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FOOD l DRINK l ART
l Hearty home cooked food and local ales
l Spacious, intimate bar with open fire
l Walled garden
l Art gallery
l BIG function room with bar and stage for live music, parties and meetings
l Saturday breakfast from 10. Open all day
l Sunday lunch 12-3 close at 4
l Takeaways
l Monthly quiz (1st Thurs)
l Live music every 3rd Thurs. Mainly folk – listen or join in.
l Half portions for small appetites
l Weds-Sat lunch: 2 courses £16
l Very dog friendly!
l Lots of walks (we have maps!)
Holman
Nick Horton Chief Sub nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk
BRINGING HOME THE BACON: This porky pair of escapees were spotted in St James’ Park in Bradpole. No, they aren’t the Tamworth Two! Thankfully they were reunited with their owner after a Facebook appeal. Pic: ROBERT THOMPSON
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Second attempt for solar farm
Enviromena is set to apply again to build a solar farm in the AONB near Maiden Newton, despite its first scheme being turned down and then rejected on appeal. Many local people supported the application, to site panels at Cruxton Farm – including the parish council. However planners felt the site would have a negative impact on the nationally important Macmillan Trail as well as the area of outstanding natural beauty. The new application will be more or less the same, with two fields of panels producing enough electricity for 4,700 homes. But an environmental impact assessment will be carried out, to try to show the plan won’t affect its surroundings in the way planners feared.
Lim has life
Kingfishers have returned to the River Lim, bringing hopes the waterway, declared ‘ecologically dead’ only last year, could return to life. The river sparked concerns after sewage released into it killed off numerous species. Sewage is still released into it during even light rainfall, which is hindering its recovery, however, and campaigners say there is ‘still a long way to go’. South West Water is working to improve the situation and says work to protect the river from further damage will be complete by 2027.
n Bridport U3A meets at United Church Hall, East Street, DT6 3LJ, at 2pm on October 22 to hear Ashley Jones talk about the Nobel Prize. He will talk about the founder and some winners. Visitors £3.
Centenary celebrations
Five generations of the Hoare family celebrated 100 years in business at Bluebird Coaches of Weymouth. Bluebird hosted an open day attended by John Dean, Chickerell Town Mayor who drew the winner of a £500 holiday voucher. Customers, family and friends enjoyed sharing their memories about Bluebird and enjoyed some cake. A charity event at the George Albert Hotel at Wardon Hill with luxury cream teas and a mini-reunion and free prize draws and live music raised £1,665 and Bluebird Coaches doubled this amount, which will now go to Weldmar Hospicecare and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Book launch
A book about Dorchester’s celebrity cat will go on sale on October 14, with a launch party planned for October 23.
People First Dorset, which helps people with learning disabilities, teamed up with artist Catherine L Owen to produce Not Lost – Susie the Dorchester Cat.
The launch party will be held on October 23 from 5pm-6pm at the Dorford Centre.
As well as a charming story, the book also contains useful advice about wandering cats and a little about the book's creators.
You can order the book from Catherine’s website The Raggy Rat, publisher Blue Poppy Publishing and Waterstones, or from The Crafty Cuppa in High East Street.
Prison boss speaks out
As Britain’s failing prison system continues to make headlines, a talk by ex prison governor and Home Office official Ian Acheson at Bridport Literary Festival next month couldn’t be more timely. With expertise in security, safety, and reform, Mr Acheson leads the Counter Extremism Project’s research on Islamist extremism, risk management, deradicalisation, and reintegration of terrorist offenders.
His book, Screwed, is billed as the “inside story of the collapse of His Majesty’s Prison Service, told by someone who had a front-row seat to it all”. Acheson went from officer to Governor in less than a decade, and during that time he witnessed the
uniformed organisation he was proud to serve crumble into lethal disarray. This uncompromisingly brutal account exposes the politics and operational decisions that have driven our prisons to a state where rats roam freely, prisoners are forced to use slop buckets, violence and intimidation are normalised and it is easier to get a bag of heroin than a bar of soap.
You can see him at The Bull Hotel on November 4 at 10.30am.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
Sherborne’s newest comedy venue, Parachute Tap Room and Bar, will be hosting a spectacular night of laughs at 7pm, with three highly acclaimed comedians plus a special guest.
The MC is Jake Baker, who returns fresh from his sell-out performance at the Edinburgh
Fringe Festival. He is accompanied by Jenny Collier, who has recently appeared on the BBC and Channel 4, and Steve Gribbin, who was described by Time Out as a ‘truly imaginative comic singer’.
Tickets £12 from parachutebrewing.co.uk
Parachute was established in a
former parachute factory in 2023 at Old Yarn Mills, Sherborne, DT9 3RQ. It combines a warm and welcoming bar with a microbrewery producing eight natural craft beers.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Sherborne & District
Gardeners’ Association will meet at the Digby Hall, Hound Street at 2.30pm to hear from Bryan Madders on salvias and other flowering perennials. Nonmembers £3. Contact Richard Newcombe on 01935 389375.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
The Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society autumn
show and coffee morning will be held at Uplyme Village Hall (DT7 3UY) 10am to noon. Informal event judged by public vote. Also plant sale and raffle. Show open to all, free of charge. ulrhs.wordpress.com
Crossways Youth and Community Centre is holding a quiz and supper – £20 for teams of up to six players – book via cycc@mail.com – 7.30pm start.
Casterbridge Rotary Club is holding an autumn fair at United Church, South Street, Dorchester (DT1 1BY) from 9.30am-1pm. Local charity stands, cake stall, bacon butties, children’s coat
Enjoying a refreshing afternoon tea in the rare ‘Devon Belle’ Pullman observation car as you steam through the spectacular Purbeck countryside.
Your refreshing and tasty afternoon tea is served by our attentive and helpful attendants dressed in pristine Pullman uniforms.
Whasson? (and where’s
swap, raffle, children’s activities and refreshments.
Weymouth Repair Café is back! Bring your broken items for repair by volunteers in return for donations, at Top Club, Louviers Road, Weymouth, DT3 6AY 10.30am-12.30pm.
The Friends of Weymouth Library’s talk at 10.30am will be by Weymouth harbourmaster Ed Carter. He will describe the dayto-day running of our busy harbour, and other harbours he is responsible for in the area. Tickets from the library (01305 762410), £2 for members of FOWL and £3 non-members. Refreshments available; everyone welcome. Contact 01305 832613.
There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm for a 2.30pm eyes down.
A gala dinner is being held for Weldmar at the George Albert Hotel at Wardon Hill, between Dorchester and Yeovil on the A37 (DT2 9PW), 7pm-midnight, promising glam and sparkle. Vocalist Emily Jean will entertain, and there will be an auction of promises. Tables up to 10, discounted B&B available. Tickets £40 from 07785 544482.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
A Choral Eucharist is being held at St Peter’s Church in Dorchester at 10.30am. Music by Elgar, Byrd and Bruckner. Please visit musicatstpetersdorchester.org
The last open day of the 2024 season will be held at the Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre from 11.30am to 3.30pm, with the 26ft waterwheel and steam engines in
Dorchester
42 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UU
operation. Basic refreshments, picnic area and toilet. Wheelchair access to displays, except toilet & visitor centre. Free parking on adjacent Oborne Road DT9 3RX. Entry by donation. Sswc.co.uk The centre’s AGM will follow at about 4pm.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
Wildlife photographer David Bailey will be presenting Good Hare Days to Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury DT1 3DF, following a short business meeting and cup of tea at 2pm. Visitors welcome (£3). Enquiries 01305 832857.
Phoenix Folk Dance Club meets every Monday evening 7.30pm9pm at Victory Hall, Putton Lane, Chickerell, DT3 4DA. Newcomers welcome, no partner needed, ideal for gentle exercise, £2.50 per session. For further info email suepeach1@sky.com
It’s Pack Monday!
Sherborne’s traditional annual fair features 250+ stalls, both artisan and local fabulous food stalls, traditional market stalls –that everyone loves, community stalls and a traditional fairground. Activities, workshops and live music run between 8am and 10pm.
The Abbey will be running short guided tours 10am-12.30pm and 3pm-5pm and at 1.30pm there’s an organ recital by James Henderson, Director of Music (free entry, retiring collection). At 2.30pm there’s a Pack Monday Service and from 9am-3.30pm there’s a Pack Monday in the Digby Memorial Hall.
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Bridport Ground Floor, 16 West Street, Bridport, DT6 3QP
The Horse with the Red Umbrella
10 High West St, Dorchester
DT1 1UJ 01305 262019
Find us on Breakfasts, lunches, cakes, snacks and more served 8am3.30pm Monday to Saturday
ADVERTISE HERE: 01305 566336
Relax and enjoy sensory flower workshops
with national demostrator Denise Jones
Oct 27: Posh Pumpkin: Create a stunning flower arrangement inside a pumpkin. Morning or afternoon, everything provided including coffee and cake. £55
Nov 6: Seven-week flower arranging course Fun With Flowers, 7pm-9pm. £224
Nov 30 and Dec 7: Christmas Luxury Wreath Making, festive treats and drinks included £60 Dec 14: Table Centrepiece Masterclass, £75 including festive treats.
Workshops held at Wyke Memorial Hall, All Saints Road, Wyke Regis, DT4 9EZ 07970 460 855 denisejones.floraldesigner@gmail.com
Whasson? (and where’s it to?)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Beaminster Horticultural Society is playing host to a practical demonstration by Geoff Hobson on easy orchids at the Public Hall. Please bring your own orchid plants if you need help with them. Doors open 7pm for bar refreshments, plants may be available, raffle.
Entrance £1 for members and £3 for non-members.
Further information from beamhortsoc@gmail.com
Turn Lyme Green will host talks by Catherine Causley, lead climate change officer at East Devon council and Gareth Bourten, East Devon lead for Recycling & Waste at the Driftwood Cafe, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 2NY at 6.45pm for 7pm. Free event. Refreshment available. All welcome. Catherine will give the latest climate change information and discuss some of the challenges that we face as a nation plus give
ideas and tips on things we can all do that will make a difference and support a more eco-friendly life. Gareth will talk about Recycling and Energy Recovery in our everyday lives as well as the important principles. He will welcome discussion plus a Q & A. Contact: 01297 446066 or enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Bridport Camera Club will be hosting The Art of Travel, a talk by Chris Hilton, at the Town Hall between 7pm and 10pm. Chris will romp through his travel back catalogue with a particular bent towards the themes of the club’s competitions this year: light, colour, nature, a sense of place and collage. Non-members welcome for £5. Book via bridportcameraclub.co.uk or turn up on the night.
Artist Kit Glaisyer will open an intimate exhibition of evocative West Dorset paintings entitled The Cinematic Landscape at
Jubilee Hall, Poundbury, DT1 3BW. The exhibition runs until Sunday, October 27 from 10am to 6pm daily – free entry. This exhibition is a tribute to the dramatic and serene landscapes of West Dorset, where Kit masterfully balances classical technique with a modern sense of movement and light. Each painting invites viewers to experience the Dorset countryside in a deeply personal way, through moments of quiet wonder, nostalgia, and awe. Kit’s work transforms the landscape into an intimate reflection of nature’s beauty, perfect for those seeking art that resonates emotionally and visually. Throughout the exhibition, Kit will be present to discuss his work, offering personal insights into his artistic process and inspirations, making this a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artist. kitglaisyer.com
A charity quiz night is being hosted by HK Law at Dorchester
Rugby Football Club in Coburg Road (DT1 2HX) at 6.30pm. Teams of six to eight players are invited to pit their wits, with tickets priced £15 pp including a meal, to raise cash for the Dorset County Hospital Emergency & Critical Care appeal and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. To book search for HK Law at eventbrite.co.uk
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
How to Win a Virtual Regatta is a free community lecture at Weymouth College (Hive Lecture Theatre) at 7pm. Dr Jim Holmes will explain how he has used some clever mathematics to beat thousands of other competitors at the online game Virtual Regatta. Register to attend at localevents.theiet.org/ register.php?event=7e4dc6
A talk on fossils by Harry Britton will be held at 2.30pm in the WI Hall, North St, Bridport. Entry is £5 or £4 for Friends of Bridport Millennium Green.
Pip Bensley will be giving a talk about climbers to Bridport and District Gardening Club at 7.30pm at the Women’s Institute building on North Street. Pip is a horticulturist, has won RHS Chelsea gold medals and is the author of The Hillier Guide to Climbers and Wall Plants. She is also a NAFAS accredited judge and in 2023 qualified as a national speaker in NAFAS. Entrance to the talk is free for members and £2 for nonmembers. Visit bridportgardeningclub.co.uk
Weymouth Civic Society will hear a talk, Towards a new Dorset Local Plan, by Hilary Jordan, head of planning policy at Dorset Council at Pilgrim House in Hope Square at 7pm, with refreshments from 6.30pm. No need to book and talks are free. weymouthcivicsociety.org
Nick Papadopulus, Dean of Salisbury, will give a talk at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester DT1 1RR, 6.30pm for 7pm, on his recent experiences in
Palestine/Israel. Working as a volunteer in occupied East Jerusalem with the World Council of Churches ecumenical programme, Nick had an eyewitness view of the current situation.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Hungry Town from Vermont USA, will be playing American folk and ballads at Portesham Village Hall at 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm). Tickets £12 from Julie Mason on 01305 871117 or ticketsource.co.uk (search for Portesham to locate event).
Dorset’s secret WW2 resistance fighters is the subject of a talk by military historian Dr Simon House, son of the farmer turned underground saboteur who was tasked with the destruction of possible Luftwaffe-held RAF Warmwell.
The talk, at 6.30pm in Moreton Village Hall (DT2 8RE) costs £10 in aid of Holy Trinity Church, Warmwell. Info: davidpwalsh1802@gmail.com or 07770 343441.
An organ recital by Simon Clarkson will be held at All Saints’ Church Wyke Regis at 7.30pm – the second in a short series of autumn recitals featuring All Saints’ 1884 Henry Jones organ. Delightfully varied and entertaining programme. Entry £6, U16s free. Cash bar. Tickets at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/ events or contact Jeff Thomas on 07710 09614.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Bridport Choral Society is holding a coffee morning at 9.30am at United Church Hall.
Fancy a bit of quizzing? The Dorchester Committee of the Children's Society are holding a quiz night at St George's Church Hall, Fordington, Dorchester, at 7pm. Teams of six, but you can join a committee team. Tickets £10 to include a ploughman's supper and can be booked through Jane Culliford on 01305 264360. Bring your own drinks.
Moonlight Swing Band are in concert at Weymouth Bay
Methodist Church (DT4 7TH) at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 in advance from Pete 01305812637 or on door (cash) £12.
A coffee morning will be held at All Saints’ Church Wyke Regis, 10am to midday. All welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, books, Fairtrade stall and brass music.
A lunchtime concert will be held 12.30-1pm in St Peter’s Church Dorchester. Maddie McCoubrie (alto saxophone) & Natalie Burton (piano). Free. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
An autumn bazaar in aid of Christians Against Poverty will be held at St Aldhelm’s Church Lounge, Spa Road, Weymouth, DT3 5EW from 10am-noon.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8.5-mile walk from Maiden Newton. Call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
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Come and meet Fabian Perez at Halo Fine Art, Thursday, 7th November, 6‐8pm. RSVP on 01305 267061 or email info@halo fineart.co.uk to secure your place
11 Pope Street, Dorchester, DT1 1GW halofineart.co.uk
Whasson? (and where’s
Dorset Chamber Choir is holding its autumn concert, Pacem – Peaceful music for our busy world at 7.30pm, at St Hubert’s Church, Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3RG. The programme will include motets and anthems from the 16th and 19th centuries, including items by Monteverdi, Palestrina, Tallis and Victoria. They will also be singing the Missa Quatuor Vocum (also known as Misa de Madrid) by Domenico Scarlatti, conducted by musical director John Watkins. Tickets £12, free for students and children at dorsetchamberchoir.com or from choir members, or at the door.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
Four Hands, One Piano, ragtime meets boogie, will play from 3pm (doors open 2.30pm) at St Swithun's Church Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Blues and boogie woogie star Julian Phillips joins ragtime pianist Mike Denham at the grand piano to explore these two styles, that helped to shape 20th century music. Entry £10 at the door with
tea and biscuits during the interval. Contact Yvonne 01308 459587.
When The Yanks Came To Lyme: Ken Gollop tells the story of the American troops who came to Lyme in 1943 to train for the D-Day landings, and were amongst the first troops ashore on Omaha Beach. Whilst in Lyme they trained hard, never got used to drinking the local cider, a few married GI brides, and many made lasting friendships. Woodmead Halls Lyme Regis 230 pm Admission £4 in aid of Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
A new members evening will be held by Sherborne Historical Society from 8pm, with a talk by Dr Rose Walker on The Santiago Camino and its Architecture. This talk presents the Santiago group of churches on the pilgrimage roads and the C12 'Pilgrim's Guide'. Meet at Digby Hall, Hound Street. Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
The Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society hosts a talk and demonstration ‘Unexpected Fruits’ by Mark Diacono. Books on sale. Uplyme Village Hall DT7 3UY. Members free, nonmembers £3. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments, talk starts 7.30pm. ulrhs.wordpress.com
Sherborne Science Café presents speaker Prof Andrea Russell of Southampton University on Batteries And Fuel Cells at 7.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall (DT9 3NL). £3 entry on the door, no membership required. Sherbornesciencecafe.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
South Dorset RSPB Group will give a talk in The Quiet Space, Poundbury, Dorchester DTI 3SE. The speaker is Nick WilcoxBrown, a wildlife photographer. Doors open 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Members £3, visitors £4 to include coffee and biscuits.
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER
Weymouth Civic Society will hear about Weymouth Museum: Its Collection and Prospects in a talk by Marcia Headon, chair of Weymouth Museum Trust, at Pilgrim House in Hope Square at 7pm, with refreshments from 6.30pm. No need to book and talks are free. weymouthcivicsociety.org
The Kings Arms in Portesham is hosting Now That’s What I Call a Music Quiz with quiz maestro and WDM sub extraordinaire Nick Horton at 7.45pm. It’s just £2 per player with teams of up to six with cash prizes for the winning team and runners-up. All eras and all genres of music are covered, from 1940s to present day, from pop to rock, disco to punk, ska to metal, and all are welcome.
Reserve your team’s table by calling the pub on 01305 871342.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Beaminster's Yarn Barton Centre (reg'd charity) are holding their annual fundraising quiz in the town hall, Fleet St, 7pm for
7.30pm, for teams of up to six (max). Tickets £10 to include ploughman's supper and a drink, available at YBC (01308 862715).
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
South West Dorset Multicultural Network is celebrating Black History Month at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester, at 6pm. There will be a steel band, AfroCaribbean food and a conversation with Robert Golden on The Empire Windrush Generation and their community, 25 years on. Tickets £12 inc food at south-west-dorset-multicultural -network.sumupstore.com
Choral Evensong will be held in St Peter’s Church Dorchester at 4.30pm. Music by Harris, Purcell, Reading and Gibbons. Free. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 6.5 mile walk from Frampton. Call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
The Cassandra String Quartet make a welcome return to Cattistock Church at 5pm, performing an uplifting programme of much-loved repertoire from the Classical and Romantic era. The concert includes works by Mozart, Haydn and Dvorak, with the quartet providing an informative introduction to their chosen pieces.
The Cassandra Quartet are a group of professional musicians who live in West Dorset and Somerset, and two of the players live in Cattistock itself. Doors open at 4.30pm and refreshments are available. Tickets £15 available at the village shop, on the door and via the church QR code.
Parnham Voices are in concert at All Saints’ Church Wyke Regis, 7pm. The choir from Beaminster is one of the best amateur a capella groups in the area, with an extensive repertoire. Tickets £10 (inc glass of wine or soft drink), Ct’d next page
Licensed by Dorset Council
Train stations, airports, ferry terminals, { Weddings I Long distance/local ( Pre-bookings only
CARE HOME: Come and join our friendly team l Full / part-time hours, nights and days l Free uniform, PPE and DBS check
Contact Lisa to have a chat on 01305 786568 or email lisa@primroselodge-weymouth.co.uk
U16 free. Cash bar. Book at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events or Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Yeovil Model Show will be held 10am-4pm at Westfield Academy (BA21 3EP). Thousands of models will be on display – all eras, genres and scales. Lots of traders, selling all your modelling and gaming needs. £6 adults £3 children. Email yeovilmodelshow@gmail.com
An indoor car boot/tabletop sale will be held 10am-1pm at Marston Magna Village Hall (BA22 8BY).
Sellers from 10am at £5 a table, buyers from 11am £1. Teas and coffees available. Tables need to be reserved at bookings. marstonvillagehall@gmail.com
A ‘Posh Pumpkin’ workshop will be held at Wyke Community Hall, Chamberlaine Road, Wyke Regis, with floral designer Denise Jones.
Create a stunning flower arrangement inside a pumpkin for
Halloween. Morning and afternoon sessions available. All floral ingredients, pumpkin, accessories and tools to create will be provided with hands on tuition and coffee and cake, cost £55. Call 07970 460 855 or email denisejones.floraldesigner@gmai l.com
It’s the last Bridport Vintage Market of the year, so get on down to St Michael’s (DT6 3RB) and soak up the atmosphere. The market, on the last Sunday of the month April-October, originally launched in 2010 and now a monthly focal point for everything collectible and retro on the estate. The market is held eight times a year come wind, rain or shine. Most of the vintage and antiques tenants open on the day and these are supplemented by upwards of 40 external store holders offering a variety of collectibles, from old cameras, vintage prints and clothing to furniture and all sorts of objets d’art and bric-a-brac. Along with live music, Sunday opening of the Red Brick Café, Rafters by
MegaBites and smaller ‘table-top’ exhibitors, the market creates a lively atmosphere and a great social event for the town. Be there or be square!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
A film night will be hosted by the Dorchester-Bayeux twinning society at 7.30pm at the Corn Exchange. Le Diner des Cons was originally a stage play and is now a hilarious and witty classic French comedy film. Doors and bar open at 6.45pm. Films are open to all and have English subtitles. Cash on entry £6. Doors open 6.45pm. Bar available. dorchesterbayeuxsociety.yolasite.com
HALLOWEEN EVENTS: SEE NEXT PAGE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Quarter Quilters’ Quilt Exhibition will be held today and tomorrow at The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH from 10am4.30pm. A quilt exhibition of members’ work including a sales table, raffle and traders. Parking and wheelchair access. Refreshments. Free entry. Contact Helen on 01258 471479.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Weymouth Model Railway Association is holding its annual exhibition 10am-4.30pm today and 10am-4pm tomorrow at Weymouth College, (DT4 7LQ). Adults £7, family £15, children £2. Full catering, free parking and good access for all. Further details at weymouth.org.uk
Dorchester. Free. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
An afternoon concert will be held at 3pm by Diane and Christian Ludwig entitled Mozart and friends – violin and viola visit Vienna at St Mary’s Church, Beaminster. Tickets £15 from Yarn Barton Centre in Fleet Street, The Book Shop in South Street, Bridport or on the door.
