very pleased to be able to give some money, proceeds from the rally, to the groups who volunteer to help us put the rally on – help with the car marshalling and the litter picking. They do a terrific job and we wouldn’t be able to do the rally without them. And a big thank you too to Sean who does the litter picking, who again has generously donated his £500 to Weldmar.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

27

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

Home-Start shuts after funding blow A Dorchester-based charity that has worked for 15 years to support young families with children under five years old has been forced to close its doors.

Home-Start West Dorset posted a message on its Facebook page saying it has not been able to secure enough funding to continue operating.

In a statement, the Home-Start West Dorset team said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the closure of Home-Start West Dorset.

“This year the charity failed to gain major long-term funding and although we worked very hard to secure alternative funds, we were unsuccessful.

“These funds were vital for Home-Start West Dorset to maintain the service, therefore the trustees had no option other than to plan for closure.

“The trustees very much regret having to take this decision and the effect it will have on volunteers and families across West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland.”

The statement continues: “It is now 15 years since HomeStart West Dorset was officially launched, after two years of planning and fundraising.

“We feel proud, that under the Home-Start West Dorset banner, so many people have benefitted and have been supported. We have heard many success stories of families who have flourished

Prize for best festive door

AN HONOUR: Home-Start manager Helen Horsley

with the extra support that we have been able to provide.”

The charity confirmed that staff have received redundancy letters and the charity’s office was closed on October 31.

Home-Start West Dorset chair Caroline Scott said: “The process of closing has been very tough for staff, volunteers and families.

“I’m glad to say that most of our staff have found new ways forward and will continue to contribute to local families.

Home-Start West Dorset manager Helen Horsley added: “It has been an honour to be part of the organisation since the beginning and work alongside so many dedicated volunteers, trustees, and staff members that have made Home-Start West Dorset the success it was. The local community and professionals have been so supportive in everything that we have done. I feel devastated that we have been unable to continue with the work we have been

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28

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Consortium’s 3,500 homes plan is

By Miranda Robertson

More information is at: n northdorchester.org.uk n stand-dorchester.net/home

miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A new ‘garden community’ of up to 3,500 homes, a 200acre public country park within walking distance of Dorchester town centre and a relief road has been condemned as a ‘get rich quick’ scheme.

A consortium of developers say the planned North Dorchester Garden Community ‘has the potential to become a new neighbourhood for Dorchester: a beautifully designed community sustainably delivering the homes, jobs and infrastructure the town needs’.

Currently, hundreds of acres of water meadows and countryside north of the town are earmarked for development in the draft Local Plan.

The ‘Norchester’ development, as it has been dubbed, saw more than 9,000 people adding their names and tens of thousands of comments to a consultation.

Now the developers’ consortium has outlined its

HOW IT COULD LOOK: An artist’s impression of ‘Norchester’ and, where it could be on the map

aspirations for the area, including a new northern link road connecting the A35 to the A37.

The road would also link the A352 and the C12 to Sherborne.

They said: “Our proposals also include rewilding and opening up the natural landscape for local residents and visitors for generations to come. This includes a 200-

Developers: ‘Checks and balances in place’ Construction could start as soon as 2028, with a school, shops and businesses included in the plan.

The idea of a ‘garden community’ is a £15m Government scheme aiming to create 43 new neighbourhoods. The North Dorchester consortium, now comprising Grainger and Charles Church, were allocated £135,000 to plan the scheme, with three areas of housing sitting between Charminster and Kingston Maurward.

A spokesman for the consortium said: “The North Dorchester Garden Community will provide a variety of new homes at a wide range of price points to suit different needs and financial situations, including starter homes for first time

buyers, therefore helping to make buying a home more attainable for local people.

“In addition, affordable housing (sometimes referred to as social housing) will be delivered at the North Dorchester Garden Community. Affordable housing is a term used to describe homes for rent or sale to people whose needs are not met by the private housing market. It comes in many different forms, such as homes owned by the local authority or an affordable housing provider; rents capped at 80% of market rent; shared ownership; and homes sold at a discounted rate to someone who can prove a connection to the local area.

“Furthermore, Grainger is the UK’s largest

listed residential landlord and a market leader in the private rented sector.

“It is anticipated that some of the new homes planned for the North Dorchester Garden Community would be available for long-term rent. The system of checks and balances in place for development of this scale means that the North Dorchester Garden Community will not compromise the quality of local drinking water, nor pollute the River Frome. Our infrastructure experts are working with Wessex Water and the Environment Agency to carefully plan the drainage system and these technical discussions will continue throughout the duration of the project, from planning through to implementation.”

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

29

‘get-rich-quick’ scheme say critics acre public country park within walking distance of Dorchester town centre.”

However Jane Ashdown, chairman of Save the Area North of Dorchester (STAND), said: “If this getrich-quick housing development is allowed to go ahead, the only beneficiaries will be a handful of landowners and the property developers.

“Their masterplan for 3,500 executive homes makes no mention of social housing for young low-income families; there’s no explanation of where the jobs will be created to enable people to buy these houses; and there’s scant regard for our precious environment.

“Who needs a country park,

DEVELOPMENT: Alistair Chisholm at the planned site north of Dorchester

when we already have green fields, hedgerows and one of the most beautiful chalk streams in the world?

“Why boast about a new park when you intend to drive the new link road on an elevated embankment across our historic water meadows? And nor is there yet any answer to the vital questions about the

Shifting the stress out of a house move with Suzanne A Corscombe woman has launched a service to help older people move home after realising how incredibly stressful it can be for retirees and their families.

Suzanne Rozier, pictured, realised after helping her parents and friends with their moves that there were many aspects to moving later in life that piled on the stress – not least, the gargantuan task of downsizing.

Realising she had the ability to help, she then set about undertaking specialist training and joined the Senior Move Partnership.

She said: “I got to a point in my career where I wanted to do something more rewarding. I am at that age where I have ageing parents and thought how hard it was for people who don’t have anyone nearby to

help when moving.

“My company, Dorset Move Management, came about organically – it wasn’t a lightbulb moment. I just realised how stressful and physically demanding it is to condense a four or five-bed home into a two-bed when you are older perhaps with limited mobility.”

Suzanne helps with many aspects of the move, offering 2D and 3D furniture planning to enable people to see how their items will fit in their new home, to practical hands-on help with all aspects of downsizing including arranging the sale.

She said: “Some people just need help with bits and pieces, some need a lot more help, and they need somebody they can trust. I work at their pace.” n Contact Suzanne on 07872 563924 or email hello@ dorsetmovemanagement. co.uk

security of Dorchester’s water supply.

“Developers Persimmon have been heavily criticised in the media for the poor quality of their new homes. That may explain why the builders are now listed as Charles Church, an upmarket subsidiary of Persimmon.

“But no amount of rebranding can cover up the problems inherent in this appalling proposal. These are the wrong houses, in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

STAND campaigner Alistair Nisbet said: “Planning permission already exists for more than 13,000 homes yet Dorset Council insists that we need to build on an area of countryside twice the size of

Poundbury. You can’t design a policy without the data – but no viability study or housing needs study have been published and they press on with a proposal which will damage communities, the environment, and even Dorchester’s water supply.

“If it is included in Dorset’s Local Plan, developers will pick away for decades, turning a swathe of countryside into a massive building site.

“The area desperately needs social housing to rent and low cost starter homes for families but a remote North Dorchester development with huge infrastructure costs will put homes out of reach for most people and push property prices ever higher.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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Green space lands £100,000 grants Community green space managed by Weymouth Town Council has been awarded two grants worth £100,000.

The formerly derelict, 27acre Tumbledown Farm in Radipole will now get a classroom, accessible toilets, and a teaching kitchen.

A grant of £85,000 was secured from Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) who provide funding for certain community projects, along

DELIGHTED: Celebrations at Tumbledown Farm

with a second grant of £15,000 from Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund which supports improving facilities for local communities and residents.

Cllr Ryan Hope, chairman of the environment and

services committee, said: “As well as benefitting people, it will benefit the planet as the building will include solar panels, rainwater capture and high levels of insulation to make it as sustainable as possible.”

Tumbledown is an inclusive greenspace where people come together to connect with nature. It is already well used by organisations including the Lantern Trust and the Bus Shelter project, Dorset Mind, Dorset Care, Darwin Care and Muntsys, local churches and Transition Town Weymouth, Weymouth College, and Westfield School.

Learn more at weymouth towncouncil.gov.uk/tumble down

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023 New bursaries for Dorset residents are allowing local people to pursue dream careers in furniture and boat building.

The world-renowned Boat Building Academy (BBA) in Lyme Regis is offering bursaries to Dorset residents covering up to 50 per cent of course fees, with up to 100 per cent covered where the need is greater.

The new funding has been made possible due to the BBA achieving charitable status in 2020, subsequent fundraising and through private supporters such as the Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation and the Valentine Trust.

Bursaries are available for all BBA courses including the 12-week furniture course starting in January and the 40-week boat building course starting in February.

A bursary is on offer especially for women, to combat the shortage of women in practical skills industries.

Funding is also available for short courses and even taster days.

Janie Harper, Wendy Stephenson and Jill Booth are already using bursary funding to study under expert tutors on the academy’s full time, 12week furniture course.

Janie, 34, from Lyme, said: “I was made redundant from my corporate role and set about building a tiny home and renovating a van. Then I heard about the BBA’s bursaries for local people.

“Making an actual living from making furniture has always been something I

31

BLESSED WITH BURSARIES: Jill Booth, Wendy Stephenson and Janie Harper are already using bursary funding to study under expert tutors on the BBA’s full time 12-week furniture course

The lady varnishes: Boat building course bursaries

thought was out of reach until now, but with the bursary and the time to study I can finally hone my skills with an expert tutor. It’s amazing to be here.”

Jill Booth, 50, from Wareham, said: “I came for an interview and was accepted onto the course with funding. I was absolutely stunned.

“I never would have been able to even consider

doing this without a bursary. It’s a chance to make a lifestyle change that I would never have had and I’m so grateful.”

Wendy, 56, from Bridport, said the bursary has taken her out from behind a desk and one step closer to the career she has always dreamed of: “When I learned I had been accepted and given a bursary I burst into tears.

“The course is completely immersive, and we are learning so much. For me it’s like being reborn.

“I have always worked for big companies and been tied to a desk.

“This is realistically my last chance to do something I’m really passionate about, working with wood, and making things – and I’m hoping to go on and study for a

diploma. It’s just so great to feel the academy has faith in you and wants to help you succeed.”

BBA Director Will Reed said: “Although some students receive grants from the likes of City & Guilds, most rely on their savings, and for some people taking a course is an unattainable dream.

One of our primary objectives has always been to be able to offer assisted places to extremely committed applicants who would not otherwise be able to attend our courses.”

For more information on courses and bursaries available at the BBA go to boatbuildingacademy.com The BBA, based on Monmouth Beach, was founded in 1997 by Naval Commander Tim Gedge.

32

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Save the Medusa: Patrol boat’s vital

By Geoff Moore thetraveltrunk.net

It could have so easily been a suicide mission.

One tiny boat led the way for the D-Day invasion fleet to Omaha Beach, navigating over a minefield laid by the Germans, eight miles below the surface.

Its crew had been told, after setting off from Portland, that if they were about to be captured the boat would explode.

Now, Portland man Mike Boyce has saved that Second World War patrol boat for future generations to marvel over, and as a tribute to the veterans that bravely faced their fate nearly 80 years ago.

On June 5, 1944, the day before D-Day, the boat marked a cleared channel through the main German minefield in the middle of the English Channel.

With pinpoint accurate positioning, this tiny British ship paved the way for the invasion force to reach Omaha Beach.

HMS Medusa or HDML 1387 (harbour defence motor launch) was there the night before the massive invasion fleet threaded its way through a 400-yardwide channel past the minefield.

It set off from Portland and what became HMS Medusa was ‘Navigational Leader’ and a key marker for the Omaha Beach fleet to follow.

This 72-foot (22-metre) ship, manned by ten crew, had to hit a pre-ordained mark on a map set by the commanding officers of the largest maritime invasion ever.

VITAL ROLE: HMS Medusa moored at Gosport. Right: Instructions from the Admiralty ahead of D-Day and, below, the equipment fitted for its special role

In secret, ten days before the invasion, an ultrasonic beacon was placed on the seabed so that Medusa could be exactly over the correct location.

Fitted with a then state-ofthe-art radio receiver (Decca QM), the ship was able to locate the entrance – even during the very poor weather, which stalled the invasion by 24 hours.

The ship was fitted with explosive charges and if there were any fears of capture then the ship would be blown up and sunk.

Coming up to D-Day itself, the crew, once they were made aware of their mission, were certainly of the opinion that it was potentially a oneway mission.

In the build up to the June 5 operation the vessel was

locked down on June 2, leaving the crew unable to leave or communicate with anyone.

The final battle orders were only inspected by the crew once at sea and well away from Portland, where they had started this mission.

Medusa and her crew had to sit out that extended period in the very rough seas of the English Channel.

Once in position Medusa sent out a radar pulse from her stern that the oncoming fleet could pick up secretly and head safely to her.

Without Medusa and its work, the whole invasion was at risk of ploughing into one of the largest minefields, which stretched over the middle of the Channel.

Hundreds of minesweepers were called into action for what was called Operation Neptune, to clear the way through for allied shipping, as hitting any mines would have possibly helped alert

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

33

role cleared way for D-Day invasion ALL ABOARD: Mike Boyce on board HMS Medusa and, below, inside the wheelhouse

the Germans to where the invasion was actually heading. And the key deception plan of landings at Calais would have literally been blown out of the water.

The technology on Medusa that made all this possible was a series of three radio transmitters along the south coast of England.

These signals were detected by secret receivers on Medusa and it then could steer an exact line following the readouts on the radio receivers to the key cleared entrance lane in the German minefield.

Today ML1387, which is in its original wartime condition, is the only one of its type. Its roles were designed to provide an offshore anti-submarine screen for harbours but were used for convoy escort, offensive operations and agent landing and recovery.

The ship is now operated under The Medusa Trust

charity, with a focus on preserving and operating Medusa for future generations. Its current captain and chairman is Alan Watson from Portsmouth.

Their mission is to keep Medusa operational and at sea as an inspiration to the young, provide training days for Royal Navy cadets and Sea Cadets, to maintain and pass on the unique skills of operating a small ship while serving as a tribute to the

veterans, recording the story of each of the 464 HDMLs built and their crews.

After D-Day, Medusa also took the surrender of German troops on May 5, 1945, at IJmuiden in Holland. It was sent to establish the damage to the port and found German troops still there and took their surrender.

A few days later in Amsterdam the crew celebrated VE day.

Medusa is moored at Haslar Marina, Gosport, Hampshire and now makes trips from there but mainly during the summer thanks to Dave Bishop, John (Tug) Wilson and Mike Boyce, who raised £3,000 to buy her and prevent her from being broken up.

With the team and other volunteers all learning boat building and allied skills along the way, much of the work was carried out in a boatyard at Ferrybridge near to where Mike lived at Portland.

And once completed, Medusa was a regular visitor to ports in England, France, Belgium and The Channel Islands.

Other highlights were taking part in events around the period of the 50th anniversary of D-Day both in the UK and Normandy.

She also came to Weymouth.

Mayor Brenda Dench came on board with a civic party for a reception with the crew.

The highlight for Mike on that day was a very proud captain who steered Medusa through the Weymouth Town Bridge.

In late May 2012, she sailed to London and was part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant, which was reviewed by Queen Elizabeth II as the vessels sailed past her and along the Thames near to Tower of London. n hmsmedusa.org.uk nMore from Geoff can be found at thetraveltrunk.net nTwitter: @thetraveltrunk Instagram: @thetraveltrunk nFacebook: facebook. com/thetraveltrunkworld

34 The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023 Sherborne Classic and Supercars Show recently celebrated a hugely successful event at Sherborne Castle by presenting cheques totalling £55,000 to many local charities, including Yeovil Hospital Charity, Children’s Air Ambulance and Somerset Sight.

Volunteers from Rotary, Lions, Round Table and Friends of Sherborne Classic Car Show put in countless hours of time which resulted in a hugely GOOD WORK: From left to right front row: John Sugg, chairman of show content, Rory O’Donnell, chairman of show committee, Olivia Sugg, head of show marketing, John successful event, attended Waldie of Atkins Ferrie and Mrs Digby of Sherborne Castle by an estimated 10,000 members of the public.

Rory O’Donnell, chairman of the organising committee, said: “This event shows the power of collaboration between voluntary organisations and management firm Atkins grounds creating the families – and we are we are delighted to support Ferrie, exhibitors, members perfect backdrop to the already ‘revving up’ for many worthwhile charities of the public who eclectic mix of vehicles.

2024’s show at the castle, with the funds raised. supported us, and to Mr There really was something on July 21.”

“We are also indebted to and Mrs Digby, who shared for everyone at the event – the major sponsors, wealth their beautiful home and from ‘petrol-heads’ to n classic-supercars.co.uk

Classic car show’s £55,000 windfall for local charities

Hotel up for sale at £3.75m Portland Heights Hotel is up for sale with an asking price of at least £3.75m.

The 66-room hotel, which overlooks the Jurassic Coast, offers meeting and function rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 160 people.

