The West Dorset Magazine, Edition 17, September 23, 2022

Edition 17

Friday, September 23, 2022

Fortnightly, FREE

The West Dorset Magazine TOGETHER, NOW AND FOREVER “Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.” Queen Elizabeth II 21/4/19268/9/2022 Same day emergency appointments NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Karen Bate News Editor

miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Emma Mitchell Advertising sales manager

Lyndon Wall Cartoonist

emma@westdorsetmag.co.uk

justsocaricatures.co.uk

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

Stuart Wickham Sports editor

Nick Horton Chief Sub

Miranda Robertson Editor

stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Alana Robertson Classifieds

classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Dan Goater Reporter dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

( 01305 566336 Contents: News and features 3-5, 14-34 Whasson? (events) 6-13 Announcements 36-37 Vittles 38-39 Down to earth 40-43 Culture 44-49 Antiques 51 Letters 50

Home & Garden 52-53 Constituency issues 54 Politics 54-55 Puzzles 56-57, 70 Health & Wellbeing 58-60 Church 61 Business 62-63 Sport 64-68 Agriculture 69-71

ADVERTISE IN WEST DORSET’S WIDEST READ NEWS MAGAZINE

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

RS! E N N U ST PAGE 3

Reader Paul Wyatt caught this lovely shot of a dolphin leaping from the water as he sailed off Portland.

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

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Silversmith is left devastated after

By Karen Bate kate@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Talented silversmith Lucy Campbell has been left devastated after a burglar raided her shop at The Town Mill in Lyme, stealing every piece of her beautiful, hand-made jewellery.

Lucy has been creating the most stunning jewellery collections, inspired by the beach and the sea, from her little shop for the last eight years.

But last Tuesday morning (September 18) she received a phone call alerting her that raiders had smashed their way into her shop through the sash window and ransacked her premises, stealing everything and leaving just her tools.

Lucy, who is suffering from a long-term health condition, says that the burglar stole some £50,000 worth of stock.

“All my stock has gone,” said Lucy.

“I have spent 14 years building up my business, working hard, and have seen through recessions and the pandemic, and now in the space of an hour I have nothing left. My jewellery is not mass produced, it takes a long time to design, to create. My jewellery is not just physical, I pour my heart and soul into each piece I make and now everything has gone.

“At this time of the year I’d normally be getting

n A cast ammonite pendant, cast Ammonite Studs and, right, Koh Lipe pendant with ridged shell and topaz

n Koh Lipe pendant of silver and topaz, Koh Lipe pendant of silver clam and, right, Koh Lipe small studs of 9ct yellow gold

n A twisted bangle, around fossil pendant and, right, scallop shell studs

n Lucy Campbell, tiny fossil studs and a woodland ring

ready for Christmas markets as these are the only thing that pays the way through the winter.

“They’re incredibly hard

to get into, and I’m now faced with having to pull out of these, damage my reputation with the organisers and lose income.

“I am currently dealing with the police, and I am making an insurance claim, but I am very

anxious. I hope the claim is honoured, but this is so much more than just money. To re-stock my shop will take over a year.

“I am lucky that my tools were left.”

Lucy added: “I have been overwhelmed with such an outpouring of support

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

£50k burglary at her jewellery shop “So, please, if you know anything, seen anything or heard anything that might be of help, let me or the police know. This isn’t a petty crime; it has decimated my business and is causing an enormous amount of grief and upset. I am so desperate; I feel like my heart has been ripped out.”

RAIDED: Lucy’s shop at The Town Mill in Lyme Regis.

from this amazing community.

“I really haven’t been able to comprehend it. Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages of

support. I just desperately want my stock back.

“I have been calling into every pawn broker and cash converter in the area just in case they might be

of help. I know the chances of finding my jewellery is slim, but I would love anyone in our community to keep an eye out.

n Friends have set up two crowdfunding accounts, which can be found at gofundme.com/lucycampbell-artist and justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/lucycampbell-jewellery If anyone can help Lucy find her jewellery, email her at silver@ lucycampbell.net

HALF PRICE SALE on all our William Morris Gallery frames An independent opticians in High West Street, Dorchester, offering high quality, stylish frames and a fantastic personal service

Call 01305 264557 to book your eye test appointment today

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Thurs, Sept 22 Hardy’s Wessex: The landscapes that inspired a writer, runs until October 30 at Dorset Museum, Poole Museum, The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum Major exhibition about the writer Thomas Hardy and the inspiration behind his writing.

See individual museum websites for pricing. wessexmuseums.org.uk Sherborne Historical Society welcomes Andrew Baker to talok on Supermac, the Last Edwardian: Harold Macmillan as Prime Minister at Digby Hall, Hound Street.

Members free, visitors £5.

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, starts at 8pm.

Complimentary tea and coffee from 7.15pm. sherbornehistoricalsociety. co.uk An art history course starts from September 22, 6.30pm-8.08pm in two parts with a short break in the middle, online via Zoom, on The Late 16th Century and Early 17th Century Painting. It is about the tail end of the High Renaissance into the 17c period, for example, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Pieter de Hooch, Van

Film season continues at Corn Exchange Dorchester Film Society’s third film of the new season, Parallel Mothers, will be screened at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm on Monday, September 26.

Oscar-nominated Penélope Cruz stars as one of two single women who meet in a hospital room where they are both going to give birth.

The fourth film of the season on Monday, October 3 will be Un Monde (Playground).

This is a powerful debut film from the Belgian writer-director Laura Dyke, Ruisdael, Cuyp, Hals, Leyster, Ruysch.

Fee £60, six weeks of lectures.

Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Fashion.

To book email Pam at chris.pamsimpson@ btinternet.com Dorset Museum in Dorchester is holding a free quiet opening for adults from 5pm-6.30pm, where sound will be switched off in the exhibition galleries. The event is particularly suitable for neurodivergent adults and those with other sensory challenges, but any adult who would prefer quiet to explore the galleries is welcome. The

Wendell, examining the world of the playground number of tickets available will be limited to ensure the galleries are not too crowded. Book at dorsetmuseum.org/whatson Dorset Museum is holding a talk by Tom Sharpe, formerly curator of palaeontology and archives at the National Museum of Wales, and author of ‘The Fossil Woman: A life of Mary Anning’, to examine what we know of the life of this extraordinary woman.

It has been said that more has been written about Mary Anning, the fossil dealer of Lyme Regis, than about any other geologist, apart from Charles Darwin.

But how much do we really know about her? How

from a child’s point of view.

The second film in the programme, Master Chen, had to be cancelled because the Corn Exchange was closed on the Bank Holiday announced for the Queen’s funeral.

The film will now be screened on Monday, October 31.

Membership of the society is still open – for further details of the programme and how to join online, please go to dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk much is speculation? And how much is a myth that has developed through the uncritical telling and retelling of her tale over the course of two centuries?

Separating the facts from the fiction about Mary Anning can be challenging, but her story is a remarkable tale in its own right. This talk will examine what we know of the life of this extraordinary woman, her famous – and less wellknown – discoveries, and her part within the wider network of the developing science of palaeontology in the early 19th century, and will seek to dispel at least a few of the Mary myths.

Adults £10, members £8,

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Dorchester

TRINITY Club

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

£5 toa year join!

dorchtrinityclub@gmail.com 01305 262671 students £5. Book at dorsetmuseum.org/whatson

Friday, Sept 23 On Fridays from September 23, an art history course is running online, from 2pm3.38pm, in two parts with short break in the middle via Zoom.

British Romantic Moderns, figurative art for the most part. For example, Glynn Philpott, Lynn Chadwick, John Craxton, Ivon Hitchens, Mary Fedden RA, Robert MacBryde, Gwen Raverat, Patrick Heron, Keith Vaughan, John Minton and some photography and film.

Fee £60, six weeks of lectures.

Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Fashion.

To book email Pam at chris.pamsimpson@ btinternet.com Have an Introduction to Equine Assisted Learning in Blandford Forum from 10am-4pm.

Horserenity CIC is running introductory days for their Ofqual registered and OCN accredited awards in ‘handling and managing horses in equine assisted

learning’ (level three) and ‘facilitating equine assisted learning’ (level four).

Register your interest at horserenity.co.uk

Saturday, Sept 24 Choral Evensong at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church in Dorchester The monthly cathedralstyle service with music including Victoria, O Quam Gloriosum, Noble, Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in B minor, Smith, Preces & Responses and Howells, O pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Chris Dowie is at the organ and Ian Davis directing. Please join them for a glass of wine after the service.

The rescheduled Weldmar's Summer Fete will be held in Herringston Road, Dorchester, DT1 2SL from 11am-4pm.

This will be the hospice’s 25th Summer Fete.

Entry is £2 for adults, and under 16s are free. weldmarhospicecare.org Dorchester Repair Cafe’s monthly event will be held at Shire Hall Museum from 10am.

Bring in your old stuff and let the volunteers have a go

at repairing it! Or just come for a chat and a slice of cake. All welcome.

B&SV Speed Shear will be held at Hermitage, Dorchester, from 6.30pm.

There are open and senior classes, with prizes of £650 and £500.

Teams event, pie, pint and shear a sheep.

(Requires three people). £10 entry for shearers (included singlet on entry) please ring Henry Mayo on 07969 089985 to guarantee place, late entries will be accepted as long as there is still space Everyone welcome, £5 entry for spectators. There’s a bar, DJ and food available, plus music till late.

275 years & the Three Compasses is still rockin'!

The Three Compasses in Charminster is celebrating nearly three centuries with four bands.

Trinity Knot will play on Saturday from 4pm, Stealing Whiskey from 7pm. Then on Sunday Chris Payn will play at 4pm and Freezer at 7pm.

