The West Dorset Magazine, Edition 19, Friday, October 21, 2022

The West Dorset Magazine

the cat lived in Maiden Newton, where she was treated to a queen’s lifestyle with her human coterie.

Pepsi lost her fizz last week, and her humans are very sad.

in peace, Pepsi.

An independent opticians in High West Street, Dorchester, offering high quality, stylish frames and a fantastic personal service

A great day for Ruby

A former pub landlady and railway worker who lives in Dorchester enjoyed a fun-packed trip to her hometown of Weymouth at the grand age of 103. Ruby Morris, who once ran The Rock pub in Weymouth, got to pat donkeys, eat Rossi’s ice cream and visit a pub before boarding the train back to the Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester. Care assistant Sharon Best and activities co-ordinator Jo Casemore wanted to make Ruby’s wish come true.

Ruby told Rossi’s owner Fulvio Figliolini she remembered when the business first came to Weymouth in 1937 and even knew his grandfather. Fulvio said: “It was great

to meet Ruby, meeting people is what we are all about.”

Ruby was joined by her family for a stroll along the promenade before visiting the Old Boot pub the very place where Ruby was born. Ruby said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, it was a lovely break away.”

Extra cash agreed for refugee hosts

Dorset Council is providing an additional winter payment of up to £1,000 to all Homes for Ukraine hosts, current and new, and a further £250 per month to hosts continuing to provide refuge for their guests after the initial six-month period. Homes for Ukraine hosts have been receiving £350 a month from the Government since guests started to arrive in Dorset six months ago. The council has agreed to provide additional funds to further support hosts able to continue to offer their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “We are pleased to announce this additional support which will enable local hosts to cover their increased cost of living while continuing to provide a safe haven to those Ukrainian refugees who have fled the horrors of war.

“The council continues to work closely with residents, voluntary and community groups and partner

authorities to ensure both hosts and Ukrainian guests receive the support they need.

“This includes putting in place a frontline service including a Ukraine Response Team and additional employees to support our Housing, Early Help and Resettlement Teams to undertake welfare, wellbeing, and accommodation checks, provide wider support to help guests find employment, give advice on housing options when moving on to their own accommodation, and re-match guests to others’ hosts if they need to move.”

Using the Homes for Ukraine funding from the government, up to £1,000 will be given per household with two payments made on a case-by-case basis in November and February. The additional £250 a month will be provided to current hosts from month seven, up to month 12. This is in addition to the existing monthly £350. Further information is at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/refugeeprogramme-in-dorset

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Thursday, Oct 20

Lyme Regis Carers’ Café will be held from 11am-1pm at Driftwood Cafe - Lyme Regis Baptist Church, top of Broad Street.

Lyme Regis Carers’ Café provides a space for carers to take time for themselves, meet like-minded people and share thoughts and ideas on the issues that matter to them.

Come along for a drink and a chat in a friendly, welcoming and informal environment.

Meet on the third Thursday of each month 11am -1pm.

Bridport & District gardening club is holding its monthly meeting at 7.30pm at the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport when Charles Chesshire will speak on New and Unusual Plants for Dorset. Charles is a designer, author and nurseryman who has worked in many countries before setting up the nursery Rare and Special Plants in Symondsbury in 2018. He has designed the Morton Hall Gardens and is working on the restoration of Lydney Park in Gloucestershire. His books include: Japanese Gardens, Clematis and Flowering Shrubs.

In his talk Charles will explore ideas for gardens which grow and celebrate many different plants but combine good design with

good plantsmanship. An approach he is developing at Symondsbury.

The meeting is open to nonmembers at £2. Further information about the club at bridportgardening.co.uk

Every Thursday in term time only from 10am-11.30am, Sturminster Newton Library host ‘Learning Together’ –fun activities for children under five. For more information, call 01258 472669.

Andrew Goldberg and Ricky Romain will launch their new album Variations live at St Peter’s Church, Eype at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 22 Free parking. For tickets buy at Bridport Tourist Information Centre, 01308 424901 or online at bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets

steamers, wind-propelled sleighs and even elephants, all brought to the stage by this talented young company of actors.

Adult £15, Child £10 (under 16s). Book at weymouthpavilion.com

Jenny Eclair: Sixty! (FFS) will be at Bridport Electric Palace at 7.30pm. Tickets · £20 - £22.50 via Ticketmaster

Saturday, Oct 22

people in support of The Horse Course – a Dorset charity providing help for children.

There’s Halloween Fun at the Nothe Fort until Sunday, October 30. What better place to be at the spookiest time of year than the spookiest place in Weymouth!

Duo to launch new album live at church Friday, Oct 21

Weymouth Drama Club presents Around the World in 80 Days at Weymouth Pavilion today and tomorrow at 7.30pm. Jules Verne’s high-spirited adventure tale has been adapted for the stage by Laura Eason. Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout, travel from the misty alleys of London to the subcontinent and the Wild West as they race against the clock on a dizzying succession of trains,

Parnham Voices will be treating their audience to music from the Renaissance, directed by Stephen Tilton, at 7pm at St Mary’s Church, Beaminster, hosted by the church’s friends group.

Tickets are £10 from the Church Office (862320), Yarn Barton (862715), Gill Sansom (862719) or on the door.

A Christmas Craft Fair will be held 10am-4pm at Portesham Village Hall. All exhibits by local crafts

Hunt the ghosts around the fort, snap a selfie in the vampire photobooth, have a go at pumpkin golf or the witches hat hoopla, attend wizard school in the 1940s classroom and make a lollypop spider. You can also get up close to creepy crawlies at the Twitch the Witch magic show. Prebooking for shows is essential as spaces are limited.

All activities are free with a general admission ticket. Upgrade to an annual pass for no extra cost.

nothefort.org.uk/newsevents/halloween-fun-fort-1

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month

from 10am-11am, Sherborne Library host Code Club –creative fun with CoderDojo and programming for ages eight to 13. Booking is advised – visit Eventbrite online or call 01935 812683.

A craft and gift fair is being held at The Salt House in West Bay from 10am4pm on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, hosted by Burton Bradstock’s Colbert Crafters. Items will include handmade soap, hand-poured beeswax candles, driftwood, bespoke jewellery, paintings by local artists and fused and stained glass.

The Glastonbury Fairy Fayre will be held at the town hall (Magdalene Street, Somerset BA6 9EL) on

Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 with free entry. Guest artists include Jasmine BecketGriffith, Anne Sudworth and more! Lots of magical stalls, suitable for all ages. See faeryevents.com

book in advance 01935 389655

ahiahel@live.com

A Lensomy gathering will be held at The Othona Community, Burton Bradstock, (DT6 4RN, 01308 897130) from 10am.

There’s a singing bowl soundbath from 2pm-4pm at Bell St United Church, Shaftesbury, SP7 8AL. Lie down, relax, and allow the pure sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning take you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. £15 spaces limited so please

Embrace autumn and winter unflustered with peace, grace and full of Lensomy (unconditional love)! Through movement, breath, nature and sound feel the fire energy in your veins and tune into your heartbeat as you experience YOU.... then meet the divine consciousness in the spaces in between...

Lesomy practitioners Lucinda Ackland, Leah Miles and Magdalena Atkinson will lead the way until 5pm. Organic lunch

and chai (teas). Cost £77. lensomy3@gmail.com

The Tudors are back at Athelhampton House this half term, from Monday, October 24 until Friday, October 28, 10am-3pm. Step back in time to the year 1580, Sir Nicholas Martyn, master of Athelhampton invites you to come and join his household in celebrating this year’s harvest. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the 16th century, and see the newly opened Elizabethan kitchen in action for the first time. Discover daily life in Elizabethan times for all people from the gentlefolk to the servants,

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

participate in a range of activities, from dancing, to serving, to creating a Corn Queen. Join our living historians during this special half term holiday, as they bring Tudor Dorset back to life. athelhampton.com/events

Half term multi activity day camps will be held at Bridport Leisure Centre throughout the half term holidays.

Whole days of sports and team activities, with all the activities designed around working in a team, which will encourage, engage and help children make new friends while at the camp. Activities include: 5-a-side football, benchball, badminton, short tennis, handball, netball, cricket, hockey and dodgeball. As well as organised sports, there will be a number of fun activities. These include games like cross the river, mat and running races plus free time, giving children space to design their own games and play with their friends.

For children aged five to 12 years, cost £25 per day. Family discount of 25% for each additional child.

Spaces are limited call 01308 427464 to book.

A Pumpkin Trail will be held in Bradpole hosted by Loders School PTFA , 8am4pm.

Map and goodie bag £3Pre-order via the PTFA facebook page or email ptfaloders@gmail.com

Tuesday, Oct 25

Halloween Artyfacts will be held at Dorset Museum on Tuesday, October 25 and Thursday, October 27 from 10am-noon.

70+ stalls at indie market

Poundbury Independent Market will be held on Sunday, October 30 from 10am-4pm at venues around the area. The third market promises to be even bigger – having grown from a few stalls outside Bonjour cafe to over 65 stalls in three locations across Poundbury: inside Jubilee Hall, through the park and down to Hessary street and Babeny walk outside the cafe.

One of the organisers Emma Teasdale said:

“The market is curated so every stall is hand-picked with local, quality handmade produce at the heart of the event. We

Make spooky pumpkin prints inspired by objects in the museum. This free event is included as a part of your entrance ticket/ annual pass or membership Maximum of 1 adult to supervise children in each group. Suitable for under 11s. dorsetmuseum.org/learn/artyf acts

Hardy Online: Building Wessex; passions and parallel lives is an online talk hosted by Dorset Museum at 7pm. Join stonemason Andrew Ziminski and curator Harriet Still as they talk about Andrew’s passion for Wessex’s ancient buildings – and the parallels between his life and that of Thomas Hardy. £5 per screen. wessexmuseums.org.uk/bookonline

champion amazing Dorset makers and ensure that we keep the event plastic free – with all traders’ packaging either recycled, recyclable, biodegradable or reusable.”

Sherborne Historical Society is holding a New Members’ Evening at Digby Hall, Hound Street. David Carter will speak about birth control pioneer Marie Stopes. Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk

Bridport U3A’s monthly meeting will be held at Bridport United Church Hall at 2pm. The talk is Having a Wilder Time in Zimbabwe by Brian Pettit. Brian has spent many years living and working in Zimbabwe where he was a game park manager and a tour guide specialising in the Zambezi Valley. His talk will illustrate some of the wild places and wildlife to be found in Zimbabwe. He will also be speaking about how he built a school in the bush for 240 children. Free to members, non-members £2.

bridportu3a.org.uk

Thurs, Oct 27

There’s a quiz night in aid of the Children’s Society at St George’s Church Hall, Fordington, 7pm for 7.15pm start. Come as a team of 6 or come and make up a team. Tickets £8 including a ploughman’s supper (please bring whatever you wish to drink) available from Mrs Jane Culliford 01305 264360.

A pub quiz will be held 8.30pm-11pm at The Kings Arms, Portesham. £1 per person to enter, teams of up to six. To book a table, call 01305 871342 or email reception@kingsarmsportesha m.co.uk

A pumpkin crafting competition will be held at the White Lion in Broadwindsor at 6pm. Children! Ask your parents to help you create your Halloween pumpkin and bring it in for judging. Prizes for best pumpkins7s and under and 12s and under. Winner announced at noon on Saturday, October 29. Dorset Museum is hosting Wessex Folk Tales: Storytelling with Tim Laycock from 10.30am-11.30am. Participatory folk stories and songs for all the family. Tim Laycock tells and sings folk tales and story songs from Wiltshire and Dorset for all the family, accompanying himself on concertina and guitar. How big was the Wonderful Crocodile? Where did Jack go in the Magic Boat? And how did Old William outwit the Bull? Come and find

Oct 28

Picture by Beth @foliocreative

out! dorsetmuseum.org/event/wes sex-folk-tales

Dorset Museum is also hosting Museums After Dark today, from 4pm-8pm. Discover three incredible museums on one unforgettable night, visiting Dorset Museum, the Keep Military Museum and Shire Hall Museum with just one ticket!

Discover Dorchester’s fascinating history whilst exploring three of the best museums in the South West. Adult tickets are £10 and children go free! dorsetmuseum.org/event/mus eums-after-dark-2022

on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30. Head to the Concierge Office (DT1 1GH) to collect your form and find all the Halloween Ghosts around Brewery Square. Return your completed form for a free prize!

Spells in the Cells at Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum is back for its third year!

Whasson? (and where’s

concoctions such as the Transfiguration Tonic. No witches or wizards under the age of 18. Dressing up strongly encouraged! Booking essential. £30, includes drinks and nibbles.shire-hall-historiccourthouse-museum. myshopify.com

at this service, email their name/s to bvchurchesta@outlook.com by October 22.

Dorchester Repair Café’s October event will be held from 10am-noon in Brewery Square at The Seventh Seal. Bring your broken things for volunteers to repair. Details on Instagram/Facebook @dorchesterrepaircafe

This is a brilliant and unique night out for any school of wizardry fan…. The evening begins at 7pm with a serving of Butterbeer, a truly tasty beverage straight from the books. From there, things get even boozier with just a swish and a flick.

There’s a Halloween Ghost Hunt at Brewery Square, Dorchester, from 10am-3pm

Using a set of ingredients sourced from ancient magick textbooks, you’ll chop, grind, and mix up

This year’s memorial service to remember loved ones will be held at 2.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Long Bredy. This is a simple, reflective service, to which everyone throughout the valley is invited to attend to remember our loved ones, whether this was a recent loss or some time ago. Candles will be lit and names read out. If you would like the name/s or your loved ones read out

Bridport Vintage Market will be held 10am-4pm at Bridport Art & Vintage Quarter, St Michaels, DT6 3RR.

An eclectic range of antiques, collectables, clothing and retro pieces! Most of the tenants on the estate open on the day too.

A Sleep Well, Naturally

(and where’s it to?)

event will be held at Aquae Sulis Therapy Centre at 5 Damers Rd, Dorchester, 1pm-5pm.

Book your free ticket at at eventbrite.co.uk

Do you want to wake up refreshed and restored? Do you sleep well? Or do you wake in the night from pain or stress or other niggling symptoms? Join us to find out how powerful a subtle approach can be, especially for sleep. We believe in getting to the root causes of your symptoms to heal from within and restore your health.

This is a wonderful opportunity to chat to professional therapists about your own experience for free personalised advice. Find out how holistic therapies can help you get your Zzz’s back. Talk to therapists about the benefits of Bowen Therapy, Kinesiology, Flower Essences, Trauma Release, Nutrition, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki, Meditation, Chi Wellness, Chiropractic and so much more. If you are feeling pain, stress or tiredness come along for a warm welcome, good advice and a cup of tea and find the information you need.

Throughout October Half Term The Kingcombe Centre (DT2 0EQ) will be celebrating with an autumnal festival. Join in on a fun afternoon from 3pm, using home grown apples from the orchard. Make toffee apples, hear stories and make apple art.

This event is suitable for families. Tickets are charged per child, and accompanying adults go free. Book at eventbrite.

Anglers host bereaved children

DDAS Juniors were honoured to host eight young people from MOSAIC, a charity that provides support to bereaved children and their families, to spend some time on a sunny but chilly Saturday on Stock Pond at Revels Fishery.

Junior Secretary of Dorchester and District Angling Society Graham Howard said: “Gwen, Lottie, Grace, Chaise, Rex, Liam, Ethan, and Sam came along to spend some time with our coaches on the Stock Pond where there is an abundance of various species to entertain our guests.

“Entertained they were too, with so many fish being caught we lost count in the end. Lizzie said that she had seen her son smile for the first time in many months,

There’s a singing bowl soundbath 2pm4pm Oborne Village Hall, near Sherborne, DT9 4LA. Lie down, relax, and allow the pure sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning take you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. £15 spaces limited so please book in advance 01935 389655 or ahiahel@live.com

A Halloween Special Social Dance will be held at The Trinity Club in Dorchester from 4pm-6pm. Optional fancy dress. Ballroom, Latin

and you just can’t put a price on that.

“This event was very close to my heart and experiences in my life which made it so very special. This opinion was shared by my brilliant team of coaches who all enjoyed taking part in such a worthy cause.

“Many thanks to all involved, especially Louise Grady for organising this

& some popular sequence dancing. £8 per person Booking essential at dancedorchester.co.uk/bookonline

Monday, Oct 31

The next title in Dorchester Film Society’s autumn season, Master Cheng, had to be cancelled because of the Bank Holiday for the Queen’s funeral. The film is now to be screened at the Corn Exchange on October 31 at 7.30pm. Master Cheng is a professional chef who travels with his young son to a remote village in Finland to connect with an old Finnish friend he once met in Shanghai. When no one seems to have heard of

and many other events for MOSAIC.”

To donate, visit mosaicfamilysupport.org/giv e-support/ways-to-donate.

For information about DDAS Juniors visit ddasjuniors.co.uk.

For club membership visit d-das.com.

Fishery information can be found at Revels Fishery on Facebook.

the man, Cheng starts to help in the local failing diner and wins over the villagers with his ‘foreign food’. An unashamedly ‘feel-good’ comedy drama. Membership of the society is still open – for further details of the programme and how to join online, please go to dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk

The Rose and Crown in Trent is holding a Halloween party from 5pm. Tickets £10, under 10s free. Ticket to include nibbles, chilli, jacket potatoes. Costumes encouraged. Call to book 01935 850776.