Christie and Co says the new

owner will have the “opportunity to enlarge the accommodation facilities” after planning consent was given to convert a former squash court block into 16 more bedrooms. An out-of-use basement can also be repurposed by a new owner.

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Veterans and serving military personnel are being offered free train travel to services on Remembrance Sunday.

The offer will benefit people travelling to and from services anywhere in Britain.

Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies, said the offer is open to serving military personnel in uniform or who show a current Ministry of

Defence-issued identity card.

Veterans can show a Veterans Railcard, a Veterans Oyster card or other proof of service – such as a Ministry of Defence-issued Veterans ID card.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

35

Car duo rallying round to St Tropez Woolbridge Motor Club members and navigational rally competitors Rod Thorne and Chris Roberts have embarked on a sevenday charity drive from Charlestown Quay to St Tropez visiting eight countries en route in an MG TF. Rod is best known for his speed hill climb exploits in both his Pilbeam MP43 sports racer and on three wheels aboard his Honda powered Derbyshire sidecar unit – but the Frampton Garage proprietor also competes in navigational rallies alongside Chris, with whom he tackled a similar charity run from Maidstone to Monaco back in 2019.

Chris, who will be navigating, is no stranger to the co-driver role, having competed in Woolbridge events as far

back as the early 1970s.

The proprietor of Hogleaze Haylage and Hardyes Country Camping, having successfully guided his driver through the 2019 event, hopes ‘to repeat that performance and reach the world renowned mediterranean resort’, which is now the playground of rap stars CHARITY DRIVE: Rod Thorne and Chris Roberts and international socialites.

Rod and Chris are raising funds for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

If you would like to donate, visit justgiving.com and enter Christopher Roberts into the search panel and click the Fundraisers button.

Scroll down a page or two and you will see a photograph of the pair with the MG TF.

Town on parade to remember fallen A Remembrance Parade and Service will be held on Sunday, November 12 in Bridport to mark the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in war.

Representatives and veterans of HM Armed Forces, local groups and organisations will march through the town accompanied by the Wessex Military Band, from East Street at 10.40am.

Town Mayor Dave Bolwell will lead the parade and lay a wreath as part of the ceremony and observance of the traditional two minute silence at the War Memorial.

The mayor’s address and the Service of Remembrance will be held at St Mary’s Church.

Repeating a change to the arrangements first made in 2021, the parade will not return up South Street after the service, in recognition that some participants find this second parade increasingly challenging.

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36

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Amazing finds as GOOD FOOD, GOOD BEER hedy WITH GOOD ehdy FRIENDS

After unearthing the remains of an 18th Century pub, the archaeological excavation of Weymouth’s North Quay was due to come to an end this month.

So far, two 17th century buildings and the remains of the Victorian era Weymouth Arms pub have been revealed while work was conducted at the former council office site.

Chief archaeologist Richard McConnell told The West Dorset Magazine the Weymouth Arms was originally built in the 1760s as a residential property, before it was converted into a business in the early 1800s.

“It suffered bomb damage in 1940 and closed for

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TOUCH OF GLASS: Some of the old bottles unearthed

good before being demolished in the 1960s,” Mr McConnell said.

“The pub includes a well inside the building, probably relating to an earlier building altogether.

“The well is stone built and we’ve safely excavated it to 1.6m deep, but we haven’t reached the bottom.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

37

North Quay dig comes to conclusion “Two other properties we’re investigating are early 17th century in origin and the remains include some decorative stone window and door surrounds.

“Alongside one of these, we have just found a stone cannonball, probably from the siege of Weymouth in 1645.”

Mr McConnell said that beneath most of the remnants of these buildings, there are ‘sporadic’ remains of medieval walls and stone drains, which are currently being excavated. The features being unearthed include an array of medieval pottery from c.

13th century, roof slates and ridge tiles.

Members of the public

REMAINS TO BE SEEN: Unearthing history at the site of the former council offices in Weymouth

were recently allowed to visit the excavation site and to view artefacts unearthed during the dig at the Old Town Hall.

Archaeologists have also opened a second area for excavation near Trinity Road along North Quay.

Here there is a late 18th century warehouse which included a cellar filled with Codd bottles – aerated

water with marble stoppers – dating to the 1880s.

“We couldn’t dig the cellar out for health and safety reasons,” Mr McConnell explained. “But we managed to collect 66 whole bottles from the upper part of the cellar.

“We know that the building once housed the Phoenix Aerated Water Company.

“Neighbouring properties

include a modern car showroom and accessories shop. We’ve also captured part of the old road that led into the street.”

The work timeline says site excavations were due to be completed by November 15, with the original planning conditions for site work to be discharged by November 20.

From November 13 to December 1, services running to the site will be disconnected and internal materials from demolition will be removed.

The demolition of the main building is due to begin on December 4 and will be completed by January 15 next year. A temporary car park is due to be reinstated at the site from February 13 to March 28.

38

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

39

Early plans for 1,200 homes backed Up to 1,200 homes could be built on Sherborne Castle Estates-owned land at the west of the town.

Land and planning specialists Chesters Harcourt, NEW Masterplanning and transport and engineering consultants Andrew Cameron & Associates have come up with a 42-page document outlining their ideas for the site, which would be accessed off the A30.

In their vision, ‘a new mixeduse public square could be created. Strong green links and cycle routes will encourage community interaction and reduce use of the car’.

If the plans, which have won the support of the town council, go ahead, the A30 would be reduced to a single 50mph carriageway near the site.

The Town Council said the estate’s ‘intention is to create a ‘place’ that can evolve, rather than set out to build a specific

number of houses. The sites can develop with the infrastructure with provision to be considered for education and medial provision. The importance of creating somewhere that would have a zero-carbon footprint, where all services are within walking/cycling distances is well received.’

It added: “The Town Council support the proposals for the ‘civilising’ of the A30, with the potential to bring it down to a single carriageway as it approaches Sherborne to slow it down and reduce the

Rotary Club out and about selling hyacinths

The Rotary Club of Bridport will once again be selling pots of hyacinth bulbs on Saturday and Wednesday mornings in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Weather permitting, they will be available at: n Bucky-Doo Square, Bridport on Saturday, November 18 and 25 and December, 2 and 16.

Also, on Wednesdays, November 22 and 29 and December 6. n Morrisons Supermarket, on Saturday, December 9 and possibly another date. n Beaminster Market Square on Saturdays, Dec 2 and 9. n Burton Bradstock Post Office from late November until all the bulbs are sold.

Three bulbs in peat-free compost in recycled pots in pink, white or blue cost £5. All profits will go to Rotary charities and other causes.

President Chrissie Bailey said: “We would like to thank Bridport Town Council, Beaminster Town Council, Morrisons and Burton Bradstock Post Office for their help and support once again this year.

“We look forward to seeing some of our old customers and, hopefully a few new ones, when out selling in Bridport and Beaminster.”

potential for speeding. This would not only enhance the proposed housing developments, but also make the gateway to Sherborne far more attractive and safer.

There would be development on both sides and the ability to walk across the road. Members were supportive of these draft proposals and welcomed the concept of making a ‘place’ rather than just simply bolting on two new housing developments, without details of improved infrastructure.”

The plans envisage a ‘Rural barn’ courtyard complex at the

gateway, providing new employment space, a mixed use centre creating an accessible cluster of employment, retail, residential and community uses, and a public square enclosed by buildings with a ‘squareabout’ junction.

The A30 would connect to Marston Road, ‘relieving town centre traffic and flows to the south’.

And there would be a new school, open space and woodland planting on higher ground, allotments/ orchard for community planting and food production and green route connections to school and Lenthay.

The estates’ website says: “Our ideas are at a very early stage.

We are committed to working with the community should the proposals progress, and we would like to hear about what local people think.” n westsherborne.co.uk

40

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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People have until December 8 to give their input on the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan, which will feed into the overall Dorset Development Plan, which covers until 2038.

So far the neighbourhood plan seeks to allocate land for more than 450 affordable homes, protect 48 local greenspaces, ensure new homes are environmentally-friendly and that there are sufficient local jobs and training opportunities.

After the public consultation period on the neighbourhood plan has ended, it will be updated and submitted to Dorset Council for a final round of consultation and independent examination.

Finally, there will be a public referendum to approve the plan.

Councillor David Northam,

TAKE A LOOK: Details of the Neighbourhood Plan are on view at the Waverley

Chance to have your say on town’s Neighbourhood Plan

chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “This is the most important consultation in a generation so whatever area of Weymouth you are from, it’s your opportunity to have your say about what’s important in your community.

“People have told us about the shortage of affordable housing, lack of job opportunities, the need to protect our environment and plan for our children’s

futures, which is reflected in the plan.

“Let us know what we missed out, what you support in the plan and what you don’t.

“The plan and supporting documents will be available online and in libraries.

“Over the six-week consultation period there will also be drop-in sessions where residents can ask the steering group questions about the plan.

“More details will be announced by Weymouth Town Council.”

Residents and organisations can go to Weymouth Town Council’s website where they will find the pre-submission plan document with all the proposals.

Feedback should be submitted by completing an online questionnaire at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LKT T63N by 5pm on Friday, December 8.

Quiz night with a twist

Christmas parking for free

Three Dorset men ‘of a certain age’ are offering a night of entertainment to venues and groups to raise money for the air ambulance.

Eric, Les and Mike present Wud Eye Lye 2 Yew, offering up 14 items with three explanations as to

Dorchester shoppers can park for free in most council car parks on four dates before Christmas.

Dorchester BID, Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council have got together to offer the sweetener on Saturdays, November 18, November

what they are used for. No one has so far got all 14 items right.

The quiz with a difference has been running for several years and raised thousands for the lifesaving charity. To enquire about hosting Wud Eye Lyne 2 Yew, call 01935 872690.

25 and December 2, and Thursday, December 14.

Park at Acland Road, Durngate St, Fairfield short and long stay, Old Market, Top O’ Town short and long stay, Trinity Street and Wollaston Field.

On street parking is not included.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

41

What to do with your festive rubbish and recycling

Dorset Council has issued a handy guide to Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling.

Remember: 1. Up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin will be collected on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day 2. No garden waste collections will take place after December 22 until Monday January 8

3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am - 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day 4. Extra recycling – including glass and food – will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person

5. Please help collection crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers. n See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin

Cider firm snaps up Newton sapling A family-run cider company which can trace its lineage to Sir Isaac Newton has bought a sapling propagated from the tree that inspired the theory of gravity.

Isaac Cider, based near Beaminster, successfully bid for one of ten saplings that were auctioned off by the National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres to mark National Apple Day. Giles Wood of Isaac Cider said: “As soon as the family heard about the Newton sapling auction, we just knew that we had to have one.

“Our family is descended from Sir Isaac’s sister Hannah, so this was a marvelous opportunity to reach back into the history of our family.

“We have a cider apple farm near Beaminster, and have been growing apples for 80 years, but concerned at the direction the production of cider was going, decided in 2020 to start our own family craft cider company. It had to be called Isaac Cider.

“We are thrilled to have a sapling and it will become the centrepiece of our

IN-CIDER DEALERS: Cider maker Rollo Wood, Giles Wood, who is in charge of sales, and chief design officer Bertie Wood. Rollo and Bertie are Giles and Fran’s sons.

Inset: Sir Isaac Newton

shop at the farm and will enable us to educate more people on the life and works of our ancestor.”

The ten saplings were propagated from the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity, which can still be seen at his birthplace,

Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire.

Now cared for by the National Trust, this country cottage is visited by thousands of people every year, wishing to see the spot where one of the greatest scientific discoveries took place.

The tree first put down roots around 400 years ago and people have travelled to visit it as Newton’s Apple Tree for at least the past 240 years.

The auction raised over £30,000 which Blue Diamond is donating half of to the National Trust, specifically for the ongoing care of Woolsthorpe Manor.

Andy Jasper, director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, said: “Interest in the auction was phenomenal with Blue Diamond receiving more than 1,800 inquiries from potential bidders. It was wonderful to see that so many people and organisations understood the rarity of this moment and wanted to be custodians of such a significant tree.”

42

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Journalist on shortlist for top award A volunteer radio journalist has been shortlisted as Journalist Of The Year in the Sense Awards 2023.

Chesil Radio’s station controller and presenter Nikki Latham qualified as a freelance journalist during lockdown, while she was shielding and passed with distinction.

The Sense awards, which are in their 20th year, recognises people with complex disabilities and those who support them in various categories.

Nikki is in the final three alongside candidates from the BBC and Channel 4.

She said: “I am honoured that I have been nominated and now shortlisted alongside such professional journalists for national news coverage. It is very much a team effort at the

ON THE SHORTLIST: Nikki Latham of Chesil Radio

station and the recognition of our small team at Chesil Radio is simply amazing and incredible to have reached this far.”

Nikki has been broadcasting for over 12 years before taking the chance to develop her news gathering skills.

She said: “I had been writing stories and press releases for many years

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before I took the plunge to try to enhance my skills further.”

Nikki has fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and many other debilitating conditions. She has created a small office in her bedroom for the bad days for all things Chesil Radio including her news stories and live shows.

She said: “With a condition

that fluctuates so much like the changing of a season, it can be difficult to plan too far in advance for breaking news stories, but the station is sent many press releases with all the information needed to create a great story from the comfort of my bed if necessary.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Bee careful with Asian hornet threat

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Beekeepers from the Dorchester & Weymouth Beekeepers Association (DWBKA) are urging readers to report any sightings of the Asian hornet as it is fast becoming a major threat to honeybees and other pollinators.

And while many people think of these critters as a summer problem, newly mated queens hibernate during the winter, and emerge in spring to begin building a nest.

The hornets eat honeybees and numbers of hornets have been rapidly rising in

the UK, with two nests found on Portland – one in a bramble bush on the Incline near the allotments, the other in the thatch roof of Portland Museum.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) sent bee inspectors from the National Bee Unit to find and destroy the nests of this invasive species.

DWBKA secretary Sally Leslie said: “This is done by a ‘track and trace’ method. A bait station is

established in the area of the sighting and then it is a question of waiting until the hornets appear, following their line of flight, moving the bait station

along that line and looking for the nests. Although these nests were destroyed, it is more than likely there are

43

other nests around Portland.Most of the sightings nationally have been made by members of the public while they are out walking their dogs or tending allotments. We are asking anyone who spots a nest of a hornet to report it.”

If you spot an Asian hornet, take a photograph and send it to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk For more information visit Asian Hornet Vespa Velutina at the British Beekeepers’ Association (bbka.org.uk)

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44 The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023 Citizens Advice Dorset is blaming the cost-of-living crisis for a sharp rise in the number of people using its service.

The organisation reported supporting some 1,392 people in the town last year – an increase of 51 per cent on the previous year’s figure of around 680 people.

Members and visitors to a Dorchester Poverty Action (DPA) Group meeting heard Caroline Buxton of Citizen Advice explain how last year the agency helped 9,000 clients in central Dorset.

Caroline explained how difficult it is becoming to help people cover their outgoings, as costs are previous years there was escalating, but not in line usually “some expense that with their earnings or the could be reduced.” benefits to cover them.

However, she said this was She stressed how in becoming “harder and

CLASS ACT: DPA volunteers with some of the school uniforms they distributed around the DT1 and DT2 postcodes

Cost of living woe blamed for rise in appeals for advice harder” – leaving people struggling to meet their essential bills.

“It is now becoming a choice between heat, eat or

pay for a prescription,” she said.

Last year DPA distributed £3,000 of school uniform to families living in the DT1 and DT2 postcodes.

In the first six months of 2023, some £2,200 of uniform, including a grant from Dorchester Town Council, has already been given.

DPA group chair Wendy Hilton said: “It makes a huge difference to a child’s confidence when going to a new school that they have the correct uniform and feel the same as their peers.” n For information visit dorchesterpovertyaction. org.uk @ p

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

45

Top honour for cancer support pioneer

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Mary Kahn, the founder of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, has been honoured with the distinguished Points of Light Award by the Prime Minister’s Office for her exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the community.

The award, launched by Queen Elizabeth II, is testament to Mary’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families in the Axminster and Lyme area.

Mary received her diagnosis in 2017 and, following treatment, was travelling for over an hour from her rural home to access counselling. Mary set up a local group and held the first meeting of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support around her kitchen table in 2018.

Since then, Mary and her team of volunteers have raised £140,000 for support through counselling and therapy services for hundreds of patients and their loved ones.

Mary’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts have transformed Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support into a beacon of hope, creating a

HONURED: Mary Kahn of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support

unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

“Her dedication to providing practical assistance, emotional support, and a strong sense of community has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those facing the challenges of cancer.”

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support aims to provide support for anyone living with and beyond cancer, including relatives and carers, regardless of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantages. n axminsterandlymecancer support.co.uk

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Speaking on behalf of the group, Bruce Kahn said: “The community served by Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support celebrates Mary Kahn’s well-deserved achievement and expresses deep gratitude for her continued dedication and

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Station’s defib could be a lifesaver Dorchester South is among 152 railway stations to have had a defibrillator installed.

South Western Railway has installed publicly accessible defibrillators at stations as part of The Circuit — the British Heart Foundation’s database of publicly accessible lifesaving devices.

The defibrillators are in protective cabinets as close as possible to the front entrance of the stations.