Bands and musicians from Weymouth music scene of the 1960 and 1970s are

getting back together again for another reunion gig at the town’s Centenary Club.

It’s the latest in a series of reunion gigs which have raised thousands of pounds to be distributed among local charities and good causes.

Performing from 7pm, are: Violin Shoppe, with Simon Breakspear on keyboards and Mike Stockwell on guitar Wot 4, featuring Brian Cornish who played with Shandy and The Roger James Band back in the day The reformed Crystal Ship, featuring original members Alan Hodder, Phil Biggs and Mick Martin Monkey Jump, featuring local legends Tony May, Steve Peach and Andy Collett Tickets are just £10 and available from Paul Ward at the Centenary Club on 01305 839310.

The Kitchen at Kingcombe is hosting its monthly Quiz & Curry Night from 6.30pm. £7.50 per person to include £1 donation to the Dorset Wildlife Trust, £1 to the winning 'kitty' and a light

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Whasson? (and where’s it to?) curry supper. Teams of 2-6.

Booking essential. Call 01300 322814 or email kingcombekitchen@ aol.com to book.

Method in our madness

West Dorset CAMRA AGM will be held at 1pm at The Belvedere Inn, Weymouth – upstairs at the “Pirates Deck”. All members welcome, please bring your membership card.

After the meeting members will be visiting some of the other pubs in the area.

The 7th Dorchester Jumble Trail will be held from 10am-2pm in the roads around Monmouth Road after being rescheduled.

Residents will be selling everything from clothes to cakes, books to toys, plants to cars! Come along and find something you didn't know you needed.

Bridport Vintage Market will be held 10am-4pm at Bridport Art & Vintage Quarter, St Michaels, Bridport, West Dorset DT6 3RR. Find an eclectic range of antiques, collectables, clothing and retro pieces.

Most of the tenants on the estate open on the day too.

Sunday, Sept 25 Caundle Marsh Tractor Run is being held from 10am, hosted by Di and James Hiscock of the local Caundle Marsh farming family.

Head to Westhayes Farm, Caundle Marsh, Sherborne, DT9 5JT. Paws 4 Fort will be held at Weymouth’s Nothe Fort

Jake ‘The Mud Monster’ Taylor with a nice carp

By DDAS Junior Secretary Graham Howard The eighth coaching session of the Dorchester and District Angling Society Juniors took place at Harbourbridge Fishery in Chickerell. I am pleased to say that we welcomed six new juniors to our family, along with four regular juniors to fish on Charlotte’s Lake in the sunshine.

I hosted a tutorial on how to thread a new pole elastic through the top kit of a pole watched by juniors eager to learn how. With all the talking done, we got down to

some serious fishing. So many first fish were caught and lots of great memories made. Small species of fish like rudd, roach, and perch were caught using maggots.

Larger carp, up to 5lbs, were caught on a method feeder with pellets. There were a few nice skimmer bream showing up too. A great time was had by all, and I am happy that we grew our DDAS Juniors family.

If you would like more information go to ddasjuniors.co.uk or email juniors.sec@ddas.com. Membership info at d-das.com. See Harbourbridge Lakes on Facebook

from 11am. For the first time in history, Nothe Fort is teaming up with DogFriendly.Social and Watercombe Dogs to bring you Paws 4 Fort!

Celebrate the very best of Dog Friendly Businesses with the Dorset DogFriendly Business Awards, followed by a Dog Show like no other with Watercombe Dogs.

Enter your fluffy friends into the dog show, where they could be in with a chance of winning: - Prettiest girl - Most handsome boy - Best young handler (under 10 years) - Cutest puppy (under 12 months) - Waggiest tail - Best trick - Golden oldie

- Fancy dress With prizes from Watercombe Dogs and Leucillin.

Winners of the Dorset Dog Friendly Business Awards are picked by YOU, if you have a business you would like to nominate, go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PTW 6QLS The categories are - Best of Dorset's Dog Friendly Service Provider - Best of Dorset's Dog Friendly Retail Shop - Best of Dorset's Dog Friendly Accommodation - Best of Dorset's Dog Friendly Hospitality - Best of Dorset's Dog Friendly Visitor Attraction Boatgen Day is being held 9am-5pm at ASC Portland.

Calling all young water lovers! Whether it's kayaking, sailing or watersports you're interested in this taster day is the perfect opportunity to try something new all for free!

There are two time slots available: 9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4.30pm.

Sign up at boatfolk.co.uk/boatgen/ boatgen-activities Yetminster’s Village Dog Show will be held at Yetminster Sports Club from 1pm-4pm.

Even if you don’t have a dog, come along for a drink and a hot dog as there is barbecue and bar open at the Sports Club.

Classes include coolest puppy, golden oldie (over nine), best young dog handler, waggiest tail, prettiest female dog, most handsome male dog, and dog the judges would like to take home.

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?) £2 entry per class. Proceeds to local causes.

Monday, Sept 26 An Illustrated Talk on Mazes and Geometica Art by maze designer Adrian Fisher will be held at United Church Main Hall, East Street, Bridport from 2.30pm-4.30pm, cost £2-£5.

Adrian is internationally acknowledged as the world’s leading maze designer. He has created over 700 hedge mazes, mirror mazes and labyrinths across 42 countries. In the 36 years that Adrian Fisher has been in business, he has created every kind of maze imaginable – from simple, head-high fields of maize to bewildering, hi-tech caverns with flashing lights and revolving mirrors.

They’ve been based on everything from chess to Alice in Wonderland, from alien planets to the ancient pyramids of Egypt. He has set eight Guinness World Records and received the MBE for services in International Trade and the creative industries.

The talk is hosted by the National Trust Golden Cap Association, phone: 01308 459855.

A West Dorset Jive Community Event will be held from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Chideock Village Hall (DT6 6JW).

The West Dorset Jive Community was established in 2019 to grow the dance community in our areas by offering free classes four times a year as well as providing a chance for new and returning

dancers of all styles of jive to come together and dance.

7.30pm Modern jive class 8.30pm Social dancing 9.30pm Close (then off to pub!)

No experience necessary Come alone or with friends All Welcome.

Contact westdorsetjive@gmail.com for more information Little B's Music Together will be held at Lyme Regis Library, 9.30am-10am.

Little B’s Music Together is a series weekly music sessions to support new parents and carers to bond with their baby and boost wellbeing.

If you are a new parent or carer of a baby or toddler (aged up to three), and are feeling socially isolated, or experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety please join us for a music programme designed to support you and your little one.

Little B’s Music Together is a fun way to boost mood and connect with others through the joy of musicmaking.

Sessions are free, and weekly sessions allow parents and carers to connect with other parents and carers in a supportive and enjoyable space.

Places are limited due to covid restrictions, and the series of sessions must be booked in advice. email info@bsharp.org.uk or text 07947 334138 to book a space.

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THIS WEE WEEK’S TOP TEN VINYL SELLERS 1. The Beatles 2. John Martyn 3. U2 4. Rolling Stones 5. Pink Floyd

6. Gary Numan 7. The Police 8. Miles Davis 9. Stevie Wonder 10. The Clash

Vinyl records bought and sold

St Michael's Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR thecrew@clocktowermusic.co.uk

01308 458077

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

Thursday, Sept 29 Bridport U3A Monthly Meeting & Talk entitled Music in Every Home – How it All Began by Gordon Bartlet at Bridport United Church Hall at 2pm.

This talk is about how people used to listen to music in their homes and there is a demonstration of some 12 pre-electric music making machines included.

The talk is free to members and £2 charge for nonmembers. Visit bridportu3a.org.uk Sherborne Historical Society will host Andrew Baker talking on Supermac, the Last Edwardian: Harold Macmillan as Prime Minister at Digby Hall, Hound Street. Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety. co.uk

Weds, Sept 28 Nature Tots will be held from 10am til noon at The Kingcombe Centre (DT2 0EQ).

A new group of likeminded parents/guardians and their children aged four and under can come together at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kingcombe Visitor Centre to enjoy nature, meeting on a monthly basis. Explore the site and investigate the animals and plants that live here.

Please bring wellies and snacks!

Please book tickets for the children who will be attending, and tickets for the accompanying adult/s.

If you’d like any further information, or to join the

Trickle in for a sweet meet

Treacle Eater Clog is celebrating 40 years as your local North West Morris side in its 2022-2023 season.

Whether you were able to watch them dancing at local hostelries and events this summer, they would love to introduce all interested adults to their dances and music so you can join the fun next year.

A beginner’s night is being held on Monday, October 3, 7.30pm-9.30pm at Rimpton Village Hall, Back Lane, Rimpton BA22 8AH. If you can’t make it on October 3, go along on any Monday and you will be waiting list, please get in contact with Daisy Meadowcroft: dmeadowcroft@dorset wildlifetrust.org.uk

made very welcome.

Enquiries email secretary@treacleeaterclog. org Why not go and give it a try? Dancers will require a reasonable level of fitness, but age is no barrier. Feel free to bring a friend or two, put on your dancing shoes, probably trainers, and join them for a free taster session.

Based in Yeovil, Treacle Eater Clog is a North West Morris dancing team, founded in 1983, largely by members of Queen’s Delight, a Cotswold Morris team, which has since folded.

Thursday, Sept 29

Hardys’ marriage, the people and places in her novel, and the challenges of reimagining the past. £5 per screen, wessexmuseums.org.uk/ book-online

Hardy Online: ‘Woman Much Missed’ – The Chosen by Elizabeth Lowry, an online talk at 7pm.

Join Elizabeth as she talks about her new novel, the

An evening of mediumship with Nikki Kitt will be held at Salway Ash Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 from ticketsource.co.uk

Although based in the South West, the dances have their roots in the industrial North West of England, and thus the dancers wear red clogs with bells.