The concert is promoted by the Friends of Beaminster Festival.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
A choral eucharist will be held in St Peter’s Church Dorchester at 10.30am. Music by Morales Palestrina and Eleanor Daley. Free. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
A new course called Sunshine for November: Artists in Provence, looking at the towns of the south of France and who painted there, starts today at United Hall, East Street, Bridport Six lectures will cover Van Gogh, Monet, Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Raoul Dufy, Matisse, Picasso, Bonnard and Leger –cost £65 for all six, or drop in lectures £13. This course also runs online on Fridays at 2pm from November 8, fee £60. Email chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Art & Design Historian and associate lecturer at University of the Arts in London.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8.5 mile walk from Corscombe. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Crossways Youth and Community Centre is holding a community café and tabletop sale 9am to noon – pitches free of charge, but please book via cycc@mail.com
Durufle Requiem for All Souls Day at 5pm in St Peter’s Church,
Sherborne Historical Society will host speaker Dr Mark Byford on The Significance and Impact of the Hampton Court Conference of 1604 at 8pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street. How did James I’s ecclesiastical policy help to shape the early history of Britain and its American colonies? Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk
Embracing The Elements is the name of a new exhibition by four West Dorset artists running from today until November 17 at Malthouse Gallery, The Town Mill, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU,
10am-5pm daily.
Recent works by Jillian Hunt, Alison Bowskill, Fran Marsh Williams and Jools Woodhouse will explore photography, textiles, printmaking, wood, sculpture and automata, paint and collage.
Jillian Hunt creates abstract photography that evolves into innovative textiles and unique interior decor. Alison Bowskill explores a variety of printmaking processes and techniques including etching, lithography and lino.
Fran Marsh Williams creates magical and handcrafted wooden automata, music boxes and sculpture.
Jools Woodhouse has recently incorporated hand painted and printed collage paper into her paintings, adding depth and texture to her distinctive depictions of semi-abstract local landscapes. townmill.org.uk
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Fun With Flowers – a seven-
week flower arranging course will be held 7pm-9pm at Wyke Community Hall, Chamberlaine Road, Wyke Regis, with floral designer Denise Jones, costing from £224.
Each week you will learn a different style, and you will cover flower conditioning and different floral mechanics and vessels. You will also learn about art principles behind flower arranging. Learn a new skill or update an old one and immerse yourself in a world of flowers to lift your mood. Call 07970 460 855 or email denise jones.floraldesigner@gmail.com
Enjoy a fabulously festive latenight shopping event at Goulds’ two stores in Dorchester’s South Street from 5pm-9pm. There’s up to 20% off lots of stock, double loyalty points, a welcome drink and nibbles, plus a charity raffle with five great prizes. Gouldsstores.co.uk Whasson?
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Dorchester TRINITY Club EVENTS
ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
For information contact the club on 01305 262671 or visit our Facebook page and website
WYKE WORKIES LIVE MUSIC THIS MONTH AT
* October 12th KATZ * October 19th HANDLE WITH CARE * October 26th ALIVE & KICKING * November 1st RICKY SOLO * November 2nd ELVIS (BARRY POOLE) * November 9th REISSUE * November 16th FLUKE FOOTBALL MATCHES SHOWN ON NEW
There’s a frightening amount of spooky goings on for Halloween, with events over two weeks.
From October 19 until November 4 at 10am Minterne Gardens’ Halloween Trails are back, and this year will be the best yet! Embark on a magical, spine-chilling adventure through 27 acres of the enchanting Himalayan gardens, where surprises lurk around every corner. Encounter giant bats, eerie spiders, and countless other spooky delights. Adults £10, children £5 (includes Halloween pack), infants (2 and under) free .
On October 25 from 5pm-10pm there’s a spooky celebration at Weymouth’s Centenary Club to help raise money for Wyvern Academy and Weymouth Carnival.
There will be a procession of monsters and lights through Radipole Gardens along with a spooky trail (weather permitting), plus a disco, raffle, food and drink and a face painter.
Go to weymouth-carnival.uk
On October 26 at 10.30am Blooming Chaos at 11 Antelope walk, Dorchester will be holding a spooky craft workshop where you can design and paint your own pumpkin.
The same day, The John Gregory pub in Southill is holding a free kids’ Halloween disco 12pm2pm – no need to book.
In the evening, there’s a charity event at the Tithe Barn in Symondsbury
The Monster Halloween Bash will feature Shelbys Elbows and DJ Steve Duke, along with a costume competition, good food and a raffle. Adults only, tickets are £15 from jumblebee.co.uk/
shelbyselbowshalloweenbash2024
All proceeds to Weldmar Hospicecare and Bridport Friends Together.
On October 30 and 31 and November 1 from 6pm-9pm Vurands Animal Farm at Swyre (DT2 9DB) will be running a Fright Night, with a spooky trail with live actors, plus a pumpkin and light trail for smaller children. There will also be a kids’ Halloween disco and hot food available. Pay on arrival.
The Spice Ship pub at 240 Preston Road, Weymouth, will be holding a Halloween family disco from 3pm till 5pm on October 31
The same day, 2pm-5pm, Selwood House Care Home in Chestnut Road, Charlton Down, will be holding a Halloween party with buffet supper at 5pm, live music, pumpkin carving and games.
Finally, on November 2 Bridport Leisure Centre will be holding a Halloween Hop 12.30pm-3.45pm, with bouncy castle, soft play and diddy cars, cake sales, crafts and tombola for children aged up to seven. All proceeds go to St Catherine’s Preschool.
To book, go to preschool.sumupstore.com/ product/halloween-hop-2024
Whasson? (and where’s it to?)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Come and meet artist Fabian Perez at Halo Fine Art, 11 Pope Street, Dorchester, DT1 1GW, from 6pm-8pm. RSVP on 01305 267061 or info@halofineart.co.uk to
secure your place. halofineart.co.uk
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm for a 2.30pm eyes down.
Ambassadors Big Band in concert at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church DT47TH on Sat 9 Nov at 7.30pm Tickets £10 in advance from Pete 01305812637 or on door(Cash) £12.
The Dorchester committee of the Children's Society are hosting their annual coffee morning in the United Church Hall, South Street, Dorchester. Coffee and homemade cake will be available from 10am and there will be a range of stalls including books, bric-
a-brac, jewellery, homemade cake etc.
A Michaelmas Artisan and Craft Fayre will be held at Melbury Osmond Village Hall (DT2 0LU) 10am-4pm. It’s just off the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil. An indoor Christmas fayre with 20 stalls for all your festive presents. Free parking and entry.
Refreshments including mulled wine.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Maiden Newton. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
A Christmas Craft Fayre will be held at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church (DT4 7TH) 10am-2pm. Craft stalls, drinks, cakes, bacon butties. Free entry. Supporting Weymouth Food Bank.
A lunchtime concert will be held in St Peter's Church Dorchester 12.30pm-1pm. Iris Lam (soprano) and Rob Taylor (piano). Free. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
TUESDAY, NOV 12
Weymouth Art Group will be holding its annual art exhibition 10am till 4pm at Southill Community Centre Weymouth.
The Royal British Legion’s Dorchester Branch will be holding a meet and greet social event for members and veterans. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 11am to 1pm (or whenever the conversation stops) so go and join them at The Junction Hotel, Great Western Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UF for a coffee or lunch and some friendly company.
For more information contact Carol Lewis at DorchesterDorset. Chairman@RBL.Community
Cheesey grins all round at reopened Vinny
Villagers turned out in force to welcome the reopening of their only pub.
The Blue Vinny in Puddletown was not so long ago one of three pubs in the village.
The King’s Arms was just up the road from the Vinny at the junction of the High Street, and the Prince of Wales just around the corner. The King’s Arms was demolished in the late 80s to make way for new homes, while The Prince of Wales was closed in 2001 and later converted into flats.
The pub sign is still outside.
For the last 23 years
well. Martin said he hopes locals will continue to support them as they plan regular events for punters to enjoy.
The couple’s plans include a meat draw on Fridays, a monthly quiz, live music one Saturday a month, and setting up a new darts team for Mondays, and fresh pizzas once a month on a Sunday.
Puddletown has relied on the Blue Vinny, named after the famous Dorset cheese, for entertainment and socialising.
When the Blue Vinny closed in the summer, locals feared it might never reopen, but Martin and Chantal Rawlings have stepped up and bought the leasehold – despite never having run a pub before.
“I’ve always wanted a pub,” said Martin. Hundreds turned up to wish the couple
The pub offers traditional grub five days a week, with lunch and evening menus, and a Christmas menu in development.
There is a new play area for the kids and next summer there will be bouncy castles.
The Blue Vinny is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 5pm to 10.30pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 10.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon to 11.30pm, and Sundays from noon to 10.30pm.
Food is served on Wednesdays and
Thursdays from noon to 3pm and from 6pm to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9pm, and a Sunday carvery from noon to 4pm.
Call the pub on 01305 848228.
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Akhtar’s coastal hike aids vets hub
Akhtar Mohammed and his friend Heather Joans, of the Portland Global Friendship Group, set up to support refugees, completed a 50mile hike along the coast to raise money for Weymouth Veterans’ Hub.
They raised £1,240, surpassing their goal of £1,000. Akhtar is a refugee from Afghanistan who worked as an interpreter for the British army. He fled after the Taliban took control in 2021.
The Veteran’s Hub in Wyke Regis welcomed and supported him, so he
wanted to do something for the charity. He also wants to speak for women’s rights because now a whole generation of Afghan women are being denied education.
Akhtar is studying aviation and would like to become a commercial pilot. Their Facebook page Akhtar –Heather Coastal challenge for The Veterans Hub is full of fantastic photos of their journey and a link to the donation page or you can go to donorbox.org/ akhtar-heathers-coastalchallenge
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THANKS VERY MUCH: Akhtar and Heather at the Veterans’ Hub in Wyke Regis, Weymouth
Pictures: VIVIANE HORNE
ON THE MARCH: Akhtar and Heather on their coastal hike
Minister accused of ‘gaslighting’ as
By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Desperately worried Portlanders are appealing for help to raise at least £40,000 after a junior minister overruled Dorset Council to approve a huge waste incinerator.
Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness, made the decision to allow a 15-storey waste incinerator to be built on the island.
Lawyers for the campaigners say there is a chance a judicial review could stop the plan. However this will be expensive – and the best chance of success would be to use a QC, pushing the price even higher.
Ali has been accused of ‘gaslighting’ the people of Portland after approving the hated plan on behalf of the Secretary of State Angela Rayner.
In her report, she says the only harm to health would be residents’ ‘perception’ of harm, which could itself lead to health issues.
She sweeps aside concerns over a detrimental effect on the world-famous Jurassic Coast, saying the only harm to the area might be a visual
PROTEST MARCH Marching through Castletown on Portland against the incinerator plan
harm to dockyard buildings. But she is content the enormous building, with its 80m high chimney, will fit well in a dockyard setting.
The £150m incinerator, run by Powerfuel Portland, will burn household, commercial and skip waste. The plan sparked 3,000 objections and protests on the island, with people concerned about scores of extra HGVs daily on the single road to the island, the environmental harm and the threat to public health.
The plant will be able to process up to 202,000 tonnes of waste each year and is expected to create enough energy to power about 30,000 homes. However islanders say the smoke from the chimney
will pour directly into homes.
Laura Baldwin, one of the leaders of the campaign against the incinerator, says Ms Ali clearly has no knowledge of Portland or the effects of such a facility.
Laura’s home is one of the properties campaigners believe will be most affected by the smoke – homes in Amelia Close, Beal Close and East Weares Road. She said: “You will clearly see it from Weymouth beach and the smoke will be coming at you. They have put money in front of tourism and health.
“It’s a deceitful calculation to say it’s net zero, as we hardly have anything in landfill here.
“The incinerator will produce 220,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.
“We are protecting our natural environment. How can we have a huge consultation process and it comes down to one woman’s decision?
“Weymouth and Portland already has high rates of cancer, depression and anxiety and powerlessness, such as we all feel now, has a high impact on health.
“People living within 500m of the top of the chimney will be worst affected – any easterly will push the smoke towards homes and sea fogs and inversion clouds, which are typical for us in summer, will hold the pollution closer to us.
“The levels referred to in the report are an industrial safe limit, which will allow
Environment Agency reopens final consultation
The Environment Agency has reopened a final consultation into an application for a permit for the incinerator, after technical issues prevented some from commenting. The consultation now closes on October 20.
The Environment Agency says: “The permit will be granted unless the Environment Agency receives new information that gives cause
for not allowing it. This consultation gives you the opportunity to provide any new information that could make a difference.”
It adds: “The Environment Agency does not look at issues around vehicle movements to and from the site, working hours and whether or not the site is suitable for this kind of work. All of those
are matters dealt with through the local authority planning process.”
To comment, email pscpublicresponse@environmentagency.gov.uk or post to Environment Agency Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF, including the application number EPR/AP3304SZ/A001.
controversial incinerator approved
pollution to continue.”
The area’s new Labour MP Lloyd Hatton has told constituents he is ‘frustrated and deeply disappointed’ by the decision, which comes after he strenuously opposed it in his first weeks in office.
Richard Drax also firmly opposed the scheme during his tenure.
Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland said: “It is regrettable that the Deputy Prime Minister has overridden the decision of Dorset Council to refuse the planning application for the incinerator.
“This ignores the views of thousands of Dorset residents, who oppose the burning of waste on the Jurassic coastline for environmental, economic, and health reasons.
“Portland residents have already coped with the disruption caused by the presence of the Bibby Stockholm barge – another decision imposed by central government – against the wishes of local residents and Dorset Council. They now face the prospect of a largescale incinerator being built on their doorstep, in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with all the consequences that go along with it.
“We are currently reviewing the contents of the Planning Inspector’s report, and speaking with government representatives to find out what they intend to do to support Portlanders and the wider community, to mitigate the negative impacts this decision will bring.”
In the report granting the appeal, it said: “The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the proposal would cause no harm to the setting or the significance of
most of the heritage assets affected, with the exception of the Dockyard Offices.”
The report added: “The Secretary of State agrees that the proposed stack would be clearly visible in some views from the Royal Navy Cemetery. However, the Secretary of State also agrees with the Inspector that the stack would not be an injurious presence. She further agrees that the proposal would not appear incongruous in the modern port context, and objectively speaking, the stack, even if the plume from it was occasionally visible, would be seen in that light.”
And it said: “The Secretary of State also agrees with the Inspector that the proposed development would have no injurious effect on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (the WHS), its Outstanding Universal Value, or the setting (experiential or otherwise) of the WHS. Overall, for the reasons given, she agrees with the Inspector that the proposal would sit comfortably in the context of the existing port
and would have no harmful landscape or visual effects from receptors on land or at sea.”
And it said: “The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the increase of HGV movements from the proposal would not have any significant impact in highway terms.”
The news has been a sucker punch to campaigners, who now face having to raise tens of thousands of pounds for a judicial review – their barrister believes there is a
good chance of success. Anyone who would like to support the campaign is welcome at an informal meet up at the Portland Social Club at 7pm on Wednesday, October 9. If you miss the meeting you can head to facebook.com/ stopportlandwasteincinerator to keep up to date.
n All donations towards the campaign are welcome –email stoppwi@gmail.com for the bank details, or post cheques payable to Stop Portland Waste Incinerator to Mrs Debbie Tulett, 20 Killicks Hill, Portland, Dorset DT5 1JW. There is also a justgiving.com page – search for Portland incinerator –however justgiving takes a percentage of donations.
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NOT HERE THANK YOU: Residents are opposed to the incinerator on Portland
Pub’s amazing £9k for injured jockey
A pub’s fundraising night made £9,000 for a young jockey who suffered lifechanging injuries in a fall.
Tracey Hampson, landlady of Skippers Pub in Sherborne, said she was blown away after one generous donor offered a sought-after pair of Oasis tickets, which sold for £1,500.
Irish horse trainer Willie Mullins’s stable tour and accommodation for four went for £2,000.
Tracey said: “It was absolutely amazing. At its peak there were about 250 people there.”
There were raffles, auction lots and more, to try to raise a good amount to help Alice
Procter, 21, who suffered spinal injuries in a fall at Cartmel in July.
Alice was taken to The Royal Preston Hospital when six-year-old Uggy Uggy Uggy took a heavy fall in the female jockeys’ handicap hurdle.
Alice’s parents Lucy and Doug Procter own and run The Glanvilles Stud near Sherborne and have been up and down to the hospital ever since. The journey has been made a bit easier since Alice was transferred to a London hospital.
A justgiving.com campaign for Alice (justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/aliceprocter) has already raised £25,945, beating its £20,000 target.
AWARD: Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, and Will Armitage, president of the Horticultural Trades Association
Environmental award for gardens firm boss
A business leader from Dorset has been honoured with an industry award. Mike Burks, managing director of the Gardens Group, was presented with the Pearson Memorial Medal by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
Mr Burks was recognised for his environmental work in the industry and his “outstanding contributions and leadership” running Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil.
Taking the step in a podiatry career
A Dorchester podiatrist is urging people to train in her profession after becoming alarmed so few people are choosing it as a career.
Gillian May, who opened Dorchester Foot Clinic just over two years ago, now has a full complement of staff thanks to a long recruitment drive.
She said: “Unfortunately, podiatry as a profession is on a decline. This could be due to many things – younger people just aren’t interested in the profession and are favouring careers in more technologybased subjects.
“We are an invaluable and essential profession and I would encourage any school leavers, or adults looking for a career change, to have a think about podiatry. Only 126 podiatrists qualified in 2021, meaning there is only one podiatrist per 5,500 people.”
Apprenticeships in podiatry
are available, and this helped Gillian secure Samantha McClaren, who now works at the clinic in Princes Street.
Samantha said: “Going to university full time wasn’t an option for me, as I have a family to raise and need to earn a living. On the
antibiotics. She said: “I’m really hoping this will encourage more people in to the profession, as they can obtain a full honours degree in three years, while earning at the same time.”
Gillian now has three registered podiatrists and a foot health practitioner, as well as apprentice Samantha and a new practice manager.
But it has taken her a long time to fully staff the clinic.
apprenticeship I earn while I learn.”
Gillian is now a clinical educator – she will be teaching all practical skills in podiatry including nail cutting, ingrowing toenails, up to surgeries and administering
She said: “There are lots of routes for podiatrists these days, such as the NHS, forensic podiatry to help in criminal cases and disasters, bio-mechanics for sportspeople – there are so many options.”
n To learn more about podiatry careers go to rcpod.org.uk/careers or contact Gillian at dorchester podiatry1@gmail.com or on 01305 259909.
SERVICE: Dorchester Foot Clinic staff Stephanie Bish, receptionist and clinic manager’ and podiatrists Samantha Innis, Nick Butt and Gillian May
Beryl proving popular with electric bike riders
Riders have covered an impressive 27,000km in the first month of Beryl electric assisted bikes in Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth.
Over 5,000 journeys were taken, with the average journey being just under 5km.
The council claims the scheme has generated ‘nearly 3,000 hours of physical activity so far’ and ‘saved half a tonne of carbon emissions’. There are plans for more bays in Weymouth and Dorchester, enabling more places to start and finish hires.
There are 121 e-bikes available to hire from a network of 30 Beryl bays across Weymouth and Dorchester. If you download the Beryl app, use the use the code HIBERYL and your first 30 minutes will be free – code valid until October 31.
Wildlife pictures on show at Chesil
The winning entries in Dorset Wildlife Trust’s 2024 photography exhibition are on show at Wild Chesil Centre on Portland Beach Road (DT4 9XE) daily until October 20.
The exhibition offers a stunning showcase of wildlife, celebrating the natural beauty and biodiversity of Dorset. If something takes your fancy or if you’re looking for a gift, many of the photo canvases are on sale, with all profits going to Dorset Wildlife Trust.
From delicate close-ups of insects to sweeping
landscapes filled with vibrant flora and fauna, the exhibition highlights the diverse ecosystems that thrive in Dorset.
Many of the photographers have captured fleeting moments in nature that are often missed by the naked eye. Birds in midflight, glimpses of spectacular marine wildlife in Dorset’s underwater world, and close-ups of many insects found in our gardens and green spaces are just a few of the amazing sights on display. Open daily 10am-4pm.
Centre
County faces £10.1m budget overspend
Dorset Council said it is set to overspend by £10.1million this financial year.
A report to cabinet shows in the first four months, the authority is set to overspend by 2.7 per cent of its £376.7million.
The authority says its finances remain under ‘extreme’ financial pressure from increased demand for adult and children’s social care places, rising costs of delivering services and reduced funding.
The council says the predicted overspend had been ‘anticipated’ and reported as it relates to £8.6m to be saved from its transformation programme, details of which
will be finalised in the autumn.
The authority also says it is facing a ‘high level of uncertainty’ over its budget as ‘the new government has not yet set out the likely funding arrangements for stretched local authorities’ – due in the October Budget and the funding settlement in December.
Dorset Council’s spokesperson for finance and capital strategy, Cllr Simon Clifford, said: “We face a challenging budget situation, as do nearly all councils across the country.
“The 2024-25 budget was set by the previous Conservative administration, and as the new administration we have
inherited it, including the £8.6m black hole. It is essential for us to understand the developing financial performance and projected position this year and we are acting quickly to make sure resources are used efficiently to deliver services in a sustainable way. This may involve difficult decisions.
“As councillors our focus now is to address and reduce the forecast budget gap for yearend. We have asked senior officers to work to reduce the forecast overspend.”
Dorset Council provides around 450 statutory and discretionary services to 389,000 residents and businesses, and work is
already underway on setting the budget for next financial year.
HOMEBUILDER: Paul Dibben’s photograph of a Dartford warbler with nesting
Trail hunters on the scent of more
By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Symondsbury Farm was one of 30 farms and estates taking part in National Trail Hunting Day, with thousands of people donning wellies and waterproofs to support the rural sport.
The sport was created after the fox hunting ban of 2004 and instead of pursuing a wild animal, a scent trail is laid, which the hounds follow with their noses.
However, the Labour Government is set to draft new legislation to ban trail hunting, a move welcomed by the League Against Cruel Sports which claim trail hunting is a ‘smokescreen’ for fox hunting.
British Hound Sports Association (BHSA)
managing director Olly
Hughes said: “Trail hunting is a legal, ethical and wellregulated sport. No animal is pursued during a trail hunt.”
He added: “What we have seen today is a massive show of support for trail hunting.
We’re here to listen! Whether you need just a few sessions to deal with an immediate problem or would like to work long-term on a deeper issue, we can help.
“We would urge the government to engage with us before bringing in new legislation which would be immensely damaging to rural communities up and down the country.
“To attack trail hunting is to
attack a rural way of life for tens of thousands of people. There is a myth promoted by our opponents that trail hunting is the preserve of a certain echelon of society far removed from most people’s experience.
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IN THE HUNT: Trail hunters at Symondsbury Farm Pictures: DANIEL HAGUE
public support
“This is simply not true. “Anyone who has taken the time to attend the National Trail Hunting Day will have seen that those who support trail hunting represent as diverse a demographic as you would see at any other sporting event.”
Mr Hughes said: “The allegation that trail hunting is a cover for illegal activities is patently false. The facts show that trail hunting is a legal, legitimate and well-regulated activity that is fully compliant with the Hunting Act.”
Helen Walsh of the BHSA said: “The Master and Whipper-in keep control of the hounds at all times, and make sure they are following the scent trail that is laid in advance. If the hounds pick up the scent of a live quarry,
the huntsman and other members of hunt staff stop the hounds.
“The hounds are well trained and will respond to the calls of the huntsmen.”
There have been more than 600 prosecutions under the Hunting Act since 2005.
Offences covered by the act:
n Hunting a wild mammal with a dog
n Permitting land to be used for hunting a wild mammal with a dog
n Permitting a dog to be used for hunting a wild mammal with a dog
n Participating in, attending, facilitating or permitting land to be used for the purposes of a hare-coursing event
n Entering/permitting/ handling a dog in a harecoursing event
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Local food and drink celebrated
Food and drink producers were honoured in the fourth Love Local Trust Local (LLTL) Awards.