They can be used day or night in the event of cardiac incidents, and they are remotely monitored to ensure they are always in working order.

Lyndsey Robson-Malone, Service Delivery Director of South Western Railway, said: “Heart conditions can affect us all, so it is

LIFESAVER: Ambulance crews show how to use the defib and, inset, the Missing People charity’s poster and helpline

fantastic to mark the successful rollout of defibrillators to our staffed stations.

“I would like to thank all

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the colleagues and others who have delivered this important project.

“We are dedicated to going above and beyond to contribute to the communities we serve across our network.

“We hope that, should the need arise, this significant investment can make a real difference in potentially life-or-death situations.”

South Western Railway has

partnered with the charity Missing People on a new ‘Safe Way Home’ campaign to encourage anybody who is thinking of going missing, or is already missing, to the contact the Missing People helpline.

Posters across SWR’s network and announcements at its busiest stations are directing people in crisis to call or text 116 000.

MP urging food retailers to take action on plastics Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, is calling on food retailers to tackle the ‘plastic blight of every aisle’.

Mr Loder said he wants food retailers and supermarkets to address the volume of their singleuse plastic packaging, the bulk of which is exported overseas for processing.

Mr Loder recently visited West Bay to evaluate the impact of the recent ban

and to emphasise the need for further action.

He said: ‘The recent ban on single-use plastic items rightly addresses the supply-side of the plastic industry.

“What we need now is more action on the demand-side: food retailers and supermarkets that purchase many metric tonnes of plastic that ends up as waste and shipped to developing countries.”

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

47

IN THE PINK: Walkers on Hardown Hill and, below, climbing Golden Cap and, right, along Hell Lane

Walkers raise £2,500 for cancer group The hills of West Dorset were alive with community spirit when 14 dedicated walkers put their best feet forward and raised £2,500 for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support charity.

The challenging sponsored event took walkers on a memorable journey topping the summits of three hills, Colmers Hill, Hardown Hill, and Golden Cap. Five of the 14 entrants were from solicitors Scott Row and all embraced the challenge to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer by raising £2,512.78.

Mary Kahn, managing director of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, said: “I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and

volunteers who made this event possible.

“Every step taken during the walk represents a step towards improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.”

Participants embraced the challenge, with each step they took symbolising their unwavering commitment to supporting those battling or affected by cancer.

Read all about expansion of literacy programme

A volunteer-led coaching programme for adults learning to read is expanding. Bridport Read Easy is growing to reach further north to cover rural areas towards Yeovil and west towards Ilminster.

Volunteer group leader Alli Baldwin said: “We have made a start and have two readers in Martock, another in

Crewkerne and have made links with libraries in both towns and in Yeovil.

“This has involved recruiting local coaches who have also joined our management team so that they can carry out tasks such as venue checks.”

Through the Read Easy scheme, a reader and their coach meet for half

an hour at a time, twice a week, in one of a range of approved local reading venues which provide space free of charge. The service is free to the reader, confidential and one-toone.

To find out more about Bridport Read Easy’s work, call 07707 259905 or visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/bridport

48

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Bathing campaign group’s pledge:

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Campaigners have applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to redesignate Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis as a ‘bathing beach’.

The campaign was officially launched in May at the start of the ‘bathing season’ which runs from May 15 to September 30, when members of the River Lim Action Group began the onerous process of collating evidence to meet the strict criteria for bathing water status required by DEFRA. And despite the Government body changing the criteria almost halfway through the season, when the evidence should have been gathered, the action group continued their drive to see the application through.

Bathing status for Church Cliff Beach would mean regular monitoring by the Environment Agency (EA) for levels of E. coli and intestinal enterococci and for traces of cyanobacteria, macro-

BATHING BID: River Lim East Cliff Beach Picture: Max Redwood

algae, marine phytoplankton and waste.

Crucially, the EA will investigate any sources of pollution to identify remedial measures.

Designated bathing waters are classified every year as excellent, good, sufficient or poor, the results of which are made public.

To achieve bathing water status, the beach must have at least 100 bathers a day throughout the bathing season and have toilet facilities within a short distance of up to about 500m from the site.

The action group mounted a public consultation, also a requirement, which secured the support of

more than 400 voices including Lyme Regis Town Council, Chris Loder MP, Dorset Council, South West Water and the Crown Estate, which looks after much of the land.

Vivki Elcoate of the River Lim Action Group said: “It is vital people are not afraid of bathing at Church Beach. It is an important amenity which thousands of swimmers enjoy.

“Even though water quality isn’t a criterion for designation, many of the comments we received were about pollution.

“The beach was de-designated in 2016 for

poor water quality and everyone agrees we want the river, and therefore the beach, cleaned up for the sake of the many swimmers and others who already enjoy it, or would like to.”

Some of these comments include: n “I have been swimming at Church Beach for over 10 years. It is a beautiful swimming spot. To improve the health and well-being of people and our planet, the water quality should be monitored and improved.” n “Guests often use this beach as it is quieter for those who want to escape the crowds and swim. I don’t think any of them realise that it’s not already designated a bathing beach.”

Church Beach, which lies next to the mouth of the River Lim, lost its bathing water status in 2016, and came as a bitter blow to the Lyme community.

The River Lim Action Group formed in 2021 to campaign against the horrifying pollution in the River Lim caused by sewage spills from

Haw-some! Biggest berry crop since records began Nature’s Calendar has recorded the biggest crop of Hawthorn berries since records began. Hedgerows and woodlands across Dorset are awash with haws, attracting a constant stream of birds who are feasting on this year’s bumper crop.

Nature’s Calendar recorders have given this year’s crop a 4.2 on the fruit scale, a score

deemed as ‘exceptional’ and equalled only in 2014 when the early and rapid spring followed a mild and wet winter.

Dr Judith Garforth, the Woodland Trust’s Citizen Science Officer, said: “This is really good autumn news for wildlife. Haws are eaten by migrating birds such as redwings, fieldfares and

thrushes as well as small mammals.

“The fruit score is really important as it provides an indicator of winter food availability for wildlife, as well as the seed source available for natural regeneration of trees and shrubs.”

Nature’s Calendar volunteers record the date hawthorn flowers open in spring – the

average date of the hawthorn’s first flowering this year was May 1. This was perfect timing for its common name the ‘May tree’ while the warm dry weather in May was ideal for pollinating insects. n Nature’s Calendar needs volunteers to record.

For more information visit naturescalendar. woodlandtrust.org.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

49

We’ll fight them on the beaches... primarily six combined sewer overflows and discharge from misconnections and leaking pipes, leaving it ‘ecologically dead’.

“The main influence on the beach is the River Lim,” said Vicki, who along with action group members has been instrumental in pressing South West Water to replace and rework several pipes in the river.

“The Government decision is made on the basis of the number of bathers, results of the public consultation and the availability of local facilities, of which we have in abundance, and we tick all those boxes.

“We’re very grateful for the support of the local Blue Tits swimming

BEAUTIFUL: Church Cliff Beach, next to the mouth of the River Lim

group, residents, holidaymakers, businesses, and swimming organisations. Also, Dorset Council, Lyme Regis Town Council, South West Water and MP Chris Loder.”

A South West Water spokesperson said: “We’re really happy to be working with the River Lim Action Group, the Environment Agency and the town council to identify and resolve issues affecting the

River Lim. We are playing our part and have been making great progress. We have fixed defects on our sewers and resolved misconnections in the area.

“We have also committed to making improvements to all six of our storm overflows on the river.

“However, we also need to work together with local farmers and industry because there are persistent signs of agricultural run-off and other influences upstream of our treatments works on the River Lim." n The River Lim Action group is part of Turn Lyme Green.

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50

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Transport group steps in to save Ring & Ride The West Dorset Ring & Ride bus customers who faced the service being withdrawn after Christmas will be able to use a new service after Dorset Community Transport (DCT) stepped in.

The service was being withdrawn because of a lack of funding.

Blandford-based DCT, which operates across West Dorset, will now step into the breach following crunch talks with MP Chris Loder.

Tim Christian, general manager of DCT, said: “We know that an uninterrupted change of provider is vital to ensure continuity for those

who rely on the service. With the support and efforts of WATAG, we hope to reach out to the affected users and are confident DCT’s existing services in the region can adapt to incorporate those communities.”

Contact DCT on 01258 287 987.

Museum delighted with gold award Dorset Museum and Art Gallery has become only the eighth tourist attraction in the South West to earn gold standard accreditation from VisitEngland.

The attraction’s executive director Claire Dixon said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the worldclass displays that have been created here at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, as well as the amazing work that our team do, to ensure all visitors have an exceptional experience.

We are still struggling to achieve the level of visitor numbers that we need, after the impact of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and other political and economic challenges. Awards like this are important, in

GOLDEN WONDERS: Executive director Claire Dixon and the team at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery with the VisitEngland Gold Visitor Attraction Accolade

raising our profile and encouraging new audiences to visit and we are delighted to receive this from VisitEngland.”

VisitEngland Director

Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades are a testament to the outstanding experiences and customer service that attractions in England give

visitors. They also recognise different aspects of the visitor experience with attractions that really go the extra mile, whether it’s offering exceptional food and drink or magical storytelling. The attractions honoured today go out of their way to make visits memorable, creating reasons for people to travel to new locations, also boosting local economies across England.”

The next exhibition, Elisabeth Frink: A View From Within, will open on Saturday, December 2.

Gritters ready to go as temperatures set to drop Gritting vehicles are on standby as temperatures are set to plummet.

Dorset Council said gritting crews are ready to “make sure the area’s roads stay open” with more than 90 staff on standby for on-call duties.

An authority spokesperson said: “With nearly 13,000 tonnes of rock salt in store, Dorset is well-prepared to keep vital roads open during adverse weather conditions.

“Some 684 miles of roads form 23 main gritting routes which are treated

when road surface temperatures are expected to drop below one degree Celsius. In addition, community routes serving smaller villages and hamlets will be treated during prolonged cold spells, so rural communities can continue to travel.”

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel, and environment, said: “Our dedicated highways crews step away from their regular roles when the temperatures fall to keep residents, businesses, and emergency

services moving and as safe as possible. Last winter was particularly busy, so we’re hoping temperatures don’t drop so regularly this year, but whatever the coming months bring, we are ready.”

Cllr Bryan also urged caution among drivers, saying: “Conditions can change quickly, so please take care when out and about. If you find yourself behind a gritting vehicle, please be patient and take care on freshly gritted roads.”

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Make a date to remember Weymouth will honour fallen heroes, veterans, and serving members of the armed forces on Remembrance Sunday, November 12, with a service starting at 10.55am from the Cenotaph.

At 11am, members of the Nothe Fort Garrison will fire the first cannon from the beach, signalling the start of the two minute’s silence, followed by a second at 11.02am to mark the end.

The Mayor of Weymouth Kate Wheller will be joined by her Chaplain Rev Betty Port, veterans, councillors, and members of the Armed Forces for a service of remembrance.

There will be a wreath laying service at the Cenotaph followed by a

LEST WE FORGET: Remembrance Day services and, inset, Mayor Kate Wheller

parade along the Esplanade to the US Memorial Service where a short wreath laying ceremony will also take place.

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and

sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Mrs Wheller said: “I am honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the Town Council and the people of Weymouth at the service of Remembrance on Sunday November 12. This is a time to offer tribute to those who courageously fought and laid down their lives. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. With Weymouth’s proud history with the military and the naval services this is always a particularly poignant occasion.”

51

New water plan South West Water, Bristol Water and Bournemouth Water have presented its new business plan, The Right Deal for Right Now, for 2025-2030 to Westminster. With a £2.8bn investment, parent company Pennon claims: “The plan will see enhanced investment in new treatment works and reservoirs while keeping bills as low as possible for customers.”

£2 bus fare The popular Bridport and West Bay £2 bus fare scheme is continuing until December 2024. Bridport Town Council provides the round-town service, operated by Dorset Community Transport, which runs all day on market days.

52

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Waiting time for council care packages ‘reduced’ Dorset Council claims to have reduced the average waiting time for the provision of care services to just four-and-a-half days – compared to 28 days previously.

The authority says residents receiving

support in their homes have been given a helping hand thanks to an innovative project, which has successfully reduced the waiting times for care packages.

Working with the Dorset Care

Association, the Home Care Forum and care providers, the council says the project offers a better service to county residents while creating “greater efficiency for providers while boosting the economy”.

Islanders bid to save nature reserve Protestors gathered on Portland to voice their objection to proposals to convert the France Quarry site into housing.

The 6.5-acre nature reserve at Easton was identified in the town council’s Neighbourhood Plan as a potential development site for up to 59 homes.

The local authority had earmarked the land after the county council said a further 1,050 homes are needed on the island by 2038.

The town council has now rejected the proposal following the peaceful protest at its meeting.

Among the protestors was Olympic sailor and coach Laura Baldwin, who said: “It’s not like we have many wooded areas (in which) to seek time with nature, trees for kids to climb and homes for nature.

“Portland has vast areas of bare, destroyed land from quarrying, and yet developers have their eyes

VIVE LA FRANCE: Olympian Laura Baldwin and fellow protestors on Portland Picture: VIV HORNE

set on one of our only wooded areas.”

Steve Christmas of the Portland Association said: “On Portland to get 250 affordable homes you have to allow 1,000 to be built here. This is Dorset Council policy, that requires 25% of housing developments should be affordable, and so the island has to absorb 750 to pay for them. However, over on the mainland, in Weymouth and West Dorset, they have been set a target of 35%.

“So to achieve the same

250 affordable homes they only have to absorb about 750 houses in total – 500 to ‘pay for’ the 250.

“Apparently, the reason is all down to ‘viability’. It’s not viable for developers on Portland to provide more than 25% so they won’t build here.

“So we have to suck it up – more houses for retirees, second homers, AirB&B and other speculators.”

He added: “It is really about time that Portland Town Council pushed back on the numbers we are being told to provide

here – we need affordable and social housing, we shouldn’t have to trash the island to get them.”

Following the meeting, Cllr Giovanna Lewis posted on Facebook: “Thank you to all the residents who turned out on a wet and windy night and to those who couldn’t make it and sent in letters to say no to France Quarry being put into the Neighbourhood Plan.

“Your council voted unanimously to reject the proposal...We need to protect our precious trees, our biodiversity, our children’s free play areas and our access to nature.

“Some very good points (were) also made about the scandal of the rising numbers of holiday homes and the lack of good quality, low rent council/social homes for our community. But most of all, I enjoyed the call to challenge housing targets laid upon us by government via Dorset Council.”

Your coats, hats and gloves for children wanted Dorset residents are urged to donate clean, undamaged children’s coats, hats and gloves for young people aged up to 16.

The county council led initiative aims to ensure no child goes without essential winter clothing.

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council

portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: “In the face of rising living costs, we urge our Dorset residents to come together and make a difference. By donating, you can provide vital warmth and support to local families this winter. It is essential that all

donated items must be clean and in good condition and for children aged 0-16 years old.”

Residents can drop off their donations at Blandford Children’s Centre in Black Lane, Blandford Forum and at the Shaftesbury Children’s Centre in Wincombe Lane, Shaftesbury.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

£3.79m project to improve harbour A £3.79million project to create new facilities for fishing, charter and harbourside businesses on Weymouth harbourside is underway.

The currently disused area of the harbour behind the Pavilion will see the relocation and construction of a new fish landing quay, the creation of new fuel pontoon and new compound areas for storing harbour and fishers’ materials, including an icemaking facility and refrigerated chilled catch store.

In addition to the new facilities for fishing and harbour businesses, pedestrianised access and seating areas will be created along the quayside eventually joining with other walkways linking the harbour with Weymouth’s award-winning beach.

The Pavilion and car park on the peninsula will not be affected by the developments.

The improvements are being funded by a cash award to the former Weymouth and Portland

WORK IN PROGRESS: Weymouth Harbour

Borough Council in partnership with Weymouth Area Development Trust, made in March 2019 from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

The bid was submitted on behalf of the Weymouth Coastal Community Team.

Dorset Councillor Ray Bryan said: “Between this brownfield site development and the various Levelling Up projects, Dorset Council is investing many millions in Weymouth right now.

“We are committed to

Capital rail services extended

Rail services from North Dorset stations to London will be extended from Monday, December 11.

The 6.20am service from Honiton will call at Sherborne at 7am and Gillingham at 7.15am, arriving at London Waterloo at 9.18am.

The 6.41am from Exeter St Davids will call at Sherborne at 7.56am and Gillingham at 8.11am, arriving at London Waterloo at 10.20am.

The 9.18am from

Gillingham will arrive at London Waterloo at 11.19am and the 4.18pm from Gillingham will arrive there at 6.19pm.

The 6.20am, 9.18am and 4.18pm services will additionally call at Woking, while the 6.41am will additionally call at Woking and Clapham Junction.

Steve Tyler, Planning and Performance Director for South Western Railway, said: “We’re delighted to increase the number of through services.”

kickstarting Weymouth’s waterside economy, and this scheme is just one part of that commitment coming to fruition.

“Our harbour businesses contribute significantly to the local economy so we hope these changes will

53

help us retain that talent in the town, as well as making it a more attractive place for start-up businesses to consider positioning themselves.