One of the strongest elements of the tradition in the North West was having one’s own dances and, Treacle Eater perform many of their own.

Just south of Yeovil is Barwick Park, once the ‘big house’, and in its grounds are four follies. The largest and most ornate of these is Jack the Treacle Eater – the inspiration for this local side of Morris dancers.

Nikki Kitt is a spiritualist medium who is currently touring the UK.

Friday, Sept 30 A Macmillan Coffee Morning will be held at the Greyhound Inn, 11 The Square, Beaminster, from 10am.

Join us for coffee and cake to raise money for Macmillan cancer support!

Any cake donations

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?) gratefully received.

Dorchester Country Market will be holding a Macmillan coffee morning from 9.30am-11.30am in The United Church Hall, Charles Street, Dorchester DT1 1EE (opposite the library and car parks.)

Other entrance, South Street, Dorchester DT1 1BY. The event will be held during their usual Country Market from 9am-noon.

They are there every Friday, except October 14.

Goods for sale including a wide range of crafts and cards, delicious cakes and savouries and preserves, plus free range eggs. There will be plants, vegetables and flowers as well.

Free entry.

A pub quiz will be held from 7pm in aid of Cerne Wildlife Rescue, at The Giant Inn, Cerne Abbas.

Quiz master is ‘Den’ Denness.

Only £1 entry and raffle £1 per ticket.

Delicious food sharing boards available and amazing prizes including: Cream Tea Company, Cerne Abbas Brewery, Flowers By Amy, Hair by Keighley, Uno Bakes, Rossis Ice Cream, Evershot Bakery, Exmoor Brewery, Thatchers and more.

Scan the QR code to donate an Amazon gift and win a private tour of Cerne Wildlife Rescue.

Saturday, Oct 1 The Samaritans’ Weymouth branch will be holding a village café at Litton Cheney Village Hall

(LATCH) DT2 9AU from 9.30am-noon.

Tea and coffee will be available alongside bacon butties and cakes. There will also be various stalls including bric-a-brac, teddy, cake stall, a quiz and a raffle. Also a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and new while admiring the lovely views over the Bride Valley! Members of The Samaritans will be available throughout the morning if you would like to find out more about the invaluable work they do.

Broadwindsor Eco, Green and Nature activity afternoon will be held from 2pm-4pm at the Comrades Hall.

Kids (of all ages!) eco and nature craft and activity afternoon. All welcome to have a go, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Donations welcome for taking part in the craft activities.

Drop-in info and displays about local community 'green' initiatives while you have a coffee and a natter.

View Comrades Hall new air source heat pump and solar panel installationsfind out more about how they work and the benefits of these installations (part of Dorset Greener Homes Week October 1-8).

From October 1-8 some Broadwindsor residents are opening their homes to visitors to show green and sustainable changes they have put in place. Go to dorset.greenopenhomes.net to find out more and book a viewing.

Volunteers are sought to help on Oct 1 – are you

artsy-crafty and would like to supervise an activity station? Do you have a local green/nature/wildlife project you would like to represent at the hall on the day? Are you a local business with a sustainable product and would like to showcase your ideas?

Please get in touch with Kirsty via the Comrades Hall facebook page, or email kirstyamoore@outlook.com Donations welcome – any income generated through the afternoon will support the fundraising for the new play equipment for Bernard's place.

Victorian Children in the Dock is the title of a talk at Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum at 2pm.

Shire Hall’s own learning manager Anne Brown will be leading this talk.

Children as young as seven were tried in the courtroom at Shire Hall. This talk examines a number of these children’s stories.

Using case studies of children tried at Shire Hall from 1830s this talk explores how children were treated and why sentencing and punishment changed over course of the 19th century. shire-hall-historiccourthouse-museum. myshopify.com A Bingo Evening will be held in Shipton Gorge, by Shipton Gorge Village Society at the village hall from 7pm – eyes down 7.30pm.

Tea and coffee available.

Bring your own alcoholic drinks. Raffle. All are welcome.

Sunday, Oct 2 There’s a Black History Month Diversity Day at Shire Hall in Dorchester 11am-4pm.

Entry is free. The event will include speakers, stalls, music and art plus poetry from local schools.

A fun day for families and the public to celebrate diversity.

Weymouth Family Science Festival will be held at Nothe Fort from 10.30am4pm.

Bring along your inquisitive brains for another exciting and interactive day at the Fort.

Expect a whole bunch of exciting experiments, demonstrations, a planetarium and lots more family fun activities.

This event is included with your general admission ticket price.

A Quaker Exhibition on Justice and Peace runs from October 3 to 8 in the foyer of the Shire Hall Museum.

Quakers have a long history of concern for justice and the Shire Hall Museum displays our local story of how justice was viewed in the past. The exhibition will include some reference to Quaker history, for example Elizabeth Fry and prison reform, local conscientious objection in the two World Wars, But it will mostly be about restorative justice, prison reform now, and working with offenders. On Thursday, October 6 at

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2pm there will be a talk in the Lecture Room at the Shire Hall on Quaker Work Today in Guys Marsh Prison – all are welcome..

The Shire Hall Café will be open throughout the week.

Brewery raises funds for farm charities

Tuesday, Oct 4 River Lim Action Group Meeting will be held from 7pm-9pm at The Driftwood, Lyme Regis Baptist Church DT7 3HR. The River Lim Monitors are inviting local residents to join an Action Group to improve the river’s water quality and biodiversity.

The monitors have set a 2025 target to clean up the river which would also improve bathing water quality and the enjoyment of the river for all.

The group recently met South West Water and the Environment Agency alongside other local groups and local councillors and were encouraged by the collective resolve to address the Lim's many issues. But, says a spokesman: “We must keep up the pressure.”

This meeting is to discuss the campaign for anyone who'd like to join the Action Group.

Please email enquiries@turnlymegreen. co.uk if you wish to attend.

Weds, October 5 Beaminster Museum is hosting a performance of Two Nations – drama and music from Time and Tide about the gulf between rich and poor in Victorian society at 2.30pm.

A mixture of dramatic

The Farmer’s Crisis Network (FCN) charity and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Fund will benefit from the profits made by Hall & Woodhouse brewers at the Dorset County Show.

The Blandford Brewery ran the main bar at this year’s event and will be donating the profits made to both charities.

It was Hall & Woodhouse’s first time at the historic show, and readings and folk songs featuring well-known figures such as Benjamin Disraeli and Thomas Hardy, with traditional music from the Hammond Collection of Somerset and Dorset folk songs.

Limited seating.

Tickets £5. Please book your place at Beaminster Museum or email info@ beaminstermuseum.co.uk Wellbeing Wednesday will be held from 2pm-4pm at Sherborne Library.

This is a free event where you can come along to meet new people, start a

they served drinks from The Badger Beer Volkswagen including free samples of Badger, and hosting free Badger beer and cheese tasting sessions.

Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “This event celebrates the best of local agriculture, farmers, and producers.

As a Dorset business and brewers of our beautiful Badger beer, it is so conversation and enjoy a cup of tea and piece of cake.

Contact info@totalwellbeing matters.com to find out more A Victorian Head Gardener is the subject of a talk by Professor Francis Burroughes, a lecturer and after-dinner speaker, at the next meeting of the Dorchester and District Gardening Club at 7.30pm at St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, Dorchester DT1 1LB.

important that we partner with the show organisers in this way, to help us give back to those who really need it in our community.”

Nicki Ralph, chair of Dorchester Agricultural Society, added: “We are so thrilled to receive Hall & Woodhouse’s dedication to the show and support for our chosen charities, while sharing its iconic Badger beers with our visitors.”

Free entry for members, visitors £4 on the door.

There is also a bring and buy stall and a draw, with tea/coffee and biscuits available afterwards. All welcome.

Contact: Jane, Secretary 01305 268523.

Thurs, October 6 Dorset Music Unboxed! will be held at Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RR at 7.30pm.

It’s amazing what you can find in a box that has sat on the shelf for a long time,

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

13

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

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Dorchester proclaims the new king Dorchester Town Council’s Proclamation of the King was held at the

Town Pump.

Proceedings started with a cry from the Town Crier,

and when you are at the Dorset History Centre looking into that box with Dorset musicians Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, the results can be very intriguing.

The Dorset History Centre, together with the Dorset Archives Trust, care for the written and digital documents which form Dorset’s history. They have eight miles of climatecontrolled shelving!

Some of the musical manuscripts held by the Dorset History Centre are those of William Knapp, an important Dorset musician of the 18th century. He is the composer of the very well-known hymn tune Wareham and one of his pieces being performed was dedicated to the town of Blandford after a huge fire in 1731 destroyed most of the town.

Works from the music book of Benjamin Rose will also

feature in the concerts.

Rose was a farmer and alehouse keeper from near Okeford Fitzpaine who wrote out a collection of catchy country dance tunes from his time (1820).

The style of much of the Ridgeway’s performances is known as “West Gallery”. This refers to a time when churches had galleries and local musicians and singers would sit in the gallery to accompany the congregation’s singing.

This went out of fashion in the mid-19th century, as depicted in Thomas Hardy’s Under the Greenwood Tree. It is a very full-bodied sound. ticketsource.co.uk/ridgeway -s-and-b Shire Hall Bingo will be held at 6.30pm with Bingo Barry!

With all cash prizes and a brilliant raffle, Shire Hall's

followed by the Mayor of Dorchester reading the Proclamation.

Bingo is a fun night out for everyone. £10 for a book and £1.50 for cash flyer.

Refreshments will also be available to buy from Shire Hall Cafe, including teas, coffees, cake and a bar.

Booking is essential.

The Comedy Network will get you chuckling at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, from 8pm9.45pm.