Left, Lottie with fish of all colours and right, Gwen with her varied catch of colourful fish

Peace Group will host a talk entitled ‘Many people, one message’, personal impressions from recent visits by Alison Orman and Diane Musleh, at Dorford Centre, DT1 1RR, 6.30pm for 7pm. All very welcome.

Nov 2

Carrie Diamond, NAFAS, will be giving a talk and demonstration of Christmas floral arrangement ideas at the next meeting of the Dorchester and District Gardening Club. She was a member of the team from the Dorset and Guernsey Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies that won a Gold Medal at Chelsea in 2017. Meet at 7.30pm at St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington,

DT1 1LB. Free entry for members, visitors £4 on the door. There is also a bring and buy stall and a draw, with tea/coffee and biscuits available afterwards. All welcome. Contact Jane, secretary on 01305 268523.

Wellbeing Wednesday is a monthly free event at Sherborne Library where you can come along to meet new people, start a conversation and enjoy a cup of tea and cake. 2pm4pm. Email info@totalwellbeingmatters.co m to find out more.

Thursday, Nov 3

A Dorset soup and apple cake lunch, with a bring and buy sale and a raffle will be held at Loders Village Hall from 12pm2.30pm. £5 per head. Contact Rosemary Hendry,

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

01308 426698 or rosemaryhendry@hotmail.com

Stratton, Dorset, Community Group is hosting Stratton Pop IN –a new way for Stratton Residents and Friends to get together. In recent months there has been a lot of discussion amongst many Stratton residents for the need, in the village, for some sort of regular, informal, community ‘get together’ during the day. A need felt particularly relevant in winter months. A few residents have therefore got together to organise this informal gathering in the village hall’s Aylott Room.

The POP IN will be held on the first and third Thursday each month, starting at 10am for two hours. Refreshments available and

it is hoped that various activities such as book exchanges, bring and buy, board games etc. could be developed over time. The main aim is for residents and friends, including children, to share an enjoyable time and chat. The village hall committee are being very supportive and so there will be no charge for the first two sessions, after which there will be a small charge per adult, to cover costs.

A bingo night will be held at Milborne Port Sports and Social Club at 8pm. Cash prizes, raffle and snowball round.

Goulds’ two stores in Dorchester are hosting a late night shopping evening from 5pm-9pm. See below and page 20 for details.

A schoolboy from Sherborne has earned two Guinness World Records after becoming the youngest pilot to fly around the world solo in a microlight.

Sherborne School pupil Mack Rutherford, 17, completed his recordbreaking journey in August, landing in Sofia, Bulgaria after having taken off from there five months and one day earlier.

Mack’s epic journey lasted twice as long as initially expected and was filled with challenges he needed to solve along the way. Mack took off from Sofia on March 23 two months before his 17th birthday heading to Italy then Greece, where he faced a six-week delay that caused him to alter his route and forcing him to get new travel permits. From Greece, Mack flew on to Africa, crossing Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius before turning north towards Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Mack was again delayed for more than five weeks in the UAE waiting for an Iranian flight permit that did not arrive in time. This fresh setback forced determined Mack to once again change his route, heading on to Pakistan and then India, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Japan.

Next, Mack crossed the northern Pacific and, following 10 uninterrupted hours in the air, he diverted to Attu, a volcanic island of the Aleutian Archipelago near the Bering Straits. He continued to mainland

Mack and Zara are flying high as record breakers

Alaska, following the west coast of the United States to Mexico before doubling back on himself, heading north to Canada before crossing the Atlantic via Greenland, Iceland, the UK and Belgium. Since the age of three, Mack has always wanted to be a pilot. He qualified for his pilot’s licence in September 2020, which at the time, made him the youngest pilot in the world at the age of 15 years and two months. Mack has flown for hundreds of hours with his dad, who is a professional pilot. Since he became a pilot, he has been planning his solo flight around the globe. In the meantime,

his sister Zara Rutherford, who attended St Swithun’s School, became the youngest woman to fly around the world, which gave Mack an additional spur to set off.

“I have been fortunate to have had a family that has been able to help me progress in my flying,” said Mack.

“But no matter what background you have, I believe it is never too early to work towards your dreams and you shouldn’t limit yourself by others’ expectations.”

Mack has claimed two Guinness World Records. He is the youngest person to fly

around the world solo –this title was held previously by Travis Ludlow who was 18 at the completion of his attempt last year. Mack has also become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world in a microlight, the title held previously by his sister Zara, who completed her own circumnavigation in January this year.

Just like Zara, Mack was flying a Shark, a highperformance ultralight aircraft manufactured in Europe. It is one of the fastest ultralight aircraft in the world with a cruising speed reaching 300 km/h and was specially prepared for such a long journey.

Mack’s record-breaking trip around the world was sponsored by web hosting company ICDSoft, who also loaned him the plane.

THUMBS UP: Mack and Zara Rutherford. Inset: Mack with his plane

The pioneering 20th century model

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

People often write that Poundbury is our area’s ‘model village’. Apart from this terminology being incorrect (Poundbury is an urban extension) there’s actually a proper ‘model village’ in this area – one that pioneered farming techniques and a way of living that was way ahead of its time.

The news that one of the Debenham family’s homes has come on the market recently for £2,175,000 has sparked a fresh interest in Sir Ernest Debenham’s groundbreaking social, domestic and agricultural model, which saw the tiny hamlet of Briantspuddle become a significant part of farming history. The sale of the house –only its second ever sale after being in the family until just a few years ago –coincides with the revamping of a 2014 book about the parish, which goes into the Debenham development in such more detail.

Sir Ernest, who hailed from the London family of drapers famed for their department stores, originally bought 3,500 acres of land across Briantspuddle, Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle in 1914.

His ultimate plan was to join up the tiny village of Affpuddle with Briantspuddle, however this ultimately didn’t happen.

Having run the Debenhams chain for a

n A Short History of Affpuddle, Pallington, Briantspuddle, Throop and Turnerspuddle was written by villager Sue Taylor in 2014 to go with an exhibition marking the centenary of when Ernest Debenham first bought land in the parish.

Now that book is to be re-released as a 300-page hardback book called The History of the Parish of Affpuddle, with many more photographs – a lovely Christmas present for the Puddle/farming /history fan in your life. All the old photos have been digitised and photographer Leonora Sheppard has added her own. The book also details the history of the parish right back to its origins.

number of years Sir Ernest, then in his 50s, had a vision, to create a selfsustaining agricultural community where workers lived in decent accommodation, to encourage hard work and loyalty.

Indeed, standards were

Sue, who has lived in Briantspuddle for 52 years, said: “The first book was a softback and we sold some in the village shop, some in Dorset Museum and the tourist office. We sold 200 copies, and people have been asking for it since, so we thought we’d update it.

“It’s the only book I’ve written – I’ve been involved with the exhibition and I’m interested in history. Our centenary exhibition was fascinating.”

The book will be launched in November, and sold via Briantspuddle Village Shop at £30 a copy, with all proceeds going to the village shop, hall and the parish church in Affpuddle.

You can also email Sue to pre-order it at taylors@bryantspuddle.plus.com

markedly higher here than the usual tied cottages of the day, with each having an inside bath and toilet and a large garden. The estate was selfsufficient, producing its own electricity with generator and battery storage and sourcing its

own water from a chalk borehole.

Over the next 15 years, 40 new cottages were built, and by 1929 eight more were being built.

Sir Ernest named it the Bladen Estate after nearby Blackdown Hill. The estate grew and eventually

MEN OF STRAW: Building houses on the Bladen Estate Picture: BLADEN ARCHIVE

village, decades ahead of Poundbury

Ernest Debenham’s great granddaughter Rose Debenham is the last of the farming Debenhams – and she is immensely proud of him.

But these days Rose, who has just turned 50, is pulling in the other direction to her ancestor’s moves to intensify, and she’s working in slower, more sustainable ways which work with nature.

The hundreds of acres at Turnerspuddle Farm is host to heathland, woodland and arable, with a beef suckler herd.

She said: “I’ve always had a great admiration for what he stood for and achieved, but now I’m almost going back to the old ways, as modern farming is not very healthy for the countryside.

“There’s a big shift in agriculture at the moment.

“What I’m doing now is restoring the environment to where it was 50, 60 years ago, reducing chemicals. “Farming has become a sterile monoculture. But by going back to the old ways – rotating grazing, herbal lays, mixing

covered more than 10,000 acres, which included 12 individual farms and at its peak provided employment for as many as 600 people.

A guide to the estate was written in 1983 to raise funds for the village hall –itself a 17th century tithe

Last of the Debenham farmers looking to boost sustainability

things up a lot, you’re working with nature rather than against it. Rose is the fourth generation of Debenhams in farming, and took over the farm in 2000, having shown herself to be the most natural landswoman of the family. She said: “The farm had always been here and I knew it was where I needed to be. I’ve always felt hefted by the land and never wanted

barn, one of just two thatched village halls in Dorset.

The Story Of Briantspuddle – Dorset’s 20th Century Model Village was written by residents of the Dairy Ring, Campbell de Burgh and John Snoxell.

to be anywhere else.” Her small team is making a big difference. She has one employee, and her partner manages the woodland, producing enough fuel for the biomass boiler which warms the eight rented properties on site. Plenty of fuel is also coming from the 250 acres of protected SSSI heathland, where they are undertaking a restoration project, with a deforestation licence

An abridged version of their book is on the village website, briantspuddle.info

The authors say the major building programme started in 1919 after the First World War. The first 12 cottages included the Dairy Ring – an unusual ‘ring’ of homes with

to take down trees and bring it back to its original landscape. Significant ash dieback is having to be dealt with along the way.

“We farm the land as sensitively as possible,” Rose said. “We’re not rewilding and abandoning the land but restoring it and trying to work with nature. If you work with nature it’ll work with you – it’s a much better way forward.”

turrets at the corners. The homes were made of Debenham block, and designed by Halsey Ricardo, the architect responsible for Sir Ernest’s London residence at 8 Addison Road. Their chocolate box

HANDS ON: Rose Debenham at Turnerspuddle Farm Picture: LEONORA SHEPPARD

A picture postcard community with

prettiness belies the intensely functional, forward-thinking nature of the design, both of the homes and the wider aims of the project.

Ernest Debenham, who became a baronet thanks to his pioneering work in agriculture, saw Briantspuddle as the future of farming.

When he bought the initial parcels of land the hamlet had just a few cottages. There was a Methodist chapel here, and a blacksmith’s, and once there was a mill.

In 1914 that all changed, with Sir Ernest – the grandson of Debenham’s founder William – at the helm.

He had spent years running the family business, but his heart was in farming and he wanted to prove that new methods could increase production and allow communities to be almost entirely self-sufficient. The estate had its own

YESTERDAY’S FARMING: The dairy ring at Briantspuddle, and, bottom, Ernest Debenham, whose labs created UHT milk

transport depot at the crossroads in the village, with two steam engines, 16 tractors, six vans and lorries, eight cars and 12 motorbikes.

Experiments were carried out on almost all types of farming between 1919 and 1929. The very first silage tower in the country was erected at Briantspuddle. A milk processing factory was set up in The Ring buildings, the Central Dairy. The factory had a fully equipped bacteriological

laboratory. Grade A milk was on sale in Parkstone within an hour of leaving Briantspuddle.

As demand increased, a new central dairy was built at Milborne St Andrew in 1929.

This supplied milk throughout the south of England,

Pictures: BLADEN ESTATE

including the Cunard Line and the Home Fleet. This was managed by Martin Debenham, under the name of Ideal Dairies, later called Express Dairies.

The Old Dairy, behind The Ring in Briantspuddle, was erected to test ultraviolet sterilisation of milk in the 1920s.

The late Bill Poore, one of the last remaining

villagers who worked at the Bladen Dairies, remembered an experiment in which the treated milk, packed in waxed cartons, was taken to Cape Town and then to Salisbury, Rhodesia, where half was opened and found to be fit. The remainder was returned to Milborne where it too was found be in good condition. This was the birth of UHT milk.

Milk processing moved to the new Central Dairy at Milborne St Andrew in 1929, by which time the Bladen Estate had grown

to well over 10,000 acres.

After this point home building stopped, as funds to drive the project had run out, and employment fell. By the early 1930s some of the farms were being let.

Over a century after Sir Ernest embarked on his experimental dream, the area still comprises the separate communities of each Puddle village. But in the pretty village of Briantspuddle his legacy remains as a picture postcard community whose origins lie in the best of intentions.

RURAL IDYLL: The dairy’s pedigree Shorthorn cattle and, below, the village hall

Society marks 175 years with ancient

The Melplash Agricultural Society’s annual Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match took place on 60 acres at Higher Langdon, near Beaminster in a tradition dating back 175 years. The society is passionate about keeping the ancient skills of hedgelaying and ploughing alive for the many farming families and countrymen in the area who for generations have passed on the skills. It has been 175 years since the first Melplash Agricultural Society’s ploughing match took place in Melplash, and this year the event was held on land by kind permission of Tessa MacKenzie-Green and Richard Peck of Sentry Farms. Prior to the much-heralded ploughing match, the society hosted a free hedgelaying taster day attended by 13 members of the Beaminster Young Farmers and 21 keen cutters, who all took part in in the novice pairs competition on match day. On match day, ploughmen and hedgelayers from as far afield as Cullompton,

INTO THE GROOVE:

Mark Puxty with shires Sam and Tilly and, right, more modern methods of ploughing on display

Hereford and Bristol, competed in the various classes.

A demonstration of horse ploughing was given by Mike Puxty with his magnificent shires, Sam and Tilly.

The time fixed for ploughing half-an-acre

PLOUGHING RESULTS:

Judges: Michael Hole, Austin Yeatman, Malcolm White, Roy French, Robert Dimond, Martin Jennings

Class 8 - Vintage Trailed: 1: Ian Craddock 2: David Cobb 3: Brian Johnston

Class 9 - Vintage Hydraulic: 1: Andy Westcott 2: Michael Symonds 3: Geoff Fry Trophies & Special Prizes

Champion Vintage Ploughman and winner of The Jack Dare Memorial Trophy: Ian Craddock

Best Strike Out in Vintage classes: Ian Craddock

Best Finish in Vintage classes: Brian Johnston Champion Ploughmen in Vintage and match ploughing classes & winner of the Blandford & Webb Perpetual Challenge cup: Ian Craddock

Best Ins and Outs in classes: Andy Westcott

Class 11 - Classic Tractor & Plough (without Q cab): 1: David Rae and winner of the Tony Ascott

with horses was three-anda-half hours.

Society match chairman Tim Frampton said: “It was a fantastic day, and so good to see so many people coming to watch. “Thank you to everyone who made the day possible; the landowners,

Perpetual Challenge Cup 2: Colin Hawkins 3:Tony Ascott

Class 12 - Tractor & hydraulically operated 2 or 3 furrow plough: 1: John Harris 2: Ted Yarde 3: Greg Smith

Class 13 – Tractor & hydraulically operated 4 or more plough: 1: Will Doble 2: Barry Dennett 3: John Shute

Class 14 – Contractor Challenge – reversible ploughs to use both left- and right-hand board: 1: Bernard Hayball and winner of Creed Brother’s Seaborough Salver 2: Erin Moon 3: Noah Doble Trophies & Special Prizes

Winner of The Streatfeild Perpetual Cup to Best YFC Ploughman: Erin Moon, Marshwood Vale YFC

Winner of the Interclub Silver Perpetual Cup for highest placed YFC: Not awarded in 2022 Champion Ploughman (Open) and winner of

the stewards and helpers, the competitors and the judges.

“The annual hedgelaying and ploughing match is always an important day in the society’s calendar. “As well as marking the start of the society in 1847, it gives all of us who work

Col. Sir Stuart Mallinson cup: John Harris

Reserve Champion Ploughman (Open): Bernard Hayball Champion Ploughman (Local) and winner of silver perpetual Challenge Cup: Bernard Hayball Reserve Champion Ploughman (Local): David Rae

Best Ins & Outs: Bernard Hayball

Best Strike out: David Rae

Best Finish: Bernard Hayball & John Harris (joint winners)

Best Ploughing with Case International Case or David Brown with Kverneland Plough presented with Silver Perpetual Challenge cup and a voucher donated by GCS Agricentre: Bernard Hayball

Best Ploughing with Ford New Holland:Ted Yarde

Best Ploughing with a John Deere Tractor

skills of hedgelaying and ploughing

on the land an opportunity to show others our skills and the pride we have in the work we do.

“Winning of course is a bonus and a position we can enjoy until next year.” The prizes were presented by the society’s president, Nigel Jones.

HEDGING YOUR BETS:

Skilled operators show off their hedgelaying talents at the match and, right, looking back on a good day’s work out in the field

presented with a special prize donated by Hunt Forest Group, Dorchester: Colin Stacey

Sam Dennett Perpetual Memorial Trophy presented by the family for the best finish with a four or five furrow plough: Erin Moon Novice Ploughman: 1: Rodney Cuff 2: Steve Donn

Best Turned-out Tractor & Plough presented with a bottle of whisky donated by Roy Vickery: Trevor Miles.