“Along with ongoing work at the other end of the harbour at North Quay, this scheme will even further enhance the successful public realm improvements we completed in 2021 at Custom House Quay. We are sure that together, these regeneration schemes will bring long term benefits to residents, businesses and visitors to Weymouth.”

The Weymouth Harbour works team will be producing regular updates throughout the project.

The work is scheduled to take around 25 weeks and no public access will be permitted.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

RAF’s control of the skies so vital to This month ALVIN HOPPER explores the defeat of Rommel’s Afrika Korps and the Italian Axis forces during the Allies’ North African campaign during the Second World War This year we celebrate what was to become known as the Desert Victory; A battle against Italian and German forces in North Africa, which began in 1940, with the Italians, and ended in 1943, with the defeat of the German ‘Afrika Korps’ and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.

The incursion of the 8th Army, under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, and that of the much underrated General Kenneth Anderson, with his British 1st Army on their landing in North Africa in November 1942 (Operation Torch) finally achieving what Winston Churchill described as the great turning point of the war, when after the battle of El Alamein he pronounced: “This is not the beginning of the end, but maybe the end of the beginning of the end.”

The greater part of the successes of our armed forces involved in the Desert War must be accredited to the Land Forces, assisted by the Royal Navy as the suppliers who that kept providing the materials of war, needed to give us the edge necessary to operate in another ocean: A ‘Sea of Sand’.

But there is another overriding factor that ensured final victory, the Royal Air Force, without whose ever present surveillance, protection,

DESERT ACTION: A Bristol Blenheim in desert camouflage, possibly at Derna, Beaufort bombers on a sortie over the desert and, below, a Bristol Blenheim and, inset, John Rowland Hopper

defence and strike capability, all that could, and was achieved in securing final victory by the other two forces, would have fallen foul to attacks from Rommel’s equivalent of the RAF, the Luftwaffe, and Italy’s Regia Aeronautica of which Mussolini had assured Hitler would work in

unison in the desert campaign. Italian Libya in its vastness gave the Axis forces many sites on which to lay airfields.

Great Britain had all of Northern Egypt, from Alexandria to Heliopolis and Cairo. But we had no pre-prepared airstrips. A great invention now came into play. Steel plates that could be interlocked, made light enough to manhandle, could be laid in sand, or a muddy field, named after

its inventor, it was called Marston Matting airstrips of a mile in length could be completed in a day by the Construction Corps. As for aircraft, the first to be delivered, by sea, were fighter aircraft, Hawker Hurricanes, Beau Fighters, and very little else.

The whole of 1940 and the Battle of Britain had

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

55

ensuring victory over Afrika Korps exhausted the supply of aircraft, and took priority over this new theatre of war.

By 1941 the Air Ministry, under Lord Beaverbrook, saw finally the importance of air cover, if British Land Forces were to operate efficiently in the vast wastes of the Sahara Desert. The Desert Airforce was became the priority now. Aircraft production was steeped up, more longer range aircraft were sent to the Near East. These were Blenheim and Beaufort bombers built by the same aircraft company as the Beau-fighter, Bristol Aviation.

Some of the Hurricane fighters were turned into ‘Tank Busters’, fitted with

SEA OF SAND: Flying high over the Sahara

40mm Bofors guns, one under each wing, they could knock out lightly armoured vehicles.

With the increased air support, the 8th Army advanced over great distances, after Alamein, into Libya and on into Tunisia. Advancing from the other way was Anderson’s 1st Army. As

the British Land Forces advanced, they were able to capture enemy held Airfields, thus the RAF followed on. Before all this the RAF had to make do with the odd one or two.

Such as Derna, after the Italians had surrendered at Fort Cupuzzo, and Sidi Barini near Tripoli with both from time to time

existing behind German lines. The RAF also at great risk had a Aircraft Recovery Unit. They would go out into the desert and find and bring back ‘planes that had crashed, and were worth recovering, if only for their spare parts. Once again made flyable, if reasonable, they were flown to whoever desperately needed them.

On a personal note, my father John Rowland Hopper was originally a fitter with 504 Squadron ‘City of Nottingham’ Royal Auxiliary Airforce, he joined in 1937 at the age of 17 years old. He was demobbed in January 1946, on his return from Tel-Aviv, Palestine.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Culture

Your traditional Christmas, with a very dark twist

Get ready for a Twisted Christmas, with a series of darkly comic, macabre mini-plays with a festive flair.

Artsreach is welcoming Cornish touring company Owdyado Theatre back to Dorset this December to present their deliciously depraved take on the holiday season.

Influenced by cult classic tales from The Twilight Zone and Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected,

SO HERE IT IS: Owdyado Theatre presents Twisted Christmas

this selection of eight original micro-plays includes stories about buying the perfect gift for your unloved ones, the

dark side of Christmas cracker jokes, and why you should never turn your back on a panto dame.

Artsreach is delighted to

present Twisted Christmas at Wimborne Allendale Centre (01202 887247) on Friday, December 1, at Halstock Village Hall (01935 891744) on Saturday, December 2, and at Stalbridge Hall (01963 362978) on Sunday, December 3.

All the showings start at 7.30pm. n Further information and tickets are also available online at artsreach.co.uk

Oriel’s double solo at chorale concert Lyme Bay Chorale will perform John Rutter’s Requiem on Remembrance Sunday, November 12 at 4.30pm in Lyme Regis Parish Church.

The choir has established something of a tradition of giving a fundraising concert on this special day in the town’s calendar.

In past years they have sung the Requiems by Duruflé, Fauré and Mozart, and this year they will perform John Rutter’s modern work, composed in 1985, plus the well-known anthem Greater Love Hath No Man by John Ireland.

Conducted by Musical Director Alex Davies, organist Peter Irving will accompany the 32-strong choir and perform solo César Franck’s Pièce Héroïque.

Soprano Oriel Chapman, the current recipient of Lyme Bay Chorale’s bursary for young singers, will perform two solos in the Requiem.

Oriel is in Year 12 at

STAR TURN: Soprano Oriel Chapman

Colyton Grammar School and is aiming to study music at university, possibly with an organ scholarship.

She is already an

accomplished singer, and plays the violin, piano and organ.

Alex said: “John Rutter’s Requiem is a reflective, uplifting work with soaring

melodies and rich harmonies. The music creates an absorbing world of sound that’s perfect for Remembrance Sunday.

“We’re looking forward to performing this wonderful music on such a meaningful occasion.”

Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of the Royal British Legion.

This will be Lyme Bay Chorale’s fourth concert this year and follows a joint performance with Woodroffe staff and pupils in February, a St George’s Day concert in April and a fundraiser for the RNLI during Lifeboat Week in July.

They will round off the year on Sunday, December 10 with a ticketed performance including Rutter’s Gloria and Christmas carols for choir and audience at 4pm in the church.

For more details about the choir and its Young Singers Bursary Scheme visit lymebaychorale.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Culture

57

The Perfect Gift for all Lovers of Dorset

Standing ovation for Six REVIEW: SIX Lighthouse Poole

By Diana Holman The theatre was absolutely packed for the opening night of this hilarious pop musical written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss about the six wives of Henry VIII. This was a different perspective on the six queens separate from their status as wives, and used the pop concert genre to enable the fun, silly, comic and powerful story to be told exclusively by women – but not just for women, and showing that even 500 years later, there are still parallels to be found in the female experience.

Each of the queens has her own song in which to prove she’s the biggest victim who fared worst at Henry’s hands, but the real attraction of this musical is its sheer energy and vitality.

The power of the performance came from the whole team working together. Catherine of Aragon (Nicole Louise Lewis), Anne Boleyn (Laura Dawn Pyatt), Jane Seymour (Erin Caldwell), Anna of Cleves (Kenedy Small), Katherine Howard (Izi Maxwell), Catherine Parr (Tamara Morgan) formed a talented and diverse cast performing snappy dance routines to pop songs woven with a recognisable Greensleeves.

The ladies in waiting – the allfemale band – Sarah Dyer (musical director), Migdalia Van der Hoven (drums), Laura Browne (guitar) and Ashley Young (bass) gave a great musical back-up.

The audience of all ages adored it, and showed their appreciation with a welldeserved standing ovation.

DOWNSTREAM DORSET, River Tales and Local History

by Mary van Coller 282 pages full of snippets, facts, place names and colour photographs Available for £19.95 +p&p online at www.downstreamdorset.co.uk www.spiral-books.com Supporting the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance service Published by Spiral Publishing Ltd & Country Books

Singers approaching centenary require new lead

Conductor needed for eminent choir The Briantspuddle Singers are looking for a new conductor to lead them towards their centenary celebrations. Founded during the dark days of the Second World War, the choir has been sharing the pleasure of choral singing ever since.

Currently numbering about thirty voices drawn from all over mid Dorset, they meet in the delightful village hall in Briantspuddle to explore a wide range of music both sacred and secular.

Says their president Richard Hall: “What we are looking for

is a leader sensitive to the choir’s long and proud tradition but able to gently open up new areas of repertoire.”

Anyone interested in the post (which is paid) should apply to Alan Maitland – 07818 293890 or email asmaitland@aol.com

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Culture

Series of dates for the folkie Dhoore brothers

THE DHOORES: Ward and Hartwin

Flemish folk duo Siger – brothers Ward and Hartwin Dhoore – will share their nation’s rich musical heritage with audiences in Dorset next month.

Known for creating innovative instrumental compositions, Siger have been roaming international stages as part of awardwinning groups for over 15

years and are now coming to Dorset thanks to Artsreach.

Diatonic accordion and octave mandolin combine effortlessly, creating a musical adventure which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Siger have performed at festivals including Underneath the Stars and

Celtic Connections in Scotland.

Siger will perform at Portland Royal Manor Theatre (03336 663366) on Saturday, December 2 at 7.30pm, and at Cerne Abbas Village Hall (07823 778758) on Sunday, December 3 at 7.30pm.

For tickets visit artsreach.co.uk

Ship setting sail for latest reunion gig

Get your dancing shoes on for another night of nostalgia and entertainment with the latest in the long series of reunion gigs at the Centenary Club in Weymouth on Friday, November 24.

These gigs feature bands and musicians popular in South Dorset from way back in the day and have raised tens of thousands for pounds for local charities and good causes.

As always, there’s an impressive line up with Crystal Ship headlining and support from Monkey Jump, 11th Hour and Andy Collett.

CRYSTAL CLEAR: Crystal Ship are at the Centenary Club on November 24

Crystal Ship had a real good go at ‘making it’ back in the 1960s with London

gigs and getting to share the stage with numerous big name bands.

Top Sounds Records have recently approached the band to discuss releasing songs from their demo Times Of Darkness Past for a upcoming compilation of unreleased Sixties music.

“Who would have thought it? Such a shame such interest wasn’t forthcoming at the time,” says Crystal Ship’s Alan Hodder.

Tickets for the November 24 gig are now available from the Centenary Club on 01305 839310 or from 07774792736. Doors open at 6.45pm.

Something new to experience from BSO stars Musicians from the internationally renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform at Broadwindsor Comrades Hall later this month.

As part of Artsreach’s ‘BSO On Your Doorstep’ series, a trio of flute, harp and cello players will serenade audiences with the music of Dvorak and Debussy, Bach and Brahms, Grieg and Grainger.

Lucy Warren, head of BSO Participate, said: “Our BSO on Your Doorstep concerts present an

opportunity for audiences to come and experience something new and different from their local orchestra.

“We want to give everyone the chance to experience something new; whether that’s hearing known favourites in a new light through our arrangements, or a new piece of music entirely, all concerts are

presented from the stage and give the audience that extra special chance to get to know more about the players and music of their local orchestra.”

The trio’s matinee recital begins at 2.30pm on November 19.

For further information or to book tickets call 07796 454203 or visit artsreach.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

59

Culture There will be some ghostly goings-on in and around Dorchester this November as well as the usual array of jazz, theatre, music and magic shows.

Dance is particularly strong in Dorchester Arts’ November line-up, with three very different dance events taking place over three days.

On Thursday, November 9 at the Corn Exchange there is a showing of Robert Cohan’s Seven Portraits with seven award-winning dancers performing solos in stunning locations; plus, Sea of Troubles, Kenneth MacMillan’s highly acclaimed ballet based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

On Friday 10 at the Exchange Dorchester Arts presents Toe The Line an autumn fundraiser which offers plenty of food, drink, music, and dancing, plus the chance to learn some modern line dancing with no partner required.

Finally, A Taste of Ireland on Saturday, November 11 is a celebration of Irish dance at the Hardye Theatre.

Theatre events include Hauntings on Thursday, November 2 at Dorchester Corn Exchange, a spellbinding evening of three tales of the supernatural.

Specialist theatre company Concrete Youth present The Whispering Jungle on Tuesday, November 7 and Wednesday 8; and the ever-popular Dorchester Drama perform the timeless black comedy

COMING THIS WAY: Seven Portraits, ABBA Arrival, A Taste of Ireland, and, inset, James Phelen

Dance, arts and magic arriving this November

Arsenic and Old Lace on Friday 24 and Saturday 25.

For music lovers, the Dominic Alldis Trio play on Sunday, November 5 at Dorchester Corn Exchange, exploring the meeting point between

two worlds.

On Friday 10 local musicians Peter Oakes and Sally Flann on piano and cello present a free morning concert of Chopin and Martinu.

On Saturday, November 18 Bob Whitley on guitars

and mandola and Lee MacKenzie on cello transport you back to the 16th century and the story of the triumph and tragedy that is Anne Boleyn: Wolf at the Door in the beautiful surroundings of Athelhampton House.

Other events at the Corn Exchange include a stunning performance by magician extraordinaire James Phelan – most famous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery – who presents an all-new show for 2023.

Plus, Klimt and The Kiss – an exquisitely rich film that delves into the detail and passion surrounding Gustav Klimt’s iconic artwork, as well as revealing the scandalous life of the artist himself.

Finally, over 50 years since their legendary Eurovision win, come and join us and celebrate the music of ABBA, one of the biggest selling and most iconic bands of all time. ARRIVAL®, the No.1 International multi award-winning show, has sold out in over 30 different countries worldwide, and comes to the Hardye Theatre on Saturday, November 25.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Culture n A rousing time was had in the Old Brewery Hall of Ansty when The Ridgeway Singers performed another exceptional concert.

Conductor Phil Humphries tested positive for covid that morning so Richard Hall stepped into the breach!

ALL TOGETHER NOW: The Ridgeway Singers in full voice

Pictures: DAVE PENMAN

Curtains up on club’s black comedy

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Thespians of Dorchester Drama will be performing the farcical black comedy Arsenic and Old Lace at The Corn Exchange on November 24 and 25.

Written by Joseph Kesselring and best known as the 1944 film starring Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane and Peter Lorre, Arsenic and Old Lace is the tale of the seemingly sweet and innocent spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster, their nephews Teddy and Mortimer and the latter’s love for the aunts’ neighbour Elaine.

But this is a seriously dysfunctional family, and nothing is at it seems.

Sean Colledge, who has been a member of Dorchester Drama for several years, plays sociopathic Jonathan. He said: “Basically I play someone who has been travelling the world killing people but has come home to hide out – and its great fun!

“I haven’t played a villain before so it’s really good being the antagonist for a change.”

He added that Arsenic and

SETTING THE SCENE: Dee Thorne, Barbara Proctor and Sam Kelly as Abby, Martha and Mortimer Brewster. Right: Eva Staddon as Elaine, Jordan Wiseman as Theodore and Sam Kelly as Mortimer and, below, Monica Procter and Dee Thorne as the Brewster sisters

Old Lace has ‘something everyone will enjoy’, from hard comedy to suspense, and stressed that while the play is ‘fast-paced’, it is easy to follow.

The greatest double act of the performance come from Barbara Proctor and Dee Thorne, who play sisters Abby and Martha with aplomb, mixing a

sweet ‘innocence’ with a careless acknowledgement of their crimes - believing their actions are the best thing for society!

The roles of Mortimer and Elaine are played by Sam Kelly and Eve Staddon.

Play director Ollie Hickey said: “It’s going to be a great night out, a perfect and very funny way to lift

a dark autumn evening – even if the subject matter is a bit dark at times!

“The play is coming together really well, the cast are learning their lines and becoming the characters they play. I’m really pleased with how it’s going and confident it’ll be another success for Dorchester Drama.” n Arsenic and Old Lace is at Dorchester Arts, Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester on Friday, November 24 at 7.30pm and Saturday, November 25 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 from the box office on 01305 266926 or online at dorchesterarts.org.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

61

Culture

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The wonderful drawings of an inspirational autistic Wyke Regis Primary Federation pupil have been published in a new children’s book, Doggerel and Even More Tails.

The creative collaboration between nine-year-old Mylie Nicholson and Weymouth author Andrew Varndell aims to show others with the debilitating and disabling neurodevelopmental disorder, that it is possible to realise your dreams.

Mylie said: “If you let your differences get in the way, you’ll never be able to follow your dreams.”

Andrew said: “In Doggerel: Book 3, I thought it might be nice for Doggerel and Gnorman to have some fun solving puzzles and exploring somewhere sunny and exotic – Egypt seemed the ideal setting for their latest adventure.

“As with the previous two stories, I have tried to write the kind of tale that I would have enjoyed listening to as a child and then also sharing with my own children as a dad.