Whether you are looking for a great night out with friends or a fun way to celebrate a special occasion, start your weekend in style at The Comedy Network. Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest comedians on the circuit. dorchesterarts.savoysystem s.co.uk A bingo night will be held at Milborne Port Sports and

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Social Club. Books for sale at 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.

Cash prizes, raffle and snowball.

Sat, October 8 A talk by Francis Burroughes – The Wonderful World of Glass will be held at Weymouth Library at 10.30am.

The Friends of Weymouth Library (Fowl) are hosting the in support of the library’s events and activities. Booking essential. £2 members, £3 for non-members. Please contact Weymouth Library on 01305 762410 or email weymouthlibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Email events to newsdesk@west dorsetmag.co.uk

14

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Amazing septuagenarian swimmers

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Six septuagenarians have swum into the record books with an epic relay swim across to France in very tough conditions.

The team, whose average age is over 75, clinched the record for the oldest Channel relay team after 17 hours 57 minutes in the brine, starting at 12.30am, a time when most pensioners are safely tucked up in bed.

Swimmer Bob Holman, from Affpuddle, who turns 78 next month, earned the Channel Swimming Association’s Most Meritorious (tough) Swim award when he swam the Channel solo in 1992.

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WELCOME: Some of the swimmers come ashore and are greeted by gendarmes

He reckoned conditions for this swim were as bad – if not worse – than that.

He said: “It was a very, very tough swim, people throwing up in the water because the sea was so rough.

“As soon as we left the outer harbour it became

clear that the weather was not in our favour. The wind was around 10 knots and gusting to 15 knots, great for sailing but not for swimming. We eventually ended swimming in a W shape as we were pulled one way, then the other by the prevailing tide.

“The sea flattened out a bit after 12 hours but we had been pushed near the ferry lanes near Calais and had to hold our position against the tide for an hour – the first time in my life I had been applauded for standing still. But it all worked out in the end. I’m

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

15

smash cross-Channel relay record very proud of the team – we got the result we deserved.”

The swim took nearly two years to plan, with swimmers dropping out along the way. But finally the team was complete and their average age was 75 years and 187 days. The oldest swimmer was Robert Lloyd-Evans from Poole, who turns 80 next month. He swam the last leg of the feat, before being joined on the French beach by Bob Holman, Linda Ashmore from Weymouth, 75, Bob Roberts from Weymouth, 74, Kevin Murphy from Dover, 73, and Parviz Habibi from Surbiton, 70.

They were also joined

TOP JOB: Swimmer Bob Holman and, right, the route the swimmers took across the Channel was tracked

rather unexpectedly by some gendarmes, but thankfully weren’t asked to swim back to the boat for their passports.

Bob said: “These were all very experienced open water swimmers but youth was not on our side. Parviz and I had swum the

channel solo just once, Linda had done it twice and holds the current record for the oldest lady to swim the channel.

“Kevin Murphy, a living legend, has swum the channel a staggering 34 times, the most by a male swimmer and is the current

King of the Channel. Bob R and Robert were previous channel relay swimmers.”

He added: “It was just a fabulous rollercoaster of a day with a triumphant ending.

“We certainly did it the hard way but no one faltered and I believe we deserved our success in the end. I am now a fully retired channel swimmer, “My wife Diana simply will not allow me to think of returning and for once in my life I need to do as I am told!” n To donate to the team’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK go to justgiving.com/ fundraising/ofitw2

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Small, stubborn and humorous: Why

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Stubborn but humorous, loyal yet bossy – West Dorset writer Claire Dunn has lifted the lid on what life can be like with a Pembroke corgi.

The beloved breed of the late Queen, Pembroke corgis like Claire’s fouryear-old boy Thegn were originally bred to herd cattle.

The fifth generation in a line of Welsh hill farming stock, Thegn – a name derived from an AngloSaxon word meaning servant to a lord – still shows his herding instinct to this day.

“Oh, you can’t boss a corgi around,” said Claire.

“They’re very loyal but they can also try to herd you and can nip at your ankles a bit to try to keep you in line.

“My husband Richard’s family has had corgis since the 1940s. The family always had working dogs, gun dogs and the like, and corgis fit in very well as cattle dogs.

“They are small, stubborn and humorous – I think that’s what is appealing about them.”

The popularity of Pembroke corgis has grown ever since the late Queen was given her first

HERD ABOUT MY DOG: Claire Dunn with Thegn

one, Susan, on her 18th birthday.

Kennel Club figures show 1,223 Pembroke corgis were registered last year, up from 887 registered the previous year.

Kennel Club figures also show that last year six registered Pembroke corgi were exported from the UK – one each to Belgium, the Russian Federation,

Singapore and New Zealand and two to Italy.

“I think their popularity is due in part to the Queen of course,” said Claire.

“But I also think it’s the purity of the breed.

“They’re such sturdy little dogs and one of the traditional British breeds, so they’re also popular in America and Japan.

“We only keep one corgi

at a time because, as the Queen knew herself, it can be a problem when you have more than one in the household.”

Claire added: “We trained Thegn with the help of Jane Mallett at All About the Dog West Dorset. If not for her professional training, he would be much more difficult.

“I couldn’t recommend Jane highly enough to dog owners.

“She’s the most intuitive person I’ve ever seen with a dog.

“Thegn is now very sociable, he loves greeting people and other dogs.”

Claire and Richard also have a Brussels griffon hunting dog named Millie who they rescued from France. According to Claire: “Millie’s the boss, although sometimes Thegn thinks he is.

“He understands their dynamic, although he’s very stubborn and doesn’t want to accept it, but they get on very well.”

Speaking of her success in helping to train Thegn, Jane Mallett said: “Training corgis is very much like training any other dog – a positive and kind approach is most effective, so rewarding good behaviour helps to develop good manners and a stronger bond between an owner and their puppy.”

Library offering lots of free events in the week Sherborne Library has lots happening all through the week.

Every Monday 2pm-3.30pm, it’s ‘Feel Better with a Book’. Come along to read with others and have group discussions, no need to book.

Every Tuesday from 10am-10.30am, it’s story time for under 5s.

Every second Tuesday 11am-1pm there are Family and Local History sessions with the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society. Share

stories and get help with family research, no need to book.

Every Thursday in term time 1pm3pm, The Scribes writing group.

Share work, receive inspiration and ideas. All above events free.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

17

the corgi was top dog for Her Majesty A Royal love affair started with Dookie For decades, the corgi has been synonymous with Queen Elizabeth II, who has been captured on camera many times surrounded by corgis. The corgi evolved into a beloved symbol of our late Queen. The corgi was first introduced to the royal family in 1933, when King George VI, then the Duke of York, acquired a corgi puppy called Dookie for his family.

As a young child, Elizabeth was

PET SUBJECT: The Queen and Prince Phillip at Sandringham with one of the corgis

exceptionally fond of Dookie and would feed him by hand from a dish held by a footman.

Dookie was later joined by Jane, who lived with the family until she died in

1944. Later in the same year, Elizabeth was gifted Susan for an 18th birthday present. Susan was indeed very special and it is widely believed Elizabeth snuck Susan on her

honeymoon with Prince Philip three years later, in 1947.

The late Queen owned 30 Pembroke Welsh corgis during her lifetime, and all descended from Susan.

It was Willow who, in 2012, co-starred in a sketch opening the start of the London Olympics.

Willow was joined by Holly and Monty and are featured as they greet Bond, to follow him and the Queen down the palace stairs before taking off in a helicopter to the London Stadium. Willow, who sadly died in 2018, was believed to be part of the 14th generation and sadly, the last corgi of the Windsor line.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Lord Lieutenant’s memories of the

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

As the Queen’s representative in Dorset, Angus Campbell has met the monarch more than most.

The 73-year-old former Dorset County Council leader has been kept busy over the last couple of weeks, travelling all over the county for ceremonial occasions and up to London for the funeral, to which he was invited along with 97 other Lord Lieutenants from around Britain.

Now he is preparing to support the new King, having also met Charles on numerous occasions due in part to the Prince’s commitment to Poundbury.

He said: “The Queen has been an amazing person.

“She was an extraordinary person and did so much.

“She was totally determined and dedicated and completely fulfilled the promise she made. I know the monarchy is a traditional thing but she kept it up to date and relevant for 70 years.

“It’s quite clear the world felt huge affection for the Queen – it’s a very rare thing for her to have actually maintained relevance for so many years. She was the second longest reigning monarch the world has known – and that’s only because Louis XIV cheated as he ascended the throne at the age of four.

“You can see that love, recognition and honour in the response to her death around the world. But

HAVE YOU COME FAR? Angus Campbell greets HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Dorchester South and, below, Charles is proclaimed King by Sibyl King, High Sheriff of Dorset with the Lord Lieutenant

despite the sorrow we all feel there is also optimism and hope for the future.

“Charles has been a great prince and will be a great monarch. He has a very modern view of life and will be a terrific sovereign for us.

“He can’t be better, but he can certainly bring the monarchy forward.

“We are in deep mourning for someone so special for us but change can be a huge positive and I am excited for the future.”

Mr Campbell, who served for many years in the Army Air Corps, remembers the Queen as a dignified person, with a

great sense of humour.

He said: “One small incident that comes to mind is when she came to Poundbury for the unveiling of the Queen Mother’s statue.

“She left before King Charles and I had to accompany her to the train station. She had arrived at Dorchester South and departed at Dorchester West and as I was walking with her to the train she said: ‘Tell me why Dorchester has two stations’. I started blathering about two companies and different lines and she looked at me steadily with a twinkle in

her eye and said, ‘You don’t know, do you?’