HEDGELAYING RESULTS

Hedgelaying Judges: John Vickery, Ian Connibeare, Roger Vickery, Mark Tilley, Mandy Woodham

Flail Hedge Cutting Judges: David Ashdown, Mark Vickery Chainsaw Stewards: Kevin Goodfellow, Chris Childs

Class 1 – Hedgelayer – Local & Open class: 1: Tim Frampton and winner of The Elizabeth Lady Williams Challenge Cup 2: Martin Turner 3: Colin Risdon

The Cecil A Marsh Challenge Cup presented to the Best Local competitor: Tim Frampton

Class 2 – Novice Hedgelayer: 1: Anthony Brown and winner of Marcus Beresford Trophy 2: Richard Baker 3: Graham Adams

Class 3 – Intermediate Hedgelayer: 1: Pete Etheridge and winner of Bodger John Trophy 2: Neil Gemmell 3: Owen Swatridge

Class 4 - Open Pairs: 1: Steven and Rosie McCulloch and winners of The Bartletts (Dorset) Ltd Cup 2:Richard Hooker and George Partridge 3: Roger Parris and Lynda Cregan

Class 5 - Novice Pairs: 1: Logan Hayball and Jack Ferret and winners of the Shedbush Farm Trophy 2: Rebecca Mather and Sophie Raymond

3: Amy Messer and Enya Hayball

Champion Hedgelayer and winner of the Silver Perpetual Challenge Cup presented by Cleeves & Edwina Palmer: Tim Frampton

The Philip Hardwill Trophy for highest placed Young Farmer: Owen Swatridge, Beaminster YFC

The Russell Woodham Bill Hook Trophy for best hand tool competitor: Robin Spanner

The Bill Hook Trophy for the best Lady competitor: Lynda Cregan

Tidiest Kept Site: Roger Parris and Lynda Cregan

Best work on a poor length of hedge: George Gorringe and Oliver Bagwell

Overall Best Veteran competitor aged 65 years and over: Colin Risdon

Mechanical Flail Hedge Cutting: 1: Matt Frampton 2: Richard Martin 3: Richard Rowe

Spectacular shopping ideal for all your

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Finding the perfect Christmas present will be a joy as the doors of Goulds household and fashion stores in South Street, Dorchester will be kept open until 9pm on Wednesday, November 2 in their Late Night Shopping Spectacular. Both stores will be showcasing fabulous offers, a host of new ranges and a new look perfumery section and shoppers wanting a fix of festive feel can expect a welcome glass of sparkly wine, food tastings, special offers and the chance to win a £250 gift card.

Director Chris Gould said: “We want to show our appreciation to our loyal customers, so we have

decided to open our stores until 9pm on Wednesday, November 2 to offer everyone a four hour spectacular selection of offers and discounts across

our ranges. It’s the ideal time to start your one-stop Christmas shop.”

In addition to instore offers, every Goulds reward card holder will

receive a money off voucher with their purchase on the evening, which is valid in any of the Goulds Stores between

Thursday, November 3 and Sunday, November 13. Whilst these offers will help many customers find the perfect Christmas gift for their loved ones, the company are also doing their bit to help those who need extra help.

Chris said: “For those whose family Christmas will be especially hard, we will be fundraising for Home Start West Dorset.

“This is a valuable charity offering help and support to local families through their toughest times.

“We have donated some great prizes for a fundraising raffle, including a £250 gift card,

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CHRISTMAS IS COMING: Goulds in Dorchester is open until 9pm for the Shopping Spectacular on November 2

Christmas presents

a food hamper, a luxury Estee Lauder Beauty Box (worth £369) and more!” Customers in the Fashion Store will notice several improvements from a new lingerie department to great Autumn Winter collections and a new look perfumery section.

“We will be revealing a new look to our perfumery department on the evening with the added bonus of 10% off all perfume sales on the night and a complimentary cosmetic gift-wrapping service,” said Chris.

“There will be an exclusive 20% discount on fragrance gift sets, lingerie and across selected fashion.”

A few steps away, in the Household store, The Dorset Kitchen Farm Shop

will be holding delicious tasting sessions.

Chris added: “We are blessed with so many fantastic producers on our doorstep, from Fordington Gin to Moore’s Biscuits.

“Customers will have the opportunity to sample tastings from artisan producers throughout the evening. We will also be offering a ‘fill your own hamper’ service and great discounts and offers across our household, dining and Christmas ranges.”

So, if you are looking for a late night, one stop Christmas shop, filled with spectacular discounts and offers, go along to the Goulds Stores in South Street Dorchester on Wednesday, November 2 from 5pm until 9pm.

Help create poppy display

Plastic bottles are being recycled into poppy art for Remembrance at Weymouth’s Nothe Fort.

The We Are Weymouth BID team is working with Houseworks Dorset Community Interest Company and Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project to create the 5,500-piece art installation.

The display will include recycled fishing nets and twine recovered from the seas by the litter project which will be covered in poppies and draped either side of Nothe Fort’s entrance.

Houseworks Dorset CIC is running a poppy making workshop on Saturday, October 29 at the Salvation

Army hall in Westham Road, Weymouth 10am-2pm.

We Are Weymouth board member Jye Diexy said: “We need 5,500 poppies so we really want to encourage as many locals as possible to join in with the crafting or donate their empty plastic bottles.”

People are asked to drop off their empty plastic bottles and any poppies completed at home to the Nothe Fort, the William Henry pub at 1 Frederick Place or The Veteran’s Hub at 12 Portland Road. The art installation will take place on Monday, November 7, opening to the press and public on Tuesday 8th and remaining in place until Monday, November 21.

SHOP

products

Friendship and a whole lot of fun

By Judy Thompson & Jeane Holmes

“Let’s go on a day trip to Bath,” said Angela Goldsworthy on the way back from Dorset County Trefoil‘s annual meeting. “Let’s go for a night,” suggested Judy Thompson. “Let’s make it two nights,” replied Angela.

And so it was. Five of us have just returned from a two-night stay in Bath where we had fun, friendship and lots of food and laughs.

It’s amazing what we packed in, visiting the Royal Crescent and museum, Roman Baths, fashion museum, postal museum, Thermae spa with its hot water pools, riding the Hop On, Hop Off bus, Victoria Art Gallery and of course, Marks & Spencer. We did visit other shops too. The general feeling was that we’ll do it all again next year somewhere else. Trefoil is the adult section of Girlguiding and, in Dorchester, has two sections, the afternoon and evening.

The afternoon group meet in St George’s Church Hall at 2.30pm on the first

Wednesday of each month and often has a speaker –November’s speaker is from Hearing Dogs. Trained dogs can insist you wake up if the dog hears a fire alarm for example, by climbing onto you if you sleep through its warning bark and having your sheets pulled from your bed.

For December, a local ukulele band will be entertaining us and there will be mince pies too of

course. Our meetings always have tea and a biscuit or cake and lots of chat.

Evening Trefoil, known as The Hardy Perennials, don’t always meet in the same place but is usually on the second Wednesday of each month.

In October we’re playing skittles at the Colliton Club and in November, it’s learning how to make Christmas cake decorations. We started

the evening section so that people who work, weren’t excluded. We always welcome new members or visitors at any of our meetings. Anyone over the age of 18 can join as long as they support the aims of Guiding or Scouting which include helping in the community. Our community project is knitting memory or lap blankets, shawls and twiddlemuffs for the dementia and stroke wards

Trust’s £260k to boost tree coverage in region

The Woodland Trust is donating £260,000 to authorities in the West of England to boost tree coverage. The Enduring Roots and New Shoots project covering the West of England aims to plant more than 24,000 native trees, more than doubling tree coverage of the region. Woodland Trust chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft said: “This funding

will help local authorities overcome barriers which prevent them from taking action, through using trees and woods, to help address the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss. With the droughts this year, it has shown us it has never been more important to look at how we adapt to the changing climate in this country.

“A key part of this will be planting more trees and protecting what we have. They help purify our air, cool our towns and cities, make land more resilient to combating flooding and enhancing wellbeing.”

The regional funding is part of an overall £2.1million package of support from the Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund.

GREAT FUN: Judy Thompson, Brenda Turnock and Angela Goldsworthy from Dorchester Trefoil with DCH staff and, below, Judy Thompson, Sue Allen, Christine Clarke, Beryl Redwood in Jubilee Gardens and, right, enjoying a barbecue

Halloween fun

with the ladies of Trefoil

other children who need them, also knit blankets for our DCH project, which are gratefully received by everyone. One thing we need is wool.

at Dorset County Hospital. A donation of 46 blankets, 24 shawls and 18 twiddlemuffs was recently made. Since the group was launched three years ago, 197 blankets, 37 shawls and 108 twiddlemuffs have been made. Not every Trefoil member knits though – it’s not a

condition of membership –but several friends in the area love the project and knit squares, shawls and twiddlemuffs for us –some even knit or crochet whole blankets. Some Project Linus ‘members’ who mainly make patchwork cuddle quilts for children in hospital and

It’s expensive for people knitting a lot to have to buy wool and the cost limits the number we can make so if you have any spare wool – left over scraps are fine – we would love to have it. If you can help – or want to knit squares or shawls, please email Judy jct231@ outlook.com. If you would like to know more about Trefoil or would like to come along to either group, we’d love to hear from you.

Enjoy some spooky Halloween fun during the half term at West Bay Discovery Centre from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday 30 11am-4pm. Details of the events, which are all free to attend, are at westbaydiscoverycentre. org.uk

Poppy appeal

Royal British Legion Sherborne will be launching this year’s Poppy Appeal on Thursday, October 27 outside the Abbey. The collection period continues through to Remembrance on Sunday, November 13.

Any enquires please contact Andrew Norton on 07769 407130.

The carpet store that comes to your door

POT PLANTS: Jeane and Judy at Dorchester Trefoil

As gourmet burger restaurant chain Hub Box opens the doors to its new premises at Dorchester’s Brewery Square, West Dorset Magazine takes a look at the brewery’s history and what has made the site so popular with traders and business owners for more than a century.

The history of Brewery Square begins with a man named Charles Eldridge, who became the landlord of Dorchester’s Antelope Hotel in 1831.

Six years later Charles and his wife Sarah bought the small Green Dragon Brewery, working together to expand the business until Charles’s death in 1846.

Dame Judi Dench once played Sarah Eldridge in Entertaining Strangers, originally a community play in Dorchester about an outbreak of cholera, with the brewery coppers used to boil bedclothes to help halt the disease. Sarah Eldridge continued to work with brewer Samuel Mason, trading under the name Eldridge, Mason and Co, until her death in 1856.

Sarah’s share of the business passed to her son in law John Tizard, who worked with Mason until his retirement in 1870. Mason sold his share of the business to Edwin and Alfred Pope, who renamed the company Eldridge, Pope and Co. Thanks to the site’s access to its own water supply and being near the railway built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Dorchester Brewery was

THE PLACE TO BE: Dorchester’s Brewery Square development and, inset, below, inside one of the apartments

Square deal popular with businesses and residents

officially founded in 1879 by Alfred and Edwin Pope following Tizard’s death. Within 20 years of its founding, the brewery came to own 97 freehold pubs between London and Exeter and had become an official wine supplier to Queen Victoria one of the first businesses to ever be awarded a Royal Assent. Moving into the 20th century, Eldridge Pope as it had come to be known, continued to thrive and trade prosperously despite much of the brewhouse being destroyed by fire in 1922.

The brewhouse that still stands to this day was rebuilt and reopened within two years of this fateful blaze.

The most well-known ales produced at the site were

the Royal Oak and Hardy’s Ale named after Dorset’s most famous writer.

Fast forward to 2002 and Eldridge Pope, which was still managed by Christopher Pope, the great-great grandson of John Pope, sold the site.

The Victorian and Edwardian brewery buildings were designed by WR Crickmay, for whom Thomas Hardy worked as an architect until 1872, when he became a full-time writer. Apparently, some of the architectural details on the site suggest too much beer had been consumed at the drawing board.

In 1889, historian Alfred Barnard said the Dorchester Brewery is

‘certainly the finest specimen of architecture in the district’ describing it as an ‘imposing structure combining the useful and the beautiful to an eminent degree’. Modern day Brewery Square has attracted local and national brand name shops including Joules, Phase Eight, and Hobbs, restaurants including Cote Brasserie, Carluccio’s, Wagamama, Zizzi, Pizza Express, Nando’s, Vivo Lounge, Brewhouse and Kitchen, Costa, an Odeon Cinema, a 76-bed Premier Inn and a spectacular multi-jet illuminated fountain and giant ‘Screen-on-the-Square’. Contemporary apartments and town houses designed by CZWG, with interiors by Conran & Partners, are set around garden squares. Most of them have direct lift access from secure underground parking spaces.

Christmas

Clock repair fund closing in on £30,000 target

Parishioners, villagers and visitors have been digging deep to raise funds to repair Yetminster Clock and now just £3,041 is needed to foot the bill. A restoration campaign to raise £30,000 for the oldest working pendulum clock to ring again at St Andrew’s Church in Yetminster was launched by The Friends when the clock fell silent last year. Since the launch of the Save Our Clock camapign, money has been

flooding in, leaving just £3,041 to find.

Churchwarden Clare Lindsay said: “I’ve lowered our target as we now have £3,000 left to raise. For us in Yetminster, the clock is a much loved and familiar part of our lives, and the sound of the bells ringing out over our houses and the fields beyond, has been greatly missed since it fell silent a year ago. The clock carillon also plays the National Anthem when it

was installed by local benefactors for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and is very rare, and possibly unique.”

To donate email treasurer. yetminsterpcc@gmail.com, or Geoff or Clare at churchwarden. yet@gmail.com. For cash donations, there is a collection point in the church. For further information please email pccsec.yetminster @gmail.com

Do you hunker after a bunker holiday?

Would you fancy taking a holiday in a converted Second World War bunker in the Dorset countryside? National planning consultancy Boyer has secured planning and listed building consent for the conversion of the former Second World War bunker near Woodlands Cottage in Ringstead. The Grade II-listed building was constructed by the RAF during the Second World War and used as part of a wider radar station to detect enemy aircraft crossing the English Channel. The bunker was part of the Chain Home initiative, which alongside radio detection was regarded as the technology that won the Battle of Britain and Churchill’s Wizard War. A spokesperson for

Boyers said: “The planning consent for the bunker provides a unique opportunity to repair and repurpose the historic structure for the use and enjoyment of the wider population, allowing an appreciation and celebration of its wartime history.

“The planning application was submitted to Dorset Council in March 2022 and Boyer liaised with the council throughout the determination period to ensure the proposal was acceptable.

“To maintain the

camouflaged appearance of the bunker externally,

most of the bunker will remain untouched except for openings to provide access and allow natural light inside. Internally, most of the old fixtures and fitting were removed when the bunker was decommissioned but the proposal provides an indication of the bunker’s history and retains the exposed concrete walls. “This provided the ability to retain evidence of the bunker’s history, whilst providing a modern holiday home.”

Boyer’s associate director Ben Pope added: “We are proud to have secured planning permission for this unique and sensitively designed conversion that will secure a long-term viable use for a building in a way that celebrates its history and significance.”

New coffee club could be just your cup of tea

Dorset Tea is funding Age UK’s new ‘Communi-tea’ club programme aimed at combating isolation among older people.

Following the covid-19 pandemic Age UK launched a Dorchester coffee club as a safe place for people to visit weekly to enjoy a warm drink and a friendly conversation. With the

support of Dorset Tea, Age UK is launching another group in Weymouth, where the charity has seen ‘great demand’ for the service. Rachel Weiss of Age UK North, South and West Dorset said: “Following the covid-19 pandemic, many older people in our communities felt isolated and lonely,

these groups are so important for tackling loneliness, but also where people can go to find the support they need. The funding from Dorset Tea is helping us to set up further groups, creating a sociable environment for people to get together and chat, as well as providing access to local services, games and more.”

HOME FRONT: An artist’s impression of the bunker

Masterplan for seafront

Designer Wayne

Hemingway is drawing up a masterplan to revitalise Weymouth’s seafront.

Earlier this year, Weymouth Town Council appointed consultants HemingwayDesign (SIC) to work on plans to enhance the seafront - with a brief to make it a ‘yearround destination for

everyone to enjoy’.

A public consultation has shown people want to see more green space and food traders on the seafront as well as improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.

For more details visit weymouthtown council.gov.uk/a-seafrontmasterplan-for-weymouth

Seafeast’s £6,000 such a great catch

Dorset’s Seafeast festival in Weymouth raised £6,000 for The Fishermen’s Mission.

More than 8,000 people attended the seafood festival this year to watch chefs give like cooking demonstrations and sample some of the delicacies on offer.

Festival director Stuart Cooper said: “At the heart of the Dorset Seafood Festival has always been The Fishermen’s Mission and we are delighted to present the charity with another cheque to help fund the all important work the incredible team do.

“We would like to pass on huge thanks to everyone involved in helping us deliver another great event this year.”

Dean Lawrence, the corporate partnerships manager for The Fishermen’s Mission, said:

“The support we have received through the festival is very humbling, it’s not just the incredible funds raised but the awareness it creates for the charity and the fishing industry as a whole, we are very fortunate to have such strong friends in the festival organisers, stall holders and visitors.”

Have your say on library services, but keep it quiet

People are being urged to have their say on the future of library services.

Dorset Council has launched the second phase of a public consultation on library service provision which ends in December.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services said: “We are calling upon

all residents, businesses, partners and employees to have their say in this second phase of public consultation.