Dorset farmer Barbara Cossins launched the awards to promote local food and drink. A Lifetime Achievement award went to Charlie Goodland of C&S Meats, near Sherborne.
A spokesman for the awards said: “Born into a farming family, Charlie’s journey with animals began early. As soon as he was old enough to handle a gun safely, he learned to shoot, skin the animals he hunted, and manage the carcasses with skill. After leaving school, Charlie started working on the family farm, but his passion led him to jump at an opportunity in a Yetminster butcher’s shop. There, Charlie was mentored by the legendary Maurice
‘Mitch’ Mitchell, who imparted invaluable knowledge about humane slaughter practices and the care of animals. This early education laid the foundation for Charlie’s career. After gaining experience at a large slaughterhouse, Charlie ventured out on his own, establishing C & S Meats in 1996.
“Charlie’s dedication to animal welfare is evident in the numerous slaughter licences he holds, each reflecting his commitment to the highest standards. Among all the animals he works with, wild boar holds a special place in his heart. He admires their intelligence and agility, often remarking: ‘You need to be on your A-game when they’re around’.
“Charlie’s adaptability and contributions to the food and
farming community in Dorset are remarkable.
“Whether facing challenges like fluctuating meat prices, ensuring the full use of each animal, navigating the impact of covid, or protecting his staff and business, Charlie meets each with a steady hand and a smile. For over 30 years, he has taken every challenge in stride, becoming a pillar of the community.”
Meat: South Paddocks Ltd, Winterbourne Valley southpaddocks.co.uk
Stub it out
LiveWell Dorset is offering smokers a free Stoptober quit kit and a seminar worth £379. You can choose a vape kit, or a fully supported package, where the Livewell team will help choose a kit that works for you: nicotine replacement patches and gum, a one-day Allen Carr seminar, or 1-2-1 coaching and provide ongoing help to guide you through the quitting process. Visit livewelldorset.co.uk/stoptober or call free on 0800 840 1628.
Arts sponsorship
Dorchester Arts’ autumn programme is being sponsored by Battens Solicitors. The law firm is backing a range of performances including classical music, jazz, choral and tribute acts at the Corn Exchange, Hardye Theatre and Athelhampton House.
Volunteers needed for valued community hall
People are needed to support their town by offering a few hours to keep a community hall open.
Have you got a few hours spare and want to do something worthwhile with them?
St Mary’s Church House Hall in South Street needs your help.
The hall committee of this valuable community hub in South Street welcomes hearing from socially-minded individuals – whether current users of the hall or not – with
a view to their joining the volunteer committee and supporting the running of the hall with our essential administrative roles.
Committee member Monty Crook said: “Most of the voluntary work can be done remotely. We usually meet two to three times a year for
about two hours in the evening for meetings.
“St Mary’s CHH needs your volunteer support to keep offering an amazing facility for local community users.”
He added: “The committee roles are chairman, secretary, bookings secretary, and treasurer – you can start with just one task, everything you offer really helps us – you will be a valued contributor.
“In due course, you may wish to step into a full role or might do this immediately, with a shadowing period first.
“At this point we really do need a volunteer for the role of bookings secretary, but any help is welcome and without such the future viability for our hall unfortunately could be in doubt. This is your chance to make a difference.
“We look forward to meeting you.”
If you are interested in doing your bit please phone Monty on 01308 423442 or email: montycrook@rocketmail.com
For more information on the hall go to stmaryschurchhousehall.org
BBC award for education firm
“Simon
The founder and director of the Lyme Regis-based non-profit, environmental education company Little Green Change won the Green Award at the BBC Devon Make A Difference Awards. Clare, whose company visits schools to spread the word on environmental issues, said: “We rely on donations of money, goods, services and time to keep our work going and to keep access for the state and community sectors free, so award recognition like this is vitally important in helping us to raise our profile and hopefully gain further support from businesses, funding bodies and individuals.”
To find out how you can support Little Green Change, check out their website or contact them: littlegreenchange.com/donate
HONOUR: Clare and Jo of Little Green Change
Concerns over missing fire engines
By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Firefighters arriving for shifts at Wareham and Sturminster Newton fire stations were alarmed to find their fire engines missing.
Fire crews discovered the fire engines were removed deliberately as part of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s plans to downgrade fire cover across the region. But they had been given no official notice the fire engines were to be removed on that date. Fire engines had also gone from Corsham and Marlborough stations. The move has been condemned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) as it will ‘put firefighters and communities at risk’. And fears have been raised
as to which fire stations will be hit next following information The West Dorset Magazine received that fire services in Maiden Newton and Bere Regis could be ‘significantly reduced or lost altogether’ under these ‘devastating’ plans to cut resources from fire stations.
At a Fire Authority meeting on October 1, representatives from the FBU said these cuts ‘have been made without consulting or communicating with fully or listening to the concerns of firefighters or the public’. Already the removal of fire engines has delayed the
response to a domestic fire. A flat in Corsham caught alight but the removal of the second fire engine meant only one of two crews could be mobilised. A second fire engine travelled from Chippenham, delaying the response.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is clearly trying to get away with cuts by stealth. Fire service bosses must stop playing fast and loose with firefighter and public safety. The frontline is raising the alarm, and the fire authority must start listening.” Val Hampshire, executive
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council member for the South West, said: “Firefighters were shocked to find fire engines had been removed from their fire stations. To prevent future tragedies, the service must return the fire engines and scrap plans to downgrade the service further.”
The removal of fire engines at Wimborne, Sherborne and Portland is scheduled to be reviewed in January 2025.
n Residents in Dorset and Wiltshire pay a council tax precept for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue. Dorset Council has not responded to requests by The WDM for information about this council tax precept. The WDM is now issuing a Freedom of Information request to Dorset Council.
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The big social club with a very big
A social club opened in 1901 for the gents of Wyke Regis is still thriving, bucking the trend of dwindling footfall for licensed premises by laying on a huge range of activities for its 1,000+ members.
Chances are you’ll have noticed Wyke Workies, formerly Wyke Working Men’s Club, while waiting at the lights by Premier and Tesco on Portland Road. But you’d never guess just how big the building is – with two skittle alleys upstairs, numerous darts boards, a function room and a great big bar area on the ground floor. It is thought to be the largest social club in Dorset.
The club opened on March 27, 1901 as a Liberal Club, due to demand from workers at the nearby Whitehead Torpedo Factory. By 1911 it had become the Wyke Working Men’s Club. Chaps were invited to go in and enjoy leafing through the newspapers and periodicals of the time, unbothered by feminine company. Member numbers were swelled significantly by the torpedo factory, which employed more than 1,000 men at its height.
Nearly a century passed before the admittance of the fairer sex. Ladies were only permitted full membership in 1998 –they had been previously allowed in only as visitors.
Ann Mowlon and Nelly Limm were the first two
ladies to join the committee.
Now ladies play a big part in the success of the club, which has live music every Saturday night (see
College hosting series of local history lectures
Weymouth College has partnered with several local museums to celebrate Dorset’s fascinating history through a series of lectures.
The regular lectures will run over the next six months.
On October 24 David Willey, The Tank Museum, will speak and on November 14 it will be the turn of Kate Hebditch of Weymouth Museum. On December 12 it’s
Chris Wilson of Tudor House Museum, on January 9 David Carter of Portland Museum and on January 30 it will be Elizabeth Selby of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. Then on February 13 it’s Steve Piper with a Civil War talk. The final lecture will be Geoff from The Nothe Fort on March 6.
The lectures have been organised by Weymouth College History & Sociology
Lecturer Sarah Downes, who hopes to bring Dorset’s history to a wider audience. The talks are open to all and will be free of charge (with exception of January 30, where there will be £5 charge).
Talks will start at 6.30pm and those attending should meet in the Weymouth College reception.
For more information, email sarah_ downes@weymouth.ac.uk
CHEERS: Mick ‘Stumpy’ Neville, left, with some of the bar team at Wyke Workies and, below, the defibrillator with left, Louise Jones and Rachel Hanger and right, Carole and Neil Maloney. The club has always had a sporting tradition with ladies’ darts teams and men’s snooker teams from the 1970s
welcome and there’s so much going on
their ad in our Whasson section for details). The club has five skittles teams and several darts teams running in house and league competitions, runs cash bingo every Wednesday and Sunday and a quiz every Tuesday and boasts a nice range of pub grub.
A new committee 18 months ago has taken the club and given it a shake, with Mick Neville –known by all as Stumpy –at the helm.
Stumpy ran the neighbouring Wyke Smugglers pub from 1991 until 2005, before joining the committee at the club. He had stepped away from the role when in 2022 it
YOU’RE WELCOME: Wyke Workies on Portland Road, Wyke Regis
appeared the club was failing. A new committee stepped up to save it, and now the future looks bright.
He said: “Membership is
only £10 a year or £5 for seniors and our drink prices are always lower than pubs, even when they have special offers.
“There’s lots going on for
all ages and it gets nice and busy.”
The club’s fundraising committee usually selects one cause a year, but members managed to raise the £2,500 needed for a defibrillator in just 16 weeks and they are now looking for a second good cause, preferring to fundraise for a piece of equipment or something tangible.
Stumpy said: “We couldn’t believe how fast we raised that money. People who aren’t even members were sticking donations through the door and Weymouth and Portland Rotary gave us £100 towards it too. The whole community of Wyke came together.”
Authorities join forces in devolution
Dorset Council has joined neighbouring authorities to call for a devolution of central government funding and powers.
Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire councils have submitted an expression of interest in devolution in response to an invitation issued by Deputy PM Angela Rayner in July.
The authorities claim they are collectively ‘seeking to unlock greater powers and resources for the area’.
LETTER: Angela Rayner
A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Following extensive discussions with neighbouring authorities, the submission for devolution to the Heart of Wessex represents a strategic step towards addressing local aspirations and aligning with the government’s devolution agenda.
“The leaders of the three councils have acknowledged the varying goals and priorities of their respective areas but believe there are important synergies to explore under one umbrella. The councils are committed to driving regional growth, improving public services, and ensuring greater local decision-making.”
In a joint statement, the leaders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils said:
“We have had constructive discussions and recognise that, while each council has its own unique aspirations, there is a shared belief that working together can provide a strong foundation for devolution.
“We value our partnership working with neighbouring authorities and there are projects and services we already provide which are more effective when delivered in partnership. “Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils are keen to explore how together they may better meet residents’ needs and align with the government’s vision for devolution. Each council will be submitting its own expression of
interest…but are all agreed that we wish to explore the Heart of Wessex concept and work together moving forwards.”
The three authorities said they “remain open” to the possibility of including BCP Council and Swindon Borough Council in any devolution process.
The council leaders’ statement added: “Clearer guidance is now needed from the government on how it intends to complete the devolution process in full, providing more details on the desired minimum population for any devolution footprint.
“Clarity on the functions to be devolved would also help refine our approach and whilst we are open to exploring the right decisionmaking framework, at this
bid for more funds
time we don’t think a mayoral system would be right for our communities.
“Once formal proposals have been agreed with central government these will be communicated with our residents and any options will be consulted on before being taken forward.”
Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire councils remain open to amending their expressions of interest as further details of the English Devolution Bill emerge and will continue their own discussions with councils across the Wessex region.
The Deputy PM’s letter, sent to councils on July 16, said the government’s aim was ‘lighting the touch paper of growth across our regions’.
The Deputy PM said the devolved powers would cover ‘transport, skills, housing, planning and employment support’.
Last month, Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland told the BBC: “The hope is we’ll get more money, or at least the same money we’ll be able to spend in different ways, potentially –otherwise, what’s the point?”
He also said he had ‘no idea’ how much Dorset Council would receive, but added it would be unlikely to address adult social care or children’s services which he called “huge drains” on the authority’s budget.
Describing the Deputy PM’s letter, Mr Ireland said: “The deal is literally a vacuum – there is no detail in the letter.”
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Haven for wildlife and walkers to
A proposed ‘wildlife centric’ solar farm, developed by RWE, would be located between Sherborne and Yeovil, and would help to tackle both the energy and climate crises by generating affordable renewable energy for over 20,500 homes, whilst avoiding using good quality farmland. In addition to installing solar panels, RWE proposes to create an array of new permissive paths and accessible green spaces for residents. The plans are being brought forward by RWE Renewables, who are seeking community feedback to help inform and improve the proposals. If approved, the scheme would save over 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 compared to fossil fuel generation (that’s the equivalent of removing over 400,000 cars from the UK’s roads for a year). This would represent a vital contribution to tackling the impending climate crisis on the back one of the wettest UK winters on record, followed up by the hottest February and April on record.
Solar energy also represents one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation, meaning the Wyke Solar Farm would play a part in bringing electricity bills down, and securing the UK’s energy supply, helping to move away from expensive imported energy sources.
Recent long-term monitoring studies undertaken across 37 existing solar farms have
In numbers:
l As part of the solar farm, 10km of hedgerows will be planted, and 3km of permissive paths will be created. l 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be saved
l 32 acres of wildlife meadows will be created
found a considerable increase in the number of pollinators/insect life, in addition to an increase in the abundance of green, amber, and red list species birds, compared to adjacent arable farms.
The large 4-10m gaps between the rows of panels will allow high-quality grass to grow around the site, even
under the panels due to the spacing provided. Sheep grazing can be used to manage the land in an ecologically sensitive way, allowing the site to continue
be created at solar farm
producing food for the sheep and therefore food for the UK market.
The site will retain its greenfield status before, during and after development, meaning it will not qualify as ‘brownfield land’ at the end of the solar farm’s life. It will not use any 'good' quality farmland and is set to contribute over £3m
in local business rates; providing direct funding to local council services/projects in the area. The project will also support local projects and initiatives, with a fund worth over £400,000 to be provided to the community over its 40year life. The public consultation on the plans ran officially from 26th August
until 23rd September, but your feedback is still welcome to help shape the plans. RWE intend to submit a planning application to both Dorset and Somerset Councils in December 2024. n More information about the project can be found at wykesolarfarm.co.uk or by emailing info@wykesolarfarm.co.uk
Ecologist develops farm plan
The designs for the Wyke Solar Farm have been developed by wildlife conservationist and trained ecologist Robin Johnson, and ‘seek to place a special focus on improving local biodiversity and opportunities for wildlife’. Coming from a conservation background, Robin is also one of the project managers for the scheme, representing RWE Renewables, who would also build and operate the site. He notes: “The farm will support a diverse range of habitats and species once up and running. There will be 32 acres of new wildflower meadows across the site connected by new permissive paths, in addition to a vast, diverse grassland meadow in and around the panels. This would provide vital butterfly/bee habitats, both of which are under threat in the UK due to loss of habitat and pressures from intensive pesticide use, and over 10km of new native hedgerow and tree planting, further improving interconnectivity of habitats on-site. Solar farms, when done right, represent a fantastic opportunity to create vast new, undisturbed and preserved habitats, free from biocides. Wildlife conservation is my passion, and I’m absolutely delighted with what we would be able to achieve with this site.”
Bursaries now available for agricultural students
Extra funding is now available for further and higher education agriculture students in the south west. Cornish Mutual Young Farmer bursaries of £750 are open to any student studying an agriculture-based Level 5 or 6 course at University Centre Somerset and Duchy College. Further Education Bursaries of £500 are available to students studying an
agriculture-based Level 1, 2 or 3 course at Bicton College, Bridgwater & Taunton College (Cannington Campus), Duchy College, and Kingston Maurward College. In each category, one bursary is awarded per college and students must be enrolled to study during the 2024-2025 academic year. In addition, the 2024 Cornish Mutual
South West Agricultural Student of the Year will be selected from the bursary recipients. Applicants are asked to submit either a 500-word essay, 20-image photo essay or twominute video or podcast. Entries close at midnight on November 22 2024. Visit: cornishmutual.co.uk/future-farmingprogramme/young-farmer-bursaries
ELECTIVE SURGERY: The team at Weymouth Community Hospital’s upgraded theatre
More op options at upgraded theatre
Weymouth Community Hospital has upgraded its theatre to allow Dorset County Hospital (DCH) perform a range of elective surgeries and reduce waiting lists.
Orthopaedic procedures to treat bone, joint and muscle conditions and maxillofacial surgery to the face, jaw, neck and mouth can now be performed in the refurbished theatre.
Culinary heritage on new food trail
Take a tasty stroll along a new food trail highlighting Frome Valley’s culinary heritage.
A spokesperson for the Valley to Market Trail said cyclists are welcome to follow the 8.5 mile route from Maiden Newton to Dorchester, and “encouraging them to look at the landscape with fresh eyes”. The trail was officially opened at the temporary River Droplet art installation at Millennium Green, Frampton.
Villagers encouraged to voice views
Villagers are set to have their say over their community’s development after submitting their draft Neighbourhood Plan for independent review.
Wool Parish Council has submitted the new plan after it was drawn up by residents and agreed by the parish council, who feel ‘confident’ it reflects the ‘hopes and views’ of the community.
If the Neighbourhood Plan is approved following examination, and supported
by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and Dorset Council’s adopted Local Plan.
People who live, work or run a business in the Wool parish area have until Friday, October 18 to submit comments regarding the proposed neighbourhood plan. The plan and any comments received will
then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.
Dorset Council’s spokesperson for planning Cllr Shane Bartlett said: “It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to put together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage.
“Neighbourhood Plans give local communities a real say in how their area should change over time. I would therefore encourage
anyone with an interest in the future development of Wool to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.”
n The plan can be viewed online. Copies of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be available for public inspection at Wool Community Library, open Tuesday and Wednesday, 3pm to 5pm, and Thursday and Saturday, 10am to midday; and at Bovington HIVE (call 01929 403185).
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- Up to 20% OFF across both stores! (*Exclusions apply)
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- Welcome drink & nibbles to get you in the festive spirit.
- Charity Raffle – 5 fantastic prizes up for grabs!
Goulds Garden Centre, Weymouth
LITTLEMOOR ROAD, WEYMOUTH
THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER | 5:30 PM - 9 PM
- Fantastic discounts on Christmas trees, decorations, and more
- Welcome drink & mince pies to warm you up.
- Tastings of festive treats to enjoy as you shop.
- Two-Course Christmas Meal at The Dorset Kitchen (booking esse
- To book, call 01305 836031, or speak to our in-store catering
-Charity Raffle – 5 fantastic prizes up for grabs!
FOR ENQUIRIES:
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GARDEN CENTRE, WEYMOUTH: 01305 834766
Happy 80th birthday
to this fabulous fella on October 20!
Wishing The WDM’s epic ad salesman Bob Holman a very happy Big Birthday. With love from Diana, Samantha, Miranda, Noel, Peter, Danny, Evie and Robert and all the WDM team!
xxxxxxxxx
Susan’s prize is just her cup of tea!
By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
It must have been fate that tea lover Susan Bosworth should win our Clipper Tea competition.
Susan, 76, from Weymouth, said: “The ship named The Clipper was manned by Michael Lovegrove of Weymouth many years ago and I cared for his 103-year-old mum Irene until she passed.
“She was a lovely lady and a one for tea.
“We always drank it together when I would look after her a couple of times a week.
“It is strange how things can work out over a cup of tea.”
This year Clipper Tea is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The firm started when a tea-obsessed
THIRST PLACE: Susan Bosworth is our Clipper Tea winner
husband and wife team launched the pioneering tea brand from their Dorset home in 1984, originally starting with two chests full of Assam tea.
Clipper Tea now produces over 150 different Clipper products sold in over 50
countries, all blended and packed in Beaminster.
To celebrate four decades Clipper offered a year’s worth of tea to the winner of the competition, which will now be winging its way to Susan’s Weymouth home. Susan says since retiring and losing her husband, she drinks much more tea each day.
“I drink at least eight cups throughout the day,” she said. “But the first one is the most important. I am so delighted to have won the competition – it is wonderful.”
“’Tea is always the answer to everything my mum used to say.”
THANKS VERY MUCH: Hunt’s Food Group presents the £13,545 to Sherborne Food Bank
Golf day nets £13.5k for town’s food bank
A Sherborne company raised an incredible £13,545 for the town’s food bank at a charity golf day. Hunt’s Food Group hosted customers, suppliers and supporters for a behind-thescenes tour of the company’s depot. With the weather holding out, participants enjoyed 18 holes of golf and the day culminated with a lively
awards presentation from managing director Thomas Hunt, along with a presentation from David Kemp, the chair of trustees for Sherborne Food Bank. Mr Kemp said: “The funds raised will significantly impact the lives of those who are experiencing food poverty. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed.”
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Join Santa for tea as he puts on a with Holly Barwick AKA Picklebottom Elf in Ivy House during December.
Expect and evening of fun and laughter some lovely food and if you have been good maybe a present from Santa himself!
Thursday 5, 12, 19 November 4:30-7pm
Head to our Head to our website to book website to book your place at your place at the party the party
Get a Wriggle on for new bus
A new weekly bus service to Yeovil and Sherborne starts on Friday, October 11.
The Wriggle Valley PlusBus, part of the ECT Charity which runs 19 other community transport routes in Dorset, will be operating the service that will take passengers to Yeovil and Sherborne on alternate weeks. The cost will be £5 for the round trip and the bus will start at Chetnole and then visit Leigh, Ryme Intrinseca, Yetminster and Thornford on its way to Sherborne, additionally stopping at Bradford Abbas when going to Yeovil. Passengers will need to register beforehand and forms to do so are available
ALL ABOARD: The Wriggle Valley bus service
by emailing dorset@ ectcharity.co.uk, direct from ectcharity.co.uk /Dorset/plusbus-indorset or by calling 01258 287 987.
The plan is to allow about two hours in town with the first pick up in Chetnole at 9.30am, leaving town centre at 12.30pm. The buses are 16-seater and there will be a regular
driver allocated to the route who will accept both cash and card.
The plan is to run the service for six months to receive passenger feedback. Running costs have been helped with a Dorset Council Community Transport grant and a generous donation from The Batten Trust.
Care award bid
A manager at a Sherborne care home has been nominated for a major national award.
Trinity Manor Care Home deputy manager Paul Pippard is in the running to be named Deputy Manager of the Year in the National Care Awards. The winner will beannounced at a ceremony in London in November.
Bursaries offer
Halstock Community Arts is inviting anyone who lives or works within a 20-mile radius of Halstock to apply for an HCA Bursary.
The HCA Bursary is offered to support local groups and individuals to develop their artistic/creative projects. Two bursaries of £400 each are on offer.
Go to halstockcommunity arts.co.uk
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What’s more, we organise regular outings and activities ensuring there is always something fun to do. Whether it’s a trip to one of the local towns or going out for a pub lunch, our team make sure every adventure is to the liking of our residents.
Experience the comfort and care of Cheriton for yourself. Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover your new home.
£15k target for arts funding appeal
Dorchester Arts is calling for the public’s help to bridge a “short-term financial gap”.
The arts body has launched an online crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising £15,000.
It says the ongoing renovations at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange have begun to present a fiscal “challenge”.
A spokesperson for Dorchester Arts said: “In partnership with Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council, Dorchester Arts is thrilled to announce the commencement of a fully funded redevelopment of the front of Dorchester Corn Exchange.
“This exciting project aims to enhance the historic venue’s facilities for future
generations, preserving its original charm while introducing new features such as a modern bar, improved toilets, a visual arts space, and a meeting and community area.