“She and the Duke were in many ways a double act. I was introduced to him in Sherborne when I was council leader and he looked at me and said, ‘You’re a long way from home, aren’t you?’ I was so caught up in the occasion I hadn’t a clue what he meant at first…”

Mr Campbell took over the voluntary role of Lord Lieutenant in 2014, having been selected in a process that goes back centuries to the reign of Henry VIII. The role involves liaising with the military, supporting volunteers and also involves advising on the award of honours such as the MBE and OBE. He said: “You don’t know it’s happening till it happens – you don’t apply for the role. It’s very flattering to be selected.

“An officer in the government assists with appointing the Lord Lieutenant and bishops, alongside senior members of the church.”

The role used to be held by members of the aristocracy as they were close to the monarch. They were allowed to raise armies, among other things.

“We can’t anymore,” said Mr Campbell. “This is one of the downsides!”

Having just turned 73, Mr Campbell now has just under two years left to serve as Lord Lieutenant – they must retire at 75.

He said: “It doesn’t seem like eight years at all. It’s a totally different job now.

“Time goes incredibly fast – it might be my age…”

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Royal double act The Queen has visited gifts for our visitors, which it Sherborne Abbey twice, fell to me to present in his once in 1998 to see the absence. dedication of the Great West The first was a lovely icon of Window and then again in St Philip. The visit was 2012 as part of her taking place on May 1, the nationwide Diamond Jubilee Feast of St Philip and St tour. Reverend Canon Eric James. Prince Philip seemed Woods, who has since delighted with it. retired, was there on each The second was in a little occasion to velvet ring bag. meet and greet It was a the monarch. miniature of He said: the St Philip “When The icon, which Queen’s John had Diamond written for Her Jubilee Tour Majesty. of the UK was Later that ABBEY HABIT: HM The being month the Queen and Prince arranged, Duke was Phillip with the Rev Sherborne taken ill and Canon Eric Woods at was chosen as had to spend Sherborne Abbey her only some time in destination in hospital. When Dorset. The he recovered, I then Lordreceived a Lieutenant of telephone call Dorset, Mrs from Anthony PittBuckingham Rivers, came to see me to Palace. Throughout her plan the event. HM and husband’s illness, said the HRH, she said, were rather Lady in Waiting, Her “serviced-out”and could we Majesty had carried the do something different? miniature icon of St Philip “The Duke, I knew, was with her every day. Could I deeply interested in anything please supply the technical. Couldn’t we put iconographer’s contact trestles over the pews and details, so that The Queen get Abbey-related artists and could send him a message of craftsmen to do their stuff as thanks? When he received he toured the church? But that message, John was what about The Queen? walking on air for weeks.

Well, why not a marquee in All of which is testimony to the Close with a wonderful the care and attention given display of Dorset foods,

by Her Majesty to what the wines and other produce? poet and mystic William And so it transpired. The Blake (1757–1827) called Lord-Lieutenant escorted “Minute Particulars”. Here The Queen round the is the quote: Labour well the marquee. I escorted Prince Minute Particulars: attend to Philip round the Abbey. the Little Ones’ “He was in his element as he Her Late Majesty did indeed talked to stonemasons, “attend to the Little Ones”. carpenters and so on. But She did good to others in one table was without its Minute Particulars. I artist. John Coleman, a learned that by way of a tiny wonderful iconographer who icon in Sherborne Abbey. is sadly no longer with us, May she rest in peace and was unwell. And he had two rise in glory.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Schooldays revisited at lunch date

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Former pupils of two single-sex grammar schools in Sherborne, which closed in 1992 after the Gryphon was built, are being invited to an annual lunch.

Richard Foster founded Foster’s School in Hound Street in 1640, with money from rent at Foster’s Farm at Boy’s Hill, Holwell. He also set aside money for the education of ‘ten poor maids of the town of Sherborne’. However it was not until 1738 when girls were enrolled in classes, and Lord Digby’s School was founded in 1747.

Originally, the students of Foster’s School were to be boys from Sherborne aged between seven and 11. It was known as the Blue School, a common name for charity schools in which the students wore blue coats. In addition to the blue coat, the boys were issued a bonnet, two shirts, two cravats, two pair of stockings and two pairs of shoes each year.

Richard Foster died before the school’s first term in 1687. But the school remained open for 352 years.

By 1939, a new building had been provided at Tinney’s Lane to educate 150 boys with the old school buildings in Hound Street being retained as a small boarding house and headmaster’s residence. The school worked closely with the girls’ grammar school, Lord Digby’s, and in later

BACK IN TIME: Foster’s School pictured in 1987 and, right, during demolition

DIVE IN: The swimming pool at Foster’s and below, a school bus and Sherborne House

years each school provided distinct areas of expertise and adopted a coeducational approach for pupils from both schools for A levels. Although both schools were small, educational standards were high.

Committee member John House, 84, who attended Foster’s from 1949-53, said: “Over the years many pupils from a wide

area, Sherborne, The Caundles, Yetminster, Bradford Abbas, The Comptons, etc who passed the 11-plus exam went to these schools.

“Pupils also came from the Polish refugees who were up in Haydon Park at the time and some pupils were evacuees who came to the area during the war; some came from further away and were boarders at the

old school in Hound Street. The two schools closed in 1992 and all pupils then went to the Gryphon School.”

In 1987, plans were announced to close Foster’s and Lord Digby’s schools and merge them with St Aldhelm’s school into a comprehensive.

In 1992, the schools were closed and The Gryphon School was created on the

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

for former pupils

BACK TO SCHOOL: Foster’s in Hound Street, Sherborne

21

Harbouring thoughts on town development?

If you live, work or visit Weymouth town centre and harbourside you are invited to a virtual tour and to give your views.

Have your say on which areas and buildings you most admire, and which parts could be improved.

Your opinions will help to shape future neighbourhoods in Weymouth by developing a set of design codes for developers. The codes encourage good design reflecting the unique character of the area.

Each virtual tour will cover

a different part of central Weymouth, including Northern (Train station and Swannery car park), Southern (Peninsula and Brewers Quay), Western (Harbourside including North Quay Offices) and Eastern area (Town Centre).

The four workshops are being held as part of the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan design code work, which is part of the Government’s Pathfinders programme. The tours run from September 21 to 27.

Go to Eventbrite to book.

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site of the old St Aldhelm’s School. The Foster’s site at Tinney’s Lane was sold off for housing, and the main estate was named Fosters Field.

Thirty years after they closed, the members of the Old Fosterians’ Association are still meeting up, and this year their AGM and lunch is being held on October 15

at the Grange Hotel in Oborne.

It is open to ex-pupils from Foster’s and Lord Digby’s schools and costs £32 for a three-course meal.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from Dr Ian Maun at wordsmith@ eclipse.co.uk n Visit fostersdigbys.co.uk for further information.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Joint chief agreed for health bodies

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Two NHS bodies in West Dorset have agreed to appoint a joint chief executive and a joint chairperson.

In a shared statement, the trust boards of both Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital said a joint leadership model will ‘improve the delivery of care to local communities by simplifying decisionmaking, increasing integration and improving quality’.

The NHS trusts will not merge and the financial, governance and regulatory responsibilities for each organisation will remain with two separate boards.

A recruitment process for

the shared posts will begin shortly. Both trusts currently have acting chief executives.

The tenures of the bodies’ chairmen – Andy Willis for Dorset HealthCare and Mark Addison for Dorset County Hospital – will come to an end next year.

An NHS spokesperson said: “Shared leadership for the two trusts will enable them to develop a clear common purpose and innovative solutions for current challenges, with a focus on the prevention of ill health, tackling health inequalities and better integration between physical and mental health.”

Mark Addison said: “This approach builds on our

existing strong partnership working and on everything we have learned from our quick and effective response to the challenges presented by the pandemic.

“A shared chief executive and shared chairperson will take a ‘helicopter view’ across our two organisations and help to address any blockers may be affecting our ability to provide the best quality care.”

Andy Willis added: “This move is not about merging the two organisations, which would cause significant upheaval and distract us from our core drive to improve services for local people.

“A partnership strengthened by shared

Dorset County Hospital chairman Mark Addison

leadership is in line with the aspirations of the newly-created local Integrated Care System, Our Dorset. And we will, of course, continue to work proactively with all NHS, council and community partners within and beyond our own health and care system.”

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Farm shop’s lightbulb moment after

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A family-run farm shop is going green after a shock electricity bill for more than £9,000 for just one month galvanised them into action.

Simon Holland and his sister Bryony Brock were horrified to receive a massive bill for August’s electricity at Washingpool Farm, just outside Bridport.

August had always been a bit of a killer for electric, as the hot weather made their fridges and freezers work hard.

Another big drain on their electric are the pumps taking water from a spring on site and pumping it to where it needs to go.

However last year they received a grant from Low Carbon Dorset to replace their open fridges, which helped bring their energy use down.

May’s bill this year was around £1,700. But in August the rate shot up to 80p per kwh and a bill for over £9,000 arrived.

Such a bill might kill off newer businesses, but the family have been running a shop from Washingpool since 1971.

Simon and Bryony’s late grandparents Mr and Mrs Eveleigh launched the shop, their parents Alan and Gillian Holland took over later and these days the shop, farm, holiday cottages and campsite involves the whole family – Alan and Gillian, who are now in their 70s, Simon, Bryony and their spouses and their six

SHOCKING: Simon Holland with his electric bill and, right, the shop at Washingpool Farm

children, aged eight to 19.

They have put their heads together and come up with a plan to reduce the bills and keep their heads above water.

Simon said: “The government’s plans are still vague – we don’t really know what we’re going to get.

“Even with the cap it will still be too much as we’re in contract now. I don’t see

much help coming our way.

“We’re investing heavily into PV to bring the price down – a wind turbine is out of question as you would be able to see it for miles around, given we’re in the middle of the AONB. But solar we can do.

“In a way it’s a good thing, getting people to think about reducing their usage.

Reducing demand is a good thing.