“Informed by views shared in phase one, the draft strategy identifies a range of services that the library service could deliver.”

n Go to dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/lets-talk-libraries

Scalp Micropigmentation

NET RESULT: The Seafeast festival in Weymouth raised £6,000 for The Fisherman’s Mission

Fire safety sense for energy crisis

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take simple steps to protect themselves from accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning as they look to keep warm and cut energy use this winter. The National Fire Chiefs Council has launched ‘Stay Fire Safe’ in response to concerns that people will turn to alternative ways of heating and lighting their homes in a bid to save money.

Alongside this, DWFRS has its own #SaveSafely campaign, which offers advice on where savings can be a false economy, and how to reduce the risks

when doing things differently. There is also signposting to financial support, and a range of energy saving tips.

Prevention Delivery Manager Ian Hopkins said: “The most important thing that people can do this winter is make sure they have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. We offer free Safe & Well visits, which includes fitting these devices where they are needed, so there’s no cost to the individual.”

Please call free on 0800 038 2323 or visit dwfire.org.uk/safe-andwell-visits

RAFA’s sky-high fundraising

Chairman of Royal Air Forces Association, Bridport and Lyme Regis RMG Bill Davies received a fundraising certificate from Jon Tomlin of RAFA West Midlands and South West Area Council. The local RAFA group were awarded the certificate for raising more than £2,000 in 2021. The picture also shows,

from left, RAFA members Bob Bickers, Mark Seymour and Michael (Knocker) White. The group hopes to achieve the same target for 2022.

Events last year included a car boot sale and a musical event in the Bridport Town Square with local Hillbilly Blues Band and Morris dancers from Lyme Regis.

MONDAY: 7pm

CROSSWAYS

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

TUESDAY: 5.30pm and 7.30pm

BRIDPORT

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

TUESDAY: 5.30pm & 7pm

WEDNESDAY: 9am &10.30am

WAREHAM

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

WEDNESDAY: 5.30pm & 7.30pm

FRIDAY: 9.30am & 11.30am

WOOL

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

THURSDAY: 9.30am

LYME REGIS ( NEW GROUP

OPENING ON 25TH AUGUST)

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

THURSDAY: 7pm PUDDLETOWN

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

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

SATURDAY: 9.30am & 11.30am

DORCHESTER

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

The past making a present

A Dorset charity dedicated to preserving local film history has published a gift catalogue.

A spokesperson for Windrose Rural Media Trust said: “If you’re looking for a Christmas present with a difference, and to help a charity in its mission to preserve local archive film, then take a look at what’s in the Windrose Rural Media catalogue.

“From royal pageants and steam trains to buckets and spades holidays by the sea and old skills like rope making and pottery, there is a great selection from which to choose. The films were shot in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon.”

Windrose is a registered charity and proceeds from its sales of DVDs and CDs will be put into saving more old films, many of which were put together by keen amateur filmmakers from years gone by and providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s social history. DVDs cost £10 and CDs £5, including postage and packing.

CAUGHT ON FILM:

Bridport Pageant is just one event in the Windrose archive

Orders should be sent to Windrose Rural Media Trust, Corner Cottage, Brickyard Lane, Bourton, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5PJ or via email to tbailey352@btinternet.com Cheques should be made payable to Windrose Rural Media Trust. The full list can be found on the Windrose website windroseruralmedia.org/ projects/shop

Gallery at pub

The Red Lion in Beaminster is turning its skittle alley into an art gallery – and inviting artists to contact them. The pub is aiming to open the gallery the same hours as the bar, so it will be one of very few galleries open in the evenings. A spokesman for the pub, in the Square, said: “We welcome artists and makers to submit work for selection in the exhibition space. We are happy consider all media including painting, drawing, prints, pottery, photography, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery. Please email info@theredlionbeaminster.co.uk and we will reply giving terms and fees.

“Also there is the opportunity to be a monthly artist in residence and we also have a large space upstairs suitable for classes and receptions.”

Wildlife fears on ‘investment zones’

Dorset Wildlife Trust has said it is ‘extremely worried’ about Government announcements that pose ‘serious threats’ to nature, the climate and food security.

The trust is now asking its West Dorset members, supporters and the public to help defend nature by contacting MPs and councillors to voice their concerns.

The trust’s plea follows the government announcement of plans to introduce a new planning and infrastructure bill that will allow the fast construction of ‘investment zones’ bypassing traditional planning restrictions.

The government also announced it plans to lift a ban on fracking and to

remove laws it describes as ‘burdensome’ that protect wildlife conservation areas. The government also said it wants to ‘review’ environmental land management schemes designed to reward farmers for restoring nature,

preventing pollution from entering rivers and climateproofing their businesses. Dorset Wildlife Trust chief executive Brian Bleese said: “We are deeply concerned about these plans to weaken the legal protections for nature at a time when it is already in such a vulnerable state. It goes against the explicit promises the UK Government made in their 2019 manifesto and the mandate they were elected to govern on, whilst putting

wildlife and green spaces in Dorset at extreme risk.

“Reversing plans to support nature-friendly farming and abandoning regulations that protect nature could decimate local wildlife, which is already suffering steep declines. Since 1970, more than 40% of species have declined in abundance, with 26% of mammals at risk of disappearing altogether. In Dorset over 400 species recorded in the past are now thought to be extinct in the county.

“These destructive proposals will affect not just Dorset’s wildlife and wild places, but also the green spaces where we live, food security and our fight against the impacts of climate change.”

n For more information about the proposals and letter templates, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org/ defendnature

n To tweet your MP, visit: wtru.st/Defend NatureTweet

When you need good advice

SALES

SERViCE

BiKE FiT STUDiO

Large range of

The Dorchester office of Central Dorset Citizens Advice has warned of a challenging autumn and reminded people of its free, confidential and up to date advice.

A good overview of advice on these and other potential issues is on the national Citizens Advice website citizensadvice.org.uk

You can contact CAB on the freephone Dorset advice line number on 0800 144 88 48 from 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday. For more information on local

Citizen Advice services go to centralca.org.uk Dorset Council is working with Citizens Advice to offer advice and support. Search dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for ‘cost of living help’, where there’s advice on money and debt, benefits and much more.

The CAB has offices in Dorchester, Sherborne, Bridport, Weymouth and Yeovil, and they are always in need of volunteers to man the lines.

Go to citizensadvice.org. uk/about-us/supportus/volunteering

CONCERNS: DWT is concerned about the threat to wildlife following the ‘investment zones’ announcement

DON’T

Thriving shopping spot has

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The first time I visited Redlands Yard in Broadwindsor, I was suitably impressed. I walked into a courtyard boasting a dizzying array of independent shops and celebrated restaurant The Stableyard, so popular that yes, you must book for lunch.

What several decades ago used to be a farmyard has over the years grown into a thriving, shopping spot where you can have your hair cut or grab yourself a manicure and some muchneeded me time.

Sarah Williams and her husband Colin bought Redlands Craft Centre almost six years ago. Adding several new units to the courtyard and one pandemic later, Redlands Yard is not just surviving, its thriving.

“It’s serendipity,” said Sarah. “I was born into a farming family in Broadwindsor and I worked part time at the restaurant in Redlands Craft Centre while I was at school and then college. I just loved it there. As an adult, the craft centre was a place I would take my nan for lunch and spend some time, and of course Colin sometimes came too.

“We were living in Petersfield with our children, and I began to miss home. I missed the beauty of this part of the world. My mum was poorly, and I wanted to be close to my dad. So, when Redlands Craft Centre came up for sale, I was so excited, I could see so

much potential and just wanted to buy it.

“Although Redlands Craft Centre had planning permission for housing, I wanted to create something which I could look after and pass on to the next generation. When we finally bought it, it was like a dream come true.

“My dad, Ralph, became really involved in the project, which was a blessing after my mum passed away, and he would be found wearing a pinnie in the restaurant waiting on tables or helping revamp the new units. It has a real family feel and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Redlands is a very special place to visit.”

The journey of Redlands Yard began in 1986, when developers created a new space from the redundant farm buildings where locals

and visitors could enjoy spending an afternoon exploring submerged in arts and crafts and enjoy a light lunch.

In 2002, the centre underwent a major transformation with a quarried stone extension and in 2012 the Gallery of Makers was added to its ranks.

Sarah said: “Currently, all our units are full and is a community of independent traders, an abundance of gifts for yourself or someone you love, good food and a deli full of locally produced and regionally sourced food and drink.

“I want Redlands Yard, to continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere, a friendly experience and a place where many happy memories will be made, for years to come.”

INSIDE AND OUT: Redlands Yard at Broadwindsor

a real friendly & family atmosphere

Sarah owns Foxy Cottage, the lifestyle gift shop which has been at Redlands since 1986 and is the perfect place to find that unique and special gift for someone you love or a treat for yourself. Among other shops, include Dimensions Hair Studio, The Painted Nail, Earth Design, which has been at the centre since 1986, Hunny Bunnies Crafts, Fabric and Haberdashery owned by Alison and Sue and new shop Pets and Plants, which was due to open on Tuesday, October 18. Sue and Kevin Mason, the owners of the new shop Pets and Plants, who will be selling a host of exotic and seasonal plants along

feed and supplies for small pets and fish, were busy updating their unit before opening this week. Kevin said: “We are looking forward to opening on Tuesday. Redlands Yard is a nice environment to be in and is in a good catchment area. We will be selling Christmas Trees from November.”

Alison of Hunny Bunnies

said: “Like Sarah, I feel it was meant to be. About 35 years ago, when I was living in Egham in Surrey with my family, I remember coming here when I was on holiday and staying with my mum who lives in Chard, and saying, ‘I would love a little unit here’ and now, 35 years later, here I am.

“I sell craft things and

fabrics, embroidery and haberdashery for people to make quilts, friendship bracelets, clothes or blankets.

“I also make things for people who want a handmade baby blanket or children’s clothing.”

Alison, who opened Hunny Bunnies at Redlands Yard six months ago, also makes fancy dress tutu s, which are a colourful welcome outside her pretty shop she shares with Sue and her dog Emmie.

She said: “Most people come in to see my lurcher Emmie, who is half Greyhound and half Bedlington Terrier!”

n For more information about the yard visit redlandsyard.co.uk

WORTH A VISIT: Redlands Yard at Broadwindsor

Mploy Staffing Solu琀ons is a leading, independent recruitment agency in the South West, built on the hard work of excep琀onal people with a commitment to service excellence and a deep­rooted entrepreneurial spirit

Isla reports for Newsround

Maiden Newton schoolgirl Isla Sibley appeared on the BBC’s Newsround programme to talk about how her chickens helped with anxiety. She told presenter Shanequa Paris – who seemed a tiny bit nervous of the chooks! – that the

birds helped with her everyday worries. The segment was filmed for World Mental Health Day.

Decision looming on new timescale for county’s plan

Dorset Council’s Cabinet will consider a report next week that sets out a revised timeline to produce the new Dorset Council Local Plan.

The Local Development scheme has been updated to reflect the changes in timescale for the Dorset Council Local Plan and other planning documents, with the anticipated adoption of the Local Plan in 2026 (depending upon examination by the National Planning Inspector).

Previously, officers were working towards adoption of the new single Local Plan for the Dorset Council area by 2024.

Cllr Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council, set out his discussions with Michael Gove, the former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and his officials, reflecting many of the views expressed through the public consultation.

Cllr Flower argued for reform of the national planning policy based on sustainability and addressing local needs over the next 30 years that also recognises the ambitions of the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy. The revised timescale also takes into consideration:

n The Weymouth Town Centre Flood Risk study Natural England’s revised guidance on nutrient neutrality for Nitrogen and Phosphorus across five water catchments within Dorset.

n The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill scheduled to complete its passage through parliament by April 2023.

n The delayed revision of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Information about the emerging Dorset Council Local Plan can be seen at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ planning-buildingsland/planning-policy

Schooldays remembered as new book

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A fascinating new book on the history of Stratton’s village school, which closed in 1965, has gone on sale to raise cash for the community’s defibrillator. Author Colin Jackson wrote an initial fundraising book called It Happened in Stratton 1860s, 1870s & 1880s

After selling nearly all the copies he started on a new booklet called A Portrait of Stratton School 1874 –1965, which is now available at £2.50.

In 1876 a school for 61 boys and girls was built in Stratton at a cost of £900.

It sat where the eastern slip road to the village is now. Soon after the school opened, tragedy struck. A six-year-old boy from Muckleford was drowned in the River Frome during break – no one knows how he fell in.

The roll waxed and waned over the years. In 1881 there were 35 pupils and in 1889 there were 50, just before compulsory school attendance was raised to 11 in 1893.

The schoolroom was not just used for teaching. In 1894 the first meeting of the newly-formed Stratton Parish Council was held there. Alfred Pope of Wrackleford House was elected chairman. He and parish councillor Samuel Meech were also the school managers.

In 1899, compulsory school age was upped again, to 12. In 1935 13year-old Raymond Read wrote of the Jubilee celebrations for George V.

HOWZAT? In 1939 the Dorset County Chronicle reported that Stratton School had a successful cricket team and that a national newspaper had presented team-member Jack Northover with a bat signed by England cricketer Jack Hobbs, after he (Northover) had scored 101 not out, and taken eight wickets for one run in the same match. Cricket team members were, back row, left to right: Herbert Pitman, Leonard Olliver, Phillip Dennis, Norman Hawkins, John Howe, and Douglas Courtney. Front row, left to right: Eric Puckett, Gerald Way, Jack Northover, Stanley Webber, and John Way

BOMBS AWAY: During the Second World War school children were evacuated to Stratton. Edith Coleman photographed local children with evacuees from Southampton under the watchful eye of evacuated teacher, Miss Mansell, inspecting a bomb crater in New Mead between Stratton and Grimstone. Local children in the photograph included Frank Davey, Gordon Davey, Grace Davey, Joan Diment, John Diment, Sheila Dowell, Gordon Garrett, Kathleen Garrett, Colin Foster, George Hallett, Victor Lawes, Harold Limm, Leonard Olliver, John Phillips, Eric Puckett, Lynda Puckett, and Ruth Slade

An open air service was held the Memorial and the whole school enjoyed sports in the afternoon. Mr Pope gave the children a high tea at the Institute and every child received a Jubilee mug. Tea was

followed by more sports, and prizegiving into the night.

On June 2, 1953, since few families had a television set, one was set up in the schoolroom for villagers to watch the coronation of

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Colin’s book names a lot of the pupils of the school over the years, and many of the teachers.

The one most will remember is Doris

raises money for community defib

provided the heating. And at the end of the schoolroom there were long trestle tables where dinners where eaten. They arrived daily in large metal containers brought to the school by Mr ‘Spot’ Warren. He was a balding man, always very jolly; apart from the day he slipped a disc as he made his delivery, and to the excitement of the children, was taken off to hospital. At Christmas every child had a part in the Nativity play. They would each receive a small present. There was daily reciting of multiplication tables and weekly mental arithmetic and spelling tests. Teachers heard pupils read every day. An old wireless was tuned into the BBC on Mondays and Thursdays for music lessons. Nature lessons were a weekly event. Wildflowers were collected on country walks and used to decorate school windows. Sport was very important. Every week a bus took pupils to the secondary modern school in Dorchester for swimming lessons.

In July 1965 Stratton School closed, and Miss Hudson transferred with the children to Charminster School. She retired at the end of that year.

n To order your copy of

Hudson, who stayed at the school for 17 years until its closure in 1965.

Ann Dunford, or Annie Lloyd as she became, started at Stratton School in 1958. She remembered that throughout her time

there, there were never more than 35 pupils. There was a wonderful family atmosphere. Everyone had a lot of fun. Miss Hudson and Mrs Anderson were strict but fair. Annie told Colin there was

an entrance porch where pupils had a peg and Miss Hudson would ring a large handbell to start lessons. The desks were of the bench type with ink wells. A large boiler in the middle of the room

A Portrait of Stratton School, email stratton dorset@btinternet.com, text 07972 368601, or call and leave a message. Copies will be delivered locally by hand. Payment on delivery. Postal deliveries can be arranged.

TAKING THE REGISTER: Pupils in 1958 and, right, in 1962

BACK TO SCHOOL: Pupils at Stratton in 1920 and, right, 1957

COME ON MUM! The mothers race at school sports day and, right, Stratton School house with the classroom behind

Tractors out on parade to net £1,704

By Edward Cowen Church warden

The Church of St Peter and St Paul at Caundle Marsh may be small but its vibrant Parochial Church Council is always creating new ways to raise money for fabric repairs and supporting appropriate charities.

The council has held some exceptional events, including looking back over 130 years of Royal Jubilee events which incorporated Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following this event, which raised £1,136 of which £400 was sent to the British Red Cross Ukrainian appeal, was the splendid Tractor Run. The brainchild of Di and James Hiscock, this event could not have been more popular. Blessed with fine weather, people flocked in to join 81 drivers and their tractors.

James said: “Di was hard at work from the start serving burgers, bacon and coffee. In her words, this was to be primarily a social affair for the wider farming community so wide that I met one grandfather from Lyme Regis with his tractor who had been encouraged to come by his hard-working modern milkmaid granddaughter!” Parked in three long rows, the tractors were of all vintages ranging from the enormous Valtra, John Deere 6155M models and Massey Ferguson multi powered machines to a David Brown tractor of ancient vintage. The brass plaque on its engine cover inscribed with ‘Hawkes and Sons Ltd at Taunton and Wiveliscombe max speed 20 mph.’ indicated its seniority.