“While this renovation completes the improvements to the auditorium made in 2021, it also presents a temporary challenge. During the next six months, some parts of the Corn Exchange will be unavailable due to
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construction, and noise restrictions will limit daytime use by external hirers. As a result, Dorchester Arts, which operates the historic venue, faces a short-term financial gap.
“To address this, Dorchester Arts is launching a crowdfunder campaign to raise £15,000. The funds will help cover the loss of income during this period, ensuring the organisation can continue
to deliver outstanding cultural experiences to Dorchester and the wider county.”
Mark Tattersall, artistic director of Dorchester Arts, added: “We are asking all our supporters, and all those who care about the arts in Dorset, to contribute.
“All donations will directly support our efforts to maintain our operations and ensure that we can continue delivering exceptional cultural experiences to Dorchester and beyond. Please do look at our page, watch our video, and consider donating – we would be very grateful.”
n The crowdfunder campaign is now up and running at crowdfunder. co.uk/p/bridge-another-gap
CROWDFUNDER: Mark Tattersall and the Corn Exchange
Planning a wedding? Here are some
By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Fancy doing something a little different for your wedding?
Where you might have once simply rocked up at a hotel and everything would be laid on, these days many couples prefer to inject more of their personality into their big day, and take much more of an active part in all the finishing touches.
Here we’ve saved you some of the hard work of finding amazing companies close by, to help create the day of your dreams. To find out how to contact them, please see their advertisements on these pages. A lovely touch would be to use The Dorset Flower Company – they are based at Duddle Farm, near Puddletown, and offer DIY flower workshops so that you can learn to do your own arrangements using their hundreds of cottage garden flowers. They can also provide bouquets and arrangements, too. If you want to check out their hundreds of varieties of flowers ‘slow-grown’ without chemicals / artificial heat or light etc they run monthly open days during the flower season.
To complement your lovely
flowers, you could hire trees and growing arches from Whitestem – transforming your venue into a magical place, thriving with life. Katie from the Dorset Flower
Co is a flower farmer and a florist and she is taking over Whitestem from Debbie and Andy, who have built up an excellent reputation over the last decade working in a wide range of South West venues and private homes. From tall (4m+) multi-stem birches to ‘shaggy’ olive trees or lollipop bays, there are lots of options to bring the outside in.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
However, you won’t have to hire trees if you book Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens as your venue! The world famous gardens offer a unique and stunning setting for your special day with a spectacular backdrop for photographs. established in 1765 by the first countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. The gardens cover 30 acres and are filled with exotic and spectacular plants from all over the world.
From a small and intimate ceremony only, to a large ceremony and reception – the gardens suit both.
A hugely personal touch, which can add so much to a wedding, is to hire a professional celebrant. Tracie Williams, who lives in the Piddle Valley, was inspired to become a celebrant after officiating at her father’s funeral. Now she officiates at all sorts of occasions – most recently at the wedding of Karon and Adrian, who met through Facebook.
at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Dorset Flower Company
truly lovely services offered locally
She met the couple and learned all about their love story, before writing the deeply personal address to tell the couple’s friends and family their lovely story, making them laugh and cry.
She said: “From the minute I first met Karon and Adrian I could see they were soul mates and were destined to be together. It was my privilege to help them commit to one another forever, during their very unique Greece themed ceremony, during which each
of their sons lit a candle to represent them as individuals, and the couple then lit a larger candle, representing their unity, as they had now become joined to one another in marriage.”
National award winning dahlia and begonia growers
Peter and Mark Read launched P&M Read in 1983, in Dorchester Road, Upwey. The shop has been supplying breathtakingly beautiful blooms and arrangements ever since, for a whole range of occasions including weddings, funerals and special occasions.
Sadly Peter, who had been head gardener for Weymouth parks department before opening his shop, died in 2022. But Mark is carrying on his good work, with florists Becky Bailey, Kay Ellis and Sarah Pomeroy.
Becky said: “We all loved
Pete very, very much and we promised we would look after Mark.
“We are now seeing people who had wedding flowers in the early days coming back for their grandchildren and children’s weddings.”
P&M Read offer same day delivery in the Weymouth area, with gorgeous flowers, some unusual blooms available, and friendly service.
TRACIE WILLIAMS TRACIE WILLIAMS
Tracie with the happy couple
Flowers by P&M Read
Grants now available from market car boot fund
Community and voluntary organisations working in and around Dorchester can now apply for grants of between £100 and £1,500 from the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund. The income from weekly car boot sales held in Dorchester will be distributed to local community and voluntary organisations in and around Dorchester for projects that support
residents living in the area. Last year, more than £14,000 was awarded to local community and voluntary organisations in Dorchester. Pre-school clubs, sports clubs, youth projects, projects for people with disabilities or long-term health related issues and projects tackling social isolation were among those that have benefitted
The car boot fund will close at midnight on Sunday, October 27. An application form and guidance can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk /w/dorchester-market-car-boot-fund Hard copies of the application form can be collected from Dorchester Town Council, 19, North Square, Dorchester DT1 1JF. More details from 01305 221669.
Notice the difference with new notice boards
The Upper Frome Valley Community Land Trust has funded new display boards for community groups – and paid for a new shield for Maiden Newton Allotments Society’s annual show.
Trust chair David Charman presented Ginny Astley the shield after she won the photographic section of the show.
The display boards are now available for hire to groups and clubs in the community. To hire the boards email mnvillagehallbookings@live .co.uk
SNAP HAPPY: Ginny Astley is presented with her prize by David Charman
Your views sought on sea wall repairs
Residents, visitors and business owners are being urged to have their say over plans to repair and update Chesil Cove’s curved sea wall.
Dorset Coast Forum says repairs undertaken on the wall in 2011 have now been ‘undermined’ and several studies have found ‘urgent action’ is now needed.
A forum spokesperson said: “The current wall was built in 1965 and designed to deflect waves and prevent major slumping of the land above, which includes the main A354 road.
“Some repairs were undertaken on the wall in 2011, but these have now been undermined and the sea is causing rotational movement at the southern end, threatening the slope system further.”
Dorset Council’s flooding and coastal erosion risk management team, working with consultants Jacob’s, have proposed a work scheme for the cove which includes removal of the 2011 emergency repair works, replacing the sheet pile and repairs to the curved sea wall. There would also be beach works, including adding a
geotextile blanket and rock revetment that would help ‘dissipate incoming wave energy’.
The coastal erosions team have been working on producing a business case for the works. If approved, planning, funding and licenses would then be sought ahead of any works, meaning they would be unlikely to take place before 2026.
A forum spokesperson said: “Whilst initial proposals have been considered, now is the time for the community to be involved in the next steps for Chesil Cove, a much
beloved bathing and diving spot. “Local residents and stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the engagement events over the next month.”
Esmari Steenkamp of Dorset Council’s coast erosion team said: “The curved sea wall protects not only the landscape but houses, businesses and roads. Therefore, we want to encourage the entire community to come and speak to us. It is important that they share their opinions on the proposal.” n Visit dorsetcoasthave yoursay.co.uk/chesil-covecurved-seawall
All aboard for writers’ group omnibus
A Bridport writing group has sold nearly 300 copies of their latest book and raised £888 for two local charities.
The illustrated anthology of stories and poems, A Jurassic Omnibus, was inspired by the scenic route of the X53 bus between Lyme Regis and Portland. The charities benefitting
from this journey of creativity are Bridport’s Harmony Centre which provides mental health support and the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust which assists provision of cancer treatment close to home.
A few books are still available in Bridport outlets including The Book
Shop, the Museum, Tourist Information Centre and others along the coast. It was published by Wessex Media.
On top of all profits raised from sales the writers have donated fees from book readings given to a number of local WIs, Harbour House Care Home and The Living Tree cancer support group. The readings have been so well received they have been invited back for more and are also offering talks based on the wide variety of stories inspired by a shared prompt.
Story Traders was founded 13 years ago and is still writing strong, with a small waiting list for their fortnightly meetings.
Michael is new Lord Lieutenant of Dorset
The new LordLieutenant of Dorset, who represents the King in Dorset, is Michael Dooley, who is consultant gynaecologist to the royal household, and practices in London and Dorset. He was lead gynaecologist at the London Olympics, and team doctor for the British Equestrian Federation for eight years.
Mr Dooley lives in Broadmayne with his wife Barbara. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
WELL-READ: Proofreader Loraine Parnell, Story Traders founder Kathy Hallsworth, and sales organiser Gill Fifield
HONOUR: Michael Dooley
BridLit bursary awards for Esmee and Morgan
Bridport Literary Festival has announced the winners of this year’s student bursary awards.
The two successful candidates are Esmee Rees, who will read law at Cardiff University, and Morgan Staple who will read Archaeology and Anthropology at University College, London.
BridLit chairman Deirdre Coates said: “It was a difficult decision to make. There were some very impressive applicants.
“In drawing up our criteria for selection we try to find young people who need the financial help,
AWARD: Bursary winners Esmee Rees and Morgan Staple, with Tanya Bruce-Lockhart Picture: GRAHAM SHACKLETON
who have been involved in out-ofschool activities which have helped their local communities, who are seriously interested in their chosen subject, and who, we believe, will
do well at university and go on to successful careers and lives.”
The bursary scheme is now in its second year and is worth £9,000 over three years for Esmee and Morgan, who were both at school at The Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport and begin their degrees this autumn.
The 2023 bursary holders are Medwin Stephen, reading chemical engineering at Cambridge university, and Jessica St Barbe Baker, who is at Yeovil university studying to become a primary school teacher.
Affordable homes on old school site
Nine affordable homes will be built for local people as part of the regeneration of Portland’s former Southwell Primary School site off Sweet Hill Lane –the first affordable housing development of its kind on the island.
Dorchester-based Koori Limited, part of the Redtale Group, has joined forces with Portland Community Land Trust (CLT) and East Boro Housing Trust (EBHT), part of the Aster Group, to offer the homes in its £15m May Bower Gardens scheme.
The CLT properties will be available to rent at below market rates to local people with a connection to Portland. The properties will not be available as second homes or as holiday lets.
May Bower Gardens in Southwell will comprise 48 homes, with the first phase of 14 properties – a mix of two, three and fourbedroom houses – on the 1.3 hectare site due for completion soon. As well as providing the land for the CLT homes, Koori has ensured the 25
people working on the site are all local trades people, including apprentices. The workforce also includes three specialist stone layers, all from Portland. Stone used in the development is cut from Albion Stone’s Bowers Quarry, just up the road. The development is due for
final completion in 2027. CLTs, which are a form of community-led housing, are set up and run by people within their local communities to develop and manage homes as well as other assets.
The CLTs act as long-term stewards of the properties, ensuring the homes remain genuinely affordable, not just for now but for every future occupier.
There are currently 500 applicants being processed on the housing register who have a Portland connection or who have expressed Portland as their preferred option, so nine homes are a drop in the ocean.
However it is hoped to open up further sites for CLT homes on the island in future.
Reading charity ask for your redundant tablets
Do you have any redundant tablets that you would be prepared to donate to a worthwhile cause?
If they can be wiped clean, then Read Easy South Dorset (RESD) could put them to very good use.
RESD offers free, one-to-one help to anyone aged 18 or over who struggles with reading. They may not be able to read at all, or find it very difficult.
RESD is appealing to businesses, and
individuals, who have tablets they no longer need or use, to contact RESD team leader Della on 07984 413145.”
If you know someone who could benefit from Read Easy’s help, please ask them to call 07490 757756.
BUILDING: Cllr Gill Taylor lays a brick at the new CLT homes development with Kevin Hodder, director of partnership and engagement at Aster Group, watched by Portland CLT chair Andy Matthews
Top award propels designer to Chelsea
By Karen Bate
When I spoke with florist Denise Jones of Wyke Regis she was elated. This talented flower designer won the prestigious, national New Talent Competition at the RHS Malvern Autumn Show just the day before. For Denise, this means a long-held dream –as part of her prize she gets to exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show. “When they announced third, then second place, I could hardly breathe,” she said. “And then they called my name as the winner! I was speechless – a rare moment, I promise!”
Denise has been a florist for over 25 years, and moved to Dorset from Kent in in 2015. She restyled her flower business and in 2016 Denise Jones Floral Design was born. Since then, Denise has secured a long and loyal following of customers delighted with her magnificent bouquets and displays.
Last Easter Denise created a huge, eightfoot-tall pedestal arrangement for the High Altar at Westminster Abbey for the Royal Family’s Easter Sunday service. Denise hosts workshops throughout the seasons at Wyke Memorial Hall. A flower workshop with Denise is so much more than leaving with a glorious creation, it is a soulful, immersive experience of the senses.
Denise said: “I hold small, intimate workshops for up to ten people. The diffuser is lit, and the soft ambient music plays in the background and for those taking part, time melts away as we truly live in the moment and become absorbed in the foliage and often scented herbs, the flowers, the sense of calm that washes over us as we make something remarkable.
“And it is almost like an energy exchange, while I may teach, a piece of your own personality shines through our creations, despite each of us having the same floral ingredients, all our creations are different, reflecting our own individual personalities and styles. It is a remarkable and immersive experience.
“I often have people telling me they are not creative when they start and yet they grow in confidence through the session and create the most stunning floral designs, wreaths or bouquets, and quite literally surprise themselves.”
Denise says working with nature has miraculous effects on each of us, boosting our endorphins and alleviating anxiety. She offers her workshops for residents in care and residential homes too.
“My flower workshops ignite the senses and make for a sensory experience using colour, shape and scent. I pride myself in providing workshops for mixed abilities and ages, whether a young person may be on the autistic spectrum or older people in a home, my workshops have an extraordinary impact on wellbeing.”
Denise also takes workshops to people at venues near their businesses or homes.
Cisit denisejonesfloraldesign.co.uk or ring/message Denise on 07970 460 855.
ELATED: Denise Jones has won the RHS’s New Talent award
My dad the underground saboteur
A Dorset farmer who signed up to a highly secret organisation of men trained to be local resistance fighters during the Second World War is the subject of a talk by his historian son this month.
Dr Simon House will tell his dad’s story – the farmer turned underground saboteur who was tasked with the destruction of RAF Warmwell if it fell to the Luftwaffe.
His talk is entitled My Dad’s Tommy Gun. He said: “My father, Robert House, was a farmer. He worked on his father’s farm at west Fossil, Winfrith, and later held the tenancy of the Manor Farm, Moreton.
“In June 1940, he volunteered to be one of Churchill’s Auxiliaries.
“He was a sergeant, in charge of the four-man Winfrith Patrol, and he and his men dug a secret bunker in the woods near the London to Weymouth railway line in the area still known locally as the Sheep Walks, from where (in the event of invasion and
occupation) they were expected to conduct local sabotage missions.
“The Winfrith Patrol had one key mission: to infiltrate Warmwell Airfield – assuming it had been captured and used by the Luftwaffe – and blow up the German planes.
“My talk is the story of how I tracked down my father’s secret wartime history – the Auxiliaries were so secret that they reported directly to Churchill as Minister of Defence, and not even General Montgomery, charged with defending the south coast in 1940, knew of their existence. He, like all Auxiliary Patrol leaders, received one of the
precious few thousand American Thompson machine guns (Tommy Guns) that were rushed from the United States after Dunkirk in order to re-arm Britain.
“Members of MI7, as it was secretly designated, were sworn under the Official Secrets Act never to tell, and they never did. Until 1975 all documentation was restricted under the 30 Year Rule.”
RAF Warmwell had a vital role in defending the Royal Naval Base at Portland.
n The talk will be held at 6.30pm on October 18 in Moreton Village Hall (DT2 8RE). Tickets are £10 in aid of Holy Trinity Church, Warmwell, from davidpwalsh1802@gmail. com or 07770 343441.
HISTORIAN: Dr Simon House
£550 raised by music sessions
Dorchester BID’s Summer Live music sessions raised £550 for Dorchester Family Support.
Local artists performed in South Street on Saturdays, funded by the businesses of Dorchester.
But members of the public insist on donating money to show their appreciation of the music so, every year they select a local cause and donate the funds raised to them. The money was handed to Mayor Robin Potter’s nominated charity
THANKS: Mayor Robin Potter hands over the £550 to Dorchester Family Support
Dorchester Family Support.
Chair of trustees Karen Weir said the donation will allow them to buy 25 Christmas hampers for families they support.
D-Day hero
The daughter of Weymouth DDay hero Sapper Lieutenant John Stone made an emotional return to Dorset to pay a special tribute to her late father at The Castletown D-Day Centre on Portland.
Penny Ann McFarlane (née Stone) and her husband Stuart visited the centre as part of a mini-break to celebrate their golden wedding with their two daughters and grandchildren. A special display to honour Lt John Stone stands in the Castletown D-Day Centre’s period tearoom showcasing his original uniform and record of
his wartime experience.
Centre manager Steve Cleaver said: “It was a privilege to see the young members of the Stone family learn about their greatgrandfather the war hero.
“We have been fortunate enough to have visits from several Second World War veterans and their families this year, so to meeting the Stone family was a real highlight.”
Sapper Stone, from Preston, Weymouth, played a key role in the D-Day landings as one of the mine experts dispatched to examine the beach defences in Normandy.
In pitch-black darkness, Lt Stone and his team found anti-tank
D-DAY VETERAN: Lt John Stone
honoured in emotional family tribute
mines attached to wooden poles that would have destroyed Allied landing crafts in horrific numbers.
On their return to England, the team briefed Field Marshall Montgomery on their discovery – which confirmed the landings taking place at rising tide to avoid the mines.
For his ‘exemplary gallantry’, Lt Stone was awarded the prestigious Military Cross by none other than Field Marshall Montgomery, later receiving a congratulatory telegram from Winston Churchill.
Like many men of his generation after the war, Lt Stone was reluctant to
speak of his war experience unless pressed – remaining always modest about his achievements.
Lieutenant John Stone died in 2012 aged 89, but his story lives on through his family.
Penny said: “Dad was a shy man and never wanted
to talk about his wartime experience, but he was instrumental in the timing of D-Day. He was a real hero.
“It was particularly poignant for our grandchildren to visit, especially the older two, as they are learning about the
Second World War at school.”
The Castletown D-Day Centre is an authentic recreation of a busy wartime dockyard where thousands of American troops departed for the Nazi-occupied beaches of France.
The Castletown D-Day Centre includes an impressive array of authentic wartime artefacts and vehicles, including a full-size replica Spitfire, a Bofors 40mm gun and even a restored Sherman tank, plus interactive audio-visual displays, tank tours and a D-Day bunker. n Find out more at ddaycentre.com
FAMILY AFFAIR: The McFarlane family at Castletown D-day Centre and, right, Penny wth some of the exhibits
SO PROUD: Field Marshall Montgomery presents Lt John Stone with the Military Cross and, right, the heavily fortified Normandy beaches. Below: The label inside Lt Stone’s uniform
Literary connection is revealed as
A Weymouth commercial property developer has discovered a famous literary connection while restoring a landmark building in the town centre.
The imposing building in St Thomas Street has been known as The Old Rectory, the Barracuda and most recently The Clipper.
The Grade II listed building has been empty since 2013, when it was abruptly shut when The Bramwell Pub group went into administration.
It was originally a rectory, and the celebrated Moonfleet author J Meade Falkner lived there in 1925, when his father was rector.
DJ Property, which has been operating in the town for 60 years, most recently restored the historic Deheers building on the quay, before purchasing The Clipper and the building next door, which used to be Body Shop.
It was historian Graham Perry who told DJ Property of the Old Rectory’s famous inhabitant.
He said: “Falkner lived in the property between 1871 and 1880. He was just 13 years old when he moved in with his parents and four siblings. His father was the new curate at St Mary’s Church. At that time, The Rectory comprised a pair of impressive Georgian houses – 81 and 82 St Thomas Street – with the Falkner family residing in No. 82.
“Shortly after moving into
this grand house, his mother and siblings contracted typhoid and his mother sadly passed after nursing the children back to health.”
Falkner’s memoirs described Victorian and Georgian elements in the home. While the drawing room exhibited Victorian
INSIDE JOB: The main staircase, ornate surroundings on a fireplace and cornice Pictures: DJ PROPERTY
touches, such as a polished steel grate and a mantelpiece of “deadly white Sicilian marble,” the dining room retained its Georgian charm, complete with intricate “wheat-ear mouldings and classic groups below the mantelshelf worked in appliqué papier-mâché.”
One of the most striking features was the grand circular stone staircase that wound from top to bottom, dimly lit by a distant skylight.
Mickey Jones, chief executive at DJ Property, said: “The staircase we believe Falkner refers to, and another one in what
WORK IN PROGRESS: The former Clipper building in St Thomas Street, Weymouth
building restored
was the neighbouring property, are of that period and still lit by a skylight in the roof but, interestingly, constructed of wood rather than stone. We are still uncovering evidence of original features and are pleased to note the building still boasts original cornices and significant fireplaces dating to the era.”
He added: “We are dedicated to honouring and preserving the architectural legacy of this magnificent building for future generations to appreciate.”
While the restoration of the old rectory continues, DJ property has welcomed Artwey to the former Body Shop premises next door, where a new artistic hub has been opened to showcase local talent until February 2025.
Artwey, a non-profit Community Interest Company established in 2009, involves dozens of
More items can now be recycled in your bin
Empty food and drink cartons, as well as foil trays and sheet foil, can now be placed in your household recycling bin for collection.
local creatives, and some of their work is now on display Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm, and there will be workshops and event for people to get involved in over the coming months.
Artwey director Keith Holdaway said: “This new space is more than an exhibition gallery; it’s a vibrant community hub where creativity is encouraged through participation. With DJ Property’s generous support, we’re thrilled to bring this wonderful venue to the heart of Weymouth, making art more accessible and enjoyable for all. We look forward to welcoming everyone and inspiring the community with the incredible local talent on display.”
n For updates on Artwey’s events, exhibitions, volunteer opportunities and more, visit artwey.co.uk
The Recycle for Dorset kerbside collection scheme has been an enormous success since its introduction over a decade ago. Dorset Council is currently the number one unitary council in England for recycling, with 59.1% of the waste collected being recycled. Cartons have been difficult to recycle in the past as they are similar to cardboard when sorting mechanically but contain foil/plastic. The council’s sorting facility partners are now able to
separate these cartons for recycling. They now accept empty food and drink cartons in your recycling bin or box, alongside the usual paper/plastic/cans etc. already collected. They will also accept cardboard tube-shaped containers.
Foil items can include containers, foil sheets, confectionary foil wrappings and foil lids. Rinse foil trays and wipe sheet foil clean if possible. Sheet foil or wrappers should be scrunched into a ball roughly the size of a tennis ball before placing in your recycling bin. If it does not scrunch, it’s not the kind of foil that can be recycled.
FOR ART’S SAKE: Artwey Gallery director Keith Holdaway and Claire Hoff of DJ Property
Traffic concerns over plans for 28 new homes
A plan for 28 homes between Puddletown and Athelhampton has sparked concerns over extra traffic. Nine of the homes proposed by Lewis Wyatt Construction would be for social or affordable housing, and would be mostly two-bed properties. However the rest will be for sale –
mostly larger properties with three or more bedrooms. The five-acre greenfield site is currently agricultural land owned by Adminston Farm. The 28 homes would go some way towards meeting government targets for house building in the area.
The plans came under the microscope during a public consultation last year.
Locals feared the plan, which includes space for 75 vehicles, could clog up local roads. A public consultation into the plans has just ended and the application will be decided by Dorset Council.
Eddie Raleighs round to tell of travelling adventures
A former Colfox student who visited South America and then Costa Rica on a Raleigh International project deep in the Costa Rican jungle returned to tell supporters of his adventures.