“But many people won’t be able to do what we’re doing.

“They might not have the space or the money to invest.

“Even with the solar panels though it looks like we have to keep working very hard. It’s a struggle, prices are all rising and all our producers have higher

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

£9k electric bill

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“We’re not replacing staff if they leave. We have 30 members of staff – all local and very loyal, who help run the shop, café, our small touring caravan site, two holiday cottages and farm.”

The farm is mixed, with beef, sheep and vegetables being

produced for the shop and café.

Simon said: “We buy quite a bit in, but we have a rule that everything is from the south west, including the wine and spirits. Bread and cakes come from Evershot Bakery. Everything we grow we sell – potatoes as well. But we need support from the public.

“It’s going to be hard.”

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26

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Why equality is top of the agenda for

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

‘Inequality for women must end in Dorset’, say the Women’s Action Network Dorset.

The group has launched a campaign for a Women’s Charter in the county, hoping to tackle inequality.

Women in senior and influential positions from many backgrounds including politics, culture, business, education, and finance, joined forces at a meeting earlier this month, to put plans in place to drive equality forward.

Chairperson of WAND Marianne Storey said: “Women and girls have experienced inequality for very many years – not just in Dorset but globally. What’s positive is that we are starting to experience a new time of unprecedented opportunity for women as society begins to acknowledge the sexism that is so entrenched, and to change its views and its biases about women’s specific roles, abilities, needs and ambitions.”

Underpinning the campaign is how opportunities, feeling safe, and health and life expectancy vary according to where the 393,000 women and girls of Dorset live.

Marianne said: “This makes Dorset the right place to launch a Women’s Charter – a charter which recognises that very specific action needs to be taken to redress this imbalance for women.

“We are going to do that by creating a charter that will set out what we expect from our representatives, leaders and decision makers and what women should be able to expect as citizens living in

this county.”

Women’s charters are nothing new. The London Women’s Night Time Charter, the Bristol Women in Business Charter are working and more organisations are rolling them out to ensure gender equality in the workplace, including the RMT Women’s Charter and the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter.

Nicola Newman, ex CEO of Ansbury Guidance, who cohosted the event with Marianne, said: “There are women in Dorset who experience inequality, sexism, misogyny, discrimination, exclusion and hardship because of their gender. And yet, in the same county there are also women who experience privilege, wealth, good health, extensive

opportunities, first class education and a free and productive life.

“We have some fabulous women leaders in our business community and our schools, colleges and universities are first class.

“Dorset women do not have the same experiences countywide and so, quite apart from the obvious gender inequality, there is inequality amongst women themselves and that needs to be addressed.

“By creating a charter, we can set out exactly what any woman should be able to expect in our county and then hold decision makers to account for making sure it happens. This charter will be written by women, for women, about women. And we expect hundreds of women to stand

behind it.”

Marianne Storey added: “In the wake of the success of the Lionesses at the Women’s Football Euros 2022, we can see clearly that our society is shifting its attitudes towards women which is hugely encouraging.

“Now is the time to give women and girls opportunities to take full advantage of that shift and start working towards a fully inclusive, safe, healthy and equal society where noone is held back or compromised because of their gender or where they live.” n For more details about WAND visit wandwomen.org.uk or follow on social media @DorsetWomen or the hashtag #DorsetWomen

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

27

Dorset women – and what we do about it Hooray for go-getters of West Dorset sisterhood While statistics for gender equality make for grim reading, West Dorset boasts some seriously successful and inspirational women.

We have Lisa Pharaoh, pictured, owner of Pharaoh Law Solicitors and Mediators, who has just been made Vice President of the Law Society, there is Ros Nelmes of Fordington Gin and Lisa Gunning, another success story, who started her career as an optician receptionist before training at Anglian Ruskin University in Cambridge to become an optician when there were few women in

the profession. Following the retirement of Gill and David Bowden, Lisa took over the practice.

And of course, there are many, many more women heading up businesses and securing lucrative freelance work in this corner of the county.

The number of selfemployed women in Dorset is higher than the national average, with 21,300 women working as freelancers or setting up alone, marking a 60% increase from 2004.

According to Companies House, 1,410 female-led businesses have been

incorporated over the past two years in Dorset, with 110 of those over the first two months of 2022.

The West Dorset Magazine’s own Miranda Robertson and Karen Bate are two such women. The pair incorporated Bird Media Ltd in January and launched this bi-weekly

hybrid of news and lifestyle just a month later.

In just six months, the WDM has secured a huge following, with tens of thousands of readers.

Karen said: “We have been journalists since the 90s and have amassed a wealth of experience in that time.

“We know what people like to read and our readers already love the magazine.

“In six months, we have become the best-read local magazine on the patch.

“We are thrilled at the magazine’s success and the fantastic team we have on board.”

FACTFILE: n On average, the number of working women is falling, while the number of workless households is growing. n 15.5% of companies in Dorset are female-led – only just lower than the national average of 16%. n The number of selfemployed women in Dorset is higher than the national average. n The average wage in Dorset is lower than the national average – and falling. n Post-covid, women in Dorset are earning 15% less than their male peers and were hit much harder by the pandemic, juggling work and caring responsibilities, bearing the bigger brunt of managing households in lockdown whilst working

in lower paid jobs. n The leaders of both councils, Dorset Police, Dorset Fire and Rescue, Bournemouth University and the leads for planning decisions in both councils are men. n But the chair and CEO of the new Integrated Care System, the chair of the Dorset Local Economic Partnership and the leads for Children and Family Services in both councils are women. n The national average proportion of women who are court judges is 34%.

Sources: The Gender Index 2022 Report Dorset Council Population Data State of Dorset Police Crime Data 2021 wandwomen.org.uk

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28

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

A career in combat zones, armed only

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Despite working in some of the most dangerous places in the world, West Dorset photographer Carlos Guarita reflects on his life’s work with good humour.

Insisting he is not a war photographer, Carlos has nonetheless spent much of his working life in African combat zones, often behind the frontlines capturing a first-hand view of how people are affected by brutal regional conflicts and civil wars.

Having discovered an appreciation for the work of photojournalists such as Don McCullin as a teenager, Carlos got an early break as a photographer when he was commissioned to take shots in a Scottish prison on behalf of the Prison Reform Trust.

Some of Carlos’s photos were picked up by The Observer, helping launch a career that saw him go on to cover the human cost of conflicts in places such as Angola and Mozambique.

“War photography at that time in the early 1980s was all about showing the effect of these conflicts but not understanding what was going on behind it,” said Carlos.

“Photography is often about conflict, and about war to some extent, but not all of it and I wanted to show a different side to things.

“I’ve worked in combat

ARMS AND THE MAN: British Army equipment exhibition at Aldershot in 1988 and, left, militia training in Inhambane, Mozambique, in 1984.

Inset: Photographer Carlos Guartita

zones closely with armies, but I’m not a war photographer.”

Having co-founded the Reportage photo agency and a photography centre in Nicargua, Carlos went on to photograph young militia men conducting

rifle training drills with wooden sticks in Inhambane, Mozambique in 1984.

The militia were training to defend against attacks by the Mozambican National Resistance known as RENAMO (Resistência Nacional Moçambicana).

In Mugulama, central Mozambique, in 1990, Carlos photographed refugees left starving and exhausted behind RENAMO rebel lines.

These people were later

rescued by Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) government troops.

In central Angola in 1993, Carlos photographed the aftermath of aerial bombing by People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government planes against the town of Huambo while it was under the control of the rebel UNITA party.

Many of these photos were published by national newspapers and magazines

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

29

with a camera and a sense of humour

PROFILE: Children in Huambo, Central Angola, in 1993 and right, Henry Kissinger at Lisbon Airport in 1983

TRAGEDY: Starved civilians trapped behind rebel RENAMO lines in Mugulama, Mozambique, in 1984 and, right, a wounded man in the Namibe Desert during the Angolan civil war in 1989

both in the UK and overseas.

Carlos said: “When you see people living in just terrible conditions in refugee camps and out on the streets, I felt I wanted to look into the causes of this misery.”

Going behind the scenes of ‘the misery’, Carlos also began photographing UK military fairs and weapons conventions in the period before the first Iraq war.

Often overlooked by mainstream media at the time, Carlos found these

events ‘where people make astonishing amounts of money’ fascinating.

At a military fare in Aldershot in 1988, Carlos photographed military officials from Saudi Arabia, Spain and Chile watching what was described as a ‘pyrotechnics’ display.

Carlos also photographed a potential customer trying out a LAW 80 light antitank weapon for size.

Newer versions of this weapon have been supplied to Ukraine to help

fight the Russian invasion.

“I realised quite early on I didn’t want to be war a photographer,” Carlos said.

“I had a friend who was killed in an airstrike when he was embedded with a group of Kurds.

“The most dangerous thing I ever did was cross a minefield, but that was along a path that had already been marked and I was with a demolition guy and a sniffer dog.”

Now aged 76, Carlos has been retired for 11 years.

Looking at the photojournalism industry now, Carlos says it has been majorly affected by two factors: digital photography and 9/11.

“Editors now want live video rather than artful black and white photos,” said Carlos. “Early on in my career I very often would have to pay my costs to cover a job and then make sure I made my money back afterwards in sales, but I think I got away with that by having a bit of a sense of humour.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

MP welcomes £5bn superfast broadband project West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the news that Dorset has been awarded the first major contract of the £5billion Project Gigabit investment drive to improve superfast broadband in hard to reach areas.

Mr Loder said: “The South West remains the second lowest area in

Great Britain for gigabit broadband at just under 62 per cent.

“I have been lobbying hard in Parliament for this to change and I am pleased to see this positive step forward in terms of providing the rural south west with broadband that is fit for the needs of places like

West Dorset.”