“For me, the most exciting part of Doggerel: Book 3 is that the story’s drawings

TOP DRAWER: Mylie Nicholson and Mabel and, inset, author Andrew Varndell and his book Doggerel and Even More Tails which features illustratons by Mylie

Dogged determination from Mylie to illustrate new book

have been done by Mylie, the eldest daughter of a good friend of mine, Emma. When I first heard that Mylie had enjoyed the earlier stories and liked to draw her own pictures of the characters, I thought it would be great if she could draw the actual illustrations for the new book. And, wow! Her drawings are wonderful!

“Mylie has recently been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum and, what an incredibly talented

young girl she is. I am very grateful and lucky to have her as part of Team Doggerel. Doggerel may have the brains and the courage, but Mylie is the one with the real superpower!”

Emma said: “Mylie and I are just so grateful to Andrew for giving Mylie this opportunity. Drawing for Mylie is her escape from the world and is a form of therapy. We want Mylie to be proud of her autism and who she is, she

Hope still rising in difficult times An artist in Bridport who has given hope to hundreds of people has sent The West Dorset Magazine one of her pieces to lift the hearts of all those who are suffering.

Thinking of the rose as a verb, Judith Gait has

encapsulated the struggles in conflict through her mixed media drawings, including the Conflict Rose and the Morning, Mourning Rose.

She said: “Such difficult times... I am sending you a ‘Conflict Rose’ and my

thoughts going out to all who want peace.

“Stripes and thorns surround this vessel containing a single white rose, rising against a smoke filled sky. The rose rises through it all... that is our hope.”

is a very special little girl and we want other autistic girls to be empowered by this message.

“Let’s celebrate our differences, let’s embrace the power of kindness and encouragement. Every child with autism is good at something and even though life can be tough for our autistic children let’s focus on how amazing they are.” n Doggerel & Even More Tails is available on Amazon.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Letters

A whole lotta Loder... Can you give it a rest?

I’m sure we all recognise our local MP, Chris Loder, as a titan as handsome as he is erudite, and his staunch support of his party, which has brought our nation such prosperity and unity of late, is to be commended. But there can be too much of a good thing.

Your October issue carried five photographs and five articles in which he featured, as well as the cover cartoon, his politics slot, his own advertisement and the lead letter. Please, a load less Loder in future.

Nick Pitt, Bridport I’d like to reply to the much name-checked Chris Loder, West Dorset Conservative MP who appears so regularly in the magazine. His most recent complaints? Bus route closures, the strain on dental services, another bus service puff, planning permission for 15 homes, a letter about lack of investment in West Dorset and then his half page hurrah on banning single use plastics. (there may be more ‘Loder-tosh’ that I missed…)

Conservative Mr Loder seems to have many views, but perhaps close to home is missing his focus… I would remind the West Dorset Tory that it is his party that has created the deregulated transport marketplace that sees bus routes closing. It is his party that has slashed central funding to local councils removing their ability to step in and support key failing bus routes. His party is the one that has created the huge strain on the dental service – and I won’t mention the NHS – his party that has failed its own house building targets, and his party that has weakened its resolve on climate change to the embarrassment of many of his fellow Conservatives and the horror of international climate change scientists.

His only valid point is that there is not enough investment in West Dorset. His answer? To

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall

scrap the Local Enterprise Partnership, (created by his party in coalition) and find some other mysterious and unexplained route to get government cash into Dorset.

It is no wonder that of all the politicians who earn a half page feature in the excellent WDM his is the ONLY one which does not mention his political party. Ashamed of being a Conservative, perhaps?

Simon Clifford, Sutton Poyntz The turn to wind and solar power and to electric vehicles (EVs) is impossible. It is impossible because the demand for the necessary raw materials, copper, cobalt, lithium, concrete and steel exceeds global supply.

It is impossible due to the enormous cost of batteries to back up a renewable energy grid when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.

Wind power generation requires 5,931 tons of bulk material per terra watt hour* and solar power generation needs 2,441 tons of bulk material. Both of these are much higher than for power generation from coal, gas or nuclear.

justsocaricatures.co.uk

A single wind turbine requires 900 tons of steel, 2,500 tons of concrete and 45 tons of nonrecyclable plastic. All that for a dramatically less reliable electricity generation system than conventional ones.

Wind and solar generation takes up to 300 times the land needed to produce the same power as a typical nuclear plant.

Where is the logic in overloading our power grid to power EVs and heat pumps when sometimes in winter the grid struggles to supply existing household and industrial demand? (* A terra watt hour is a unit of energy representing 1,000,000,000,000 (one trillion) watt hours.)

Robert Theobald, Weymouth Sally Cooke’s article in the October issue of WDM about weird collective nouns was most appealing. The English language is gloriously rich like that. But I felt the accompanying photo of a ‘squabble of seagulls’ following a tractor ploughing was misleading. The over-use of pesticides and fertilisers in

modern farming means birds following a ploughman is, sadly, a very rare sight today. Organic farming is the exception, not the rule.

That said, I would be glad to be contradicted by other readers!

Richard Lewington The senseless felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland reminded me of the time I walked to the ancient burial mounds on Rainbarrows hill with my dog, Buddy. It was a beautiful spring morning during the first lockdown in 2020. We took the track up through the beech and chestnut woods behind Hardy’s cottage, past Rushy pond and along the Roman road towards Rainbarrows hill. I was aware I was treading in the footprints of the great man himself and was looking forward to seeing the barrow and its iconic weatherbeaten holly tree silhouetted against the sky.

However, on reaching the barrow I was shocked to see that its sentinel tree had been levelled to the ground. This was probably one of the oldest holly trees in the area and must surely

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

63

Letters/Poetry corner have been there in Hardy’s day when he would gaze out over the Vale of Great Dairies and weave his tragic tales.

I later noticed that other ancient monuments in the area had been tidied up and can only assume that it was a thoughtless act of bureaucratic vandalism.

I wonder if any other readers remember this tree and lament its passing. The sawn off trunk now provides a seat measuring 3ft. at its widest part. The veinlike roots still knit the barrow together and throw up miniature holly bushes. Offspring of the original tree! On returning home I wrote this poem to better express my feelings.

Rainbarrows: A Lament There is an ancient holly tree up on Rainbarrows hill Its pagan branches twisted by the wind and Winter chill Many years ago I sat under that greenwood tree With the Vale of Great Dairies layed out in front of me.

Did Thomas Hardy also rest beneath its brittle shade

And dream his tales of Diggory Venn or Tess the dairymaid?

One fine day in early May when the air was like champagne I took the track up through the woods and climbed that hill again But a steely blade struck at my heart, the summit had been shorn, The barrow now stood bleak and bare without its crown of thorns.

The holly tree is left to stand in hedgerows on the downs For bad luck will befall the man that cuts a holly down.

There was an ancient holly tree up on Rainbarrows hill Where Thomas Hardy used to dream, his spirit haunts it still.

Steve Bick, Lane End, Bere Regis. Lockdown 2020 Back in the days of tanners and bobs, When mothers had patience and fathers had jobs.

When football team families wore hand me down shoes, And TV gave only two channels

to choose.

Back in the days of three penny bits, when schools employed nurses to search for your nits.

When snowballs were harmless; ice slides were permitted and all of your jumpers were warm and hand knitted.

Back in the days of hot ginger beers, when children remained so for more than six years.

When children respected what older folks said, and pot was a thing you kept under your bed.

Back in the days of Listen with Mother, when neighbours were friendly and talked to each other.

When cars were so rare you could play in the street.

When Doctors made house calls and Police walked the beat.

Back in the days of Milligan’s Goons, when butter was butter and songs all had tunes.

It was dumplings for dinner and trifle for tea, and your annual break was a day by the sea.

Back in the days of Dixon’s Dock Green, Crackerjack pens and Lyons ice cream.

When children could freely wear National Health glasses, and teachers all stood at the FRONT of their classes.

Back in the days of rocking and reeling, when mobiles were things that you hung from the ceiling.

When woodwork and pottery got taught in schools, and everyone dreamed of a win on the pools.

Back in the days when I was a lad, I can’t help but smile for the fun that I had.

Hopscotch and roller skates; snowballs to lob.

Back in the days of tanners and bobs.

Chris Slade, Maiden Newton

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Vittles (food & drink) 25% OFF YOUR FOOD BILL TUES-THURS ONLY WDM

Offer ends Feb 16th, 2024

Proper pub grub keeps this customer satisfied RESTAURANT REVIEW New Inn, Shipton Gorge

By John Clements, chef at The Olive Tree, Bridport There’s a regular customer at the restaurant who looks exactly like Art Garfunkel.

We call him Art Carbuncle.

This review was preceded by a blister-inducing, mud-yomp from Bridport up to Shipton Gorge.

Too much doom-scrolling of wars and other various troubled waters, I really SIMPLE, SIMON: Ham, egg needed some peace. and chips, and the bacon/ Leaving Bridport we entered brie baguette at The New Inn Walditch in a bright, but hazy open. Inside it reminded me a shade of winter, sun. The bit of the pubs of my swish, swish of crispy leaves childhood in a really good in browns, oranges and way. The stunning fireplace, yellows broke the sound of on our visit, wasn’t lit but the silence as we began to climb welcome from Beth, the steamy Dorset hills – still nonetheless, was genuinely a myriad of greens with warm. clover, ferns, nettles and The menu could be found on grass. It’s hard to stay blue various boards dotted about amidst all of this beauty. the pub and was reassuringly The New Inn is a deeply unfussy and traditional. Ham, unpretentious proper Dorset egg and chips for me and a village pub. The locals fought brie and bacon baguette for hard to ensure it remained

my old friend from New York. The eggs were perfectly cooked and the ham fresh. The baguette, a crispy, light, almost focaccia bread, will be ordered again. Also on offer were ploughman’s, sirloin steak, pork belly, sausage and mash, squash curry. Classic pub food. The New Inn was Shipton Gorgeous.

Homeward bound, the sun peeking out the edge of another huge black threatening cloud, we risked it and took a slightly different path along a ridgeline that exposed views of a stunning Lyme Bay in all its infinite shades of grey.

Then down, slip-sliding away, into our little town of Bridport, both feeling kind of groovy.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

65

Vittles (food & drink)

Parking help is on menu at beach café The Watch House Café in West Bay is dipping into its own pocket to help diners combat the rising cost of parking.

To coincide with the launch of its new Sunday roast menu, the café on East Beach is reimbursing foodies for the cost of two hours’ parking when they produce proof of a valid ticket.

Steve Attrill, owner of The Watch House Café, said: “Hefty car park tariffs are not unique to West Bay, but we want diners to stay local and not ever be put off by the price of car parking. I believe we are the only eatery around to be offering this type of

deal, highlighting our commitment to keeping the good people of West Dorset eating locally.

“We are delighted to have launched our muchanticipated Sunday roast menu at The Watch House Cafe. Our first few weekends of service have been really successful, and it has been great to see people making the most of our parking pledge.

“Ultimately the numbers don’t lie. Combined footfall across all three of our sites was down this

summer compared to 2022.

“Parking is just one contributing factor to this, and we do appreciate that the council must recoup money somewhere.

“However, as a business we need to do what we can to attract customers who may have otherwise been put off by the charges. “ Mr Attrill added: “Our head chef, Colin, and his team have crafted a fantastic menu which showcases an array of bold flavours as well as everyone’s favourite

classics – there are even Bottomless Yorkshire Puddings.”

Coupled with an offer of two courses from their mouth-watering new Sunday Roast offerings for just £20, staff hope that this will tempt customers to stay local rather than travel further afield.

Following the scheme’s success in West Bay, the Watch House Café’s sister site in West Bexington – The Club House, will is offering parking reimbursement for diners joining them for a Sunday roast. n watchhousecafe.co.uk/ book-a-table

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Vittles (food & drink) Karen Broad lives in Burton Bradstock, with her husband and two mad dogs. She ran The Mousetrap in Dorchester, has lived in France and loves discovering new food producers.

Cold comfort from grandma’s chicken soup Feed a cold, starve a fever – a favourite phrase of my grandmother, who would arrive with a bowl of steaming broth to our bedside. How she managed to get it to us travelling by bus without spilling it is one of life’s mysteries. But it was guaranteed it was made with love.

I am a great believer in using natural ingredients and listening to what your body craves. We all know about pregnancy cravings; it’s the same when you are feeling unwell. If your body craves a food, there’s a reason.

My father would eat raw onion. The fact he was banished to the spare room was more about the onion than the bug!

Studies show chicken soup is very effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, are excellent decongestants.

The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration

and is comfort food at its best. Chicken soup as a remedy can be even traced back to 60 AD and it appears prominently in Mrs Beeton’s book of housekeeping that has a whole section on invalid cooking. Don’t forget, these were the days before modern day medication when Grandma really did

know best.

Chicken provides the body with a complete source of protein to help battle infection, and the vegetables are a bonus providing vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

Onions and garlic are vital for a well-functioning immune system. Chicken is rich in carnosine, which

Mum’s Kitchen...

Rich Daube of Venison This rich and flavourful casserole can be made using beef instead of venison if preferred Serves 6 Ingredients: 20g pack dried wild mushrooms such as porcini

6 tablespoons rapeseed oil 900g casserole venison, cubed 225g onions, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons plain flour 3 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2.5cm fresh root ginger, peeled and grated 125g sundried tomatoes 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs

targets that ‘stuffed up’ feeling.So, I am not talking ultra processed tinned or packeted chicken soup, but good old homemade soup which is surprisingly easy to make.

I buy a small chicken, which I roast for 40 minutes, and then place whole into a deep stock pot with a couple of litres of water. Bring this to the boil and simmer for an hour.

(Chicken thighs are just as good.) I roast it first for flavour, but this is optional.

In a separate saucepan, gently sauté some onions, carrots, peas, celery, fresh thyme, and garlic or use a soffritto mix. Remove the chicken and take off the meat, mix with the lightly sautéed vegetables. Add the stock and season to taste. I sometimes add umami, which gives a salty rich taste, or use miso.

For big appetites this can be served with some tasty cheese and mustard scones or add some herby dumplings to the soup for 20 minutes before the end of cooking.

with Diana Holman Bottle red wine 2 tablespoons orange marmalade 225g chestnut mushrooms, cleaned and chopped Small handful of parsley, chopped Method: Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan oven.

Rinse the dried mushrooms then

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67

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.

Want a simple supper? It’s easy cheesy Easy Cheesy Pie

sure it’s well sealed.

Put the tart in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Glaze the pie with the egg and put it in the oven for 20- 25 minutes or until the pie crust is brown and crisp. Take it from the oven and cut it into pieces. Serve with seasonal vegetables or salad.

This is a lovely simple supper – it can be made quickly, ahead of time, and flung in the oven when you need it. Left-overs are great served cold and can be popped in lunch boxes.

It’s a great recipe for using up those last bits and pieces of cheese that you find in the fridge: You can use any cheese.

See my tip on instagram for wilting spinach easily.

Gas 7/ 210 C Serves 6 2 x sheets of ready rolled puff pastry 100g fresh breadcrumbs 100g spinach (wilted) 100g carrot, grated 100g cheddar, grated 60g dolcelatte, cut in small pieces (1 cm) 30g parmesan, grated Herbs, dried White pepper salt 1 free range egg, beaten Place the two pieces of pastry side by side on the

EASY AS PIE: Lizzie’s Easy Cheesy Pie is simple to make

work surface. Leaving a 1cm border around the edge, cut diagonal slices through one piece with a sharp knife – approximately 2cms wide.

Put the second piece of pastry on a parchment lined baking tray - leave a 2cm border. Spread the breadcrumbs on the base, followed by the spinach

soak in a bowl with 150ml cold water for an hour.

Meanwhile, heat three tablespoons oil in a large flameproof casserole and brown the venison in batches over a fairly high heat.

Remove from the casserole and set aside.

Add one tablespoon oil to the pan and fry the onions over a lower heat until golden.

Return all the meat to the casserole

and the carrot. Season well with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle the cheddar, dolcelatte and parmesan over the top and season with herbs. Sprinkle with pepper. Use the egg to glaze the edges of the sheet of pastry.

Place the scored pastry over the top and press the edges together to make

and stir in the flour crushed garlic, ginger, sundried tomatoes and herbs.

Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to

n Lizzie has opened a bakery located at Higher Ashton Farm DT2 9EZ and is open from 10 - 12 on Fridays.

And Lizzie’s Proper Tasty Christmas open day is on Sunday November 12 in the Old Ship inn, Upwey where you can try, buy or order from her and her band of merry traders. They are there from 12 - 4 pm all are welcome and have a glass of mulled apple juice on Lizzie and do some christmas shopping.

You’ll find her this month at the christmas fair at Athelhampton House. www.lizziebakingbird.co.uk or follow her on instagram lizzibakingbird.

combine the flavours.

Add the wild mushrooms with their soaking liquid, along with the wine and the marmalade.

Cover and bring to the boil then put into the oven for two hours or so until the meat is tender. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms and cook for a further 30 minutes.

Adjust the seasoning, and sprinkle the daube with chopped parsley before serving.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Homes & Gardens x

Mild wet weather brings strange sights Andy Cole is a reiki healer at The Potting Shed in Middlemarsh. He specialises in planting for healing.