The Rotary Club of Bridport provided financial support for the Eddie Rose to join a multinational group of students helping to build accommodation for volunteers to work with local farmers in Costa Rica.
Eddie told club members of his work in the jungle before going off to university. He hopes to work in international aid as a future career.
Club President Mike Green said: “It was a very enjoyable and informative slide presentation by Eddie that not
has achieved in his travels but also how the experience has helped him focus on the future direction of his life and the university courses he needs to pursue to make it all happen. We wish Eddie the very best in all of his endeavours.”
CPRE: Housing targets ‘misguided’
Countryside campaigners have slammed government housing targets for the county as ‘excessive’ and ‘misguided’.
Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) members say the government’s adjusted home building targets for Dorset and BCP Council areas are “totally exaggerated and unrealistic”.
The body warns that increases in house numbers often do not lead to cheaper housing while placing more of the county’s ‘exceptional’ countryside at risk.
A CPRE spokesperson said: “The new formula would
require an additional 93,000 homes in BCP and Dorset over 15 years.
“The build rate in Dorset would need at least to double, as the government seeks to shift house building from big cities.
“Congestion and NHS problems are bound to multiply.”
They added: “We can also reveal that the proposed target won’t achieve key goals. It would neither bring down house prices nor address the shortfall of truly affordable housing and lack of social or lowrent housing.”
Dorset CPRE disputes the feasibility of Dorset Council’s new target,
claiming the new formula would require the number of new homes to increase from 1,310 in 2023-24 to 3,230 annually.
The group says the target is significantly higher than the Office for National Statistics’ projected household growth of 1,212 per year, which is claimed to be driven mainly by net in-migration of older residents.
“Such high targets are far beyond the available supply of building materials and skilled labour and leading to inflation,” the CPRE spokesperson said. “There is no evidence in Dorset that planning constraints are the main
barrier to house building.
“Buyers are lacking who have the financial resources required to support the increased housing demand required by the targets.
“Higher housing numbers have an adverse impact on air pollution, carbon footprints, loss of natural habitats, reduction in ecological pathways and biodiversity, and nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in Poole Harbour.
“Dorset CPRE would prefer realistic achievable housing targets to be used, based on local data detailing household growth and current home completions as well as affordability.”
BUILDING SIGHTS: Eddie Rose, bottom right, and inset, taking part in a Raleigh International project in Costa Rica
Spidey skydivers net £12k for MND
More than £12,000 has been raised to fight motor neurone disease after two plucky pensioners jumped from a plane dressed as Spider-Man.
Mary Bates, 80, from Lanehouse, Weymouth, and Sue Pykett, 79, from Upwey, were joined by 19year-olds Amy Tuffnail and Olivia White, plus Leon Scott, Steve Nicholls and Dennis O’Mahoney in leaping from 15,000 feet.
Mary’s son Spencer, a well known Weymouth drummer, died of MND aged 49 and his family have been raising funds for research into the condition ever since.
Mary said: “It was like hitting tornado face on, moving at about 125mph for about a minute.
“But from the time I decided to do it for some strange reason I wasn’t frightened. It was as though it was meant to be.
“The guy I was with couldn’t believe how excited I was. I’m jumping
Seven schools join federation
Seven schools from Acorn Multi Academy Trust in East Devon and West Dorset, and Chickerell Primary School have joined the multi-academy First Federation Trust.
Starting life as a small group of South Devon schools in 2006, First Federation has grown to a larger multi-academy with 29 primaries spanning Devon and Dorset, with a mix of schools ranging from village establishments to those from coastal towns.
up and down saying I did a skydive! Thrilled to bits!
“Silly old woman…
“It all went brilliantly – we all did it and had a great time. The clouds cleared and it was fantastic.
“Sue was brilliant, she went out first. She had lost her hearing aid!”
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for an octogenarian, Mary is also due to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth dressed as Spider-Man, in aid of Derby and Rimmer – two men with MND who help families with days out and
other things and donate money for research.
n To donate to Mary’s cause, search justgiving.com for ‘Soar to defeat MND’ (skydive fundraiser) or Soaring for Spenny (Spinnaker Tower fundraiser).
FEARLESS: the Spider-Man skydivers on land, up in the plane and, right, Susan Pykett
£10.5m project to replace harbour
By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Harbour walls built in 1977 will be replaced during 2025, which could pave the way for new buildings on Weymouth Peninsula –including some affordable homes.
The walls, which support the peninsula behind the Pavilion in Weymouth, an area that once bustled with activity with ferries to the Channel Islands, are in ‘very poor condition’ says Dorset Council, and ‘need to be replaced urgently’.
The project will cost £10.5m, with £6.5m of this from government funding won in February.
New, higher walls will be installed in front of the existing wall, to protect the
peninsula from predicted sea level rises until the year 2100. Once the wall replacement work is complete, a raised public walkway will be built behind them on the peninsula, to retain panoramic views over the walls.
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Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “Unfortunately, not doing this work is not an option. Dorset Council has a duty to maintain its harbour walls and if we choose to not replace these walls soon, the strength and stability of the peninsula is at risk.
“A section of the car park and walkway has already been fenced off at the far end, as minor sink holes
have appeared above where the wall is already failing.”
The first phase of work will start on the wall closest to the beach by the pavilion. Temporary traffic lights will be in place and access to the Pavilion car park will be restricted to one lane and a small section of the beach will be closed until the end of May.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s cabinet member
Developer’s fears
A Weymouth property developer says he fears the rebuilding of the harbour walls will be as far as the project gets, based on over a decade of Dorset Council trying to develop its Weymouth town centre sites –and says the council should ‘stop trying to be a property developer’.
Mickey Jones, of DJ Property, is critical of the council’s decision to handle schemes to develop the former bowling alley site in the town centre, the former borough council offices on North Quay and the peninsula behind the Pavilion, plus newly acquired land on other side of the harbour where the gasometers were.
He fears by the time any firm plans are delivered, there could be a change of councillors or officers and the authority may not be in a position to proceed. He said: “These properties need to be taken away from the council because it’s not in anyone’s interests for a public body to get wrapped up in the
MAJOR PROJECT: The Weymouth Peninsula, behind the Pavilion theatre
SERVICES: Mickey Jones
walls set for 2025
for assets and regeneration said: “Government funding of £19.5m is helping Dorset Council to bring forward several sites across the town which will deliver a mix of dwellings, including an appropriate element of affordable homes, together with suitable commercial enterprises that encourage economic regeneration.” The remainder of the costs will be funded by Dorset Council and the Weymouth Harbour Authority.
Previous plans for the site in 2018 were criticised as they included a large number of parking spaces and plans for hotels and leisure facilities, which it was feared would diminish the viability of existing hotels and attractions in the area. No firm plans have yet been made for the future development of the peninsula.
A council spokesperson
said: “In order for the peninsula to be developed a Harbour Revision Order needs to be agreed, which is a lengthy legal process. This is now underway but will likely take at least another year to finalise, probably longer.
“Once the HRO has been agreed, the council will look to procure a development partner to work with us to bring forward plans and proposals for the peninsula before these go out for public consultation and planning approval, but we’re a very long way off that point yet.”
n Information sessions are to be held for local people once the work has started. Further information can be found by searching for ‘coastal protection’ at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or email weymouthharbour walls@dorsetcouncil.gov. uk
on council move
world of property development. They should be focussing on delivering public services and enabling development for others.
“Instead, they should run a short process to sell the long leasehold to a developer after deciding what the absolute red lines are important– put those in the lease as covenants, and sell to a developer, who will then be much quicker to deliver the sites.
“In a publicly funded body everything takes more time –they are not geared up to be a developer. Any development is not going to happen fast –they need to get out of the way.
50p the new going rate at refurbished toilets
A charge will be introduced to use a public toilet in Weymouth after its refurbishment is finished. The loos in Cove Street will be closed for the next three months for the works. When it reopens there will be a 50p charge to use the facilities.
A Weymouth Town Council spokesperson said the facilities’ urinals and toilets will be replaced and the disabled toilet door will be moved to be more accessible. Sensor flushes, sensor taps and LED lighting will also be installed. While the Cove Street toilets are closed, the nearest available public
toilets are at Nothe Gardens or in Maiden Street.
The town council’s spokesperson for environment and services committee, Cllr Matt Bell, said: “While the toilets at Cove Street are temporarily closed for refurbishment, I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause in the short term.
“However, once completed the new facilities in this busy part of the town will be much improved.”
An electronic payment system will be installed in the facilities, and visitors will be able to use a bank card or smartphone.
“The council can use sale covenants to stop anything they don’t want.
“Put the controls in place then sell a long leasehold to a developer – a good leasehold is worth pretty much as much as a freehold, but has the security of covenants that if breached, would allow the council to forfeit the lease.
“If not, they risk receiving lower offers, as no one wants the council round their necks.
“Development is difficult and complicated enough without that.
“Brewers Quay is being worked on by a private developer and that is under way, which rather underlines this point.”
A new Bard of Dorchester has been chosen – a 22-yearold woman from Upwey. Forty people attended an event at Pummery Square in Poundbury to witness six aspiring bards compete for The Bardic Seat of Dorchester.
Molly Dunne was selected by the five judges and awarded the title of The Bard of Caer Dur.
A spokesman said: “The judges and the audience were spellbound by her reinterpretation of the Thomas Hardy poem The Shadow on The Stone from the point of view of Emma Gifford, an English writer and suffragist, best known as the first wife of novelist and poet Thomas Hardy.
“Her other piece was a celebratory monologue on the charms of Dorset. Molly will hold the title of The Bard of Caer Dur for one year and a day. She will set the theme for next year’s competition and compère the 2025 event.”
Singer-songwriter Aidan Simpson, aged 30, from Bridport was awarded the Hardy Prize by the chair of The Thomas Hardy Society
FROM BARD TO VERSE: Some of the competitors and the Bard of Dorchester event and, below, outgoing bard Peter Roe and his successor Molly Dunne
You’re bard! Molly wins county town’s poetry title
for the best Hardy piece, his interpretation of the Thomas Hardy poem The Late Autumn as a song with acoustic guitar.
Jerry Bird, who founded the Bardic Seat in 2010, and Simon Emmerson (Imagined Village and Afro-Celt Sound System) both died in 2023 and were awarded the status of Honorary Bards of Caer Dur for their contributions.
Outgoing bard Peter Roe was honoured with the title of Grand Bard and he will continue to work with the successive Bards of Dorchester to administer the competition for Dorchester and West Dorset for the next five years.
He said: “We were absolutely delighted with the quality of all the contestants who made it to the final. Each of them
brought their own interpretation of the theme Celebrating Dorchester or West Dorset, an interpretation of a Thomas Hardy poem as poem, song or story and their Bardic Manifesto. What they would bring to the role. Molly has big ideas for her year in the role. You can follow her Bardic year on The Bard of Dorchester Substack.”
Culture of Palestine celebrated in special day
Hundreds of locals joined campaigners to celebrate Palestinian culture in Dorchester.
Organised by the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the event was held in the Borough Gardens and featured stalls selling Palestinian food, products, arts, crafts and books. Dorchester based musician Mustafa Mamu opened the event followed by poetry read by local people and Dabkeh dancing.
The highlights of the day were Palestinian rapper and spoken word artist, Speit, and the
internationally renowned Palestinian composer and Oud player Saied Silbak, both of whom headlined the event.
Silbak introduced his performance by giving a short history of the Oud, an
instrument from the Middle East, from which the lute originated.
Other activities included face painting, henna tattoos, and a busy kids’ tent.
The event, which was visited
by the county town’s mayor and mayoress, was supported by Dorset Trades Council, Dorset UNISON and the Dorchester Islamic Centre.
An event spokesperson said:
“The stalls, especially the food stall, did a roaring trade and funds raised went to the charity Medical Aid for Palestine.
“Rob Ferguson told those present that amidst the horror of the destruction of Gaza, it was still vital to register and celebrate the richness of the culture, history and people of Palestine.”
BIG DAY: Rob Ferguson, the secretary of Dorset PSC, with Mayor and Mayoress of Dorchester Picture: STEVE PALLANT
Funding available for care homes monitoring
Care homes in Dorset are being offered up to £10,000 to fit acoustic monitoring systems into residents’ rooms.
Dorset and BCP Council are seeking between nine and 22 care homes to take part in the initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Social
Care through its digitising social care programme. A spokesperson for the national scheme said the “innovative” approach would see audio and motion sensors placed in residents’ rooms to pick up sound and motion that could indicate “potential issues or needs”.
The system works using Artificial Intelligence, sound and motion-based technology.
Welcoming the initiative, Dorset Council’s spokesperson for adult social care, Cllr Steve Robinson, said: “This real time notification will allow staff to respond promptly.”
Letters
I’ll treasure my ‘Another pig’ painting
I was saddened to hear of the death of Shirley Samways, proprietor of the Trading Post café in Beaminster.
I first met Shirley and Robin, her husband, when by chance, I called into their café in Beaminster in the mid-90s for a coffee. On the wall were examples of her wonderful paintings of farm animals, a unique characterisation, soon to be copied by every other artist the length and breadth of the country.
Being a pig lover, I fell in love with a picture she had painted of a pig. Sadly it was not for sale, so I said if you ever paint another pig I must have it. A few weeks later I had reason to visit the café again and there, on the wall was another pig painting!
‘It’s for you,’ she said. ‘What’s it called?’ I asked. ‘Why, another pig,’ she replied. Shirley painted under the name of Ann Day and I still have that painting on the wall of my sitting room. Thank you, Shirley Peter Davis, Toller Whelme
Just as another thought to the subject of green energy
following on from the letter in issue #44.
I have been for a very long time been confounded by various Governments’ reluctance to take advantage of the UK being blessed with the powerful resource in tidal power around our coasts. Particularly the Western, Irish seaside.
In the mid 70s when I was working on the construction of the Thames flood barrier, there were plans submitted for a Bristol barrage. At that time, it was estimated it could produce five to seven per cent of UK energy needs. That would be, after construction, something like 30 years of pollution-free energy to date. Various other plans subsequently submitted were considered and declined.
Only in the last ten years or so, are some much smaller projects being trialled. But nothing to impact on our energy needs substantially. The French built their tidal barrage near St Malo in 1972, it is still producing 10% of the electricity that Brittany needs. Tidal power, unlike wind power, is always there. The tides can be plotted into infinity if needed without fail. There are perhaps five or six sites that could substantially contribute to the UK energy needs.
Why are we not using them, rather than tearing up the
countryside for battery storage schemes and more wind turbines?
Tony Whiteley, Portland
The article in September’s issue on the history of Bothenhampton parish Council and its sad demise, was a fascinating account: admirably researched and documented, and lucidly written.
I could read more by the author, Graham Styles, on our Bridport history.
Richard Lewington, Bridport
Phillips’ Yard, Bridport – what next?
Bridport folk will be sad to see the end of the very useful business J C Phillips, who supplied stone, gravel and advice from their South Street yard. Sadder still are bold signs outside announcing that the site has been acquired by Churchill to put 75 retirement homes on, for the more wellto-do older citizens.
Why is this bad news? For a start, what Bridport needs most is small, genuinely affordable homes for young and old residents and key workers, and not costly openmarket sheltered accommodation which will be unaffordable to most locals. Anyway, there is no shortage of this type of property, in fact
Rightmove currently show 25 empty retirement flats for sale in the Bridport area. Further, Churchill are offering absolutely no affordable homes on their site, not a single one, even though Dorset Council’s rule for this type of development is that just over one-third should be. Bridport is crying out for this type of new home, as well as extracare housing.
Though Churchill are acting as if they are all set to start, in fact by mid-September they hadn’t even lodged a planning application, and if they do there exist good grounds and plenty of time to object to their scheme based on existing planning stipulations. Our Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan, part of the system of planning guidance, spells out one: “A new or extended retirement living development will ... demonstrate a proven need for the development in the neighbourhood plan area or its closely surrounding parishes”. That’s clearly not the case. Churchill’s scheme should be opposed.
The site has served Bridport well under Mr Phillips’ tenure, and we deserve it to continue to do the same in the future.
PS – I have just heard that planning application P/FUL/2024/04613 is now open for comment.
G Crawford, Bridport
Business
Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES is based in Wyke Regis and has a keen interest in history. He is currently charting the histories of long-lived Dorset businesses.
A tail worth telling at historic Black Dog
Is the Black Dog the oldest pub in Weymouth?
When I started looking for old businesses in Dorset, pubs came to mind. Many have been around for a long time. The Black Dog began selling beer over 400 years ago.
A rival, across town, claims to be older. The seniority debate keeps popping up on Facebook. Old pubs attract more than their fair share of stories. Not all of these are rooted in fact.
The Black Dog has been a tavern, inn or pub for a very long time. An advert in the 1870
guide to Weymouth promotes the Black Dog Inn as providing good accommodation, well-aired beds, and the best wines and spirits. It claims ‘long acknowledged respectability’.
Forty years earlier, in 1830, the tavern hosted the Weymouth & Melcombe Regis Tradesmen’s Benefit Society dinner, hosting 160 people.
It’s said that the Black Dog is named after one of the first labradors to be seen in England. Arriving by sea from Newfoundland, it lived at the tavern. The novelty of the dog drew
people to see it. Until then the tavern was called The Dove. Is it true?
There are quite a few pubs named Black Dog. I haven’t found any evidence of the story being told until quite recently. A story we can believe is that in 1837 a William Handley was imprisoned for stealing a knife and fork from the tavern. It’s reported in the Sherborne Mercury. William got off lightly – at the same hearing James Riggs was sentenced to transportation for life, for stealing a sheep.
According to a signboard once outside the pub, a more serious crime was committed there. In the 1740s a local man was murdered by smugglers. It was linked to the infamous Hawkhurst gang from Sussex. Unfortunately for fans of dark tales, the murder was actually committed a long way from Weymouth. Lyn, who runs the Black Dog, is working hard to uncover the pub’s history.
She’s keen to silence stories for which there’s no evidence, replacing them with tales with more truth behind them. Some of those tales have a military aspect. American GIs were regulars, when they manned an anti-aircraft gun on the roof. She’s recently learned of the pub’s connection to a soldier who fought at Waterloo. Evidence comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s an old map or a census return. The other day it was from an elderly holidaymaker. She and her friends had been coming to Weymouth since the 1960s. Back then, the Black Dog had a party room upstairs, with live music, dancing and games. But you had to be invited up. The young ladies, as they were then, were regulars at the party. That’s the sort of lively, human history that Lyn loves, and she wants to hear more.
n If you know of a longestablished Dorset business that deserves to have its story told, get in touch. Email andrew@ andrewknowles.co.uk
HISTORY: The Black Dog in St Mary Street, Weymouth
Remember to set achievable goals to maintain success
By DUNCAN McKECHNIE of Action COACH
As business owners, we often get caught up in the whirlwind of daily operations, fighting fires and reacting to unexpected changes. This can lead to us losing sight of our long-term vision, and before we know it, another year has slipped by without having made meaningful progress. That’s why structured, intentional goal-setting and planning are not just a nice-to-have, but essential for achieving sustainable business success.
At ActionCOACH, we believe in the power of quarterly planning, which is why we run our highly impactful 90 Day Planning GrowthCLUB. This programme is designed to
help business owners get clear on their short-term priorities and align them with their long-term goals, ensuring they’re always moving in the right direction.
But why plan on a quarterly basis? Unlike annual planning, which can feel overwhelming and distant, a 90-day plan provides a focused, achievable timeframe for setting tangible goals. It creates a sense of urgency and accountability, as 90 days is just long enough to achieve something substantial, but short enough that you can see the finish line. This structure encourages business owners to break down their larger vision into manageable chunks, making progress more measurable and momentum easier to
build. The benefits of quarterly planning are not limited to business owners alone. Involving your team in the process fosters a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and commitment to the company’s success. When everyone is clear on the goals and their individual roles in achieving them, productivity increases and the team feels more engaged.
During our GrowthCLUB sessions, we guide participants through creating a robust action plan, helping them identify key priorities, set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound), and develop strategies to overcome any potential barriers.
We also focus on tracking
and reviewing progress, which is critical for making informed adjustments to stay on track.
Our quarterly planning sessions have helped countless business owners in Dorset and beyond gain clarity, direction, and renewed motivation.
I encourage every business owner to make time for structured goal setting every 90 days—it’s a simple yet powerful way to ensure your business remains agile, focused, and primed for growth.
So, are you ready to take control of your business journey? Join us at our next 90 Day Planning GrowthCLUB and experience the transformative power of quarterly goal setting for yourself.
Island business celebrated at awards ceremony
Portland businesses have been recognised at a new awards event with a family building firm scooping the top honours.
Awards hosts Marketing West separated Weymouth and Portland after an appeal by a Portland business owner keen to highlight the plethora of great companies on the island.
The inaugural Portland Business Awards were held at the community hall, with Laming and Sons, which was established in 1971, not only winning a silver in the independent business category and a gold in the family business category, but scooping the overall business of the year.
Other winners were:
Best Place To Work: Gold, Weymouth & Portland
National Sailing Academy, silver, Ukiyo Hair and Beauty.
Cafe Pub Dining: Gold, Traders Takeaway and Café, silver The Beehive Café.
Family business: Gold, Laming & Sons, silver, The Codfathers.
Freelancer: Gold, Portland Patios and Property Maintenance.
Young Entrepreneur:
Gold, ABC Adventures, silver, JD Valets.
Community: Gold, Portland Foodbank, silver Weymouth & Portland Marine Litter Project and The Sanctuary Crisis Intervention Hub.
My Favourite Business: Gold, Portland Alpacas, silver, Doggy Strolls. Business person of the year: Jo Peters of the Penn Estate.
WELL DONE: Island businesses at the awards ceremony
BRIDPORT MUSIC CENTRE: 01308 455660 RECORDS,
19 Hearingorgans (4)
20 Misdirects (8)
22 Dosomethingthoroughly (2,3,5,3) 24 Antagonists (11) Down
2 Talkfondly (3)
3 Addedon (8)
4 Smoothedsomeshirts,perhaps (6
5 Demand (4)
6 Wistfulthoughts (9)
7 Butcher’sleftovers (5)
8 Fuming (5)
11 Stoodfor (9)
13 Referringtothebasicelementof organisms (8)
16 Horse’swhinny (5)
17 Thingstosee (6)
18 Practice (5)
21 Selectionofhotandcoldplates(4
Killer Sudoku
Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.
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Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
Long and short term care for the elderly
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Come and see for yourself what Primrose Lodge has to offer Call Lisa Summers on 01305 786568 or email lisa@primroselodge-weymouth. co.uk
Brain chain (Hard version)
Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.
Jumbo 3D Sudoku
Sudoku
Vittles (food & drink)
Karen Broad lives in Burton Bradstock, with her husband and two mad dogs. She ran The Mousetrap in Dorchester, has lived in France and loves discovering new food producers.
It’s been encouraging to see a heightened interest recently about the hazards of eating over-processed foods.
Years ago, there was a publicity campaign ‘you are what you eat’ – it certainly made me look at what I was feeding my family. Trends change –not so long-ago, MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavour enhancer, was added to many processed foods. MSG appears naturally in tomatoes, parmesan cheese, soy sauce and many vegetables. It’s even present in breast milk. Its discovery in Japan wasn’t quite a ‘eureka’ moment, just someone wishing to ‘pep up’ their meal. MSG is quite simply the sodium salt of glutamic acid. It’s what delivers that ‘umami’ (which means savoury) taste.