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited the Sherborne area to view ongoing preparations ahead of the planned switch-on of gigabit broadband to 7,000 homes and premises in and around the town.

Branch out and grab yourself a tree Schools and community groups in West Dorset are being urged to apply to The Woodland Trust for free trees.

The trust has ambitious plans to break its record annual giveaway of more than 1.3m free trees to schools and community groups as the next round of tree-pack applications opens.

Applications for trees to be delivered in spring 2023 are now open and Woodland Trust senior project lead Vicki I DON’T BE-LEAF IT: Take advantage of the Woodland Trust’s free tree offer Baddeley hopes even more schools and groups schools and communities Vicki added: “We couldn’t applications and I have no will take up the offer of with a simple yet mighty do this without the support doubt they will go quickly free saplings and get tool to combat the effects and generosity of our so I would advise any planting in the coming of climate change, as well funders. interested groups to apply year. as provide ever more vital “We have great backing sooner rather than later to She said: “This year our food and habitats for local and our thanks go out to secure their saplings! communities have really wildlife.” each of them for their vital “Giving away 1.3m in felt the impact of climate The Woodland Trust’s free support. The desire to 2022 will be a huge change first hand, and tree packs scheme has plant trees is growing all achievement, but I am many are seeing the seen trees sent far and the time and we expect confident we can do even incredible benefits trees wide this year, with the demand for our free trees better in 2023 and deliver can bring to provide much spring giveaway alone to be even greater this every one of the 1.4m needed shade, shelter, and delivering a total 623,910 time out. saplings available.” help to prevent flooding. saplings to 3,865 “There will be 600,000 n To apply for free trees “By offering the free organisations across the saplings up for grabs in visit thewoodland packs we aim to equip our UK. the spring round of trust.org.uk

Cut down on your plastics and be in line for an award West Dorset businesses are urged to reduce their plastic use to be in the running for a new award.

Litter Free Dorset’s Sustainable Business Network and Award is free to enter for all Dorset based

businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

A spokesperson for the network said: “The sustainable business award is all about helping businesses make small changes which can have a big impact

on the environment.

“Litter Free Dorset is inviting businesses to take their first steps towards achieving the Sustainable Business Award by finding and completing our initial survey online.”

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

31

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE: Stuart Dawson pictured at some of the Premier League stadia he visited

Top of the league! Stu’s stadium walk

Fundraising football fanatic Stuart Dawson has completed his walking tour of England’s Premier League stadia.

Stuart, from Broadmayne, took 21 days to complete the challenge, suffering shin splints and a foot infection.

So far, he has raised £9,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Stop MS appeal.

Stuart said: “If I’m honest, I had doubts as to whether I would be able to complete my tour but I suppose it’s remarkable

what a bit of stubbornness, competitiveness and

perseverance can achieve.

“I also found comfort and encouragement in my faith.

I’m currently recovering

well from my exertions.”

Stuart set out on his walking tour from Newcastle United FC’s St James’ Park stadium on August 14.

He took on the challenge in support of family and friends who suffer from MS, including his daughter-in-law and his friend Nick.

Stuart and Nick met each other playing football 30 years ago and their friendship grew when they later worked together. Nick was diagnosed with MS in 2014 and his condition has deteriorated since then.

During Stuart’s walking tour, Everton FC gave him

a signed pennant and Southampton FC gave him a match ball.

At the final stop of his walking tour, AFC Bournemouth player Steve Fletcher arranged for Stuart to be presented with a signed match shirt from Dominic Solanke at the Vitality Stadium.

All of these items will now be auctioned off to raise further funds for the Stop MS Appeal.

Stuart said he was ‘blown away’ by people’s generosity and that people can still make donations through his JustGiving account (search for Stuart Dawson).

Poverty group’s meeting to help with finances Dorchester Poverty Action will host a course designed to help people manage their money in the face of the cost of living crisis.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) money coaches Dick and Jane Howard will speak at the open meeting on Tuesday, October 4 at 7pm in the Dorford Centre.

A poverty action spokesperson said:

“Money is something we all need, but currently for most people prices are rising faster than the money coming in, whether it is wages, pensions or benefits.

“It is not stretching as far as we need to cover rising food bills, energy bills, rent or mortgages and other everyday expenses.

“This year’s annual Dorchester

Poverty Action Open meeting is an opportunity to find out more about the CAP money management course, which teaches how to budget, save and prevent debt.

“The CAP Money Course will help you take complete control of your finances.” n dorchesterpoverty action.org.uk

32

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Season launches at church Dorset Chamber Orchestra’s 2022-23 Season gets off to a rousing start on Saturday, October 1 at St Mary’s Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester DT1 2HL. Arguably two of the finest classical symphonies are on the programme, Beethoven’s Symphony No 1 and Haydn’s Symphony

No 104 ‘London’. The concert also showcases two talented soloists from the woodwind section as Sarah Holloway-Shore and Clare Whitehead perform Alibinoni’s Double Oboe Concerto. Tickets Adult £16: 18yrs and under £1 available from dorsetchamberorchestra.org or on 01305 269069

Chance to look round prep school Sunninghill Prep School in Dorchester is an inspirational school, passionate that all pupils are nurtured and challenged, so they have the skills and ambition to be the very best version of themselves.

The school hosts a number of open mornings each year, to give parents and children an opportunity to view the school during a ‘normal school day’.

You can take a tour of the school

led by current pupils, drop into lessons, enjoy some refreshments and homemade cakes (made by our chef and her team) and have a chat with senior members of staff.

The next Open Morning is Friday, October 14 9.30am-noon, however you are welcome to visit before then. Please make contact and we can make arrangements.

To book a visit, please ring the school on 01305 262306 or email info@sunninghill.dorset.sch.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

33

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A trading estate in Bridport has earned a following among the cool kids, having been transformed from a derelict netmaking area to something resembling Carnaby Street over its 54 years.

One of Bridport’s seven industrial estates – whoever knew that many were squeezed in to such a small town? – St Michael’s is effortlessly cool.

Now known as Bridport’s arts and vintage quarter, there’s of course, lots of creative and funky producers here, as well as collectors of all sorts, antiques emporia and vintage items of all shapes and sizes.

Here you can view Billy Mumford’s famed forgeries at Global Art & Antiques, browse the lots at Bridport Auctions and greet a life-sized David Bowie at Clocktower Music, which is full to bursting with fantastic vinyl.

Alongside all this creative splendour, other businesses have sprung up. You can also buy domestic appliances, car parts, headstones and more here.

The estate was first conceived when Londoner Norman Hayward Senior, then aged 60, arrived in Bridport with his two sons, Clive and Norman Junior. The estate, laid out over six acres, was partially derelict. Net and rope making production had stopped years before and transferred to other parts of the town. So the

NET RESULT: Signs at St Michael’s and, left, the old net factories and the Haywards, Clive, Norman and Norman Snr

Town’s cool arts & vintage quarter offers fun to funky Haywards set about transforming the estate into a number of small and not so small

units –a significant task that kept the family occupied for several years, undertaking much of the work themselves.

His two sons continued

those traditions. Today Norman Hayward is still meeting the needs of a variety of tenants and over the years many hundreds of businesses have benefitted from this approach. Clive Haywood died in 2019, having been instrumental in the development of the estate.

Some businesses have gone on to outgrow St Michael’s, such as Par Acoustics, Top Gear, Clipper Teas, Lilliput Textiles and Coastal Nets.

A spokesman said: “But not all businesses here seek to grow and expand – many are just happy to

survive and continue as they are; family businesses in particular.

They are just as important to St Michael’s and just as welcome.”

Once a month, on the last Sunday, traders gather at St Michael’s for the vintage market, when many of the tenants of the estate open their doors to show off their wares and the shoppers pour in to bag their heart’s desire and have a slice of cake.

It’s all great fun.

One shopper, who only discovered the estate by chance this week, said: “I thought it was amazing – such a great atmosphere and so many great shops.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Inspirational speakers make a difference Prepare to be inspired by a clutch of incredibly diverse speakers at a new event in Bridport next month.

Bridport’s first ever TEDx event will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, October 19 at Bridport Arts Centre and The LSi, featuring innovation, social and environmental changemakers.

A spokesman said: “Our speakers are individuals making a difference in their field. Whether working with communities, innovating farming, making impactful changes to the way we interact socially and more.

“We are looking for the cream of the crop to come and share their ideas with Bridport.

“As TEDx Bridport’s first event we want to shine a

TEDX TALKS: Alison Lapper and, inset Jyoti Fernandes

spotlight on the innovating changemakers who are trying to make a difference to the way that we live our lives, whether locally or internationally.”

Speaker Alison Lapper MBE is an artist, presenter, disability campaigner and a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.

In 2000 Alison gave birth to her son Parys. During this

time, she was approached by sculptor Marc Quinn who created the Alison Lapper Pregnant statue. It spent 18 months on the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square in 2005, raising disability awareness.

In 2019, after several years of suffering with mental health issues, Parys tragically died of an accidental drug overdose.

Devastated by her loss, Alison continues to campaign for people with mental health and drug abuse issues - most recently with her project: The Drug of Art. Anna Ledgard is a trainer with Living Well Dying Well, building understanding and

confidence in planning for and talking about death and dying. Anna lives in Bridport.

Jyoti Fernandes is an agrecological smallholder farmer based at Fivepenny Farm, Bridport. The farm runs a micro dairy and produces a wide range of products from cheese and meats to cider, juice and preserves.

Matt Smith is a founding director of the fantastic Waffle House in Axminster – a non-profit café aiming to fight loneliness and unwantedness by equipping communities with the opportunities, motives and skills to more naturally adventurous conversations.

Nick Goldsmith, who also lives in Bridport, has spent the last 30 years producing music video, TV commercials and a couple of feature films; The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Son of Rambow.