Other makes included:

numerous Massy-Ferguson

165s, 135s, 65s, 35s, a Multi Powered version, a 3080 Autotronic machine and a Dynashift 3635 model. Ferguson 240s, Majors and two Perkins Diesels of ancient vintage; Fords covering 7700s, 7710s, 7810s, 5610s, one TW-15II, and one 3000; Fordsons were represented with four Super Majors, a Major, and a Power Major.

I spotted one New Holland T45c, a McCormick International 434, a Case 5140, a New Holland T6070, a Class 610 Arion, an International B-275 diesel and a Nuffield 4/65. A wellinformed tractor buff showed me a County 1174 of 1970s vintage, which, although noisy, was well ahead of its

time, according to him. He commented that many tractors on display carried tow ropesjust in case. Anyway, it was a bonanza for tractor spotters. The tractors left Caundle Marsh headed by Tim Hiscock and I discovered two spectators from Hong Kong, two from Australia and someone from Edinburgh. Unlike a previous farming event where a certain person in all innocence asked ‘how do cows get their milk into plastic bottles’ everyone seemed very knowledgeable. Di Hiscock’s raffle raised in excess of £800. The final outcome resulted in a magnificent profit of £1,704.50 that will further support our efforts to keep Caundle Marsh church in good repair.

Ending on an appropriate family note, the only tractor not allowed on the road belonged to Harry aged just six.

His parents from Caundle Marsh gave him a Wheel Horse Lawn Ranger

We followed up our Tractor Run with a Harvest Festival supper, taken by the recently ordained Jenny Nelson. Her husband, Howard, played the organ whilst we sang some Harvest hymns.

Caundle Marsh will be holding the Tune up for Christmas event on Monday, December 12 at 7pm.

So, wherever you are from within the Three Valleys Benefice or elsewhere please come and join us and a family service will be held on

ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Tractors on parade at the Caundle Marsh Tractor Run and, right, Harry in his Wheel Horse Lawn Ranger

dark winter skies.

lighting

over

Letters

Capt Queripel’s story was fascinating

Dear West Dorset

Magazine,

Thank you so much for covering our story of Capt Queripel VC so thoroughly in two editions of your excellent magazine and also including the poem in the letters section. Very best wishes Peter Metcalfe

It was with interest that I read your report of the memorial plaque at Winterborne Monkton to honour Captain Lionel Ernest Queripel VC. I have visited Arnhem to see where my father landed with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Airborne Brigade on 17th September, 1944. He luckily survived, albeit as a prisoner of war! Arnhem is in Gelderland Province in the Netherlands. North and South Holland are provinces in the Netherlands. Thank you for your article. Brian Morgan Chard Junction

Well done West Dorset Magazine (October 7) for printing the most excellent letter penned by Julian

Items for sale

Large double rosewood wardrobe, two compartments and a shelf. Bishops Caundle. £30. 01963 23333.

Meeting room chair. Metal frame with arms. Seat and back in red. £25. Tel 07780 023319 I have removed shelving from my workshop.

Jones. Whilst I wouldn’t want to lose the Royal family in its entirety, I do share in much of the opinions expressed.

How is it right that this family are worth at a conservative estimate £28 billion and yet the taxpayer paid around £12 million for our late Queen’s funeral with the Royals not having to pay any inheritance tax?

Is it fair that there are in the UK approximately 20 huge Royal residences (with around 10 additional

properties belonging in name to the Royal family but regulated as museums and the like)?

I can well remember all the controversy surrounding the implementation of the so called bedroom tax: my elderly, terminally ill sisterin-law worrying how she could afford to pay it because she dared to live alone in a house that had been her home for over 28 years!

Surely the Royals must, if they wish to survive, start paying their way and only

when they are down to their last £16,000 start applying for benefits like the rest of us!

How shrewd of the King to have expressed a wish for his Coronation not to be a full-blown pomp and ceremonious affair. I suspect that he is only too aware of the true cost that this could place upon the future of his family!

Julia Squibb

We really do enjoy reading your magazine with excellent articles and fascinating insights which make us want to go and explore further. It has been a long time coming for West Dorset to have its own magazine, but well worth the wait.

Many thanks Gwen Kinghorn

To whom this may concern!

Just wanted to thank you for the terrific splash you gave for my book (Wild About Dorset) in your October 7 edition.

I love your magazine. Keep it coming!

All best regards, Brian J

I have a range of slatwall brackets and panels. Also, the pine shelves in various lengths from 2.85 mtrs to 1.15 mts. Details and prices, tel. 07780 023319.

Meeting room chair, wooden frame.

Colour blue, no arm rests. £25. Tel 07780 023319.

Black (office) swivel chair.

Adjust seat height and back recline.

£30 Tel 07780 023319. Roman blinds with valance. New. Sandstone, 6ft x 6ft. Light filtering. £35. Tel 07780 023319.

Cycling: Pair of Mavic

wheels with ten-speed cassette sprocket. £25 or free to novice teenage rider. Dorchester, tel 07719 535094

Cycling library: Approx 50 books, primarily racing. £25 or free to novice teenage rider. Dorchester, tel 07719 535094.

Strictly go dancing with Wessex Morris

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

You don’t need to be a ‘natural’ dancer to join the merry band of Wessex Morris Men, but a rebel spirit, a desire to learn and a love of folk music will help.

With the new Dorset Ooser in tow, these Morris Men have had quite a summer, hanky-swinging, bellringing and stick-clashing at folk festivals, The Sherborne Country Fair and The Bath and West Show plus and weekend trip to Bedfordshire to meet other Morris sides.

And now the group is looking for new recruits and are holding an open evening on Monday, November 7.

Spokesman Ray, the WMMBag, said: “We had a fairly active dancing season, and it was great to be back on the road entertaining the good folk of Dorset who as always tend to appreciate our continuation of a good old English tradition.

“We are though an ageing side, and in order to maintain the tradition and keep up a busy schedule of commitments we need some new blood and

strength in depth. To this end we’re always on the lookout for potential recruits who are welcome to come along to our practice any Monday evening over the winter months, though we are hosting an open evening on November 7, which may be more suitable if a few friends would like to attend together to give Morris a look and a try to see what it’s all about.

“Wessex Morris Men are a welcoming bunch from a diverse range of backgrounds who find Morris a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding pastime and many are also involved in the local folk music and song scene. It is

School placement deadline

Is your child due to start secondary or upper school in September 2023?

Parents and carers must apply by October 31 for the best chance of getting a place at their preferred school. This applies to all children moving from primary to secondary school, or middle to upper school in September 2023.

If you’re not able to apply online you can download a word document from the admissions pages or contact the School Admissions Team on 01305 221060, or email admissions@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk or visit: dorset council.gov.uk/schooladmissions

quite aerobic exercise and requires a good degree of hand and feet co-ordination to music, which can be taught - not all members are ‘natural’ dancers.” Anyone interested should turn up to one of the practice sessions on

Monday evenings between 8pm and 10pm at Pulham Village Hall, Pulham DT2 7DZ before retiring at the Halsey Arms over the road.

n For more details email bagman@wessexmorris men.co.uk

LET’S STICK TOGETHER: Wessex Morris Men are looking for new recruits

Family enjoying a warm welcome after

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

It’s been just a few months since lifelong Londoners Sue and Dave Jennings took the plunge and moved to Sherborne, becoming landlords of The White Hart. Their daughter Ashley and son-in-law Tom have lived in this special town for some time, in fact just around the corner from this 17th century inn, and when Sue and Dave came to visit, they fell in love with the town a little more each time.

“I love Sherborne,” said Sue. “We ran a pub in Bermondsey for 15 years and one weekend when we were visiting our daughter, we saw that The White Hart was available and

Dave said, ‘let’s go for it’ and the rest is history, although neither of us expected the move to happen so fast. We moved in May.

“All of our customers and neighbours have been

amazing. We have been given the warmest welcome and it’s been wonderful. The wonderful thing about Sherborne is its community spirit and we feel we have been welcomed into this community. In London, no one talks to each other. You have neighbours but you may not know who they are as people move in and out frequently. In Sherborne everyone says hello and it is such a friendly town. “I have lived in London all my life, but in Sherborne everyone looks out for you. I love it.” Since May, this family

business Tom and Ashley run it too is fast becoming a pub that visitors and locals cherish. They are lured in by exceptional Sunday lunches, a delicious menu and a stunning collection of award-winning cask conditioned ales.

TripAdvisor has announced that The White Hart has won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2022 for its attention to detail, friendly staff, charming atmosphere, delicious food and range of ales and cider.

Now Sue is eagerly awaiting her certificate to take pride of place in the window.

Chef Trevor creates traditional pub meals with a touch of his own inspiration and devises an ever-changing specials board crafted with care, time and devotion.

“Trevor is amazing,” said Sue. “The food we serve is traditional and good value, and Trevor also creates a range of tasty vegetarian and gluten free options. And I think we are the only pub in Sherborne to serve Budweiser on tap!”

The White Hart has a live band each Saturday and a jamming

Dorset’s finest food & drink

Dorset farmer Barbara Cossins is making it her life’s work to encourage people to buy local and support British farmers. Now she is heralding the start of this year’s Love Local Trust Local Awards.

The Love Local Trust Local label began in 2018 after the Cossins family opened their farm for Open Farm Sunday. Visitors said they they wanted to support local food producers because they did not know who or what food to trust.

Barbara said: “That was when

we set about doing something about it. A label created for farmers by farmers.

“With global food challenges it’s even more important to help tell the stories and promote these local,

session on the first Wednesday of the month. Sue and Dave hope to host other events next year, including a quiz night.

“We are still finding our feet at the moment and are finding out what our customers would like, but we hope to organise other events next year.”

Of course, a pub wouldn’t be a pub without a dog, and 18month-old Betsy the sprocker, is an adored, firm fixture of this dog-friendly pub.

“Everyone loves Betsy, she is

such a good girl.”

Sue added: “I do miss London because my granddaughter is still there, but I am hoping that my son and daughter-in-law move here very soon!”

The White Hart is at the northern end of Cheap Street and is a pretty, Grade II Listed building, bursting with character with its exposed beams, flagstone floors, stonework and brickwork. n To book call 01935 817668.

now being judged in contest

independent businesses that put love and soul into everything they produce. We don’t want our amazing Dorset producers to be the best kept secret around. Let’s tell the world!”

The 2022 entries are safely gathered in and the judging is beginning of some of the finest Dorset food producers.

Barbara said: “Just a few days ago, we gathered together all our fabulous sponsors to do a blind tasting and sample the food from the award entrants. From delicious chocolates,

melt-in-your-mouth brownies, crunchy macaroons, delicious cheeses, real milk, incredible honey, homemade gin, beer and wine; it was all in the mix.

“So now for the hard part as the judges will all give up their valuable time and visit all our awards classes throughout October and November, they will also judge the other classes including Conservation & Sustainability, Business Growth & Development, Farm Shop and Hospitality.”

Vittles (food & drink)

I am a self-confessed book devotee. Books of every genre adorn shelves and cupboards in our home, each one a prized possession.

I was a slow reading starter and definitely slow to appreciate books, being quite content to run wild instead. The solitude of a book was wasted on me. In my teens I purchased an unabridged version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which I found utterly beautiful, but caused huge issues when my mother found it. She banned it from the house.

I realised then the power of books and the tragedy of censorship. I began to find libraries fascinating – the musty smell, the wellflicked pages, the focus on people’s faces, a wistful gaze leading to faraway shores.

My book journey began when I was young and I developed scarlet fever which, ironically, I caught from a library book. All my books had to be taken away and decontaminated – I was bereft without them.

Reading is

SIMPLE AND TASTY: Scotch eggs are really easy to do

Egged on to make an autumnal treat

personal, and my mother’s attempt to make me read ‘the classics’ backfired, resulting in a complete rebellion and for years books were exiled.

Discovering the right book for you is part of an exciting journey.

Reading opens a new world of experiences, encourages dreams, decreases isolation, it is hard to feel lonely in a world of words.

At the weekend my family descended, and for days before I immersed myself in my favourite books. My cookery heaven!

Scotch Eggs

These are simple and can be made in advance.

Ingredients

Sausage meat Black pudding

Apples

Quails’ eggs

Mum’s Kitchen... with Diana Holman

Dorset Apple Cake

6oz butter

6oz sugar

2 eggs

10oz self-raising flour

3 large Bramleys, peeled, cored and chopped Cream butter and sugar and add beaten

eggs gradually. Mix in flour, and add a little milk if the mixture seems too stiff. Stir in apples. Put mixture into a greased and lined tin and sprinkle the top with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of demerara sugar mixed with a teaspoon or two of cinnamon. Bake for 50min to 1 hour at 170C,150C, fan oven.

Method

Boil the eggs. Mash together the sausage meat, grated apple, black pudding.

Break off small pieces and fold around the egg. Roll them in a beaten egg and breadcrumbs.

Deep fry and then bake for a further 15 minutes in the oven.

To present – Grate 2 potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and mould around a muffin tin.

Bake in a hot oven and when golden brown sprinkle with salt.

I served this with pickled blackberries

Place blackberries in a saucepan with balsamic vinegar and sugar and warm gently until sugar is dissolved. Take out berries, increase heat and allow the vinegar to reduce and thicken.

Avoid picking blackberries on the side of a busy road. I saw a holidaymaker collecting berries the other day from a layby frequently used as a toilet. October 1 has passed, they all have the ‘devil’s hoof’ on them and are tasteless.

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.

Spooky cookies made of pumpkin mash

There is a very good chance that you’ll be carving your pumpkin as it is Halloween season and time to look out for things that go bump in the night. Of particular importance at this time of year (see previous note) is that pumpkin, in addition to numerous health benefits, is good for eye health hoorah.

Much of our Jack o’ lantern innards go to waste in this country but I suggest that you roast the soft flesh and make the most of the pumpkin.

Alternatively you can buy a can of pumpkin puree (in most supermarkets) and use this to make yourselves a sweet treat to have at any time.

Soft, chewy and slightly spicy, these cookies are finished with a cheesecake cream laced with the warming spices. Serve with a steaming hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk at bedtime.

Pumpkin Cookies

Makes: 12

For the cookies

110g soft brown sugar

80g caster sugar

60g soft butter

85g mashed cooked pumpkin or tinned pumpkin purée

1 medium egg

250g flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

100g pumpkin seeds

For the filling

lined with parchment and chill in the fridge for two hours, or overnight. When ready to cook, heat the oven to 180°C/ gas 4. Take each dough ball and press your thumbs into the centre to create a little cup big enough to hold about a tablespoon of filling. To make the filling, mix the cream cheese and icing sugar together in a medium-sized bowl.

75g cream cheese

1 tbsp icing sugar

75g double cream

1 medium egg

1 tsp mixed spice

To make the cookies, mix the sugars and the butter together in a bowl.

Stir in the pumpkin and egg. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and pumpkin seeds, and mix to form a dough.

Weigh out the dough in 70g pieces and roll into balls.

Place on a baking tray

Add the double cream, egg and mixed spice and whisk until smooth. Spoon the filling into the cookie cups and bake for 20-25 mins or until lightly browned at the edges. Leave to cool on the baking tray.

n Lizzie is selling her wares in The Old Ship Inn, Upwey every Saturday until 12.30. Follow her in instagram at lizzibakingbird or go to lizziebakingbird.co.uk

Lizzie Crow AKA Lizzie Baking Bird is a self taught baker, who has a stall outside The Old Ship Inn in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.

TIME OF THE SEASON: Make some pumpkin cookies

Down to earth

BEACHCOMBING with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

Photographers’ customers go to a studio and are often ‘choreographed’ on luxurious sofas. I used to view seaweed as a ‘sofa’ for beautiful sea-glass! Just a pretty back-drop really. But slowly my thoughts are shifting.

I was too busy marvelling and trying to identify the bottle necks and kick-ups. Too busy thinking how to show off the opaque frosted look and wavemoulded shapes. So lost in the fun of the different seaglass colours – Kelly Green, Sea-foam and Ice Aqua that I didn’t notice the beauty of the seaweed. Sometimes, Mother Nature and Old Father Sea create jewellery-grade pieces as you can see in the photos and it’s hard to top the feeling you get when you find one of those! But gradually seaweed is becoming an interest in its own right.

Whereas there are many wonderful books, websites and groups for sea-glass lovers it is not the same for seaweed fans. Of course, there is a lot of information out there, but the majority is so scientific and specialised it goes over my head.

So I start gingerly with just one seaweed type. Even after umpteen hours of research and brain picking I cannot definitively swear

WEED ALL ABOUT IT:

The seaweed print of an Afghan shaking off water, sea glass on a bed of seaweed, on the shore at Weymouth and, left, Dougal from the Magic Roundabout or possibly a horse’s head

Seaweed a thing of beauty

that I have its name correct. I shall be brave and put it out there. This is probably Solieria Chordalis. For years a substance called carrageenan has been extracted from the red seaweed and used in the food industry. Hold your horses! – but now the experts are rowing over whether it should be withdrawn as they can prove it is inflammatory. On the other side experts

are calling the proof flawed. So instead of conjuring up a delicious jus of the otherwise known Soldiers Red String, I decided it was far safer to make art with it. When I found it on Weymouth Bay it did remind me of Dougal the dog’s hair from The Magic Roundabout! A quick google and I see all I need to make a seaweed print is some watercolour paper and old newspapers for

absorbing excess water over a period of maybe five days (depending on the thickness of the seaweed you use). Don’t forget, heavy books to press it down. Here’s a preview. It’s not quite dried yet –work in progress. My husband Steve thinks the Dougal one is more like a horse and the other we both agree (that’s rarer than red sea glass!) looks like an Afghan hound shaking water off.