For many years MSG was frowned upon and considered unhealthy despite its conventional origins, but this is more about its usage rather than its constituents. Highly processed foods
Moderation is the key to everything
are the perfect vessel for this product. It improves taste and has increased the consumption of processed foods which in turn has led to an increase in obesity and associated health problems. MSG, however, has recently had a bit of a renaissance and is considered better for you than salt for improving flavour. Using the two however, in highly processed manufactured foods is the badass! Like everything, it’s all about moderation. Have a balanced diet, eat fish, go meatless occasionally, but most importantly look at what you are putting into your body because your body relies on you; don’t abuse it.
Glamorgan Sausages
1oz butter
4oz leeks, trimmed, finely sliced.
6oz fresh white breadcrumbs
2tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1tbsp chopped fresh thyme
5oz Caerphilly or cheddar cheese, finely grated.
2 freerange eggs, separated.
tsp English mustard
Salt and pepper
Oil for shallow
Melt the butter and fry the leek gently for 810minutes, or until very soft.
Put 100g/3½oz of the breadcrumbs, the parsley, thyme, and cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until
Mum’s Kitchen...
Spinach, Pesto and Mushroom Lasagne
Serves 6
Ingredients:
500g mascarpone
190g jar good quality pesto
250g ricotta
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons rape seed oil
300g chestnut mushrooms, cleaned and thickly sliced
6 spring onions, sliced
400g spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped
150g frozen peas
100g Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
About 100ml whole milk
12 lasagne sheets
well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Add the leeks to the breadcrumbs mix. Add the egg yolks and mix until well combined. Divide the leek mixture into eight portions and roll into sausage shapes. Place the sausages onto a tray lined with clingfilm.
Whisk the egg whites lightly in a bowl with a large metal whisk until just frothy. Sprinkle 40g/1½oz breadcrumbs over a large plate. Dip the sausages one at a time into the beaten egg and roll in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated, then place on the baking tray. Chill the sausages in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Heat the oil into a large non-stick frying pan and fry the sausages over a medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning regularly until golden-brown and crisp. Serve with a crisp salad, a spicy pickle or serve with a poached egg.
TIP: These also make great hors d’oeuvres served with a chilled glass of wine.
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan. In a bowl, mix half the mascarpone with the pesto and ricotta. Add 200ml water and stir well. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Add the spring onions, spinach and peas and cook until the spinach has wilted. Season
Vittles (food & drink)
Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker and has recently moved into her own bakery. She also has a stall outside The Old Ship Inn in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.
Put your pumpkins to good tasty use
It’s that time of year when we start savaging our pumpkins and scraping out the innards, seeds and everything else end up in the bin.
This year in the interest of being more aware of waste – especially food waste –why don’t you get to grips with your Halloween blighter and make the effort more worthwhile!
Pumpkin, Spinach and Goats Cheese Lattice
Serve these slices hot or cold with veggies or a salad.
Carve the pumpkin into pieces 3-5cm thick and lay cut-side down on an oiled baking tray. Roast for 4560 mins until the flesh is soft and lightly browned. Leave to cool before peeling the skin away from the flesh. Mash into a puree.
Meanwhile, defrost the
spinach. Using your hands, squeeze out any excess fluid from the spinach and when it is quite dry, put it in a bowl with the pumpkin puree and goat’s cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper and mix well.
Dust a work surface lightly with flour and unroll the
puff pastry. Cut into four equal rectangles. Spoon the pumpkin mixture down the centre of each piece of pastry, leaving about 6cm clear on each side. Cut the pastry on each side of the filling into 1cm diagonal strips. Crisscross these over the pumpkin mixture to make a lattice and tuck under the ends. Repeat to make four parcels.
Lightly brush the tops of the pastries with beaten egg and place on a parchmentlined baking tray. Bake for 30 mins or until the pastry is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly, or completely, before serving.
n Lizzie is having a Christmas Tasting Day at The Old Ship Inn, Upwey on Sunday, November 17, where you can try her festive food, check out lizziebakingbird.co.uk
She’ll have loads of lovely local artisan producers there.
with salt and black pepper.
Mix the remaining mascarpone with the half the Parmesan and nutmeg. Stir in enough milk to make the mixture the consistency of a white sauce. Spread a little of the pesto mixture on the base of a 18cm x 25cm
ovenproof dish then top with a layer of lasagne sheets. Spread some of the mushroom mixture over the top,
with Diana Holman
followed by more of the pesto mixture, then more lasagne sheets. Repeat until everything is used up, finishing with a layer of lasagne sheets.
Pour the mascarpone and Parmesan mixture over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until it is golden and bubbling.
SEASON’S EATINGS: Pumpkin, spinach and goats cheese lattice
Vittles (food & drink)
Tales of vagabonds, degenerates and venison burgers
FOOD REVIEW
Winyard’s Gap, Chedington
By John Clements, chef at The Olive Tree, Bridport
Thomas Hardy’s poem A Trampwoman’s Tragedy is bang in my wheelhouse.
A salacious, saucy, sad tale of love, friendship, jealousy, changing fortunes, passion, murder, loss and grief. There’s even a ghost or two thrown in for good measure and it only takes a few minutes to read. In the poem Hardy’s rag-tail characters, Trampwoman, Jeering John, Fancyman and Mother Lee have a session in the very pub we are visiting today. Book me right in for a Saturday night out with this bunch of vagabonds and degenerates. It’s a proper inn too – with rooms.
One glance at the menu tells me the Winyard’s Gap Crew
love their food. Promising. Left an out-of-hours message on their answerphone to book. Called back immediately by Bron to confirm. Reassuring. This place sings competency. I already know it’s gonna-begood.
We arrived on a cloudy, early-
autumn, midweek lunchtime. Hospitality surely licking its wounds after a brutal summer but no jaded public evidence of the emotional scars here from FOH. (Pros, obviously). We shared a starter of panfried brill with pea purée and shoestring fries. It was like a
mini-main and delectable. For the actual main I had the venison-chorizo burger because, well, how could you not? My sassy Stateside sidekick opted for the less risky crispy chicken burger. Both came with perfectly crunchy, soft, fries. We were in a hurry so skipped pudding but vowed to be back for their lauded Sunday roast as soon as I could snaffle a weekend off work. Elegant decor, exciting food and artwork, comfortable, tasteful, unpretentious. Pub-food done right. Fabulous outdoor seating. Million-dollar-views. Easy plentiful parking. A cozy country corner packed full of scintillating stories including the real-life-one where mother Bron and daughter Lucy made all this specialness happen. But, I’ll leave that tenacious tale for them to tell.
We’re all game for the winter seafood menu
Chesil Beach Café, Abbotsbury
By Diana Holman
I have just discovered a little gem of gourmet food that I must share with you. My husband Rob and I were guests at a wonderful party held by the Chesil Beach Café’s owner, Sally Allan and her team to launch Sally’s plan to extend the café’s daily opening hours to full opening throughout the winter, from 10am until around 4pm. The buffet food served at the party was amazing, and we thoroughly enjoyed sampling its many delicacies whilst chatting to the numerous interesting local Abbotsbury residents and local businesses that had come along to support this new venture.
The mainly seafood café has freshly prepared brunch and lunch goodies from local suppliers and there are always local handpicked Portland crab sandwiches and locally roasted coffee on offer. Sally’s plans for the winter include a game and seafood menu. We toasted the venture’s success with a delicious wine, a Silver Award winner from Little Waddon Vineyard in Whaddon, near Weymouth. When we drove to the party, the rain was so heavy that we had begun to fear we would never be able to reach our
destination, but as we began to descend the hill to Abbotsbury, the sun suddenly burst through and flooded the landscape with sunlight – as if it too was wishing Sally its own good luck for the future.
ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: B3157 shut west of Portesham till 8/11/24. Alternative route to the cafe up Portesham Hill and right on Bishop’s Road.
DONE RIGHT:
The venison chorizo burger at Winyard’s Gap, Chedington
Vittles (food & drink)
Sherryn Sanderson is a professional baker who gave up her business to sail the oceans with her husband and dog. Home base is usually Portland Marina, but they are currently circumnavigating the UK. Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram at September Moon Sailing.
I can’t leave these lovely tarts alone
I’m now back in not-sosunny North Shields but glad to be back on the boat. It was a bitter sweet farewell from Australia, but I left my dad in good health and finally back on his feet. My return flight took me once again through Canada and this time I had the chance to sample some of the local delights in the airport lounge. My favourite was the Canadian Butter Tart. Eaten all year round, it proudly boasts the ubiquitous maple syrup. Please use the best maple syrup you can find to really enjoy these little tarts at their best.
Canadian Butter Tarts
Ingredients:
370g plain flour
2 tbls icing sugar
¼ tsp salt
200g cold cubed butter
2 large egg yolks
6tbls cold water
240mls maple syrup
115g dark brown sugar
65g butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans
Pastry:
In a large bowl sift flour, icing sugar and salt together and rub in the butter until it looks like fine breadcrumbs.
Mix the egg yolk with 4tbls of water and add to dry mix.
Mix until all ingredients
come together and add more water if needed. Please note that the butter will release liquid when resting, so don’t add too much. Bring the dough together with your hands and wrap in cling film. Rest in fridge for 45 minutes.
Using a rolling pin (or a wine bottle if that is handier), roll the dough to ¼ inch thick.
Cut circles with an 8cm
round cutter and mould these into a 12 hole muffin tin. Place back in fridge until the filling is ready.
Maple filling:
To a heat safe jug, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter and salt. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time then stir, until fully melted. Let cool for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 180degC. Place a flat baking tray in the oven to heat up.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla together then pour this into the maple butter mixture, whisk well. Pour this mix evenly into the pastry cases and top with pecans.
Place muffin tin on heated tray (this will stop any soggy bottoms) and bake for 25 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire tray.
Once cold, serve sprinkled with sifted icing sugar or a spoonful of thick cream.
SO TEMPTING: Canadian Butter Tarts
Gardens
We use our brains to unblock your drains
By Jak Norwood of Valley Drains
This month I thought I would go into detail on the many things that can cause drain problems.
Seasonal problems are caused by leaves and small branches from trees, moss, rubbish
blowing around and ending up in your drain and silt which is a natural byproduct of storm water.
Internal drain issues are caused by a build-up of limescale (Dorset has very hard water), grease, roots, hair, washing powder and damaged or old pipe work. Wet wipes are a big problem that is so avoidable by just not flushing them. Even though it says they are
Doors, safes, vehicles & keys ( 07709 545701
paul@parrottlocks.co.uk | parrottlocks.co.uk
flushable on the packaging, they are not! They will be guaranteed to block your drains.
All of the above can be dealt with by means of a CCTV survey when you first experience signs of drains backing up. We will push our camera through your drains to identify issues that are causing you a problem and we will give you a solution that will stop any reoccurring nasty drain blocks. We have high-pressure water
jetting equipment, electromechanical machinery, CCTV and drain tracing equipment.
It may be as simple as you need a drain clean to remove built up grime. Or for more serious issues we carry out descaling, root cutting and drain repairs and drain relining.
For all your drainage needs, gutter clearing and pressure washing, call Valley Drains on 07958 335973 or email darren@valleydrains.co.uk
Kinder kindling
Eco-friendly and sustainable kindling, produced by Kinder Kindling in Pulham, is now on sale at Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens. The kindling is made from waste pallets. Once chopped, the wood is dried in the sun or wind and stored and sold in mushroom crates to keep air circulating. This helps maintain dry kindling, for a much less smoky fire and a cleaner chimney, while the crates can be returned or reused.
Branch out with a choice of trees
Mike Burks is the MD of The Gardens Group, with garden centres in Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury. Mike is a former chairman of the Garden Centre Association and is a passionate advocate of eco-friendly gardening practices. thegardensgroup.co.uk
A tree in a garden is often the focal point and therefore of huge importance. If you’re thinking of planting a tree then this is a great time of year to do it. A fear for those who only have a small space is that it won’t fit but there are a good number of varieties that are suitable for such a spot.
In choosing a tree for a small garden it is important to me that it has multiple features, and it has to look good for a long time during the year. My list of wants would include flowers, interesting foliage, fruit or berries and interesting bark.
Many trees flower in the spring including the Flowering Mays or Hawthorns. Whereas a number will have pink or red flowers or even double pink
my favourite is Crataegus Orientalis, above, which has single white flowers. It also has silvery foliage and then as the autumn comes round so the fruit begins to colour up into wonderful yellows, oranges and reds. They remind me of a frosted Christmas decoration as the effect is dramatic and evokes all the warm thoughts of a perfect autumn and winter. The tree will only ever grow to around 10 feet so perfect for the smaller space. With early clusters of white spring flowers in abundance,
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the Amelanchier is also useful where space is limited. There are a number of varieties and range from the loose branched Amelanchier Canadenisis to the neat, upright Robin Hill. The flowers appear just before the bronze young leaf growth. . Bulkier but upright in growth is the Golden Alder. Soft golden foliage is followed by orange catkins which show up well against the yellow young bark. The whole tree has a glow about it, which is always pleasing. Some large shrubs can also be useful; particularly those that are upright in growth.
One such is the winter flowering Viburnum Fragrans (also known as Farreri). This tall, slim shrub colours up nicely in the autumn and then after the leaves have fallen pink and white flowers appear.
These are highly scented, giving an extra boost to the winter garden. When planting, give the tree a good start with a large planting hole, plenty of compost and a few spoonfuls of Rootgrow.
A low stake is preferred to allow the tree to move, which will encourage the formation of a good root system.
A s h l ey C o o p e r
T u r f & Tra n s p o r t
T u r f s u p p l i e d a n d l a i d i f re qu i re d
To p S o i l P h o n e a ny t i m e fo r f re e qu ot a t i o n s
O l d L aw n s re n ova te d , New l aw n s l a i d
07 9 74 0 9 913 5 info@ashleycooperturf.com
Church
See the light every day with small kindnesses
All through the gospels Jesus is looking to the infinite. It’s about living forever. It’s about having life within us. It’s about eternal life, abiding, remaining present in Jesus and him remaining present in us. It’s about feasting on the bread that comes down from heaven.
It’s an invitation to see life like Jesus sees it – full of possibility, the ways everyday life is deeper, brighter, more meaningful, transfused with goodness even in sad times, more precious than we can understand.
Jesus is always pointing us to the more of our lives. He doesn’t fit within the rules and boundaries we so often get
hung up with. He eats and drinks with sinners and tax collectors. He heals on the sabbath. He declares the kingdom to be within us. He does many things that religious people find frankly annoying!
He says the first shall be last the last shall be first. He prioritises human life over the law. He brings life out of death.
Do you have life in you?
That’s the question in the call of Jesus in each of our lives, do you have life in you, life in all its fullness?
So, I share this beautiful little poem written by an American poet called Danusha Lameris. It helps me think of those big
Put Abbey’s trees back in limelight
ideas of what it means to bring life and see the light of life and love in the world, and in each other, in the everyday.
Small Kindnesses: I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you”when someone sneezes, a leftover from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying. And sometimes, when you spill lemons from your grocery bag, someone else will help you pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other. We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot, and to say thank you to the person handing it.
To smile at them and for them to smile back. For the waitress to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder, and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass. We have so little of each other, now. So far from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange. What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here, have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”
Canon Deb Smith
Parishioners in Sherborne are being asked to donate towards a project to replace the lime trees which have lined the avenue at Sherborne Abbey since 1729. There were once 16 trees, but over time they have become unsafe and the remaining six are no longer thriving. The project has been launched to restore 16 trees to follow, as closely as possible, the original historic layout pattern The linden tree, also known as the lime tree, is an ancient species of tree, with sacred and symbolic status. At first, the tree was worshipped in early preChristian European cultures, before being embraced by Christianity as a symbol of peace, hope, and love. Each tree costs £500, and parishioners who donate can have their names on record in the Abbey office if they wish. To donate pop into the parish office or ring 01935 713777.
Walkers support the churches
Fundraising riders and striders stepped out in support of Dorset Historic Churches Trust.
Walkers and cyclists criss-crossed rural west Dorset for the annual Ride and Stride fundraiser.
“It was great to see so many people taking part in the glorious weather that we had on that day,” said churches trust representative Shaun Leavey. “The Ride and Stride is the main annual fundraiser for the trust, and the money raised enables us to grant aid repairs to the many beautiful and historic churches that we are so lucky to have in Dorset.”
Among the open churches welcoming visitors was Wraxall, which recently received a trust grant for roof repairs.
Shaun added: “Without the financial help available from the trust I suspect that this small very rural community would have struggled to meet the cost of the essential repairs that were necessary to stop water penetration spoiling this ancient and very attractive church’s interior.
“Those who are sponsored for Ride and Stride, and those who so generously sponsor them, are making a massive contribution to our county’s heritage and we are extremely grateful to them all.”
STRIDING OUT: A family at Evershot, left, and visitors at Stockwood, right
Choir on song to mark RNLI’s 200th
Choristers will perform in Sherborne next month to mark the 200th anniversary of the local RNLI branch. Known for their performances throughout the West Country, Mousehole Male Voice Choir will perform at the Merritt Centre, Sherborne Girls School from 7.30pm on Saturday, 2nd November.
RNLI Sherborne chairman Chris Copeland said: “We plan to finish our
fundraising for this year with a choral concert.
“The Mousehole Choir are very well known and have recently been performing throughout the West Country, having completed concerts in Bristol, Bath and Wells. Now it is our turn at the Merritt Centre, which is a first-class venue.”
n Book tickets at trybooking.com/ uk/DIOY
Dorset art on show in Venice
A unique exhibition of Dorset artworks, including some by PJ Harvey and Andy Goldsworthy, is currently on display in Venice.
The Dorset Pavilion said it is proud to debut in the city’s Arsenale Biennale site, presenting an ‘earthy mix’ of contemporary artworks from 25 artists until October 29.
Exhibition curator Sophie Molins said: “This exhibition is about capturing the raw emotion and vibrant creativity of Dorset artists in a way that directly engages with Venice’s renowned cultural sophistication. The visceral, textured nature of
the works on display embodies a bold and rugged energy that creates an unforgettable dialogue with Venice’s elegance and beauty.”
Lost Sheep Productions has partnered with the renowned Common Ground to present established art world figures such as Andy Goldsworthy and PJ Harvey alongside a traditional Tolpuddle Union Banner of the Martyrs and Bibby Stockholm by Ed Hall; an exquisite fossil design by Will White; Sheep skin art work by Lower Hewood Farm; A Brexit “mourning” Murano glass work by
SEASIDE HISTORY: Kathryn Ferry
Coast is clear for Kathryn
Sandcastles, donkeys, and sticks of rock – historian Kathryn Ferry will chart the part each one has played in our past during a talk.
The History of the British Seaside in 100 Objects begins at 7.30pm on October 10 at Bridport Town Hall.
Sophie Molins; Stills, featuring Michael Clark as a dancing sailor, by David Appleby from Bill Douglas classic film Comrades –and a film by recent Glasgow school of Art graduate Robyn Bamford; alongside weaver and ceramicist Jacy Wall; ceramicists Silva De Majo and Fiamma Colonna Montagu, painters Janie Fox, Jeremy Gardiner, Henrietta Hoyer Miller, Veronica Hudson, Alan Rogers, Ella Squirrel and Amanda Wallwork and Printmakers Flora Wood and Hugh Dunford Wood. Textiles by Nicholas Kalinoski and Kalika Kulukundis.
The talk unpicks our experience of the seaside through the things that make it distinctive. Kathryn is the author of a number of books on seaside, architecture and design and the talk is based on Kathryn’s book Seaside 100, published by Unicorn in March 2020.
She enjoys sharing her passions for the seaside and often appears on radio and television. The talk is a high point of West Bay Discovery Centre’s “A Resort to Rival Others” exhibition programme. The exhibition, which is at the Discovery Centre until the end of December, tells the story what happened some 140 years ago when a group of local businessmen believed that Bridport Harbour could become a seaside resort to rival Weymouth or Bournemouth.
ANNIVERSARY DATE: Mousehole Male Voice Choir
Culture
Classical duo bring Bach and Haydn to St Mary’s
Top musicians Diane and Christian Ludwig will perform duos by Bach, Schubert and Haydn at a village church next month.
Promoted by the Friends of Beaminster Festival, violinist Diane will be accompanied by her partner on viola in concert at St Mary’s Church, Beaminster on Saturday, November 2 at 3pm. Diane has embarked on a master’s degree in violin performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and has taught musicianship in its junior
department for the past 15 years. Christian is an enthusiastic amateur viola player who regularly performs with the Eroica Orchestra in Birmingham and in string quartets. The pair both play with orchestras all over the Midlands and regularly join the Johann Strauss Orchester Wiesbaden. Tickets for the Beaminster concert are available from the Yarn Barton Centre in Beaminster, the Bookshop in Bridport or on the door.
CHURCH DATE: Christian and Diane Ludwig
Singer-songwriter Luke shows his roots
A singer songwriter who has been touring the world and recording for over 10 years is returning to Broadmayne on Friday, October 18.
Luke Jackson has been steadily developing an enviable reputation for himself in the folk, roots, americana and acoustic circuits.
After touring in both Europe and the USA in early 2020, Luke kept himself busy throughout 2020 and engaged with the musical community through a series of themed live stream shows. After a bit of a creative writing surge, he released an EP in
early 2021 of songs written during lockdown called Of The Time, which was named 2021 EP of the Year by Fatea Magazine. 2022 turned out to be one of Luke’s most successful years yet. It started with a prestigious support slot opening for Fairport
Convention on their Winter Tour, a dream run of openers for Richard Thompson, two weeks songwriting and performing in Nashville, including a show at the iconic Bluebird Cafe, a run of shows supporting the legendary Marillion and to
finish off the year, several openers with the wonderful Jools Holland.
Luke last played in Broadmayne in 2017 as a solo act, and the audience were hugely impressed by his songwriting and powerful emotional expression.
Have a listen at lukepauljackson.com
Luke will be at Broadmayne Village Hall, Cowleaze Road, Broadmayne, DT2 8EW, 7.15pm for 8pm. Tickets £15 from Cornerhouse Stores, or by calling Tim Clayton on 07443 659912. A bar will be available –cash only.
It’s all white, Art’s well worth a second visit
ART
Lighthouse Theatre, Poole Review by Diana
Holman
It was a return visit for to The Lighthouse for this play previously staged a number of years ago. On our way up to the theatre in the lift we met a couple who were
returning to see it for a second time. It’s wonderful, a real treat, they said – you will love it – we laughed so much. Yvan (Seann Walsh), Serge (Chris Harper) and Marc (Aden Gillett) are three friends who meet up from time to time. The purchase by one of them of a contemporary all-white painting for
substantial sum of money starts a discussion that begins as a lighthearted exchange of views about art but quickly ignites into a furious debate about the blurred lines between art and reality.
There was a lot of laughter throughout and great applause for its three talented actors.
FOLK AND ROOTS: Luke Jackson
Spiders mark Dogs’ 50th
South Dorset glam rockers
Glass Spiders will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s iconic Diamond Dogs LP with an exclusive one-off performance of the 1974 album at St Nic’s Gallery in Weymouth.
Ranked as one of Bowie's greatest and most controversial albums, Diamond Dogs bridges the gap between glam rock and punk rock and is set in a chaotic society on the verge of collapse.
“And where better to perform it than in a former derelict factory which is now a thriving community space and gallery?” said Spiders’ spokesman Jack Hallowe’en.