The relentless rain and winter gate latches are working storms have been taking a toll properly. Rake up fallen leaves on us all in one way or and compost them, it may also another, so it is important to be a good idea to secure them check your drain covers and down from the winds with a remove any debris from them, bit of old carpet or something ensure that fences are heavy to hold them in place. structurally sound and check This time of year, when the

weather permits, is a good time for tidying up and a bonfire, but please check your fire area for hedgehogs and other little creatures that may have set up home in them before lighting.

Strange things are happening in the gardens now, runner beans and raspberries are still being picked and apple blossoms have been seen on a couple of trees. It is so mild now that nature is not sure what’s going on.

Prune your roses, to prevent them swinging around in the wind and

damaging the roots. You can limit the amount of damage by pruning roses to make them more resistant to the wind.

Put netting over the brassicas, otherwise pigeons are going to cause trouble and eat them.

Plant winter bedding to brighten up the winter months.

Don’t forget as the wet weather continues, raise pots up off the ground on ‘feet’ or something similar, to keep the bottom of the pot out of the water and to help it drain out.

Here at The Potting Shed we are busy dividing the perennials and potting them on and once dry enough we will be weeding, pruning, planting and mulching the flower beds.

The areas for trees and hedging will soon be prepared ready for planting.

We have started to put the tender plants into the polytunnel, to avoid a rush when the weather turns cold.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Homes & Gardensx

69

NO FEE, NO OBLIGATION APPOINTMENT

but no honey bees Don’t forget to insulate or turn off your outside taps.

We have snowberries, or Symphoricarpos with berries and another out in flower. This time last year the bees were buzzing around the flowers, but right now, not a sign – it’s far too wet and horrible.

The snowberry shrub has spiritual significance in some cultures. The snowberry energies aid in bringing the mind, body, and spirit together as one, interweaving and

connecting our physical and spiritual bodies enabling us to become more at ease with ourselves.

We would like to thank the volunteers who have helped us, we would not have progressed as far as we have without their help and are pleased that the use of the space has also helped them. If you would like to volunteer, please drop us an email to info@therapygarden.co.uk or call us on 07940 803927.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Homes & Gardens x

Updating your conservatory... Plus how to get two fr How can you make a dated conservatory look more attractive? Homebuilding & Renovating Show experts, architect Paul Testa and interior designer Julia Kendell, formerly from BBC One’s DIY SOS, share their ideas.

Paul Testa said: “The aesthetic of a conservatory is pretty fixed; it’s not easy to over-clad them, for example.

“One simple option is to get the frames resprayed a fresh colour by a uPVC frame spraying specialist. This can make it feel much more modern and you could freshen up the windows on the whole house at the same time. Try to think about colours that aren’t the default anthracite grey to give your house some individual character. You

shouldn’t need permission for this unless you’re in a conservation area or the house is listed.”

Julia Kendell said: “1990s conservatories can often look very tired, but the cost of replacing them with solid construction can be prohibitive.

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“Painting the UPVC framing/ woodwork to a contemporary colour like black will uplift the look.

“Softening the flooring by using a coir or similar carpet (be careful to choose a minimal UV fade) can make the space nicer to inhabit.

“Large-scale potted plants and

contemporary furniture can do wonders, making the conservatory feel like an orangery rather than an old people’s sitting area. Rattan furniture is definitely making a come-back so add some colourful, contemporary cushions and layer with throws.

“Plantation shutters, Roman blinds or linen voile blinds are a great way to maintain a steady temperature and will dramatically improve the appearance of a tired conservatory. Giving the conservatory a new purpose can add life to the space, so consider turning it into a games or crafting room.”

For more insights from the Homebuilding & Renovating Show experts go to somerset.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

71

Homes & Gardensx

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EXPERT ADVICE: Julia Kendall has lots of tips to help you to perk up your conservatory.

Main picture, visitors enjoy the Homebuilding & Renovating Show

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Septic tanks: A love story spanning the ages

By Tom Beels of Burrow Environmental Ltd Elinor Dashwood had always been the embodiment of sense and practicality in her family. After the untimely death of her father, she and her impulsive sister Marianne found themselves in a dire financial situation.

Their beloved family home, Norland Park, was no longer an option, and the sisters were left with the daunting task of securing their future through advantageous marriages.

Elinor’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation set her apart in a society that often ignored the plight of the natural world. She couldn’t help but be deeply involved in her eco-friendly endeavours. This made her a rare gem in a world preoccupied with societal norms.

Elinor’s path crossed with

Edward Ferrars, a charming and kind-hearted man, who was captivated by her intelligence and grace. Yet, he was perplexed by her relentless devotion to environmental issues. Their connection, while genuine, remained somewhat lukewarm due to this divide.

Elinor’s world, however, took an unexpected turn when she decided to address a pressing environmental issue at her new home.

The property had a terribly polluting septic tank, which she was determined to replace with a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant.

Her determination to complete this eco-friendly project while many around her held their noses and attempted to wish away the problem, was nothing short of remarkable.

Edward, upon witnessing Elinor’s dedication to this cause, found himself seeing her in a completely new

light. He was struck by her resolve and passion for making a tangible difference.

As Elinor embarked on this ambitious project, her practicality and dedication to environmental conservation shone brightly, captivating Edward like never before.

Their love story began to evolve, and their connection deepened as they worked together to realise Elinor’s vision.

The more they collaborated on the wastewater treatment plant, the closer they became. Elinor’s

environmental concern and her desire to understand how much individual actions can make a difference was impressive to Edward. Her obsession became a shared passion which brought them together in a way nothing else had.

As their love blossomed, they found that their shared purpose was the foundation of their happiness.

Their joint commitment to environmental causes became the cornerstone of their relationship, strengthening their bond and providing the basis for their future projects large and small, each playing a part in making the world a better place for future generations. n To check if your septic tank is legal or polluting, speak your local specialist, Burrow Environmental Ltd. on 01935 507508 or visit Burrow-Environmental.com

72

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Homes & Gardens

Celebrate the joy of a Christmas tree 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 ecofriendly gardening practices.

Choosing a Christmas tree is a big event for many people. Many see it as the start of their Christmas celebrations with some families waiting until everyone is home before they call in to select their tree. One of the difficulties is the number of choices possible.

We now stock, from the very best specialist growers, seven or eight different varieties and in lots of sizes and forms, either cut or pot grown.

The Norway Spruce is the traditional Christmas Tree and it provides a distinctive Christmas tree scent to any home. The Nordmann, Noble and Fraser Firs are the ultimate in Christmas Trees.

Their luxury feel and proportioned looks make them second to none. They also have little needle drop particularly compared to the Norway Spruce and the Fraser has a wonderful scent too.

Living, pot-grown trees have a full root system.

After Christmas this type of tree has a chance of survival when planted in the garden. In order to get a potted tree to survive put it into the house as close to Christmas as possible, preferably after a period in a cold

n A frosty Christmas walk, a gingerbread house, an enchanted forest and a peaceful Christmas are just some of the heartwarming themes featured in The Gardens Group’s new Christmas displays.

Staged at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester, the decorated walkways have been constructed using repurposed and recycled materials, and are brimming with glass baubles, twinkly LED lights, recycled candles, and plastic free toys. greenhouse or conservatory, and then bring it back outside as soon as possible after Christmas. Keep it well watered throughout this time.

With cut trees remove the netting we wrap them in when you arrive home and allow the tree to regain its natural shape. Cut perhaps one to two inches off the bottom of the trunk and stand the tree in a bucket of water outside until you are ready to bring it into the house. The later it is brought into the house the better the needle retention for all types of trees.

Choose a position in your house away from direct heat and radiators and keep it upright in a stand that will hold water. Keep the water topped up as regularly as you can.

I think there is a joy with a real tree as they are carbon neutral, they are recyclable and non-toxic. We only source Christmas Trees from UK growers who have clear replanting

In the planning since January, this year’s Christmas displays follow its award-winning year in 2022, when Brimsmore Gardens scooped first prize in the Garden Centre Association’s national Christmas Competition.

Having now won this coveted award 11 times, The Gardens Group remains committed to delivering an immersive and special experience for visitors, while making their Christmas celebrations more eco-friendly every year.

policies in place.

After Christmas all the local councils will collect trees for recycling, and we do too if purchased from one of our centres. The

shredded trees are then used in our garden centres as mulch or for soil improvement.

Mike Burks thegardensgroup.co.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

73

Down to earth KIM BERLIN – A newcomer to the Rock

Fascinating history of isle windmills Twenty-five years ago my enthusiasm for the Isle of Portland was growing rapidly. I didn’t live here then, but I had got to know the island well and I could see what the place had to offer – outstanding natural beauty, incredible wildlife, beautiful clear seas and a hatful of history – so I despatched two friends from Cambridgeshire to explore, with my endorsement still ringing in their ears.

Their return was eagerly anticipated, so I was somewhat flummoxed by their less than enthusiastic reaction. ‘The Bill was nice but there’s nothing else there’. They had, of course, made the classic mistake perpetuated by so many visitors – vroom, across the beach, vroom, up the big hill, vroom, down to the Bill… and back again without the slightest inkling of the extraordinary and beautiful things they have passed by, unseen.

I have long maintained that the best way to see Portland is on foot. For those for whom that presents a problem, don’t worry, that are plenty of accessible places of interest, but I think that really the issue is that there are places where the internal combustion engine cannot go and that these places are often amongst the most interesting.

A case in point: few people that visit the island are aware of the two ancient windmills that still exist, stood almost side by side, in the middle of the island.

Now known simply as the North and South windmills, they have been known as Angel Mill and Cottonfields (both names for the north mill) and Top Growlands (south mill) in the past. Historical land revenue accounts show that both were in existence in 1608 and with good reason – Portland, despite being joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach, was largely inaccessible, except by sea, and it had to be mostly self-sufficient.

Consequently, large flocks of sheep and numerous areas of cereal growing were the norm and supported this island community that, by necessity, had a communal approach to farming and agricultural production.

Cereals were milled at the windmills both for commercial and personal usage, ensuring that the island’s population had production of this staple within local control.

Both the remaining structures are stone towers, built from roughcoursed local limestone and are two of the oldest surviving windmills in the UK. It is quite possible that they are 100 years older than their first recorded date. Originally the wooden top structures were believed to be thatched and the deep foundations are constructed from mortared pebbles to keep rats out. The last millers were Robert and Edward Pearce, noted as such in Kelly’s Directory of Dorsetshire in 1895, but with improved communications with the mainland and the availability of cheaper commercially milled flour in bulk, the mills became redundant and closed around 1900.

The wooden caps, sails and tailpoles were mostly removed in the early 1900s, with some pieces falling into the stone towers with increasing dilapidation. Since being decommissioned as mills they have largely remained unused, although the south windmill was made into an observation post by the Home Guard during the

Second World War. Some evidence of this still exists inside the tower.

The south mill is owned by a quarrying company and the north by a private individual, but it is hoped that in the future, one, if not both, can be restored to preserve this part of Portland’s heritage. Both are listed buildings.

The windmills lie almost in the centre of the island, on a footpath just east of Penn Castle and south of the village of Easton. In themselves, they won’t hold the attention of a visitor for a long period of time, but they are worth including in a walk across the island from Church Ope Cove to Westcliff to take in the sunset.

Footpaths run everywhere on Portland so the choice of route can take in many points of interest and different views and the coast-to-coast walk can be as short as 30 minutes.

Portland Museum, at the bottom of Wakeham near Church Ope, has the last remaining sail-stock from the north mill in the garden and is well worth visiting to find out more about Portland’s fascinating history.

For more information on Portland’s windmills please visit Richard Crumbleholme’s excellent Dorset Windmills website and Ashley Smith’s Encyclopaedia of Portland History.

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The West Dorset Magazine, March 2023

Down to earth

St Catherine’s wheel of misfortune PAGAN VIEWS with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

There are many Pagan sites which have been rebranded over the years into Christian places of worship. There are also people who have been rebranded and, in my Pagan view, St Catherine is a prime example.

Not far away from where I live is a hill by the sea. On that hill the monks at Abbotsbury Abbey had a chapel built in the 1300s which was dedicated to St Catherine. In medieval times Catherine’s cult was immensely popular and her feast day of November 25 was much venerated.

But who was this Catherine?

As a child my favourite firework was a Catherine wheel. Little did I know that this firework is named after one of Catherine’s alleged forms of torture. It is said that she was born around 287 AD and was a

STUNNING: St Catherine’s at Abbotsbury Picture: STEVE BELASCO

Pagan, not a Christian.

Supposedly, she converted to Christianity as a teenager and irritated the Roman Emperor Maxentius with her evangelical zeal, which led to many conversions.

First, Maxentius tried to stop her in her tracks by throwing her in prison and sending his best men to debate with her and when that didn’t work he resorted to a proposal of marriage (as you do...).

But Catherine claimed she was consecrated to Christ

so the evil Pagan Emperor had her tied up on the spiked execution wheel, which would have bludgeoned her to death if it had not miraculously broken at her touch.

Strangely, her touch did not have the same effect on the next form of execution as she was summarily beheaded.

However, the dates did not tally and the more the history of the martyring of Catherine was examined the more holes in the story were noticed. Many

Christians, historians and Pagans pointed out that the tale of St Catherine bore a remarkable similarity to the story of Hypatia. Hypatia was born in 355 AD and died March 1415. She was the greatest mathematician of her time. As she also taught Neoplatonist philosophy she was labelled a Pagan and was murdered by zealous Christians in a far more horrific manner than Catherine.

As the 1960s rolled on the pressure on the Catholic church to examine the claims that St Catherine is really based on the real story of Hypatia grew more intense. In 1969 the Catholic church sidestepped the issue by taking St Catherine’s Day out of the liturgical calendar .

Coincidence? I think not….” n The annual service Candles on St Catherine’s Hill, Abbotsbury, will be held at 3.45pm on Sunday, November 26.

You have nothing to fear

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

Mysteries was published.

The usual suspects were around – I have taken people on fungus forays Sulphur Tufts, (an unpleasant 48 for over thirty years, and yesterday I hours), Yellow Stainers, (the same but took the last of this year’s twenty-five. more unpleasant), plus Earth Balls, A fair number of edible species to Fibre Caps, and many more. There delight the culinary-minded were was also the Brown Rollrim, which discovered, plenty of fascinating can be eaten (after cooking) with specimens to please those with impunity for (maybe) a few years before it induces auto-immune aesthetic or scientific leanings, and haemolytic anaemia after a very final more poisonous species than I have

meal. And only yesterday, I found a troop of a dozen Death Caps in Bournemouth. These fulfil their dark promise and are the commonest cause of death from mushroom poisoning worldwide. They do, however, have a sinister beauty: the cap a classy olivegreen, a ring like a pleated skirt on the stem and a distinct bag (volva) at the stem base from which it bursts forth.

The star of the show, however, was the Deadly Webcap, Cortinarius rubellus.

This is one of half a dozen species in

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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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.

Hedge a haven for fruit and wildlife I feel very blessed to still have one of my sons at home, at least for a few more months, particularly as he has been spending much of his free time up a ladder with his power tools getting to grips with part of our unruly hedge.

Our hedge dates back to when Tolpuddle was one of the villages on the old A35 that tourists had to crawl through in the summer holidays to get to Devon and Cornwall. Before the Puddletown bypass was built Tolpuddle would have had a very different feel to it. A need to block out the sights, sounds and smells of the busy road was probably why the fast growing, evergreen leylandii conifers were chosen for the hedge.

Some of the original Leylandii hedge is still standing strong, sparrows roost in it in the summer, blackbirds and pigeons

TUCKING IN: A blackcap eating crab apples

nest in it and it provides hibernation places for ladybirds and other invertebrates. However, a big patch has died off and the dead wood has given the brambles and bindweed a great structure on which to grow. Clearing out this area, we plan to replant with some native species and provide even more value for wildlife.

Choosing plants that will provide fruits and berries for the birds is our priority.

Hawthorn is a fantastic hedgerow plant, providing pollinators with gorgeous

white flowers in spring (‘May blossom’) and fruit (‘haws’) in the autumn.

According to folklore, hawthorn is a gateway to the world of the fairies and its leaves, flowers and fruits have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It’s important not to cut it back too early in the autumn as the fruit can stay on the bush right into the winter and is eaten when its needed most by blackbirds and our visiting winter thrushes, the fieldfares and redwings.

Another tree we’re keen to put in is crab apple. Like the hawthorn, it will provide attractive blossom and the crab apples can stay on the tree long after the leaves have gone. Last year in the village I watched an overwintering blackcap gorging itself on crab apples on a cold January day.

A plant that needed no encouragement to take over some of the bare areas of our hedge is ivy. It has been covered in flowers the last two months which have attracted bees, wasps and butterflies. We are leaving it now to let the flowers turn to berries. Ivy berries won’t fully ripen until late winter or early spring so are a great source of calories (apparently almost as many as in chocolate) for the birds when the other berries have all gone.

but a kidney transplant and a slow, horrible death the large Cortinarius group, all characterised by having thousands of fine fibres joining the edge of the immature cap to the stem.

As the cap opens to reveal the gills, the white or pale blue fibres collapse on to the stem and are only readily visible from the rust-coloured spores which discolour them. Although only a few Webcaps are deadly, none are edible, and all should be avoided. Well, I did

eat one once – no problems, just tasteless. Seriously, don’t try this at home.