Nature’s amazing colour palette always delights

Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown up sons and her spotty rescue dog. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle

We are busy having the bedrooms decorated for the first time in several years.

As someone who’s always a bit reluctant to move away from safe neutral tones, I was quite impressed that older son chose to have his room painted orange.

Of course, in these days of colour matching and mixing to order, he had well over 100 shades of ‘orange’ to choose from. The paint is drying as I write and he is pleased with the vibrant colour, but as I walked the dog in the woods this morning I was struck by how even 100 shades is nothing compared with

nature’s colour palette in autumn. October is a stunningly beautiful month as the leaves change from green to a myriad of shades of yellow, orange, red and brown before falling or being blown to the ground. With less sunshine available to them the trees reduce their food production (photosynthesis) and conserve their energy in preparation for winter.

The green chlorophyll pigment in the leaves starts to break down and the other pigments carotene (yellow) and anthocyanin (red) dominate.

The depth of colour during the autumn is influenced by day and night-time temperatures, rainfall and the level of sunshine, and no two autumns are the same. The ever-optimistic Anne of Green Gables, one of my favourite childhood book characters, said: ‘I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers’ and I am too, but this time of year is also associated with a little

nostalgia. I’m generally someone who thinks forward rather than back, but not when I see a toddler in his wellies discovering the fun of playing in the leaves for the first time!

Or when I see the latest set of schoolchildren throwing leaves at each other under The Martyrs’ Tree as they wait for the school bus. Tolpuddle’s huge sycamore tree is well over 300 years old and is famous for its connection with the Martyrs’ story and the start of the trade union movement. But this doesn’t mean much to the children playing, their lives may be very different from ‘back in our day’, let alone in the time of the

playing in the autumn leaves is timeless and joyful, if you get a chance, go and join in!

A rare chance to enjoy a drink with Myrtle

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

I have a great fondness for Myrica gale, denizen of damp, acidic soils, where it vies for dominance with heather.

It is a short shrub that forms appropriately low forests.

It is also known as Bog Myrtle, and its scientific

name is Myrica gale. We are well blessed with the plant in Dorset, but it is considered to be ‘nearthreatened’, which really means that its habitat is threatened if you find it at all, there will be hundreds of plants.

Still, you only need a handful of leaves, for it is used as a herb.

In this and in flavour it is not unlike bay. More aromatic than the leaves are the pretty catkins.

It has a long history of use in brewing, being one of the aromatic plants used in ales before hops

dominated. I have made a home brew with it, eschewing hops entirely. I had low expectations, but it was perfectly drinkable. Forewarned of one of its potential drawbacks, I took it easy and did not suffer the shocking hangover it is notorious for engendering. I have also used it to make bitters and a vermouth, for which I have added Sea Wormwood on the principle that it would not be vermouth without it.

Having made Juniper toffee on the odd occasion (the crushed berries held in a muslin bag and disposedof later) I fancy that Sweet

Gale toffee might be nice too.

I will keep you posted on this notably, whether or not I get a toffee-hangover. While you are out and about, do consider the haws that still adorn our hawthorns.

They are ignored by nearly everyone, including, it seems, the birds. However, they make a nice Haw Gin infusion (add sugar), and a great ingredient in a fruit leather.

Down to earth

by JO BELASCO

I don’t know what you think about Spirit Animals?

For myself I get muddled up between Power Animals, Totem Animals and Spirit Animals!

But I am very drawn to swans.

Luckily, in the winter months the birds from Abbotsbury Swannery often choose to hang out at Rodden Hive near Langton Herring.

I find it a very beguiling spot with its wild iris, spartan coast-scape and secret hide.

Last week, I was walking along at Langton Herring minding my own business when out of the corner of my eye I saw something glinting. It was a friendship bracelet, pictured, part woven and part silver. There seemed to be some engraving on the bracelet, I peered closer to see a capital R. I wondered who R was and who had made the bracelet for them. Into my gentle reverie came this piercing, raucous sound: RRRRR RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Yeah, I was a bit spooked. I walked on and the sound got wilder and stronger, but intermittent. Well, I couldn’t just walk past could I?

I leaned out at Rodden Hive to look closer at the area the sound seemed to be coming from. There, hopping up and down frantically, was a

IT’S A GOOD SIGN: The plaque at Rodden Hive showing swans to the right and, inset, my picture inspired by swans. Below: A sculpture commemorating the First World War with the village in the background and, right, the sign at Langton Herring

It’s a hive of activity around Rodden & Langton Herring

big white bird.

Jumping up and down as if attempting to pull itself out of a tangle. I was tempted to wade out to try to rescue the bird. However, the triple guard of avian flu, sinking sands and a potential broken nose from an angry swan deterred me. Instead, I rang the reserve office and they contacted the swan herd Steve Grave, who went to check

and then kindly got back to me. He thinks what I saw was a young egret attempting to catch a fish in the flooded reed beds. It was such a relief when he explained that egrets often flap their wings about to try to scare fish into the open.

I should have asked him about the mysterious name sign as you enter Langton Herring: “Doubly thankful”.

However, on my way back to the car just sitting there at the side of a field I spotted a clue. More plaques this time with the lyrics of Imagine by John Lennon and the poem, Break of Day In the Trenches by Isaac Rosenberg and a metal statue of a First World War soldier. Ah, “Doubly thankful” – that no one from the village had died in either World War.

Wrap up warm and come stargazing

Kevin Quinn is a Dark Sky Custodian for the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve who lives in Piddletrenthide. Read his blog at theastroguy.wordpress.com

Something that gets overlooked rather a lot in discussions about stargazing and astronomy is the social aspect. It’s often regarded as a rather solitary pursuit … However, I've been very lucky recently in this respect, having taken part in a public stargazing session in Cerne Abbas that was very well attended, and which gave many of the attendees their first views of Saturn, Jupiter, the Andromeda galaxy, the globular cluster Messier 13, and more … the little car park overlooking the Cerne giant was buzzing with excitement, and ringing with ‘wows’ and ‘goshes’. It was great fun, and I’m looking forward to the next one. Another fantastic recent social event was the twice yearly Astrocamp, organised by the Awesome Astronomy organisation and held in Wales’ Brecon Beacons: an unmissable three-dayer of observing, talks, quizzes, and general astro-chat. I’ve been going to these events since 2014, and have only missed a couple, and have made many friends there. Highly recommended.

AMAZING

GAZING: Mars and the Crab Nebula as seen in 10x50 binoculars and, right, telescopes ready at a recent Astrocamp

have to be, apart from meeting up with friends, the super dark and clear skies on the Saturday, which gave great views of the Andromeda galaxy, the Ring and Veil nebulae, and galaxies M81 & 82, amongst many other things, all with my own scope, and a planetary nebula called the Blue Oyster (a new one for me) viewed through a friend’s 16in scope. Fantastic!

TREE SURGERY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

The highlights of the recent Astrocamp

Then there were the talks, covering everything astro from collimating a telescope, to planetary photography, and an excellent talk on the Antikythera mechanism. There was even a very well received talk by

someone who’d recently been on an astro-adventure in Namibia … Even though two of the three nights were cloudy, it was still a fantastic event. You can find out more about Astrocamp at astrocamp.awesome astronomy.com/ Closer to home, the Wessex Astronomical Society holds fortnightly public stargazing sessions at Durlston Head, near Swanage (find details on GoStargazing.co.uk). Stargazing sessions in the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve have restarted following the hiatus caused by covid, with the next one at Sutton Veny on November 17.

Again, you can find details

of future events in and around Cranborne Chase on the GoStargazing.co.uk website. The Dorchester Area Stargazers Facebook group will also feature details of ad hoc sessions. There really is something special about coming together and appreciating the awe inspiring sights of the night sky. People have been doing so since time immemorial, and such shared experiences are surely a major contributing factor in social cohesion and cultural development. In less lofty terms, star parties and public astro get-togethers are great fun, first and foremost, and are good ways of meeting people. Also, by being able to try out different scopes, they're a great way of learning what equipment might be best for you, and what you can expect to see.

Speaking of what there is to see, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are still around in the evenings, the former approaching opposition on December 8 and still very close to the Crab Nebula. Neptune and Uranus are also relatively easy finds at the moment, though binoculars and a star map app will be needed.

Then there’s the return of the winter constellations of Orion with its incredible nebula, Auriga, Gemini, Taurus and Monoceros with their dazzling star clusters … so why not wrap up warm, pack a Thermos or hip flask, install a star map on your phone and go out and enjoy the sights.

Homer’s sex, swords and sandals

Veteran Cornish actor David Mynne will bring his one man retelling of The Odyssey to West Dorset next month. Presented by Artsreach and based (very loosely) on the epic poem by Homer, The Odyssey is a love story that lasts decades with a healthy spattering of sex, swords and sandals thrown in for good measure.

Artsreach director Kerry Bartlett said: “Dave Mynne is quite simply an outstanding performer; his skill with just a few simple props, and captivating storytelling never fails to entertain.”

David Mynne will perform live in Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on Friday, November 11. For tickets call 07786

880676.

David will perform on Saturday, November 12 at 7.30pm at Shipton Gorge Village Hall. For tickets call 01308 897407.

The final performance will be on Sunday, November 13 at 7.30pm at Langton Matravers Village Hall. For tickets call 01929 423834. Tickets are also available online at artsreach.co.uk

VETERAN: David Mynne

How timely: Money talks at BridLit

A fiscal expert will deliver a timely talk on how past governments managed the nation’s economy through times of crisis at this year’s Bridport Literary Festival.

NatWest Group chairman Sir Howard Davies, who was the first chairman of the UK’s Financial Services Authority, will deliver a talk on his new book The Chancellors: Steering the British Economy in Crisis Times at Bridport Electric Palace on Sunday, November 6 at 2.30pm.

Sir Howard, who is also director of the London Stock Exchange, deputy governor of the Bank of England and CBI director general, will be in conversation with Sir Alex Allan, who spent the first half of his career in the Treasury, including as the Chancellor Nigel Lawson’s private secretary.

Sir Howard’s addition to the festival lineup follows BBC broadcaster Justin Webb pulling out in order to cover the US mid-term elections.

Bridport Literary Festival director Tanya BruceLockhart has also thanked West Dorset law firm Kitson and Trotman for its ongoing support as the main sponsor of this

year’s festival, taking place from November 6 to 12 in various venues in and around the town. Tanya said: “We are extremely grateful to the partners at Kitson and Trotman for their support each year. Having them there in the background helps us to put on a literary festival which has become well known and talked about far and wide. BridLit is all the better for its sponsors and friend. They make such a

difference to the festival’s ongoing success.”

Eighteen BridLit events have already sold out but there are still some tickets left for a variety of speakers in different genres.

Tickets for BridLit events are available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, in Bucky Doo Square (telephone 01308 424901 and email bridport.tic @bridport-tc.gov.uk) and online at bridlit.com

MONEY TALKS: Antonia Squire, proprietor of The Book Shop, Bridport, Kitson & Trotman Partners Tracy Scammell, Richard King and Jason Hodnett, and Bridport Literary Festival director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart. Inset: Sir Howard Davies

Multi award-winning Argentinian artist Fabian Perez will host an exhibition of his paintings in Dorchester next month.

Named as the official artist of the 2010 Latin Grammy Awards and the 2010 Winter Olympics, Fabian is now one of the world’s most collected artists, with celebrity admirers including Rihanna, Shakira, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lionel Messi and Mickey Rourke.

Halo Fine Arts in Dorchester’s Brewery Square is hosting the Fabian Perez exhibition on Friday, November 11 from 6pm to 8pm. A spokesperson for Halo Fine Arts said: “This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity not just for the gallery but also Dorset and especially Brewery Square.

“We are very fortunate to be able to have an artist of such great calibre attend the gallery and we’re extremely excited to welcome him.

“Fabian is stylistically gifted, technically flawless and endlessly fascinating, he has become a leading figurative artist of his generation.

“As one of the foremost figurative artists of our time Fabian has become an exceptional global entity.

“Over the years he has explored many different

Absolutely Fab! Real coup for gallery with exhibition

paths in his search

self-expression and artistic truth and his work brings together a broad range of life stories drawn from many sources close to his heart.

“From the geisha of Japan’s flower towns to the couples who haunt the

night clubs of Buenos Aires, all these characters have a story to tell of their disparate and intriguing lives.”

Fabian was named Artist of the Year 2014 by the Italian Academy of Artists and has won the Art Tour International Magazine Master of Contemporary Art award.

He has also been acknowledged in his homeland with a government funded public exhibition for the nation. Fabian has also been a guest at the Vatican where he presented Pope Francis with his portrait, which now hangs in the Pontiff’s personal private collection.

AMAZING: Argentinian artist Fabian Perez will host an exhibition of his paintings at the Halo Fine Arts gallery in Dorchester’s Brewery Square next month

Faith and hope flow with the word of God

By The Rev Peter Stevens Retired Anglican Clergyman who lives in Crossways

Crossways is the largest in population of the four churches which makes up the benefice, the other three being Moreton, Woodsford and Tincleton. Crossways had a new church building opened in 2015, the other churches being older by several hundred years. St Nicholas at Moreton is famous for its engraved clear glass windows and for the grave of Lawrence of Arabia in its nearby cemetery.

The other two are St John the Baptist Woodsford and St John the Evangelist at Tincleton.

What these three older churches have in common is that they are all close to the

Services

Sunday, October 23

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 ChapelEvery Saturday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Sepulchre

River Frome which starts at Evershot and enters the sea at Wareham going into Poole Harbour.

All over England, Wales and Scotland there are rivers. Children play in them, people go swimming in them and others go fishing in them.

Recently we have heard a lot about wild swimming, with folk much preferring rivers with natural surroundings of trees fauna and wildlife, instead of enclosed heated chemically treated public swimming pools. However wild swimmers don’t trust river water anymore due to a lot of pollution particularly sewage, so they prefer to swim in the sea instead.

The Bible begins and ends with rivers, both in the book of Genesis and the book of Revelation.

In the first book a river flows

Chapel Sherborne Abbey 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Eucharist 6pm Evensong James the Great, Longburton 10am Quiet Communion

St Martin of Tours, Lillington 10am Morning Service

St Paul’s at the Gryphon 10.30m Morning Worship Mary Magdalen, Castleton 11,15am Mattins

Roman Catholic Mass 8.30am Chideock

10am Beaminster Dorchester United Church 10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church Dottery 9.30am Harvest Holy Communion Symondsbury 11am Benefice Eucharist Askersewell 6.30pm Evensong

out of Eden to nourish the ground, and in the last book a river flows from the throne of God to fill our hearts and souls with love. In between, rivers in the Bible are seen as places of encounter and healing, also of meeting and praying.

The rivers in the creation account flow from one to another, and so too can the rivers of our faith, so that they nourish and support not only our lives but the lives of others around us.

When we come to the last book called Revelation we find that it was written at a time when people were suffering appalling persecution and were in daily terror of death. Sadly this is still going on in today’s world. As we live in this flawed and fractured planet however the book of

North Poorton

6.30pm Harvest Thanksgiving East Chelborough 9.30am Breakfast Church Frome St Quintin 9.30am Holy Communion Cattistock

10am Morning Prayer Burton Bradstock 10.30am Songs of Praise Puncknowle Hall 9.30am Breakfast Church Little Bredy

10am Holy Communion

Each week a service is recorded by a member of the clergy team. Listen to this by calling 01308 293062.

Sunday, October 30 Sherborne Abbey

8am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Eucharist 6pm Evensong St James the Great, Longburton

Revelation provides us with a vision of hope of a world beyond this one. It is described as a place where the City of God is which is full of light and joy. Paul writes that if we have hope in this world only, everything looks hopeless. Revelation speaks of a holy city, a new Jerusalem, where there will no longer be any mourning, crying or pain for the old order will have passed away. There is also a river described as the water of life from which we are invited to freely drink.

This is not polluted but provides healing and comfort in God’s heavenly kingdom. If we have faith in God as revealed in His Word and experienced in this life then we no need to fear death but we have something to which we can really look forward.

10am Sunday Service

St Martin of Tours, Lillington 10.30am Morning Service

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

St Mary Magdalene, Castleton

11.15am – Holy Communion

Loders, St Mary Magdalene

9.30am - Celtic worship

Roman Catholic Mass

8.30am Chideock

10am Beaminster

Dorchester United Church

10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church

Maiden Newton

8am Holy Communion

Evershot

10.30am Holy Communion

Dorchester United Church

10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church

October 31

Maiden Newton – A light Party, time to be confirmed

Antiques

Apply for boot sale funds

The Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund is now open for applications from community and voluntary organisations. The fund, administered by Dorset Council and the town council, will be distributed to projects for local people.