The Glass Spiders, who have been entertaining live music fans with their extensive repertiore of 1970s glam classics for six years, will be playing the entire album live at the gallery in St Nicholas Street, Weymouth, on Friday, October 25 and
tickets priced at £8 are available now. Support comes from singer/songwriter Sophie Joanne. Tickets are available from tickettailor.com/ events/saintnicsgallery or from the Glass Spiders’ Facebook page.
Cerne Abbas Music Festival 2024
October 25th and 26th cerneabbasmusicfestival.org.uk
Richard Hosford,Principal Clarinet of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, is joined by the strings of the Gaudier Ensemble in pieces for clarinet and strings. The programmes focus on Mozart’s passion for the clarinet in his later years. The musicians are all leading players in European orchestras and ensembles.
October 25: 7pm in St Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas. Mozart’s timeless Clarinet Quintet and Dvorak’s String Quintet in G major
October 26: 11.30am in St Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas. Works by Mozart and Mendelssohn’s for Clarinet, Strings and Basset Horns.The festival musicians and Richard Hosford are joined by two of his most talented students from the Royal College of Music
October 26: 7pm in St Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas. A rarely heard completion of a clarinet quintet by Mozart. Gordon Jacob’s powerful and melodious quintet and the G minor String Quintet, one of Mozart’s most enduring works.
Dean’s back with the Wheel
Singer songwriter Dean Carter from Sherborne has launched his fourth album Wheel of the Year, which has been hailed as a ‘ninetrack acoustic masterpiece’.
Dean, right, officially launched the instrumental album at the Digby Memorial Hall after a 25-year absence from the music scene because of illness.
He describes Wheel of the Year as ‘an ambientacoustic-guitarist/ singer-songwriter’, using a loop-pedal to create layers of sound and a veritable guitar-orchestra effect.
WHAM BAM 70S GLAM: The Glass Spiders
2024 Literary Festival BRIDPORT
The Twentieth Anniversary
Monday 4th November
IAN ACHESON has served for twenty years as both an officer and Prison Governor.
SCREWED is the inside story of the collapse of His Majesty’s Prison Service told from the front line. This hard hitting account looks at the politics and the operational decisions that have driven our prison to rock bottom, where extreme violence, indolence and victimisation are normalised. Acheson also outlines how a new corporate culture and mission can achieve a much needed revolution in the way the service is run.
Time: 10.30am
Venue: The Bull Ballroom
Tickets: £12
Wednesday 20th November
WAYNE SLEEP
In conversation with Natalie Wheen
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: The Electric Palace
Tickets: £15
Tickets are going fast for Bridport Literary Festival talks in November, with many events already sold out.
The 20th BridLit, in venues in and around the town from November 3-9, features a stellar line-up of writers from all genres.
“There is something to please everyone,” said BridLit director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart. “It really is a literary festival to suit all tastes.”
The festival kicks off on Sunday, November 3 at Sladers Yard, West Bay, with a rousing performance of Cider with Jessie, which sees The Ciderhouse Rebellion duo (Adam Summerhayes and Murray Grainger) joined by Adam’s daughter, the poet Jessie Summerhayes. They collectively create an immersive and expansive collection of folkpoems, woven between and around spontaneously created music.
The same day, Giles Milton will be in conversation with Sir Barney White-Spunner at Bridport Electric Palace at 2pm, discussing his book, The Stalin Affair: The Impossible Alliance That Won the War.
Stellar line-up booked up for 20th literary festival
Red Army would be defeated. In the wake of the Nazi invasion, writer and historian Milton explores how a select team of British and
Greenlaw is one of the country’s most celebrated poets, novelists and memoirists and The Vast Extent: On Seeing and Not Seeing Further is a beautiful and ingenious consolidation of a 30-year body of work.
In the summer of 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, shattering what Stalin had considered an ironclad partnership with the Fuhrer. The Allied reaction was twofold: delight that there was now a second front and fear the
Americans, by befriending Stalin, could keep the fraught Allied alliance on track and forge a path to victory.
Poet Lavinia Greenlaw will be at Sladers Yard, West Bay, on Thursday, November 7 at 6,30pm.
Journalist and broadcaster Andrew Pierce is at Bridport Electric Palace on Saturday, November 9 at 10am, talking about Finding Margaret: Solving the Mystery of my Birth Mother. Approaching 50, journalist and broadcaster Andrew Pierce tells the moving story about his search for his birth mother.
He had lived in an orphanage in Cheltenham for more than two years until his adoption by a loving family who nurtured him. As his career flourished
and despite feeling a sense of betrayal to his adoptive parents, Pierce tentatively began to search for his biological mother, only to find that she had done everything she could to ensure he would never find her.
Spy’s granddaughter and novelist Charlotte Philby is at The Bull Hotel on Tuesday, November 5 at noon.
When a telephone rings in a French farmhouse, Judy knows her past has finally caught up with her. Her daughter Francesca insists on knowing why there are so many journalists in pursuit of her.
Philby’s The End of Summer is a gripping nuanced literary thriller which exposes the secrets and lies so many mother/ daughter relationships have to come to terms with.
n Tickets are available online at bridlit.com or by calling in at Bridport TIC or calling 01308 424901.
READ ALL ABOUT: Bridport Literary Festivals will be showcasing the latest books from Giles Milton, Lavinia Greenlaw, Andrew Pierce and Charlote Philby and many more
Village festival of magical music to stir the soul
The Cerne Abbas Music Festival presents its second series of concerts for 2024 on October 25 and 26. Musicians come from across Europe to enjoy the wonderful acoustics of St Mary’s, Cerne Abbas. As well as featuring glorious works for strings by Dvorak and Mozart the ensemble will explore the extraordinary friendship between Mozart and the clarinettist Anton Stadler. This relationship resulted in some of his finest works.
In their concert on Saturday,
October 26 at 11.30am, Richard Hosford and the ensemble are joined by two highly talented pupils from the Royal College to perform works for various clarinets and strings by Mozart and Mendelssohn. That evening at 7pm the programme includes a wonderfully poignant and melodious clarinet quintet by Gordon Jacob.
Alongside Mozart’s powerful String Quintet in G minor this will make for an exhilarating finale to the festival. See P77 for booking details.
Two bosses? You’re having a laugh
A side-splitting comedy that takes viewers on a riotous journey through mistaken identities and hilarious misunderstandings.
One Man, Two Guvnors is on at the Electric Palace Theatre in Bridport in October. Presented by Revive Theatre, this modern adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic play
The Servant of Two Masters has delighted audiences worldwide with its uproarious comedy and vibrant characters.
WHAT A FARCE:
Theatre this month
Set in 1963 Brighton, the story follows the misadventures of Francis Henshall, a hapless, easily confused but ever-hungry individual, who finds himself simultaneously employed by two eccentric bosses, each
Earnest tale of the high seas
The story of a Dorset man who ran away to sea will be told as a mini operetta with a live video accompaniment. The Pull of the Tide tells the tale of Earnest, who escaped his evil stepmother aged 14 and spent the next 30 years
travelling the world as part of a ship’s crew. The Pull of the Tide will be shown at The Gateway, Seaton on Saturday, October 26 and at Bridport Arts Centre on Friday, November 1.
Lots at the Lyric
Bridport’s Lyric Theatre, (9 Barrack Street, DT6 3LX) is hosting several events this month.
On Friday, October 11
Simon Chesterfield will be launching his album Follow The Sun at 7.30pm. Tickets £10.
On Saturday, October 19 there’s a theatre show for children, aged five-12, Stories in the Dust at 11am and 2pm, tickets £10.
On Sunday, October 20 Hersong III, a Lyric Theatre & TOCIYA Co-
with their own agendas. As Francis attempts to keep his double employment a secret, he becomes entangled in a web of madcap schemes, romantic entanglements, and outrageous situations that will leave audiences roaring with laughter.
Director Richard Batt brings his unique vision and comedic expertise to the production, promising a rollicking good time for theatregoers.
It runs at the Electric Palace Theatre, Bridport on October 4 at 7.30pm and on October 5 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; and at Mowlem Theatre, Swanage on October 11 and 12 at 7.30pm.
Production, will be stages at 6pm, tickets £7.50. And on Saturday, October 26 from 10am-4pm there’s a Clowning Workshop with Frank Wurzinger, costing £50.
That evening, Confetti Maker by Frank Wurzinger will be performed at 7.30pm, tickets £12.
Book at Bridport Tourist Information Centre.
Scenes from One Man Two Guvnors , playing at the Electric Palace and Mowlem
International flamenco company Mi Flamenco are back at Dorchester Corn Exchange in October with their exhilarating flamenco show, Ignite. The show consists of stunning flamenco dance and music and is produced by locally-based husband and wife team Ester and Uri Tal. Since 2007, they have been bringing together national and international artists of the highest calibre to create flamenco experiences and Ignite is the latest in their productions.
Alongside his producer role, Uri Tal has written the soul-stirring original music for both guitar and cello. This, combined with the gut-wrenchingly emotional voice of Jerez singer Luis Vargas Monge “El Mono”, brings an explosive power and intoxicating rhythms to the performance.
Cellist Nick Squires –internet sensation with his captivating Cello in the Rain video – completes the sometimes haunting, sometimes upliftingly sweet, live music.
It is often the dance in flamenco which stirs an audience and Ignite is no
INFERNO: Ignite bring flamenco dancing to Dorchester on October 24
Flamenco spectacular is all set to Ignite the dancefloor
exception with dancers
Ester Tal and Tomas Arroquero partnering up to complete the Ignite cast of performers.
With Ester’s “…sharp contrast of earthy strength and beautiful grace …a pleasure to witness” (Luke
Castiglione, ITV) and Tomas’ Arroquero’s “electrifying… feet… an explosion of sound…” (Alan Brissenden, Dance Critic), Dorchester theatregoers are in for a treat.
n Ignite is a compelling
and captivating combination of extraordinary artists and emotion and you can see it at Dorchester Corn Exchange on Thursday, October 24 at 7.30pm. Contact the box office on 01305 266926.
Typhoid Mary, Rocky Horror and the Post Office at RMT
Royal Manor Theatre is hosting a darkly comic musical cookery show on October 15. Set in New York in 1906, talented cook Mary Mallon takes a job preparing delicious meals for yet another high society family, and yet again they begin to fall ill and die. Coincidence? Mary thinks so. And now she’s put all that nonsense behind her. She’s cooking three courses for a very special guest
tonight. YOU! Prepare for a great show, There’s Something About Typhoid Mary, performed by the talented Living Spit group and provided by Artsreach. The theatre’s annual tribute to the Rocky Horror Show will be held on October 26 –Royal Manor Rocky Horror V costs £8, with special rates for multiple ticket purchases. On November 15, the theatre will
host Make Good, The Post Office Scandal – a new musical three years in the making, that tells the story of the Post Office Scandal, now recognised as one of the gravest miscarriages of justice in British history. Make Good dives into this most local of stories, capturing the raw emotions, the bewilderment and the unbreakable bond of faith.
n See royalmanortheatre.co.uk
Culture
Island’s heritage steeped in tales
VIVIANE HORNE meets more of Portland’s people, Portlanders’ and Kimberlins’ stories of migration to the isle, inspired by B-Side’s community project for the next two years Who Do We Think We Are?’
Nick Gould has become known on the island as the windmill man. The listed ‘Northern’ windmill he bought, which he believes could possibly date back to Tudor times and has supplied flour to Portland castle, now sports a temporary new roof that Nick, who has worked in both fishing and quarrying but is a carpenter, constructed himself.
He is aiming to source a specific kind of oak to make the permanent roof and would like to get the mill in working order again. There is no definitive ‘oldest mill’ in the UK as most aren’t possible to date exactly but the two stone towers in Easton are definitely amongst the oldest surviving windmills in the country. Many mills are made with timbers pre-dating their first mention, dendrochronology giving a felling date for the trees. Nick’s windmill is mentioned first on record in 1608 and on a map in 1626 but both windmills in Easton are probably older, as Nick believes. Nick’s family have been islanders for generations. He has a photo of his grandfather and great grandfather with their crew of fishermen on the beach, all holding a fish. He knows that his great grandfather came to the
island in 1840. Grandmother was a Comben, a known island name going back many generations. Nick’s mum
Letitia Ann Gaulton came from Shapwick and when staying on the isle with an auntie as a teenager, she met Nick’s dad Ernest Alexander, known as Alec.
The family own three fishing huts at the Bill, which have been passed on through the generations. Likewise, the family men have been coastguard rescue volunteers and still are. Nick recalls with a chuckle an exercise on Westcliff way back when driving the coastguard Land Rover. Between Higher Light and Southwell, the borstal (as it was then known), farmed the land and grew cabbages. The chaps filled the signwritten Land Rover with
boxes of cabbages they spotted but on their return, HM Coastguard was not amused. Nick also remembers salvaging wet cigarettes from the beaches after MSC Napoli was towed into Lyme bay and beached at Branscombe on 20th January 2007. She was damaged in a storm on her way to South Africa from Antwerp and the government launched its National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution as she was carrying containers with
CATCH OF THE DAY: Nick Gould’s great-grandfather and grandfather with their fishing crew and, below, Nick himself with other family portraits
of the sea and cabbages
explosives, fertiliser, weedkiller, car engines, chocolate, Polish bibles, vodka, shampoo, wine, coffee, perfume, dog biscuits, cigarettes, frozen ducks, BMW motorcycles and 3,800 tons of oil. Thousands of people descended on the area to watch and then to scavenge as containers got washed ashore. Some 114 containers were lost from the ship, 80 of those ending up on the beach.
Nick loves all of Portland but would like to go back 60 years because there are now too many houses and plans for more. He says one good thing about the open quarrying was that it can’t be built on. He remembers the explosions rattling the windows of the houses in Weston Street.
works as a guide at the lighthouse and revels in both learning more about the history of the isle and sharing it with visitors from all over the world.
Sarah is involved in the bid to save the Pulpit Inn at Portland Bill. She is a member of The Portland association, which aims to preserve the character of Portland and raise
n Sarah and Rob Crew have lived on Portland for eight years, but Sarah, who was born in Wroughton near Swindon, has local ancestral connections. Her great grandfather was a coastguard at Fleet, grandmother was born in Melcombe Regis and her dad in Chickerell.
Rob is from Oxfordshire but moved to Swindon Old Town after they met. He spent a lot of time with family in Preston as he was growing up and a trip to Portland Bill was always on the agenda, so it has always had a special place in his heart. They both wanted to live by the sea and after looking from Scotland to Cornwall they knew Portland was the place they wanted to be. Rob now
awareness/take action against the threats to its unique environment. TPA, Island Community Action and BSide would like to purchase the inn, which is recognised as a ‘community asset,’ and create somewhere for islanders and visitors alike to learn about the unique landscape at the Bill, possibly stay, eat and just relax in this special area. Sadly with the government giving the goahead for the unwanted waste incinerator against the wishes of the islanders and Dorset council, the rare plants and calcareous landscape at the Bill is now under threat from the chimney’s toxic fall out, particularly nitrogen.
Rob says living on the island, every day feels special. He
loves the sea, the changing skies, the fields, the history, community and the Portland sense of humour. People tell him they are lucky but he says they worked together to make their dream home come true.
Sarah loves the people, the sunsets and the changing weather, fog one minute, sunshine the next. She loves the unique flora and fauna, that it is such an important place for migratory birds, the feeling of remoteness alongside the dark skies and stars at night where she lives. The only thing she is not keen on, is that seagulls poop on her washing.
Artists are in their Elemental
Artists are drawing on earth, air, fire and water for their new exhibition Elemental.
The concept of elementalism is often attributed to 16th Century alchemist and philosopher Parcellus, with each element believed to possess a living spirit and individual character.
Modern environmental artists Fiona Campbell, Ally Matthews and Jan Alison Edwards are responding to this concept for their new exhibition.
The exhibition takes place between 10.30am to 3.30pm daily from October 19 to November 10 at Sou’-Sou’West, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport. See sousouwest.co.uk
SHINING LIGHTS: Sarah and Rob Crew
Culture
Tale of violin’s journey will tug at heartstrings
Artsreach is hosting a poignant musical performance on the famous Lev’s Violin at a rural venue later this year. Created to have a beautiful sound but no name, Lev’s Violin was valued as worthless. Although its origins have remained a mystery, many tales have been attached to it – some true and some wonderfully untrue.
Old and worn by its travels, it eventually broke a few years ago, and the instrument became the subject of a book by
Rep’s return welcomed
The first season of repertory theatre to be held at Lyme Regis’s Marine Theatre in more than 60 years has been hailed a success.
A theatre spokesperson said their summer season of three plays was “incredibly well received”, adding: “There used to be a repertory theatre in all towns but sadly they’ve been in serious decline since the 1960s, until now; The Marine Theatre has bucked that trend by bringing rep back.”
The plays included Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight, a classic Victorian thriller. Next was Alan Ayckbourn’s brilliant comedy Taking Steps with the season finale being Frederick Knott’s Dail M for Murder’
The season was produced by Gilroy Theatre, with Su Gilroy at its helm.
Helena Attlee and a BBC Radio 4 reading. It has since been through an extensive restoration and, having passed through the hands of countless musicians, travelled continents and played the
POIGNANT: Greg Lawson and Phil Alexander with Lev’s Violin
music of many cultures, it is now in the possession of violinist Greg Lawson. He will be joined by former Moishe’s Bagel bandmate and accordionist Phil Alexander to follow the violin’s journey and
hear some of the music from its past – from Bach and Arvo Part, to Armenian and Macedonian music and Klezmer.
The performance will be at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 5 at Shipton Gorge Village Hall.
n Tickets are £13 and £7 for under 18s at artsreach. co.uk or by calling Mark on 01308 897649.
A pre-event supper will be available at the New Inn Shipton Gorge from 5pm to 7pm – book directly by calling 01308 897302.
We’ve created a monster!
Fresh from their run at Edinburgh Fringe, Lamphouse Theatre will bring its one-man musicalcomedy Frankenstein (On a Budget) to The Bay Theatre at Weymouth College on Wednesday, October 23.
Following their hit show War of the Worlds (On a Budget), Lamphouse Theatre are touring the country this autumn with a new parody of the original Boris Karloff films, and the epic Rocky Horror Show, while paying homage to Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein
With a soundtrack of new music, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather-based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at, this take on the most famous cult horror story of all time will be more frightful than frightening.
ALL EXPENSE SPARED: Frankenstein (On a Budget) is coming to The Bay Theatre
Lamphouse’s unique style of devised comedy based on well-known stories, featuring clowning, comedy, music and improvisation promises to provide a side-splitting night out (recommended for all ages 14+).
Frankenstein (On a Budget) is the perfect show for comedy and music lovers, students, theatregoers who are looking for a great night
out, and fans of Boris Karloff’s square-headed monster. The show features Tom Fox, in his seminal role as Dr Frankenstein, the Monster and every other character in between, with music by Rebecca Applin, Direction by Mercè Ribot and Musical Direction by Sam Sommerfeld. Tickets £12 or £10 concessions at ticketsource .co.uk/thebaytheatre or call 01305 208702.
DSO season’s opener has distinct Italian flavour
Dorset Chamber Orchestra will be performing the first concert of their season featuring music with an Italian flavour on Saturday, October 12 at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester.
Conductor Walter Brewster said:
“The concert features the music by Italian composers and composers reflecting an Italian style. The main work in the second half is
Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, written after he headed across the Alps via Munich and Vienna for an Italian adventure.
“He held his musical ideas in his head until he had finished touring Europe, and the symphony was then first performed in London.”
The concert opens with an exciting Concerto Grosso by Corelli leading to Schubert’s 5th Symphony, which
was written when he was just 19. Although Schubert was Austrian this work is filled with light, goodhumoured melodies that could easily have come following a visit to Italy. A highlight of the concert will be a performance of Respighi’s 3 Botticelli Pictures.
Tickets are £16, or £1 for U18s. Book at dorsetchamberorchestra.org or buy on the door.
New album and Tivoli date for Tom
West Dorset’s Tom Waters is gearing up for his biggest gig to date, bringing nine musicians to the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne on November 1.
The 23-year-old saxophone prodigy, son of renowned boogie-woogie pianist Ben, will take the stage with his alto saxophone. Ben will join his son for a couple of numbers.
Fans will also enjoy performances by special guests Tommy Hare, the charismatic blues singer, and rising vocal star Caitlin.
Tom is set to release his debut album later this year, which includes contributions from iconic British musician Jools Holland, whom Tom regularly works with, and acclaimed American guitarist Ariel Posen. Tom’s resume already
RISING STAR: Saxophonist Tom Waters is at the Tivoli
boasts collaborations with some of the most legendary names in music, including Sir Ray
Davies, The Rolling Stones, and Jools Holland, and he has even played alongside Ronnie
Wood and Charlie Watts at the Tivoli. Beyond the music scene, Tom has also been a model for Ralph Lauren. Waters, whose extraordinary talent has earned him a devoted following, has been a key figure in the jazz and blues scene despite his young age. His performances are known for their energy, soul, and technical brilliance, capturing the essence of jazz legends while infusing a fresh and modern twist. Fans can expect a setlist filled with original compositions and renditions of timeless classics, all delivered with the passion and flair that has become his signature.
n Book at tivoliwimborne.co.uk or call 01202 885566. tomwaters.co.uk
Powerful performance in Simone’s rights battle
REVIEW
Black is the Color of My Voice Lighthouse Theatre, Poole
I have seldom seen such a powerful performance by its single performer, Nicholle Cherrie.
The play told the story of the life of
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in February 1933 in North Carolina, USA , and was woven through with the songs she wrote that addressed racial inequality in the USA. Mississippi Goddam, written in 1963, became an anthem during the Civil Rights Movement. The song
was boycotted in some Southern states.
Nicholle Cherrie’s performance in this powerful one-act play was truly amazing, and truly recognised with a standing ovation from the audience.
Diana Holman
Award-winning artist to unveil
Leading figurative artist Fabian Perez is putting on a solo show at Halo Fine Art in Dorchester’s Brewery Square.
Alongside a series of previously unseen original works, Perez will unveil a new collection of originals and limited editions at this show from 6pm to 8pm on November 7.
Perez’s international cachet has long been established and his famous collectors include Sugar Ray Leonard, John Bishop, Lionel Messi. Rihanna and Pope Francis. In 2017 he set a personal
record by receiving five major awards: the International Dante Alighieri art critics’ award; the International Fransicco Goya curators’ award; the Art Tour International Magazine Award at the Duomo in Florence; the Best Contemporary Artist trophy and the Da Vinci International award winner at the Academy of Italian Artists in Naples. Halo Fine Art owner Georgia Heggs said: “These compelling images display his figurative gift at its most impressive and offer his
deeply personal take on life with a Latin vibe. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet a modern day master and to acquire a fabulous asset, both in terms of financial and emotional investment, and Fabian has kindly agreed to personally dedicate all works purchased at this event.” Anyone wishing to attend the Dorchester show should confirm their attendance by emailing info@halofineart.co.uk
Put
a ring on it when you find a single chick
Volunteers have fitted rings to the legs of 79 great black-backed gull chicks – a species newly placed on the national red list of Birds Of Conservation Concern (BOCC) register at Portland breakwater.
The project, led by Guy Hayden and Doug Rudge of the Radipole Ringing Group, was part of a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) scheme, which has been running since 2011. Since the project began a total of 550 great black-backed gulls and 450 herring gulls have been ringed. The herring gull is also on the red list.
Birds ringed at Portland have been spotted as far afield as Lübeck in Germany, the Bay of Txingudi in France and A Coruña in Spain.
More than 650 eggs – a
record for the breakwaters – were found in a survey earlier in the year before the chicks hatched.