There have been a few terrible poisonings from the Deadly Webcap in Britain, though no deaths that I have heard about.

The lack of deaths is down to modern medicine, but this often involves years of dialysis and eventual kidney transplants.

In my Forager’s Calendar I tell the

unvarnished truth about fungus forays: The best thing that can happen is that you have a lovely day out in the countryside with friends and family and come home and have a lovely meal.

The worst thing is that you have a lovely day out in the countryside with friends and family, have a meal that may or may not be lovely, and you all die a horrible death.

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PUZZLING OVER YOUR ADVERTISING?

EASIER PUZZLES

Email advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk | Call 01305 566336

Arrow words Highest singing voice

Reply

Picks

Tinker

Crossword Botanical term for a grape

Idiomatic phrase

1

Avaricious

2

3

7

9

Action word

Day after Mon (abbr)

10

11

Animal kept at home

Tiers

12 Close Hindi relative

Yes

In what way?

Typist’s rate (inits)

Lavishly honoured

Lady sheep

16

Opening on the skin

17

19

Uncouth

22

Across 1 Quickly (7) 5 Jumps a rope (5) 9 Continually (5,3,5) 10 Disappears (8) 11 Fruit or vegetable skin (4) 12 Lawyers (9) 16 Bundles of money (4) 17 Pedal-bike users (8) 19 Tell apart (13) 21 Lit-up (5) 22 Tooth doctor (7)

Catalogue

Birth name

Wordsearch

Down 2 Woollen shawl (6) 3 Starts (9) 4 Dog rope (5) 6 Beer cask (3) 7 Costs (6) 8 Probable (4-2) 11 An expert in matter and energy (9) 13 Happens (6) 14 Audacity (6) 15 Says (6) 18 Light, narrow, paddled boat (5) 20 Bushy hairdo (abbr) (3)

Really Clean

N E I A W U D T N H S A C P D T S U A T L N I T P E E D T R S E A P T T E N E A D D N E D

N M P S T L E M S E P U A P S D N A D I D S T E O N P E T N K O L T T I T I C A T L R E M P E R F I E M I I N S I L W I I S I A T L H Z S P U E E H E S F S E S N A E L A U C A T R

ANTISEPTIC ASEPTIC CLEANSED DECONTAMINATED PERFECT SPECKLESS SPICK AND SPAN SPOTLESS

18

20

21

Debtor’s note (inits)

Biblical king of Judea

15

Look at

Pre-summer season (abbr)

Master

13

14

Filming speed (inits)

N P R R D P L A O K E D R D P

6

8

Hew

Lure

5

4

T D N N E N K C I O O U C N S B T S E A S N M E C I L L N K R A C A T E Z E P C D S E S U

STERILE STERILIZED UNADULTERATED UNBLEMISHED UNCONTAMINATED UNSPOTTED UNSULLIED WASHED

U U P E D S D S U L E C T A F

S S S E L T O P S E E A N N C

Sudoku

6 5 9

For the solutions turn to page 86

4 7 1 2 4 5 7 6 8 5 3 8 1 9 2 4 9 3 2

3 2 9

2 5 6

Brain chain (Easy version) 33

÷11

×6

-50%

+25

×1/2

RESULT

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Working together to give the customer the very best service

1

4 2 3 1 7

2

3

4

8

10

48×

14+

12

14

13

16

216×

9+

7+

2÷

180×

30+

672×

24+

8×

4

432×

9÷

320×

7+

45×

13+

12×

11+

17+

12+

35×

Brain chain (Hard version) 27

-12

+63

×1/2

+107

÷2

20

19

22

21

24

Across 1 Eccentric came in place for film buffs (6) 5 Run over pair of firms in a colourful style (6) 8 Put burden on independent source of rides? (4) 9 Political group in part of a musical work (8) 10 Mentor that’s set off British comedian (6) 11 Brazil includes this e-commerce company (6) 12 Some man tenders stake (4) 14 First trophy recalled (3) 15 Punkish figure irritated hotel (4) 16 More substantial politician taken into real ground (6) 18 Home by French river reportedly? That’s crazy (6) 20 Councillor, one I rate possibly for standards for judging (8) 22 Unattractive guy looking unkempt about 50 (4) 23 A long-running US TV series about Frenchman nearly (6) 24 Type of maid, affectedly pretty by Northern yard (6)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage.

For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

Down 2 Angry judge following first sign of illegality (5) 3 Lie? Step that’s improvised in letter (7) 4 A cross and church shown in carpet (9) 5 Turn priest (3) 6 Order missing last two characters and punctuation mark (5) 7 Devise study on Colorado and Connecticut (7) 11 Place kept by captain at work for candidate for post? (9) 13 Rule man formulated for figure (7) 15 Guest is uneasy about act of courtesy? (7) 17 Release game after permission (3,2) 19 Synthetic material only manufactured by Norway (5) 21 Half-hearted start? That’s nonsense (3)

RESULT

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

15

18

17

Killer Sudoku Pro:

120×

126×

18×

7

11

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.

6+

6

9

23

2

5

2

8 4 6 1 9 3 9 3 8 4 6 7 5 6 8 5 2 7 1 1 3 5 5 3 6 2 5 8 3 1 4 8 6 6 5 4 1 5 3 7 7 2 2 7 4 8 4 8 9 6 5 2 2 1 9 3 4 1 4 2 7 8 9 7 5 1

2

HARDER PUZZLES

Cryptic Crossword

Jumbo 3D Sudoku 1

77

)

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Health & Wellbeing

Free help to lose weight with LiveWell Dorset Looking to lose a few pounds?

When it comes to losing weight successfully, making small, manageable changes to your daily routine can make a big difference – and so can getting the right support.

Did you know that LiveWell Dorset, the free health and wellbeing service, offers a 12-week weight loss kickstart programme? This includes free vouchers to access a local slimming group – WeightWatchers or Slimming World – or online support using the Second Nature app, plus 1-2-1 coaching.

Find out if you are eligible: 0800 840 1628 or visit livewelldorset.co.uk Try these small changes from

LiveWell to get you started: Drink more water: don’t mistake thirst for hunger.

Water also boosts your metabolism and can help you feel fuller if you drink a glass before a meal.

Don’t skip breakfast: This will make you feel hungrier, leading to snacking or eating bigger meals later.

Get more active: Exercise burns extra calories and helps

keep weight off. The trick is finding an activity you enjoy and making it part of your daily routine.

Don’t ban treats: Banning food you love will make you crave it more. You can have a small treat occasionally but try to stick to Public Health England’s suggested 400 calories for breakfast and 600 each for lunch and dinner.

Plan your meals: Plan your

meals and snacks for the week so you know exactly what you are going to eat.

Making a weekly shopping list means you’ll buy fewer unnecessary items.

Cut down on alcohol: Did you know that a glass of wine has the same number of calories as a piece of chocolate? Try swapping alcoholic drinks for lowcalorie soft drinks. Discover more tips and free support at livewelldorset.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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Health & Wellbeing

Fantastic views of Eggardon on Askerswell walk ASKERSWELL

Oggy’s Footcare

WALKING IN DORSET

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Start at the church and then walk eastwards along the road, passing a very grand manor house. When you get to a crossroads, cross over and continue eastwards along a footpath that crosses or skirts fields for about a mile until it gets to Nallers Farm, where it joins a bridleway. You then head north and uphill at Stancombe, the path following the parish boundary. There are steep coombs on access land close by.

At the top of the hill, turn left and join the unpaved road which takes you west to join the road to Eggardon. Turn right and walk up the hill. After a while you’ll come to a footpath on your left that takes you north west along the top of the hill soon to join the bridleway that skirts the southern ramparts of the hill fort.

As Eggardon Hill is mostly access land you can explore it freely and maybe discover the Bell Stone.

Then follow the bridleway south west to North Eggardon Farm and follow the farm track north west and then join a bridleway that takes you south for a mile, passing the densely wooded Knowle Hill with its brook in a gwyle, after which the route goes uphill again, eventually meeting the road at Spyway.

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Call: 07824 486356 After visiting the pub (not compulsory!) turn right down School Lane, heading south to the village cross roads.

You might like to explore the village, which has some interesting buildings, before going back to the cross roads and heading uphill to the south then, at the next junction turning left and back to your car.

You’ll have walked about five miles, more if you explored Eggardon, enjoying fantastic views.

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The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Business Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES is based in Wyke Regis. He helps to support and train hundreds of small business owners.

End your website shame and make it work

“It’s a little out of date.”

“I’m planning to put more on there.”

“It was a quick and easy first attempt.”

Do you apologise for your business website? Do you feel a little embarrassed about it?

At the same time you wish it brought in more customers.

Maybe you’re not sure if you need a website. Everyone says a business should have one, but is it anything but an expense (even if just a small one) and a source of faint anxiety?

I’ve viewed hundreds of small business websites over the last few years and the truth is – most aren’t very good.

This is my opinion. But it’s backed by statements like those above, which I hear quite often.

Business owners know their sites are budget, basic and barely noticed by anyone.

Here are some quick tips for making your site better.

Tip 1: Answer your customers’ top question first. Why does someone visit your site?

Because they want an answer.

You know the most common questions: When are you open?

How much? How does your service help me?

Pick the question people ask most often and make sure the answer is very visible the moment they arrive on the site.

I only visit pub websites to find their opening times, usually because I’m meeting someone.

That information is usually tucked away somewhere – not easy to find.

THE LAW COLUMN

Tip 2: Ditch the jargon. Talk the language of your customer, not the business you work in. Listen to the words your customers use and use those.

A small business owner worried about having the cash to pay their staff isn’t going to talk about liquidity issues or cashflow forecasts. They’re going to say: “I need help to pay my people this month.”

Tip 3: Have a clear call to action. Someone’s found your website. They’re interested in what you do. What do you want them to do next?

Call you? Buy something? Send a message? Sign up for some free information?

You may think it’s obvious that someone visiting your website wants to buy from you, and that

they’ll find their way to doing that.

If they’re really committed to buying that may be true. But a clear call to action gives them a firm nudge and makes it really easy for them.

Have ‘Buy now’ or ‘Book an appointment’ or some other action button prominent on your site (top right of the page is a good spot). Don’t be afraid to repeat it elsewhere on your site.

We’re heading towards the end of the year. Maybe your New Year’s resolution for your business is to take your website seriously. Invest some time (and money!) in sharpening it up.

Make your site work for you.

Enjoy people praising the simplicity of your site. Put an end to your website shame.

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Save money, time and your sanity by mediating instead Lisa Pharaoh is a qualified and registered mediator with the Civil Mediation Council. Contact her on 01305 819696 or at info@pharaohlaw.co.uk Mediation is an effective way of resolving many different types of dispute without going to court. It takes less time, costs less and is usually much less stressful than court proceedings.

Mediation can take place on-site, in the participants’ homes (usually for boundary disputes and neighbour disputes), at Pharaoh Law in Dorchester or anywhere depending on the nature of the dispute.

Once both participants consent to mediation, they will be asked to sign a mediation agreement to ensure they understand the process. Participants must confirm discussions are to remain confidential.

The participants will prepare and send to the mediator a note of their position together with relevant documents.

The mediator will read the papers carefully to understand the positions of the participants and the case before the mediation hearing begins.

A legal representative, such as a solicitor, may attend the hearing.

Participants are given their own private space for confidentiality and so they can talk in private.

The mediator then shuttles between the parties during the mediation, asking questions about the dispute and exploring if an agreement can be achieved.

It may be the participants wish to discuss their issues face-to-face but the consent of all participants must be obtained and discussions will only take place with the mediator.

The costs of the mediation are usually shared. There are a considerable number of

advantages to mediation.

When compared with court, mediation is usually quicker, cheaper, and provides more flexible outcomes than a judge could order, such as an apology.

They are also less stressful.

Mediation is without prejudice, confidential and has an extremely high settlement rate.

It’s often seen to produce a ‘win win’ for both participants.

Participants can still commence or continue court proceedings should mediation not be successful.

Civil and commercial mediation is effective at resolving disputes involving debt/money, contentious probate, contract, boundaries, property, landlord and tenant.

Workplace and employment mediation is effective at resolving disputes involving employee/employer disagreements in the workplace, or any employment issue.

You can use mediation if you have already started court proceedings. If a settlement is reached there will be no need to obtain a court’s determination.

The proceedings will end.

If the participants do not reach an agreement you can still commence court proceedings, or, if you have already started them, they can still go ahead, but details about what was discussed in the mediation hearing are not disclosed to anyone outside of the mediation hearing, not even to the court. This means that what is discussed in a mediation hearing is confidential.

Mediation is an empowering experience for those involved and allows the participants to craft their own resolution to their dispute without court.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

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Church

Plea for peace, love and understanding

By Canon Deb Smith

With the terrifying violence in Israel and Gaza raging now, the war in Ukraine, conflict in so many other places, we ask God for peace. We ask as if peace is external to us.

I wonder if our understanding of peace is too small and too narrow?

Do we limit peace to a particular set of behaviours, and usually the behaviour we expect or want from others?

We think of peace as an ideal to be attained and often we define it as the absence or elimination of conflict. We’ve convinced ourselves that peace will

come when this person or that group changes or stops doing something.

Ultimately, we view peace on our ability to change or control another. We let them determine whether our hearts are at peace or at war.

The reality is that we don’t have the power to change another. There is a reason so many of us feel powerless in the midst of our world’s tragedies. We are powerless. We have no control to change another.

The only person we have any power or ability to change is ourselves.

You and I are each responsible for choosing whether we live with a

Services Sherborne Abbey Weekday Services Monday to Saturday at 8.30am, Morning Prayer - The Sepulchre Chapel Every Monday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel Every Tuesday at 12noon, Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel Every Wednesday at 10.30am, Holy Communion with Homily – The Lady Chapel Every Thursday at 12noon, BCP Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel Every Friday at 9am, Ecumenical Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel The first Friday of the month at 9am, Requiem Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel Every Saturday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel Saturday, November 11 Sherborne Abbey: 11am Armistice Day Sunday, November 12 Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 11am Remembrance Service, 5.30pm Choral Evensong Cheap Street Church: 10.45am All

heart at peace or a heart at war. The struggle for peace begins not between me and another but within myself.

What if a heart at peace is about loving our neighbour as ourselves? If we truly believe that it would mean that the other person, regardless of who she or he is, counts and matters as much as we do. A heart at peace encounters everyone as a person. It looks another in the face and recognises itself. And we believe we also recognise the face of Christ.

I have just ordered a book I was recommended. It’s called The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute, which uses the

Age Worship, 6.30pm Taize Service St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 10.45am Service of Remembrance St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 10.45am Remembrance Service St James the Great, Longburton: 10.50am Remembrance Service St Saviour’s, Dottery: 10.30am Remembrance Service St Mary Magdalene, Loders: 10.50am Remembrance Service St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell: 10.50am Remembrance Service St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock: 10.50am Remembrance Service St John the Baptist, Symondsbury: 10.50am Remembrance Service St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton: 6.30pm Eucharist Service Friday, November 17 Sherborne Abbey, Lady Chapel: 11am Remembering the Fallen Sunday, November 19 Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 9.30am Morning Service St Paul’s at the Gryphon: 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary Magdalene, Castleton:

story of Yusuf al-Falah, an Arab, and Avi Rozen, a Jew, who each lost his father at the hands of the other’s ethnic cousins. I wanted to read it when I read this in a review: As the story unfolds, we discover how they came together, how they help warring parents and children to come together, and how we too can find our way out of the struggles that weigh us down. The choice between peace and war lies within us.

11.15am Mattins St Mary Magdalene, Loders: 10.30am Celtic Worship St Mary the Virgin, Powerstock: 11.00am Benefice Eucharist St Paul’s, Broadoak: 6.30pm Evening Prayer Sunday, November 26 Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 9.30am Morning Service St James the Great, Longburton: 10am Said Holy Communion St Paul’s at the Gryphon: 10.30am Morning Worship St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 11.15am Mattins St Saviour’s, Dottery: 9.30am Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Symondsbury: 11am Benefice Eucharist St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell: 6.30pm Evensong St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton: 6.30pm Evensong Thursday, November 30 Sherborne Abbey: 5.30pm Choral Evenson

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Constituency issues

with West Dorset MP Chris Loder

Trusts are the way forward for new homes

The Pilsdon community offers a home for wayfarers and those who stay for longer. It is a very special place and celebrated its 65th anniversary on October 15. I was delighted to be there at the thanksgiving celebration, along with the Bishop of Salisbury and scores of people from far and wide. Rev Sue Langton has been the long-time warden at the community and has showed so much kindness and compassion to so many during her time there. I would like to thank her very much for all she has done to help so many people during her time as she retired two weeks ago. Rev Nigel Fry has taken over the role and I wish him and his wife many happy years with us in West Dorset. n For most people, home ownership represents the largest investment made in a lifetime. It is a sizeable economic and emotional commitment that typically lasts for decades. But, here in West Dorset, getting onto the property ladder is not easy, especially for first-time buyers. I was very fortunate to purchase my first one-bed cottage for £130k in Sherborne back in 2011. More affordable housing is a necessity, but it’s important we take a

pragmatic approach to achieve this. Mass housing developments are not the solution. Proposals to construct thousands of homes – typically built on greenfield and agricultural land – threaten the social and environmental fabric of West Dorset.