In 2020, over £13,000 was awarded to local community and voluntary organisations in Dorchester, including Bradford Peverell Village Hall who received £1,000 towards the replacement of their roof, Homestart West Dorset who received £1,500 towards their running costs and Dorchester Blind Association towards volunteer expenses and transport costs for their home support service.

Cllr Molly Rennie, chair of the grant panel, said: “It was wonderful to award over

£13,000 to these local organisations. We recognise the hard work they do to make lives better for others. Thank you to those who hire pitches at the car boot sale.”

After a hiatus during the pandemic, the 2022/23 car boot fund is now open and will close at midnight on Saturday, November 12. Decisions will be made at the end of November and groups will be notified before the Christmas break.

Successful applicants will be invited to a celebration next year to share news about their projects.

A form and guidance can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk (search for Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund). For a hard copy visit 19 North Square, Dorchester, DT1 1JF.

GLOBAL ART & ANTIQUES

Silver medal

Weymouth has done blooming well to win a silver gilt medal in the national Britain in Bloom Business Improvement District (BID) competition. We Are Weymouth BID worked with town centre volunteers and Dorset Council to prepare the town for inspection by competition judges earlier this year.

BID spokesperson said judges were shown improved floral displays at the town’s harbourside as well as hanging baskets, floral boat installations, the quayside regeneration and sculpture trail on a

of Weymouth’s

route around the town.

spokesperson added that the judges’ criteria included ‘horticultural excellence, environmental

decorations

and community participation’ with special mention given to Greenhill Gardens in the category for best municipal gardens.

Reliable drainage is in the pipeline

Armed with specialist drainage equipment, cameras and up-to-date knowledge of sewage legislation, Darren Norwood from Compton

Valence has taken the plunge and launched his own drainage firm.

With a decade of experience gained at Wessex Water, followed by years working for private drainage companies, Darren decided in August 2021 to launch Valley Drains to offer his community a trustworthy, reliable, and friendly local service which is both cost effective and informative. And Darren offers a 24-hour emergency call out service for residents and larger organisations such as pubs or clubs.

“Legislation for sewer has changed since 2011 and there are many rules and laws which govern drains. I know the law thus am able to inform the customer if the drain or manhole belongs to them or the larger water company.

“This information saves people time and money,” said Darren.

“When people Google drainage companies, most of

the top ones are national companies,” said Darren. “I am local and will cover Dorset and Somerset, and because it is just me, I don’t have the larger overheads so am able to keep costs down.

“It is really reassuring for residents to have a local, reliable drainage expert on hand in case they have problems with blocked drains, inside or outside their home.”

Darren said: “Valley Drains provide an emergency service when you are suffering from a blocked or urgent drain issue.

“We respond quickly and deal with your problems in a professional manner.

“We also provide maintenance and all kinds of drain repair in the Dorset and Somerset region.

And with more than 25 years of experience Valley Drains will get your blocked drains fixed fast. I operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Staff at Valley Drains are fully trained and experienced in the domestic, commercial and water authority sectors.

Ring Darren at Valley Drains on 07958 335973.

Nurseries,

DRAINS BRAIN: Darren Norwood of Valley Drains

Horticulture...

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

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

Sprigging the secret behind UAE lawns

Speak to almost any gardener, professional or otherwise and they will tell you there are two methods to establish a lawn: laying turf and sowing seed. When working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) I learnt a third way, known as sprigging. We relocated to the UAE to develop a botanic garden for the Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah being one of the seven emirates comprising the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi are others, and perhaps more familiar). The role was wide-ranging and included locating a suitable site, defining the scope of the garden and selecting architects such as Grimshaw, renowned for impressive developments such as the Eden Project. During my first few months I drove past workers undertaking various and unfamiliar stages of lawn creation, but on each occasion, it was beside a motorway or busy junction where it was impossible to stop safely, take a closer look, and document the activity.

HIGH ROLLERS: Creating lawns in hot climates is tricky

Eventually I had my chance to view the different stages of this activity up close.

The process of sprigging begins by removing thatch, the matted layer of creeping stems (stolons), dead grass and moss that gradually accumulates in all lawns.

This process is known as scarifying and will be familiar to many as it is commonly done by those with a particular passion to tend their lawns. In Sharjah, large tractormounted scarifiers deposit thatch on the grass ready for collection.

A tractor-driven rotating brush throws the thatch

Plant of the week:

White dead nettle is starting to bloom and will remain in flower for much of winter.

At first glance this herbaceous plant resembles the stinging nettle but is an unrelated species that lacks stinging hairs. It mimics true nettles to help gain protection from grazing animals.

onto the back of a truck. The vital element of the thatch for developing new lawns are the severed creeping stems.

This process is time critical, as anyone who has heaped grass into a pile will know, because mown grass heats up quickly (especially under the desert sun) to temperatures that would kill any living part of the thatch. The thatch is deposited in small heaps at the site where a new lawn is needed. This area is previously prepared by placing many small piles of sand, resembling small termite mounds. Then an 80-strong team of labourers grabbed armfuls of the

thatch and scatter it evenly across the site. Once done, other labourers take sand from the piles and lightly cover the thatch until the site is complete.

A hand-operated roller is then pushed over the area firming the sand and the thatch. Finally, an underground watering system ascends and the site is watered.

Within a few weeks, and with frequent irrigation, this area of desert is transformed into a soft green baize. The grass used in Sharjah is Paspalum grass (Paspalum vaginatum). It has several traits that make it perfect for ornamental lawns in a hot climate.

It produces stolons suitable for sprigging, tolerates temperatures into the mid40 degrees Celsius and has good tolerance to high salinity allowing municipal grey water to be used with minimal pre-treatment. The process of sprigging is very labour-intensive, and I suspect sowing grass seeds could be a more costeffective solution.

It has other discriminating features, including white hooded flowers and square stems.

These provide an important and reliable source of autumn and winter nectar for a host of long-tongued insects including various bees and moths.

White dead nettle Lamium album

MP Chris

I condemn milk-chucking protesters

Harvest time is a significant and important period in the year for West Dorset and it always has been. Our selfsufficiency of food – that is food produced in the UK is only 60% of what we consume. Therefore with food security and food cost being of an increasing concern – the celebration and thanksgiving for a successful harvest is much welcomed for such an important part of the local community.

I attended Melplash Church Harvest Festival last Sunday, along with members of the Melplash Agricultural Society in giving thanks for the harvest this year. We had a very dry summer this year, and whilst

it created some difficulties, fruit and arable crops both did well.

Farmers work through all weathers, all seasons and at all hours of day with their ups and downs and we give thanks for the farmers pushing through these challenges to ensure the nation is fed.

This made the recent news of numerous animal rebellion ‘protestors’ emptying milk across floors of UK supermarkets even more sickening. These activists are actively destroying food products in the middle of a cost-ofliving crisis, and the fact is that they

would rather do this than allow people their own choice of diet if they had their way. Their claim is that they wish to start a ‘conversation’ and promote a ‘discussion’ around a plant-based diet. The truth is what they are seeking is control and power and I wholly condemn their behaviour.

And sadly, their views are not supported by the science. In terms of carbon storage, permanent pasture is a highly effective carbon sink, storing and locking in a far greater percentage of carbon from the

atmosphere than arable soils. Ploughing up grassland to revert to arable as

these activists want to see will emit tonne after tonne of carbon into the atmosphere. There is always a good discussion to be had about the future of farming, and how we as a population can live sustainably. But as these people are showing, some only want to hear their own point of view.

n Last week, I went to visit the successor to the Dorset Regiment – The Rifles at the Russian border in Estonia as part of the NATO front line effort to protect the European borders as a result of the war in Ukraine. Many troops including some from West Dorset are or have been posted out there. I’ll write more about it next time.

Protecting past in favour of future is not worth it

The recent news that two local businesses are to close has caused a great deal of concern in Bridport. Both cited the rising costs of energy as the reason behind their decision, but one, a bakery, also cited the rising costs of ingredients and the fact they were refused permission to install solar panels on their roof.

Solar panels would not have supplied all the energy that the bakery needed, but they could have made a vital difference to its viability. Time and again applications for solar panels have been refused on local listed buildings, or buildings lying within local conservation areas, because their installation would cause what

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

planning officers term ‘less than substantial harm to the significance’ of the building or area: harm that is not outweighed by the public benefit. This needs challenging on two counts. First there is the question of whether the harm caused by simply being able to see the panels is outweighed by the public benefit. It terms of solar panels the growing imperative to generate as much renewable energy as possible surely tips the scales in favour of the panels. Solar panels can be removed, businesses forced to close rarely reopen and often the

buildings they once inhabited fall into disrepair.

Second, in my experience planning officers never give a statement as to the nature of the significance that is supposedly harmed. National planning guidance defines significance as “the value of a heritage asset to this and future generation because of its heritage interest”. But who determines the value the current generation of West Dorset residents attach to their heritage assets? When was the last time the residents of West Dorset were consulted? For all our planning officers know it may be that most of us will not value our conservation areas any less simply because a few solar panels can be seen.

My point here is that planning officers, and particularly the conservation officers who advise them, need to start consulting residents regarding what they value.

I very much suspect that many, if not most, local residents would value the presence of viable local shops and businesses over the sight of roof mounted solar panels that happen to lie with in a conservation area.

But we won’t know this until we ask them. Preserving the past at the expense of our future wellbeing is not a price worth paying.

Allowing town centre buildings to lie empty and neglected is not protecting them for future generations.

Change very much in the air at Liverpool

Two of our members from Sherborne, Rob and Linda Bygrave, shared their experience of this year’s Annual Conference with me. Food for thought!

Two weeks ago we were in ‘lively Liverpool’. The Echo Arena was packed with enthusiastic young people, full of ideas, who know the UK is in dire need of a government that can be trusted.

The vibrant atmosphere reminded us of Conferences in 1995-7 when Labour were poised for government. One after another the speeches demonstrated coherent plans on how we would repair the damage of the last 12 years and take the country forward. Rachel Reeves set the tone with a cool assessment of

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

how she would finance the NHS properly so that it would head back towards the 98% satisfaction when Labour left office. She also explained how she would integrate Social Care into the NHS so that they work more closely and complement each other . The shadow chancellor also promised to inject more funds into our education system which has been so neglected under the Tories. Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, gave further details on this by promising to fund free school meals for all in primary schools. Removing the charitable status of wealthy public schools was to be one

source of funds for this, and this was very well received by the delegates.

David Lammy told us he would restore the Overseas Aid budget to its former 0.7% of GDP; cruelly reduced by The Tories, whilst lining the pockets of their friends during the pandemic. The shameful treatment of refugees would be reversed with no more flights to Rwanda. Finally ‘No drama Starmer’ took the stage with great confidence. Sir Keir showed his plan for long-term improvement of the devastated UK. These measures included giving more power to local authorities and a return to council housing, renationalisation of the railways and greater cooperation with the EU. This would mean that

sensible rules would be followed, instead of the proposed deregulation which will lead to lower food standards, degradation of the environment by fracking and the release of more sewage in the sea. The mood of the conference was clearly for change. Reference had already been made to the need to unlock the power of the people and govern from the bottom up. Therefore when the Unite union and Unison supported the overwhelming view of the delegates it was no surprise that the motion on Proportional Representation was passed with a huge majority. Change was in the air and a system of ‘Fair Votes’ for elections will bring that change – even in West Dorset.

1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area

well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku

Pro:

to 9 once each into every row, col umn and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage

result in the

value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage.

subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage

then subtract or di vide by the other numbers in that cage.

Health & Wellbeing

Walking West Dorset

There are a few parking places just north of the level crossing on the road leading from the A352 to East Holme. Cross the railway and continue south to Holme Bridge which has a sign describing its interesting history. After another furlong turn left along the road that takes you in a curve round to the village of East Holme. Continue along the road taking the footpath and bridge over the ford, veering round to the south until you meet a road junction. Here you turn left and head east along the road with pleasant views either side including a lake and aromatic woodland. I noticed that there were no flowers on the gorse, which means there’s no love in the world, for which I blame Putin!

After a mile you come to a bridge over the Wareham –Swanage railway line (which looks a bit rusty). Carry on for half a mile and you’ll pass the first of many nature

youcantalk.net is a new wellness and mental health resource launched by Bridport-based Kerry Miller, pictured, and Alex Fender, who now lives in Snowdonia. It features lots of free resources to help people relax and take stock.

Following recent communications with someone who knows a fair bit about this (thank you LC), I am coming to a fuller understanding of

HOLME SWEET HOLME: Holme Bridge

reserves: Bog Lane Natural Greenspace. There are so many reserves along this route that, in the spring, it’s worth spending a day exploring them all.

At the next junction turn right and, after a short distance, take a footpath heading east, skirting another Reserve until you meet the A351. Cross over and take the footpath leading northwards to join the B3075. This leads north for a mile through Stoborough and

crossing water meadows and the bridge over the Frome to enter Wareham. After a furlong turn left along West Street, B3070, for a furlong to meet the embankment of the ancient town wall. Head north along the embankment until the end, where you descend to join a footpath across Wareham Common, following the Piddle. The path takes you west under the main road and the railway line for a mile until it turns left, and heads south

east past an oil well to meet the main road. Now we come to the difficult bit as, once, heading west, you pass the Worgret turn, there’s no pavement although there are mown verges. If you choose to walk along the white lines, use those at the edge of the road not the middle!

Accepting acceptance is not

why acceptance can be so darn difficult to, well, accept.

So, let’s forget the word. Let’s call it what it is in ACT, and that is expansion: finding a way to make space for/around difficult emotions, feelings and sensations. And it is willingness: being willing to feel those difficult emotions, feelings and

sensations that come up and are an inevitable part of being human.

There really is no better alternative to willingness that I know of, because whether you’re willing to have these feelings or not you’re going to have them. Fact. If you’re willing to have them, and if you can make a little space for them, at least you’re not at

war with yourself. And they will come and go either way, but they will often hang around for longer if you struggle against them.

Russ Harris (top bloke) writes about an imaginary struggle switch in the brain.

When it’s switched on this means you’re going to struggle against any

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Cyclamen a real help for meditating

Andy Cole is a reiki healer based in Middlemarsh. He specialises in planting for healing.

This has been a funny old fortnight. I have been out of sorts, but for no apparent reason. However, I have been working on building potting and storage sheds and not working with either plants, or the soil – it is interesting how your mood changes when doing different things. Early last week I was working in gardens digging, weeding, pruning and generally working with the soil and the plants, although I was still out of sorts it didn’t seem to be quite so bad. I have decided to spend some time with the plants again tomorrow and will see how much that improves my wellbeing and mental state.

I will pay particular attention to working with hellebores, as the energies

aid in releasing negative energies, and I will plant some daffodil bulbs – these will be uplifting and reduce self-doubt and low selfesteem – and borage, which encourages cheerfulness. I will continue this tomorrow after the plants have worked their magic…

Well, things didn’t go according to plan. I didn’t do what I had intended to. I did work all day in the garden, what a difference to my state of mind, the garden did work its magic and I feel so much better today.

We have had our first frost of the year, earlier than last

without exceptions

emotional or physical pain that shows up. You’ll try your best to avoid it or get rid of it, and occasionally this will work, for a bit, and at other times it won’t. It’s a bit like struggling in quicksand – completely understandable but not all that helpful.

Alternatively, if you can imagine the struggle switch is turned off, whatever

feelings show up it’s more like ‘Ahhh, OK, there’s a knot in my stomach, my chest is tight and my palms are sweating, and I can still get on with doing what matters’. The emergence of difficult ‘stuff’ doesn’t have to completely take over, you can still control your arms and legs and put your energy into doing something meaningful and

year, so we will need to get the tender plants under cover or fleeced up for protection. Today I was covering up a young fig which had bounced back after the drought, it went in just as it started to dry out and has struggled until recently, even though it was watered well. It has recovered nicely, and we don’t want it to suffer now from early frosts.

The energies from a fig help you to release subconscious blockages, enabling you to think more clearly, by thinking more clearly you are able to remember more of your thoughts.

Now that the season has changed, and we are into autumn the trees are beginning to turn and the colours in the garden are changing. Cyclamen are flowering and the contrast of the dark green leaf with the pink or white flowers makes the flowers stand out more.

Both an indoor and outdoor plant, this will depend on the variety, they are ideal by a seating area where their

life enhancing. So with the struggle switch off, sometimes we feel good, sometimes we don’t, it depends on who we are and what’s going on in our lives.

With the struggle switch on it’s like a life interrupter and an emotional amplifier. And it’s exhausting. And some of the things people do to try and control how they feel can actually make life so much more difficult and complicated.

energies will assist in meditation, they raise your spiritual vibrational energies, allowing your journey in the meditation to be retained in your consciousness. Once your meditation is finished you will be able to recall your journey with ease so you can learn from the experience, understand the message within it, or benefit from the relaxation gained.

For those who do not have a garden they will brighten up the house with their presence and can always be planted in a window box.

With Halloween just around the corner we must not forget the humble pumpkin Pumpkins symbolise gratitude, generosity, harvest, and abundance.

The energies from the pumpkin are full of positivity, by carving the pumpkins with scary faces known as Jack-o-Lanterns, their used to ward off evil spirits. Because of this, carved pumpkins are often associated with protection and dispelling negative energy.