Tagging the chicks and tracking sightings gives information about the health of populations,
migratory patterns and lives of birds.
This year the group sighted six previously ringed great black-backed gulls on the breakwaters. The oldest was 10 years old but the birds are
known to live for 26 years.
Great black-backed gulls were placed on the latest red list of Birds of Conservation Concern in September. The species has suffered a 56% decline since a baseline assessment in 1969-1970 and a reported 43% fall in numbers since surveys in the early 2000.
Anyone who sees a bird with a coloured ring and wishes to report it is encouraged to note as much detail as they can –including the type of bird, where and when it was sighted, the colour of its rings and the code along with a photograph if possible.
Information can be reported on the BTO website and passed on to ringers who will be able to provide details of the bird’s history.
Discovery of a rare moth is no myth
Extremely rare micro moth, the Gold-fringed Dot, or Bohemannia auriciliella, has been found by a conservation expert during a nature walk held at Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone.
The tiny moths have a wingspan of 6 to 6.8mm and is the first time they have been officially identified in Dorset, although they have been recorded at a handful of sites in the UK.
Jack Oughton of the Dorset Moth Group, who led the Marvellous Moths and Beautiful Butterflies Walk
said the discovery will hopefully enable experts to find out more about how the elusive moth’s larvae feed, as little is currently known.
He said: “This is a poorly understood moth. We do not truly know what its requirements are: it obviously requires something niche. This discovery may help us find out what that is.
“Finding these two samples demonstrates the diversity
of wildlife that is found at Bere Marsh Farm. It is a great habitat in general for moths as there is a wide range of habitats with the river, woods, grassland and meadows.”
Dr Oughton found the moths at two separate locations on the farm after setting down moth traps.
He said: “One was found in the Angela Hughes Nature Reserve and the other in the Ham Down woodland.
It is an exceedingly small moth, a couple of millimetres long. It has silvery bars across its shoulders and an orange head. You have to look at it under a hand lens to appreciate it.
“We would need to spot their egg-laying habits to find out more,” he said. “If we know what the moth requires, we are more likely to find the larval stage and that would be great.
“If other sites in North Dorset come to light, it might show the moth is spreading.”
MY GULL: The volunteer ringers and, below, great blackbacked gull chicks and, right, an adult version
Down to earth
Hat’s entertainment in beachcombing mag
BEACHCOMBING with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design
Let’s talk whodunnit! We know video killed the radio star but who killed the hat? I‘ll wager it was sunglasses and big hair! Being an endangered species, the hat has a certain mystique which renders it a big festival pull. Yes, I am talking Bridport Hat Festival, which I went to for the first time this year. It was a blast. I loved seeing all the amazing hats and dancing in the rain on the Millennium Green, but I also had my own agenda – my hat was a beachcombing tour de force.
Made to launch the British
Isles Beachcomber Magazine, the hat sported all sorts of goodies I have found at the West Dorset seaside. Piled on top were shells, seaweed, a snorkel, driftwood, a sea urchin case, an overflowing treasure chest – even a comb. It was rather heavy and took all my willpower to keep in place.
To make the leap from writing a couple of little columns in a magazine (even one as awesome as
JOHN WRIGHT is a naturalist and forager who lives in rural West Dorset. He has written eight books, four of which were for River Cottage. He wrote the award-winning Forager’s Calendar and in 2021 his Spotter’s Guide to Countryside Mysteries was published.
People often ask me for my predictions for the coming mushroom season.
I say that I do not know, but sometimes pride gets the better of me and I predict away. I get it wrong every time. It is all but impossible to provide any sort of mushroom
the WDM) to envisioning, creating, marketing, distributing and selling a whole magazine is rather bonkers of me I suppose. However, I am sure I detected a gap in the market for a British postal beachcombing magazine. I wasn’t on my own –fellow beachcombing buddies around the British Isles all wrote and photographed their own features and sent them in to me. The correspondents
span from Cornwall via Ireland to Scotland but I stick firmly like a limpet to the best beachcombing county – Dorset! Before I had children I used to work in publishing so it was all there, just a bit rusty. At this present time I sell the magazines at Portland Museum shop and Footeprints in Bridport, where they are also printed. Or you can go online and buy through the wonderful Facebook group Beachcombing (British coastline). It’s been a learning vertical line. I have certainly acquired a deeper respect for the West Dorset Magazine’s editor and my boss Miranda Robertson, indeed, I take my hat off to her.
n To buy a British Isles Beachcomber Magazine for £3 plus £2.10 post and packing in the UK direct from Jo Belasco please email her at belasco@ britishbeachcombingmag. com
There’s not mushroom for
forecast: good-year/bad year, when the main flush will appear, whether and which fungi will take a year-off. I’ve no idea.
The exquisitely yellow and splendidly edible Chanterelle is particularly prone to resting for a year or more.
A couple of years may go by with the odd one or two appearing, then the next year, evidently content that they have enough raw material in
their underground mycelia, they will appear in vast numbers. Unfortunately, it is always a relatively uncommon species in West Dorset, our agrarian landscape somewhat lacking in the woodlands that support them.
However, I do know several good spots. Ain’t tellin’ – find your own. Many trees host Chanterelles –pines, beeches, birches and more. But in the south of England I almost invariably find them with beeches.
TITFERTAT: Jo with her magnificent beachcoming hat
Down to earth
Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown-up sons and spotty rescue dog. She loves to photograph and write about the everyday wildlife she sees in her garden and on her daily dog walks. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle.
Still amazed by talented corvid family
One of my favourite stories when I was a child was about a little girl named Arabel and her pet raven Mortimer. Mortimer had a great sense of fun, a voracious appetite (he was known to eat whole staircases), loved to answer the family phone with a shout of ‘Nevermore!’ and caused Arabel’s family all sorts of trouble.
A raven was a great choice of character in the book as being a type of crow (corvid), they are known to be highly intelligent and social birds – pairing for life, sharing information, using tools, playing games, caching food and, like Mortimer, can mimic human voices. Ravens are all black and at around two foot long are by far the largest of the six corvids native to Dorset. My most common encounters with corvids
though are with the similarly all black but smaller carrion crow, the rook (with its distinctive bare grey face), the small jackdaw with its grey head and the black and white magpies. Rooks and jackdaws together form huge foraging flocks in autumn and winter and their noisy gatherings on the tall trees near our house at dawn and dusk are wonderful to watch. But I’m most excited to see, in autumn particularly, our most exotic looking corvid – the pinky-brown coloured jay, pictured inset.
them in the ground all over their territory to ‘cache’ them for leaner times ahead. Researchers have estimated that they can bury 3,000 acorns in just one month. Later, in the depths of winter, they will remember where they’ve buried the acorns and will dig them up to eat. Of course, they’ll never return to them all, so jays do a great job of planting oak trees.
Ravens too, show this intelligence in ‘caching’ food, but not necessarily with acorns.
everyone had stopped laughing, a film of what was presumably the same raven was shared of it coming back to the platform, but this time to hide two jam doughnuts. I know that the ‘problem solving’ skills of our local crows aren’t always popular, particularly in our gardens. Groups of rooks or jackdaws can very quickly work out how to take down and open the feeders designed for smaller birds and eat the contents.
Jays love acorns and will collect and carry as many as they can and then bury
Birds of Poole Harbour has a wonderful bit of film, caught on its osprey nestcam, of a raven nipping up onto the empty nesting platform and hiding two bourbon biscuits. The little clip went viral and before
But I loved watching a carrion crow problem solving by the River Stour recently. It had found a bit of bread that was obviously quite hard and dry, so it took it to a small island near the riverbank where the water was quite still and carefully soaked it before eating it, amazing to watch.
certainty when it comes to predicting fungi
This is important because if you (think) you have found one anywhere in the south under coniferous trees they are almost certainly False Chanterelles. In Scotland they are most likely to be real Chanterelles. The lookalike is not known to be particularly poisonous, mostly just fibrous and tasteless. It tends to be more orange than the real thing, sometimes black on the stem, though of similar size (5cm tall) – usually. I say ‘usually’,
because in the east of the county I found some that weighed-in at 13cm, getting on for 20 times the usual size by volume. Such variation is rare in nature, with only fungi able to pull it off.
This is due to the fact that they are effectively ‘knitted’ from mycelia and can be almost any size they like. The Jack-o-Lantern is a much more dangerous imposter, but sufficiently rare for me to have never seen one. Anyway, it glows in the dark – and I
never eat anything that glows in the dark.
If you find yourself among conifers, you may well encounter the common and edible Trumpet Chanterelle. This has a yellow stem and gills, but a brown cap, making it nearinvisible on the forest floor. Once one is spotted, however, you may see they are everywhere and find yourself on hands and knees for half an hour.
Down to earth
About 25 years ago I drove an Orcadian friend down to the Bill of Portland for the first time.
“It’s like being back in Orkney!” he exclaimed. I suppose it is a bit of a barren landscape but scratch the surface and you might be surprised. This is the last unquarried part of Portland, except for the Bill itself. With its ‘lawnsheds’ and strip lynchets it retains the Saxon, and perhaps earlier, field systems. Mesolithic, middle stone age, dwelling remains have been found here and it is believed that there is more to be discovered. Ecologically, it is a marvel – in large part, the rare habitat of calcareous grassland with its unique plant and animal life supporting the migrant and resident bird populations for which the island is renowned.
adversely affect the surrounding area. For islanders, there’s great emotional attachment to the building. So many memories associated with it – not just nights out but engagements and weddings, family celebrations, those events that sit long in the memory and remind us of the people with whom we’ve shared our life’s journey. But the human element isn’t the only reason for opposition to the plans.
The Pulpit is surrounded by
the island, Island Community Action, the Portland Association and b-side arts festival have joined together with a vision to retain and reuse the Pulpit as an Asset of Community Value giving the community the opportunity to buy it and form a Community Benefit Society to run it.
In a recent community consultation, 90% of the people that responded said that they’d like to keep the Pulpit as it is and refurbish it.
opportunity to become a ‘destination’.
The intention is that this will make it a year-round venue. There will be opportunities for themed nights and pop-up restaurant evenings and detailed consideration is being given to laying on transport for customers that will reduce traffic to the Bill area and make it accessible, year-round, for a wider catchment area.
PREACHING FROM THE PULPIT: The iconic pub at Portland Bill
Island’s landmark is well worth preserving
Continue towards the Bill with its iconic red and white lighthouse, and you will pass a somewhat run-down looking pub, The Pulpit Inn. No jolly beer stop here, I’m afraid, it has been closed for some time and put up for sale for redevelopment.
Planning permission was granted to demolish it and redevelop it as holiday homes with a restaurant/bar facility, but this has caused considerable anguish in the community. Built in the 1950s, the building has weathered well into the landscape. Even Dorset County Council noted, before the planning went through, that the current building sits well in the landscape and does not
SSSIs and SACs – the calcareous grassland alluded to earlier. It was felt that what was planned did not show regard for these areas which would have been damaged by the development and its use as a holiday village. For these reasons the overwhelming community reaction has been to oppose the redevelopment and try to save The Pulpit Inn. It’s looking tatty, but it is by no means derelict – the building can be refurbished and repurposed to improve its original function and offer a lot more besides.
The Pulpit came back on the market earlier this year. Three organisations based on
There are precedents for this in other parts of the country where community assets have been successful when conglomerations of interested parties, the community, council, wildlife trusts and other bodies, have come together to work out a vision for such places that is appropriate to the situation and realistically sustainable. After refurbishment to make the building more environmentally sustainable, it will continue to operate as a pub and restaurant, but it won’t be an ‘everything with chips’ location. It is in an iconic setting, so a highquality food offering should match and enhance its
The Pulpit is capacious, so it can offer other functions that fit with the location –educational opportunities about the wildlife and the history of the island and the area surrounding the inn, weddings, arts events, workshops and classes in a fully facilitated function room that already exists.
Environment, education and entertainment will be the three key themes, and all profits will go back into the community.
The area surrounding the Pulpit is the last piece of Portland’s original landscape and it is still publicly accessible as common land. Sensitive redevelopment by the community as described above will bring all these elements together and ensure that the tourism that is encouraged enhances and protects the area as well as bringing economic benefits to the island.
n Fundraising begins in October. If you wish to find out more about the project, please contact Amanda Wallwork at amanda@bside.org.uk
Pushing for rethink on winter fuel payments cut
Summer very much feels like it’s over, and it has been a bit of a damp squib. As well as curtailing our usual family beach days it has had quite a significant impact on two of West Dorset’s most vital sectors: hospitality and farming. Early indications are that this year’s harvest is down 15% on the year before, and hospitality takings are down as much as 25%.
With both sectors seeing significant downturns as a result of the weather it is somewhat unfair that the new government is seemingly unwilling to look at policies to alleviate their pain. VAT on alcohol served in pubs and restaurants means that many of us are choosing to stay at home rather than incur the cost of going out.
Hospitality is one of the largest employers in West Dorset and I will be pushing the Treasury to look at what measures can be
By EDWARD MORELLO MP for West Dorset
taken to reduce the operating costs for the sector.
At the same time the NFU is reporting the farming budget was underspent by over £300 million last year, in no small part to bad management by officials, and that the Treasury might use it as an excuse to reduce spend. With basic farm payments set to disappear, far from being reduced the farming budget needs to be dramatically increased if we are to protect our rural food producers. Sadly, in an effort to plug the black hole in public finances left by a decade of economic incompetence, the new government has also made the indefensible decision to strip pensioners of their winter fuel payments. This will directly
Tackling area’s issues
I recently visited a very wet and windy Liverpool for the Labour Party Annual Conference. Here, I was able to work on just some of the pressing issues that matter to South Dorset.
First, I met with the CEO of the National Trust to discuss my concerns regarding the proposed toll changes for the StudlandSandbanks ferry. Many constituents are understandably worried about the proposals to hike prices on the service and restrict access to the road approaching the ferry. These proposals would make commuting much more expensive, make it harder to reach medical appointments in Poole and Bournemouth, and limit access to nature around Studland. The National Trust share many of my concerns and so we will continue to work together to ensure the current
By LLOYD HATTON MP for South Dorset
proposals are dropped.
Second, I met with the leader of Surfers Against Sewage to hear about their top priorities. The whole team at Surfers Against Sewage have been leading the national campaign to stop disgusting sewage spills trashing our coast and rivers. I’m determined to work closely with this group and local campaigners to stop the spills and protect our cherished Jurassic Coast.
Third, I met with the Help for Heroes team to discuss how we can best support veterans and their families. They outlined how far too many veterans continue to struggle to access the
impact over 20,000 residents of West Dorset. The decision to do so right before the start of the winter months means many vulnerable people will be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter. West Dorset is a wonderful a place to live and understandably many people choose to retire here, but many of our fellow residents rely on that £300 winter fuel payment to soften the impact of energy bills that have increased by 34% in
the last decade.
I, and my Liberal Democrat colleagues, have voted against this decision and will continue to push the Chancellor to reconsider. In the meantime, I would strongly urge anyone affected to see if they are eligible for pension credits. It is a somewhat convoluted application process, but if you are eligible then it means you will continue to receive your winter fuel payment.
welfare support they deserve and find it difficult to find suitable housing. Following our meeting, I will be urging the new government to make several much-needed changes so we can make sure every veteran gets the support they deserve. In my ongoing efforts to oppose proposals to build an incinerator
on Portland, I have been actively lobbying for a moratorium that would require the Environment Agency to refuse environmental permits for any waste incinerators that have not yet been built. I have reached out to several Ministers, asking for their support on this important issue.
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall
CARP SUCCESS:
Austin Scott-Kennedy
Austin powers his way to win
The latest round of the Dorchester and District Angling Society’s Junior Championship was held on Trendals Lake at Revels fishery, having been moved from the Stour due to flooding. The first proper frost of the year greeted the young anglers and certainly affected the fishing for the six participants with bites proving hard to come by. Persistence paid off however and some of the juniors were able to hook some willing fish, with Austin Scott-Kennedy tempting some good carp to weigh 10lbs 12ozs for the win.
In second place was Josh Roe, who caught some early carp for a total weight of 4lbs, and Mia Evans secured her first podium place by finishing third with 1lb 4ozs. Congratulations to all three.
n The juniors will now break for the winter, with the next event scheduled for Saturday, March 12 at Harbourbridge Lakes. Contact Graham at juniors.sec@d-das.com for more information on the club or visit ddasjuniors.co.uk
Bees boss Herbst happier
Bridport Town manager Chris Herbst has been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about the teams’ recent unbeaten run, which has followed a disappointing start to the current campaign.
The Bees thumped lowly Middlezoy Rovers 7-1 at St Mary’s Field to rise to sixth in the South West Peninsula League East Division, with the victory even more impressive as the home side played for over an hour with ten men following the dismissal of key player Kieran Daniels.
The win extended the Bees’ unbeaten streak to seven games in all competitions, and Herbst is upbeat about the team’s prospects for the rest of the season.
Herbst said: “I’m really pleased with how it’s going now, confidence is sky high.
“We lost our first four games, so it’s fantastic that we are starting to see the right results now. We were playing well – with the exception of the game at Torrington where we were pretty poor – but we just couldn’t seem to put the ball in the net. We were creating plenty of chances so I wasn’t overly concerned and was confident that we would start scoring and it would change.”
The dismantling of Middlezoy was the Bees’ biggest win since 2018 and featured six different goalscorers, with Ryan Gall, Fred Parsons, Sol Ayunga, Riley Weedon and Will Gape all finding the target in the first half, and substitute James Cox adding a late brace to give the result a special sheen, although the dismissal of Daniels when the score was 3-1, has given
Herbst cause for some concern.
He said: “Our discipline hasn’t been great so far this season and it is frustrating. “We have already clocked up more red cards than last year and losing some key players for three games isn’t ideal, although we have the squad to cope. I have introduced some rules with club fines in place now, although I have to say that I think we’ve been unlucky with some of the decisions.
“We appealed a couple of the red cards and some of them have been 50-50 challenges where the ref has decided our players have been in the wrong. We’ve had lots of screaming players writhing in
agony, who then seem to get up once the ref has brandished a card. I don’t like it, you don’t expect playacting at our level and I certainly won’t tolerate it from my players.”
The team’s loyal fan base took the early season bump in their stride and Herbst paid tribute to the Bees supporters.
Herbst said: “We are so grateful for their support. Whether we’re winning or losing, they always come out in force to see us. We’ve had gates of 260-plus a couple of times this season and we are getting more than most of the teams in the league above us.
“It’s a real testament to how good our fan base is.”
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: Action from Bees’ 7-1 romp against Middlezoy Rovers Pictures: SIMON ROBINSON
with improvement
The Bees finished in fourth place last season and Herbst is aiming to see an improvement this term. He said: “We really tailed off end of last season and should have been 10 or 15 points clear in second. We lost Sol, our main striker, and a couple of others and just didn’t have the squad to carry on competing, we just got de-railed. We have to try and go better this year and keep our form until the end.
“We are building here and I’m really pleased that we were able to grow our squad in the summer and we are much better equipped to compete. It is a bit of a headache sometimes having to let some of them drop into
Experience pays off in club’s generation game
West Bay Angling Club held its annual Junior vs Parents match, with 15 juniors competing against 11 seniors in lovely weather on the east pier. The fishing was good with a large number and wide variety of species landed from the off, including mackerel, whiting, tompots, shannies, pout, bass, pollack and corkwing wrasse.
support, along with Richard ‘Tiny’ Daw for keeping scores and recording weights and Norman Stokes for his help sorting out tangles, baiting up and giving out great angling tips.
Junior competition results:
1: Lillie Rose Clarke with 719g
2: Sam Carter with 597g
the reserves, but it’s a better problem to have than not having enough players to pick from.
“I have put in a new system so we pay all our players a flat rate, including the subs, rather than having some on much more than others. It works really well and cuts out all the negativity you get when your players are worrying about money. You get a lot of hearsay and envy in clubs who don’t run like this and it’s not great. It’s the same for the coaching teamLockey, Jim, Towser and me, we all get the same.
“I’m really not in it for the money, I would just work on Saturdays if I was. I do it because I love it.”
For the first time in many years, an adult managed to beat the juniors, with Peter Louizo’s overall weight of 749g just enough to beat young angler Lillie Rose Clarke with her 719g haul. The club would like to thank West Bay Angling Centre for their invaluable
3: Lidy Carter with 498g
First fish: Lidy Carter with a 64g Mackerel
Smallest fish: Ebony Blake with an 8g Pout
Most fish: Lillie Rose Clarke with 20 fish
Heaviest round fish: Lillie Rose Clarke with a 114g Corkwing
n Alfie Jeans, pictured left, won the Wyvern Division of The Angling Trust Junior Photo of the Month, with his thin-lipped mullet tipping the scales at 4lbs 11ozs, 2kg 126.25gms 234.43% of specimen, caught from the east pier at West Bay.
Alfie scooped a £20 voucher for the Angling Centre West Bay.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Juniors v Parents at West Bay
HAPPY HERBST: Bees manager Chris Herbst
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How can shockwave help me?
Shockwave therapy can help a number of conditions, including: n tendinopathies, and insertional tendinopathies n carpal tunnel n medial tibial stress syndrome, n Bones - stress injuries, stress fractures - non-unions, n degenerative pathologies,osteitis pubis, n osteoarthritis, n spinal facet joint pain, n coccydynia, n acute pain and flare-ups, n wound healing, n men’s health issues including erectile dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. At Move Clinic in Poundbury, as well as osteopathy,
Start near the church and walk down the path between the churchyard and Askerswell House. When you reach the village street, turn left and walk westward passing houses built of the local stone. At the junction keep going for a short distance and turn right across the Washingpool play area. In the far corner, enter a footpath next to a waterfall. This will lead you northwards across fields to join the road. Cross over the road and continue north across fields for about half a mile to join a road leading south east down towards North Eggardon Farm and passing a sawmill and a field with a couple of yurts. At the farm, join a path that takes you north eastwards alongside a hedge towards Eggardon Hill. When you enter the National Trust land turn right and follow the path taking you gently uphill, eastwards, along the edge of the fort. When you reach a gate you might wish to cross the parish boundary for a short distance to
Swedish and sports massage, we now offer both focused and radial shockwave therapy. Our practitioners will give patients the time, hands-on treatment, and exercise rehabilitation/advice that is appropriate to each patient. How many sessions are needed?
The amount of treatment sessions will vary dependant on the type of condition being treated. As a rule, two-three sessions are advised.
n To find out more or to book an appointment, please visit moveclinic.co.uk, or call 01305 591297.
n We’re offering 10% off all appointments via the West Dorset Magazine. See our voucher on the back page.
ASKERSWELL
WALKING IN
DORSET
with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade
the top of the hill to observe the view to the north. Go back to the gate and through it to follow the path south eastwards to meet a road that takes you downhill for a quarter of a mile to reach a byway heading east. When you are close to a roofless barn and pylon turn right and head south along the parish boundary hedge with lots of ancient ash trees. After going downhill for a mile you reach Stancombe Farm where you join a footpath heading north west to Nallers Farm. Follow the path west along the farm road, then a path across fields, to join a road that takes you over a crossroad and back to your car, having walked nearly 7 miles.
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10% off everything in the autumn range at Jamesia Blooms & Occasions 4 Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 8EA. 07886 106214. * Enter voucher code AUTUMN10 at checkout – October 2024 only
10% DISCOUNT for any type of appointment at MOVE CLINIC 4 Hessary St, Poundbury, DT1 3SF
Please bring your voucher to your appointment. Valid till November 30, 2024. View all our services at moveclinic.co.uk
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