Building such places risks hoovering out the life and character of the surrounding rural area, overshadowing our villages with decline rather than growth and prosperity – putting even more challenge on rural schools, pubs, shops, churches etc. Multi-million pound proposals might look good on paper with a sweetener such as building a new primary school (whether it’s needed or not).

One West Dorset solution for more affordable housing: Community Land Trusts (CLTs). CLTs are a form of community-led housing that acquires land through purchase by the community, which oversees the development of affordable housing to buy or rent. I’ve seen first-hand the positive benefit of CLTs, which enable local people to remain in the area to live and work, and to get a foot onto the property ladder. CLTs are also innovative and modest in size:

Drimpton and Lyme Regis have 15 homes each; Bridport has 53; Powerstock has 8; and Buckland Newton has 5. There are many other registered CLTs, including in Sherborne and Dorchester. I would like to encourage many more.

But we should not lose sight of the fact that the process is all too often a drawnout one. It is not uncommon for those involved with a CLT to wait over a decade for construction to begin. The major barrier is the planning system, which is sluggish and plagued by unnecessary delays and beaucracy. Fortunately, through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, the Government is implementing much-needed reform to speed-up the process. It coincides with the publication in December of the Government’s response to last December’s National Planning Policy Framework consultation, which will set out how planning policies in England are expected to be applied to help deliver the right homes in the right places.

The Government also offers assistance for first-time buyers. Schemes such as First Homes or Shared Ownership.

Contact me: hello@chrisloder.co.uk

Politics

Our heroic carers deserve a much better deal Did you know nearly 70,000 people in Dorset provide care for someone with a serious illness, a disability, or who are simply less able due to age? More than 20,000 people in Dorset are doing over 50 hours per week of unpaid care. This is disproportionately the case in West Dorset. After 13 years of Conservative mismanagement the care system in the UK is fundamentally broken. That care exists at all is largely due to the generosity of people providing unpaid care for friends and relatives.

Moreover, responsibility for doing so overwhelmingly falls on women, with 10% of

By EDWARD MORELLO West Dorset LibDems

all women report providing some form of unpaid care for an adult. and 3% providing over 50 hours a week.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to a better deal for Britain’s carers. Already this year we have succeeded in getting Parliament to pass our Carer’s Leave Bill, which provides a statutory right for carers to take five days leave a year. But we want to do so much more. We want to provide a real living wage for people working in the care sector and provide a greater

package of support to those providing unpaid care.

We also want to address the problem of too many people getting trapped in hospitals or care homes, unable to return to their homes because of a lack of community support.

This is horrible for the individual, but also blocks much needed beds in hospitals, preventing others from getting the care they need.

Recently a good friend of mine broke her hip. She was quickly treated by the hardworking team at Dorset County Hospital. Despite wanting to return to her flat in Dorchester, she was initially due to be sent to a care home

in Sherborne. Eventually a place was found in Weymouth, but it was a number of weeks before local support could be established, and she was allowed to return to her flat. It is an all too familiar story.

We believe that providing proper care for people at home would save the NHS £3bn, freeing up beds and providing better quality of life for people.

With six million more people on the NHS waiting list than when the Tories took power, and 2.6m people in England living with some form of unmet care, the need for change has never been greater.

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

83

Politics

Diplomacy only way to end this horrific conflict As I write the news is still dominated by the slow Israeli invasion of Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas raid into southern Israel and the kidnapping of innocent citizens.

From our safe position in West Dorset, it’s easy for us to look on in horror whilst regarding these events as something happening elsewhere that doesn’t affect us. But it so easily could, particularly if, for example, the Government attempts to prevent legitimate public demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people trapped in Gaza, or if people start making threats to innocent members of the Jewish community who have nothing to do with the extreme right-wing Israeli government.

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

Whilst, as individuals, our sympathies may lie with one side in this horrific conflict, we should make some effort to see the situation from all perspectives. We can condemn the horrific Hamas incursion into Israel and taking of hostages whilst also condemning the Israeli retaliation on the population of Gaza. We can condemn the longer term Israeli treatment of Palestinians whilst condemning the world-wide historic persecution of Jewish people. As soon as we dogmatically ‘take sides’ in situations such as these we lose any sense of balance and start interpreting

everything from our chosen side.

Pushing this further, the only way that this situation will be resolved in the long term will be for Israel and Hamas, the official government of Gaza, to get round a table and make an effort to see the conflict from the perspective of the opposite side. This is something that humanity seems to struggle with.

We are far too prone to tribalism, to retreating into our perceived tribe at the slightest trigger. And worse than this, when our passions are enraged by aggression from a perceived enemy tribe we quickly lose our ability to engage reason.

Getting Israelis and Palestinians round a table will, of course, first require

a cease fire (a call for which is causing divisions in both the Labour and Conservative parties). It will also call for an incredible degree of international diplomacy from the United Nations. Most, if not all, of the existential threats we face, whether they be war, epidemics or climate breakdown, must be addressed at the global level. And for this we need the work of the United Nations and their various subgroups. We should be giving them our full support.

Finally, to briefly return to my original point. Should we encounter strong opinions on this conflict, can I urge the citizens of West Dorset to display compassion, tolerance and an open mind.

Feeling positive about policies after conference Last month I attended an event to celebrate Black History Month in Dorchester, organised by Dorset Multicultural Network. It was a great example of community coming together in friendship and support.

Many different nationalities were there, and this was clear through cultural examples of food, music, language and history.

It was heartwarming to see that organisers had reached out to some of the Iranian asylum seekers who are being housed on the Bibby Stockholm in Portland.

I had just spent five days in Liverpool as a delegate to Labour’s annual conference. It was the best

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

attended conference ever with over 1,000 delegates and over 15,000 visitors.

I was proud to see that we’re a multicultural party.

The atmosphere at the conference was very upbeat, positive about the future and outward looking.

There was great enthusiasm from delegates for Labour’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament, a guarantee of police patrols in town centres and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said police will “relentlessly pursue” those who pose a threat to women

through a new perpetrator programme with a commitment to halve incidents of violence against women and girls within ten years.

An estimated £1.5bn will be set aside to clear the NHS backlog through funding extra overtime and equipment, funded by scrapping non-dom status and we will fund NHS dentists to offer 700,000 more urgent appointments, incentivise dentists to work in the most in-need areas, reform the NHS dental contract and start supervised toothbrushing for young children in schools in areas with most dental problems.

A revamped apprenticeship

levy would fund specialist training colleges that equip workers for local industries, particularly in renewables, nuclear, engineering, computing and modern toolmaking.

We will remove barriers to facilitate the largest upgrade to our national clean energy infrastructure in a generation, open up new grid construction to competitive tendering, and get GB Energy, Labour’s new publicly owned energy company, to work in coordinating the transmission operators.

There are too many policies to mention here, we’ll be hearing more as we head towards the general election.

84

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Sport The chairman of Preston (Weymouth) Table Tennis Club has been talking to The West Dorset Magazine about hopes for expanding the club’s social play nights due to a growing in interest in the sport.

Mick Hogan, who has been involved in the club since shortly after its inception in 2009, says that their Wednesday night social play sessions have become so popular that opening for a further night may be necessary to cope with the increased demand.

Mick said: “It’s a nice problem to have and it would be great if we can justify opening for a second club night. We have to make sure that there is enough demand and that it makes financial sense of course. As a club, we have kept the cost of playing quite low to make it accessible. We know that a lot of people are finding it hard financially and we wouldn’t want to price people out of playing our wonderful sport.”

The social play nights are held at the Westfield School, with four tables being available for play from 7pm to 9pm. Although Mick is involved with coaching under 16s separately, the weekly sessions are for adults only, with players aged from 18 to 90 regularly taking part. The cost is £12 per year for club membership and £3 per night to play.

Mick said: “We have nearly doubled our membership since 2021. We have two other qualified coaches on hand to help, Andy Crouch and Tony Jackson, and it’s certainly a fun and

GAME ON: Preston Table Tennis Club is set for expansion as the club proves more popular

Anyone for table tennis? Popular club is expanding

BUCKING THE TREND: Preston has six teams playing in the Weymouth and District League

supportive environment.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best sport in the world and it’s great to see so many people coming to play, whether they’re new to the game or have played a bit in the past. We’re seeing some younger people getting involved which is great for the long-term prosperity of the sport and our club. We’ve also seen more women playing and would love to

see more getting involved, whether it’s socially or within our competitive teams.

“We are really lucky to have such great facilities at the school and they’ve been very good to us. The school is totally accessible and they look after us really well.”

The physical and mental benefits of table tennis are well-documented and Mick is a strong advocate. Mick said: “It’s so good for both

mind and body. It’s fast, exciting, and can be a lot more physically demanding than people expect. We have a few people who have mobility issues or are recovering from injury and it’s a super way of helping their recovery. It’s great mental stimulation too, and because our nights are very sociable, it’s a brilliant way of making friends and forgetting the stresses and strains of modern life.”

Preston are the biggest club in the Weymouth and District Table Tennis League, with six teams competing within the League’s three divisions.

Around 30 of the club’s 43 members play in the League with teams from in and around Weymouth taking part.

Mick said: “We have seen a decline since Covid in the number of people playing and it’s great that we are bucking this trend at Preston.

I really hope we can continue to grow our numbers, and would urge people to come along. We have all the equipment they need and will make everybody feel very welcome.”

West Dorset Magazine sales director Laura McManus has been enjoying the club socials since November 2022. Laura said: “I really look forward to the Wednesday sessions. It’s such a social sport, you can mix who you play with every game. It’s energetic and such fun.” n For further information on joining in the fun, please contact Mick on 07818 077317 or go to prestonweymouthttc. ttclubs.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

85

Sport

Club juniors excel in opening league match West Bay Sea Angling Club held the first match of the Junior Jurassic League on the East Pier, West Bay with 10 hardy juniors turning out to fish.

The recent rain, cold weather and coloured water did nothing to deter the fish, with all competitors landing some good quality catches.

The young anglers were rewarded for their persistence with the better fish showing towards the end of the match, and the first and second placings were decided by fish caught in the final half

First fish was a pouting that went to Nathan Davies. Most fish was Nathan Davies with eight. Smallest fish was Lidy Carter with a whiting of 11g. Heaviest fish was a 756g small-eyed ray that went to Mason Price

TIGHT LINES: Mason Price and, right, Aaron Chambers

hour. Mason Price’s impressive total of 775g was enough to win the match, largely down to a beautiful small-eyed ray, while Alfie Hoysted was propelled from sixth to second position with his

final catch of the day.

Other species caught included pouting, whiting, shore rockling, flounder, pollock, and shanny.

Results 1: Mason Price with 775g.

2: Alfie Hoystead with 299g.

3: Nathan Davies with 285g.

nAaron Chambers broke a 24-year club record and was the winner of the Fish of the Quarter owing to his fabulous, boat- caught brill, weighing in at an impressive 2kg 976.75gms, 201.95%.

Aaron landed the fish on Monday, September 11, while out from Portland on Fins Up. Aaron won a £30 Angling Centre voucher for his efforts.

Plenty of positives for young Daggers Wimborne 2nd 34 Bridport RFC 10

By Charlie Samways Bridport Daggers travelled to Wimborne on a windy day for their first away trip of the season. The 19-strong squad included a large number of players who were experiencing their first away trip with the club.

Daggers started the game brightly, with the wind behind them, managing to regain possession from the restart. Some smart kicking kept the Wimborne defence pinned back.

Daggers were able to put pressure on Wimborne in their half for a sustained period, however they were unable to make this pressure count. Following a successful turnover, Wimborne were able to breakaway for a try,

DEFEAT: Daggers at Wimborne

catching the Daggers defence narrow and scoring a well worked try in the corner.

Quickly after this try, the Wimborne hooker made a smart decision to take the ball through a hole in the ruck to go in under the posts for a converted try. The momentum had clearly shifted, and Wimborne were electing to run as much ball as possible, knowing that they were facing a strong wind.

As the first half progressed, Wimborne were also able to grow their physical dominance, with the second row breaking through with powerful running, only to be

pulled short of the tline by Henry Everitt and Cameron Frank Waite. Despite these efforts, Daggers’ defensive line had been broken and Wimborne put the ball wide to score in the corner.

In the face of a powerful Wimborne display, Daggers were able to force their way up the field with strong defence from Nathan Herbert and Guy Wyndham to create a penalty opportunity. Petchey successfully landed the kick, to put Daggers on the scoreboard heading into half time.

After the break, Wimborne reasserted their dominance, when a penalty against Daggers on the halfway line was taken quickly by the replacement hooker, who broke through. The quick ball was recycled to Wimborne’s second row who powered over for

another try.

The second half dominance was a continuation of the first, with two well-worked tries from Wimborne.

With defeat confirmed at this point, Daggers continued to fight and there was a strong defensive effort from Jack Pellow and Hugh Vivian. This was rewarded with a well-deserved try in the last passage of the game, with Cameron Frank Waite fighting his way over from scrum half.

Considering the inexperience of the Daggers team, there were plenty of positives to take away from the 34-10 defeat. With seven of the matchday squad being 21 or under, there is a bright future for the Daggers. n Daggers’ next game will be at home to East Dorset Dockers on Saturday, November 11.

86

The West Dorset Magazine, November 2023

Agriculture Farming families in Dorset are being urged to join a free programme of support without leaving their homes.

Now in its third year, The Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm for the Future programme is offering farming families free guidance on business and environmental management through a virtual group that lets farmers access support in their own homes.

A fund spokesperson said: “Farm for the Future has achieved impressive results, with 95% of participating farms saying they have increased confidence in their ability to plan for the future, and nearly 1,500 farming families taking part across England since 2021

Farm for the Future farmers long after the programme has ended. We’re working with an excellent network of local and regional farm support groups to deliver Farm for the Future, who have an in depth understanding of the issues facing farms in their local area.” n To learn more about the virtual Farm for the Future programme contact Christina Hutchings via email virtual.group@outlook.com or call 07715 353546.

Registration for the 2023/24 programme is now open with the first welcome meeting taking place on Monday, November 13 at 6.30pm via Zoom. Sessions are recorded and can be viewed after the live events.

HERE FOR YOU: Free programme of support for farmers

Funding for farm families’ futures and builds on the success of The Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm Resilience Programme.”

Maddy Taylor, head of operations at The Royal Countryside Fund said: “Farm for the Future is a

proven source of trusted advice, delivered in an approachable, relatable way.

The Royal Countryside Fund, as a charity, is able to give this advice entirely impartially, and we aim to provide ongoing support to

From pages 66-67

Puzzle solutions Sudoku

3 6 5 9 8 1 2 4 7

9 8 4 6 7 2 3 5 1

1 7 2 4 3 5 9 6 8

8 2 3 7 5 9 6 1 4

5 4 1 3 2 6 8 7 9

6 9 7 1 4 8 5 3 2

Crossword

2 5 6 8 1 4 7 9 3

4 3 9 2 6 7 1 8 5

7 1 8 5 9 3 4 2 6

Brain chain 33

3

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34

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R A P I D L Y S K I P S F N E O E R A G A I N A N D A G A I N H T S D C V A N I S H E S P E E L N A O H S A T T O R N E Y S D E C S S W A D S C Y C L I S T S R U A C A D I F F E R E N T I A T E N R S O S E A G L O W D E N T I S T

Jumbo 3D Sudoku 6 1 9 7 4 3 8 2 2 4 5 1 5 2 7 6 6 8 3 3 4 2 6 8 9 7 5 1 4 5 2 1 4 9 9 3 3 1 8 9 3 5 8 7 5 9 6 7 4 7 8 8 2 6 6 9 8 7 1 1 2 3 7 8 5 4 3 9 6 9 5 6 2 1 1 2 65 1 7 7 1 84 2 3 3 5 9 4 8 5 7 4 7 3 1 9 3 8 5 3 4 6 2 4 8 2 6 9 9 5 2 7 8 4 2 4 9 2 7 1 8 3 7 6 9 8 1 4 8 1 3 4 9 5 6 6 1 6 5 6 4 1 6 5 3 2 3 7 7 5 9 5 2 7 1 1 9 9 5 4 2 3 2 3 8 7 7 4 5 8 6 3 5 7 2 6 9 5 9 4 8 1 6 9 3 8 2 6 4 2 9 3 1 8 7 4 7 1 4 3 5 1 4 5 6 2 8 75 4 2 6 3 12 6 9 8 9 2 1 6 3 1 8 3 7 8 8 4 5 9 4 7 7 5 1 6 3 9 2

Arrow words S A O N O P T S R O W S A Y E N R H O W F P E T E M P T W R E H E R O D

U G V E R A X E P E U R D E Y P S S P I O C O R N E

B T U E R U D E

Brain chain (Hard) 27

15

78

39

146

73

Cryptic Crossword C I N E M A R O C O C O R P X E O O T A X I M O V E M E N T T S I M C M E R T O N A M A Z O N L S P C A N T E T O P G O T H U E L E A M P L E R I N S A N E E E C T Y C R I T E R I A U G L Y A G O N R O A L M O S T T W E E N Y

The West Dorset Magazine, February 2023

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