For example, if you drink to excess in an attempt to not feel sad or lonely, in a few hours time you might also get to feel bad about saying and doing regrettable things, upsetting people, bingeing on crisps and wasting money. You might/might not have had some fun but the thing that was bothering you before is likely to still be bothering you now, with the addition

COLOURS: Cyclamen

Wellbeing

Focus on solutions to provide answers

By MARGARET CAPON

The Hollywood director Woody Allen, apparently, has gone to a psychoanalyst every week throughout his life, crediting the support of his analyst for his success, though by all accounts it does not seem to have done much for his anxieties and neuroses which are his trademark.

The question surely is, if psychoanalysis worked, why did he need to keep going back throughout his life? Do people who undergo psychoanalysis expect to get “better”, or merely to make their life a bit more manageable?

For those of us who do not have the income of a Hollywood director, and have limits on our time, and want to have some help to deal with anxiety, or depression, fears or phobias or to stop smoking

any psychotherapy must be readily available, affordable and result in a positive outcome in the briefest possible time. One route is SolutionFocused Hypnotherapy. It is one of the fastest growing psychotherapies in the UK. It was developed by David Newton who founded the prestigious Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy School in Bristol. He combined hypnotherapy with a particular kind of “talking therapy” – which is “solution-focused”. In SFHT, the therapist sees the client as a person, not as a collection of problems, past experiences, or trauma. The therapist and client work together to focus on the client’s strengths and resources, not their weaknesses and problems, enabling them to look forward to a more positive future, coping better with challenges and

feeling more in control. Hypnotherapy differs from other psychotherapies as it is drug free and the conscious mind, with all its anxious thoughts, is bypassed. It is the conscious mind which can often hinder the success of other forms of

psychological work such as counselling or psychotherapy. With SFHT the client and therapist work together to focus on the changes that the client wants to make in their life. Good outcomes can be achieved faster than with other psychotherapies because there is no focus on the past or on problems, but on the best hopes for the future. It is a brief therapy, six to eight sessions are usually all that is needed for a good outcome, though they can be more or fewer. Using the tool of hypnosis, the therapist guides the client into a completely

relaxed state enabling direct access to their subconscious mind. There is no regression to the past as in Freudian psychoanalysis (and no past life regression!) and the client always stays in control. Solution-focused hypnotherapy is often used to help clients to stop smoking, deal with fears and phobias, reduce anxiety such as when facing dentistry, cataract operations and MRI scans, help with weight control and reduce general anxiety and depression. It has been used very successfully to enhance performance in sport or in public speaking. It is particularly effective with young people.

n Margaret Capon is a solution-focused hypnotherapist based in the London Road Clinic in Milborne Port sansomehilltherapy.com

Engage or continue struggle

of a hangover and having some awkward explaining to do. Feeling sad, lonely, edgy, afraid etc can be borne, believe it or not, and there might be some helpful information in there about what is really important to you. Beyond the world of ACT the definition of acceptance is much broader, and I believe this is the reason why people struggle with the concept. What the word acceptance means or implies in general usage is

not what it means in ACT. Even so, even in general usage I don’t think it means wallowing in your pain, allowing yourself to become completely overwhelmed by it, liking it, wanting it or choosing to suffer, and it is not giving up on ever feeling any better.

You can practice expansion and willingness and commit to engaging fully in your life.

Or you can carry on struggling in that quicksand – it’s your call.

Mixed fortunes for Sherborne sides

Sherborne Firsts stuttering start to the season continued as they suffered their fifth defeat of the season, losing 20-0 away to bottom side Bridgwater and Albion, to leave them just two points and one place above them in 11th.

It has been a tough start to the campaign in a competitive league, the Regional 2 Tribute South

West of South West Division, with the Firsts regularly forced into a number of personnel changes, with five different players so far featuring at fly half. The club had welcomed many new faces during the close season, and with others stepping up from the Colts, the coaches have been working hard to find a winning formula

and turn the team into a cohesive unit.

In contrast to the fortunes of the Firsts, Sherborne’s Second team have started well after a troubled campaign last season, winning four from five of their games in the Counties 3 Tribute Dorset and Wilts Central of South West Division. They are currently tied on points with Corsham

Seconds at the top of the division. Training sessions have been well-attended across all teams and age groups, and regular social events have helped to create a real buzz around the club. Sherborne Rugby Club would love to hear from anybody looking to get involved on or off the pitch, please see their website for details.

CRUNCH BATTLES: Action from Sherborne’s opening games of the season Pictures: GILL CLARK

Steady as she goes as Bees new boss

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Chris Herbst, the newlyappointed Bridport Town manager has been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about the excitement of managing his hometown club, and the need to bring back ‘togetherness’ to St. Mary Field.

Chris Herbst fought off six other contenders to be given the job of succeeding Edgar Marcu in leading the Bees, and, after another difficult start to the season, steadying the ship is his first priority. Herbst said: “I am really excited to have the chance to manage Bridport having grown up here and played for the club, but I’m realistic about the task ahead and about our goals for this season. My first priority is to steady the ship and try to bring some stability. We need to focus on our defence, make it hard for teams to break us down, and let them know that we’re going to be hard to beat.

“Success for me would be for us to finish in midtable from where we are but it’s going to take us a while to get there. We have to stop conceding so many goals and I need to instil confidence in the players that just hasn’t been there for a while now.

“It’s really about togetherness. In the Bridport teams I played in

IN THIS TOGETHER: Chris Herbst is creating a sense of togetherness at St Mary Field and, right, Riley Weedon's two goals against Elmore were not enough to give them their first league win

we always have a great team spirit, and I want to build that same sense of togetherness in my team. It’s not going to be a quick fix, and I’ve been realistic with Dougal (Bridport chairman Adrian Scadding) on how long it might take, but I’m confident that I can build that confidence and get ourselves out of the relegation zone.”

The Bees are currently bottom of the South West Peninsula League East Division, having earned three points from their

opening 11 games. Herbst presided over their battling 3-3 draw away at Torridgeside, where two late goals earned his team a point, and showed a belief that had been lacking during last season’s disastrous campaign. There have been positive signs in other performances, including their fixture against Elmore,

where the Bees relinquished a 2-1 lead to lose 5-2. Herbst said: “People came up to me after the Elmore game and asked how we lost that game. I was really pleased with the performance and we could have won it, just didn’t have the times. We were 2-1 was keen to get

Pictures: STEVE BARRETT

Herbst makes his case for the defence

forward, and we missed three or four chances to give us a cushion when we were on top. They equalised, and their striker scored a great goal from the corner of the box, and the lads were clearly deflated by this. After the game, the players were gutted but I see that as a good sign. I want players to hurt when they lose, it shows me that they care about playing for the club and getting the results.

“It’s important that we believe we can stay in games and we do know that we can score goals now. What I need to do is to make sure that we can defend well, stop conceding sloppy goals, and then we’ll be able to manage games better.” Herbst successfully ran the reserve team last season, his charges finishing in a respectable mid-table position despite a threadbare squad to pick from.

He said: “It was something of a problem for us last season that we had to help out the first team by supplying players, and the third team too.

“As a club, we perhaps had too many players who weren’t willing or able to commit to playing regularly, and this is something that I’ve been keen to change. I played for this club and had that sense of pride that comes with playing for your hometown club. I would love to get more local players involved, who

have that same passion, and all players must be committed to the teams. I want players to be available, communicate their availability, and be prepared to give everything on the pitch.”

Having not had the benefit of pre-season with his team, Herbst and his assistant Mark Lock will have their work cut out to bed in new players, and implement a new style of

play as they go along. “I am keen to bring in some more experience and confident of signing two or three players very soon. We have a bigger squad to work with, which means there is competition for places which was lacking last season.

“I think certain players had the mindset that they would automatically be playing because we were so stretched and they did

become complacent. I am seeing more competition now and am not afraid to rotate the squad if players don’t have the right approach in training, or if they don’t give me the thumbs up on the chat group to tell me they’re available. They have to respect the team and the opportunity of playing for us and, so far, players have responded very well.

“In terms of how we play, I have reverted to a more direct style, rather than Edgar’s way of playing out from the back.

“The guys embraced Edgar’s style, but we made too many mistakes where players just didn’t have the technical ability to play in this way.

“My preference is to still play a pressing game, defending from the front and competing for possession higher up the park. We need to get it forward more directly so that we’re not gifting goals.

“Our next game is in the FA Vase and I’m really excited about that one as we haven’t been in it for a while. The league games then come thick and fast and I am sure we can start heading in the right direction.”

n The Bees entertain Royal Wootton Bassett at St Mary Field on Saturday, October 22, in the Vase match, before hosting Plymouth Marjon in the league a week later, with a midweek trip to Honiton sandwiched in between.

LINE OF THOUGHT: Chris Herbst on the touchline

Swings and roundabouts as Magpies

By Harry Adams Dorchester Town correspondent

Dorchester Town slipped to their fourth defeat from five in all competitions after falling to a 3-1 home defeat to Hayes and Yeading, with Olaf Koszela’s late goal doing little to soften the blow of another disappointing result as the Magpies slipped further down the league table.

The result followed on from another home defeat in midweek, with highflying Weston-super-Mare comfortably dispatching Glenn Howes’ men 3-0. The performance against Hayes and Yeading will have given fans more cause for concern, with the Magpies outplayed and out-thought by their midtable counterparts. Two first-half goals from star man Hassan Jollah left the Magpies trailing at the break, and Town struggled to find a way back into the game. Daniel Wishart added a third to make the game safe for the visitors with nine minutes remaining, meaning that Koszela’s 88th minute strike was nothing more than a consolation. Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel after the game, manager Glenn Howes acknowledged that his team’s poor start was

key and was quick to take the blame. Howes said: “I got an overall element of frustration in terms of how we started the game, we couldn’t quite get to grips with Hayes’ system and, by the time we did, we were 2-0 down against a very good side. I take full responsibility for that.”

The Magpies still sit comfortably enough in mid-table and the majority of supporters will have gladly taken a return of 16 points from their first 12 matches, particular after last season’s flirtation with relegation, and the mood

at the club’s recent fans’ forum was certainly positive about the teams’ performance, both on and off the pitch. However manager, players and fans will all be hoping that the Magpies can return to winning ways quickly, with back-to-back away games giving them their first opportunities, starting with a visit to Hampshire to face Gosport Borough on Saturday, October 22, followed by a trip over the Welsh border to face Merthyr Town the following Tuesday. Dorchester’s last win came at the very beginning of October, with Olaf Koszela, Alfie Stanley and Shaquille Gwengwe among the goals as the Magpies came from

behind to beat Harrow Borough 3-2 at The Avenue, ending a run of four straight defeats. After the win against The Boro, striker Olly Balmer talked to the West Dorset Magazine, to discuss the match, as well as his overall hopes for the team this season.

Olly said: “We are very relieved about the win.

“It’s been a long time coming.

“We’ve been unlucky in recent weeks with games just not edging our way and little moments not falling for us.

“ But, we’ve worked hard as a group and got our reward against Harrow on Saturday.

“I always back us to create plenty of chances and

LATE SHOW: Olaf Koszela scored Dorchester’s late consolation againt Hayes. Right: Fans celebrate Shaq Gwengwe’s goal againts Harrow and, inset below, Olly Balmer

bid to halt slide

opportunities to get us back into the game. Credit to Harrow, they were very well organised and managed to nullify our threats and frustrated us a lot”.

Although Olly started the game against Harrow, Glenn chose to replace him with Matt Neale ten minutes into the second period.

“I was happy with certain aspects of my game, with the assist of Olaf in particular, but it is never nice to come off when your team is losing a game of football.

“That being said, the squad we have assembled this season is very strong and there are matchwinners all through the squad, and that proved to

be the case with Shaq (Shaquille Gwengwe) getting the winner.”

Gwengwe has proved to be a popular addition to the squad this season, and Olly is positive about his teammate and the mood in the camp.

“He’s a top lad. The dressing room this season has a great team spirit.

“There’s no bad eggs amongst us and I think that shows in our character.”

In terms of Dorchester’s overall ambitions this season, Olly said “We’ll take it game by game and go out to win every single time.

“The start to the season was positive and we need to see where that can take us.”

PIC BY JRH MEDIA

On-form Zebras give Wellington the boot yet again

Wellington 0 Sherborne Town 2

The Zebras completed a league double over Wellington to move up to eighth place in the Toolstation League Premier Division. An early header from Alex Murphy and a tap-in from Henry Lawrence-Napier, were enough to give the visitors the three points at The Playing Field.

Murphy’s header from a floated free kick came after just five minutes, and Wellington seldom looked like finding a way back into the game. LawrenceNapier applied the finishing touch to another set piece on 75 minutes to seal the Zebras’ fifth win of the season and consolidate their position in mid-table. Next up for the Zebras is a trip to Barnstaple Town on Saturday, October 22, before returning to Raleigh Grove a week later for the visit of Ashton and Backwell United.

Cadbury Heath 1 Sherborne Town 1

Sherborne earned a point with another Henry Lawrence-Napier strike giving them the lead in a scrappy encounter at Springfield. Lawrence-Napier’s strike, early in the second half from Anth Herrin’s centre gave the Zebras the lead, only for the hosts to equalize with a wellworked McKayle goal with 20 minutes remaining. The visitors, with a quartet of first-team regulars sidelined, were left to rue missed chances to increase their lead, and a share of the spoils was probably a fair result as both sides struggled for supremacy on a difficult playing surface. Honours were even in a goalless first half, with Alex Murphy and Ben Wood going close for the visitors, and Josh Attwood forced into a couple of smart saves in the Zebras’ goal.

HEADS WE WIN: Alex Murphy opened the scoring for Sherborne at Wellington

FULL RESPONSIBILITY: Magpies boss Glenn Howes Pictures: STEVE BARRETT

Worming at housing is a good habit

By TOM WARBOYS Veterinary surgeon

The recent rain may have come just in time to extend the grazing season. But sooner or later, it will be time to house stock and give a routine dose of wormer, just as in previous years.

Worming at housing is aimed at residual gut or lungworm burdens from the grazing season and fluke (if using combination products), but if we’re being honest, I think a lot of it is habit. It gives peace of mind and ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix

it’!

Unfortunately, the system is very much broken: n Ivermectin resistance is growing rapidly in the UK

You herd it here first...

n It stops animals developing natural immunity n Treating infections, rather than using strategies to prevent them, causes

production losses n Insect populations (which are essential for soil health, grass growth, parasite control etc) do not tolerate some wormers -

with Rachel Hayball

Helping each other through tough times

Rachel Hayball is a mum of six from Beaminster. She is a herdsperson, has a small flock of sheep and sells lamb.

I was sitting scrolling through Facebook at lunchtime the other day and saw a post in one of the farming forums. The post was written by a farmer in his 40s who had inherited the family farm and was farming it on his own.

He had lost multiple cows to TB and was now unable to sell stock. He had huge financial worries and said

that he couldn’t carry on and he only saw one way out. Fortunately other members of the forum rallied around him and he is now getting some much needed help and will hopefully be okay. Sadly he isn’t in the minority. A total of 92% of farmers feel that poor mental health is the biggest issue in agriculture today. And 36% of farmers in the UK say that they are feeling depressed and in 2020 we lost 44 people working in farming to suicide.

Another post I saw this week was from a farmer with a young family. He said that he hadnt had more then one day away from

the farm in 15 years. He wanted to get away but couldn’t afford to hire relief staff and said that it is no wonder that mental health problems are rising when so many people just can’t get a break. Farm workers are also struggling with their mental health. Long working days and a lack of work life balance is a huge contributor to this and winter can make things feel so much worse. There is now a recruitment crisis in agriculture as people are throwing in the towel and seeking employment in jobs that have shorter hours and better pay, and people are struggling to fill positions.

We cannot continue like this. Something needs to change before we lose more farmers and farm workers due to mental health. Sadly though there is no easy solution. No magic wand. What we do need to do though is talk. Talk to your partner, parent, friend. Talk to your staff, your boss or your collegues. Talk to your milk tanker driver, feed rep, vet. Or pick up the phone. n The Farming Community Network 03000 111 999

RABI 0800 188 4444

If you can’t face picking up the phone then head to their websites where you can access help online.

WORDS ABOUT WORMS: It’ll soon be time to house stock for worming

but it’s not always the ideal solution

dung beetles alone are worth £367 million to our

n The risk of these issues and the true cost of “routine” treatments are higher than perceived What can be done to avoid these issues at housing? Peace of mind is all important and doing nothing will leave you wondering if a problem is lurking.

n Assess animals before treatment: liveweight gains, body

condition scores, cleanliness of back ends, number of grazing seasons etc are all there to guide you.

n Know your pastures: colour code pastures based on what was there the previous year (red for previous grazing by youngstock, amber for adults and green for no previous grazing e.g. new ley, aftermath, other species).

n Reduce vulnerability: disease-free livestock (e.g. BVD, IBR),

fed a high plane of nutrition and having good immunity (think Huskvac!) are far less likely to need worming.

n Use faecal worm egg counts: useful indicators for group treatments/ decision making. Ideally sample dung from 10 animals.

These counts can be performed by our in-house lab at Rampisham. If you know a flukicide at housing is still necessary, use triclabendazole rather

than a combination product.

It’s simpler to just worm than think about the above, but is it better for your farm? Have faith in the system and in your parasite management plan. Ivermectin’s are fantastic products, but to keep them that way, use them when you have to and not before. For more advise please do contact a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (RAMA) or speak with your vet.