Tickets are £35 to attend in person, while there’s a livestream ticket for under25s for £5. Schools can ask for a livestream link. n tedxbridport.com

Cheers! £13k for mental health More than 1,500 beer lovers raised a glass and a record breaking £13,638 for Dorset Mind at the Hall & Woodhouse Dorset Beer Festival this summer.

The independent familyowned Dorset brewer saw donations surpass the previous total of £10,900.

All proceeds are going directly to the local mental

health and wellbeing charity.

Since launching in 2013, the festival has raised more than £64,638 for local charities including the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support, Blandford Opportunity Group, Alzheimer’s Society, Teddy20 and Together for Short Lives.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022 We try to keep things positive here at WDM towers.

Earlier this month, our nation suffered the loss of our longest reigning monarch.

This blow came at a time when many households are feeling the first pinch of a cost-of-living crisis and perhaps going through their first drought. We’re all tightening our belts, reusing and recycling, making do and mending.

It’s vital at times like this that West Dorset’s communities continue to work together.

It’s a time to grow your own veg and shop local where you can.

And, if you run a business in West Dorset, it’s definitely time to advertise local as well.

Research has shown hyper local advertising can boost brand awareness for your business and create an almost emotional connection between you and your customers.

Advertising in the West Dorset Magazine will increase trust in your customer base while skipping the pitfalls that come with the current oversaturation of digital advertising; just visit a traditional newspaper website to see what we mean – you’ll be cancelling pop up ads for five minutes before you read a word of news.

West Dorset Magazine reaches 40 per cent of the region’s 46,000 homes every fortnight. That’s 20,000 copies distributed through more than 230

Keeping it local, keeping it going.

We’re with you! the most widely read publication in West Dorset and we’re offering highly effective, hyper local advertising for a fraction of the cost of a daily paper or website.

As you might expect, you don’t have to take our word for it. Here are some testimonials from our satisfied advertisers: n “Our order book was

stockists to people who – crucially – want to read our magazine.

Now imagine all of those people – an average of two households out of five – reading adverts for your business before handing the magazine (and your ad) on to friends, neighbours and family members.

You’re currently holding

advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk

|

35

empty before we advertised with the West Dorset Magazine. After two adverts we had 28 orders! n “I have had quite a few calls from my small ad in West Dorset Magazine. People say to me: “I found you in the new magazine.” n “I am pleased so far with the response to my advert. People always mention the magazine – they really love it.” n “Dorset to Doorstep has been advertising with you for the last couple of months as a new business.

We are delighted that several of our new contracts have come from around the region through our advertisements with you. The adverts are working.”

And also from our readers n “We had so many people attending our show and when we asked how they knew about it, so many said the West Dorset Magazine article and the advertisement.” n “This magazine is much looked forward to and read by our entire household.” n “So many interesting articles to read and keep.” n And former Times sports editor Nick Pitt said: “I must commend your excellent magazine.

It is rare indeed to find a local publication with such robust editorial values.”

So contact us today to discuss how we can boost your business – and your bottom line – with a high value advert that speaks directly to your customers.

01305 566336

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Announcements

JUNE ROSE CEREMONIES 07379 982487 | juneroseceremonies@gmail.com n n n n n n

Weddings Funerals Celebrations of Life Baby/Child Naming Ceremonies Vow Renewals Birthday memorial celebrations and any other significant celebrations or rights of passage

juneroseceremonies.co.uk

Mark your occasions in the West Dorset Magazine Following the news of the Queen’s death, we got to thinking how important announcements of births, marriages and deaths are to our readers.

And we decided they were so important we would offer

them for free from now on.

We feel with funeral and celebration costs on the rise, like everything else, we can help out at the best and worst of times.

So if you would like to announce a birth or a

wedding, an engagement or say congratulations, let us know. If a loved one has passed away, you can let people know and detail funeral arrangements in The West Dorset Magazine.

We will also introduce an

announcements section on our website for people to view notices and submit announcements online.

To submit an announcement for publication, please email classifieds@westdorsetmag. co.uk or call 01305 566336.

Why you need lasting power of attorney Chris Tennant, from Maplebrook Wills, explains why organising who will take charge of your affairs if you become incapable of managing them yourself is such an important step.

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and why do I need one?

Like Wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPA’s) are an essential part of estate planning. Why? While wills only come into effect once a person has died, LPAs are effective if someone is still alive but no longer able to function normally.

LPAs allow you to nominate a trusted person called an attorney. They can make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so.

SOUND ADVICE: Chris Tennant of Maplebrook Wills

An LPA gives the attorney the authority to act on your behalf. Both financially and with matters pertaining to your health and care. It goes without saying that attorneys must be people you trust.

But what happens if someone doesn’t have an LPA? If you lose mental

capacity a bank would freeze all accounts – including any in joint names. Even family members would not be able to access them at first.

Obtaining access to the accounts requires a long, drawn-out application to the Court of Protection, and this is a far more

expensive process than getting an LPA in the first place.

There are two types of LPA document – one that covers financial matters and the other health. You should get both types of LPA drawn up as soon as possible, well in advance of when – or if – they might be needed.

Chris said: “Without a ‘lasting power of attorney’ document created in advance, families can find themselves locked out of an ailing loved one’s finances and facing a complicated court process to be appointed their ‘deputy’, with fees running into many thousands of pounds.”

To book an appointment with Maplebrook Wills call 07832 331594.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

37

Announcements

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Giving an address at her father’s funeral in January, Tracie Williams discovered something about herself.

Despite the pain, telling the story of his life and what he meant to his family was something that came naturally to her.

Her husband Duncan, who works for Grassby’s funeral directors, told her she should consider training as a celebrant – and that’s just what she did.

Tracie, 56, who lives in Alton Pancras in the Piddle Valley, is no stranger to significant life events, having been a midwife, nurse and health visitor for over 20 years.

For the last 13 years, she has been a Slimming World consultant, overseeing groups in south and west Dorset and helping her members reach their target weight with weekly support sessions.

“I love it,” she said. “I am most definitely a people person.”

Tracie was juggling running the groups and providing childcare for her daughter’s two children until two years ago, when her daughter moved to the Isle of Man, leaving her with time on her hands.

So her husband’s

THIS IS YOUR LIFE: Celebrant Tracie Williams

Celebrate being a people person and a celebrant

suggestion came at just the right time.

She travelled to Yorkshire for a week’s training to be

a celebrant.

She said: “My husband liked that I told the story of my dad’s life and my eulogy was all very much

about my dad, with personal content about my relationship with him and memories of others.

“He felt that I delivered it clearly and stayed calm and did him proud.

“The celebrant course was an intense week. I’m also doing eight assignments for the training and have a personal tutor. I’ve done six celebrations so far.

They’ve all been different and I’ve enjoyed them all for different reasons.

“I love meeting people and writing the stories of their loved ones’ lives.”

Tracie usually meets the family at their home to learn about what they want for their ceremony – whether that’s a wedding, funeral, naming ceremony or other celebration.

She said: “I have a child naming ceremony coming up, for friend who’s adopting a little girl and I also have a wedding soon.

“The funeral director sorts out the music, so my side is writing the story and delivering that. I send the eulogy or address back and forth so the final version is perfect, so there are no surprises on the day. I find it challenging but enjoyable.”

She added: “I’m hoping this will take off and blossom, so I can be there for people at the important times of their lives and make a difference.” n juneroseceremonies@ gmail.com n juneroseceremonies. co.uk n 07379 982487

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

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. and grated truffle.

So, Ma’am, the recipe below…. it’s one of your favourites.

Be not afraid of greatness.

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. WS “The Queen never was a foodie. She always ate to live rather than live to eat,” a former chef once stated.

The Queen was apparently a stickler for eating seasonal foods and her chefs quickly learnt that offering her strawberries in January was unacceptable.

She was not an adventurous eater, preferring simple fare.

She used a knife and fork to eat a banana, as finger foods were a bit of a taboo.

When discussing menus for banquets, she avoided garlic and onions.

It occurred to me; how difficult it was when it came to eating that she had to anticipate any eating disasters. I thought with amusement, we never heard of times when Her Majesty dribbled soup down her dress or for those of you familiar with the film Elf, allow a loud and unexpected belch to escape! Such

Chocolate Tiffin cake

CHOC-TASTIC: Chocolate Tiffin cake

Chocolate cake fit for a Queen scrutiny our Queen was under, but as someone who had a sense of humour, it’s nice to imagine she might have allowed a small one to escape, along with that twinkle in her eye.

Sandwiches always had crusts cut off, and they were never cut into oblongs, it was considered that the shape were too ‘coffin like’. As a little girl she enjoyed jam sandwiches, cut into

penny-sized rounds, a favourite which she enjoyed into her advanced years, along with the occasional marmalade sandwiches. She preferred traditional British fare but loved French cuisine. She avoided eating potatoes or rice along with meats simply preferring vegetables as an accompaniment. Breakfast was simple, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon

8ozs Rich tea biscuits 4ozs unsalted butter, softened 4ozs caster sugar 16ozs dark or milk chocolate 1 egg Grease a 6-inch-by-2½inch cake tin Break the biscuits into small pieces In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Melt 8ozs chocolate and add to the butter mixture, stirring constantly Add the egg Fold into the biscuit mix Spoon the mixture into the cake tin, pressing hard to smooth down Chill the cake for at least 3 hours. Melt remaining 8ozs chocolate and turn cake out, so the bottom becomes the top Pour over the cake and smooth the top and sides using a palette knife.

Allow to cool.

Mum’s Kitchen...

Speedy Chicken and Orange Traybake Serves 4 Ingredients: 1kg skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs Juice of 1 large orange 3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons runny honey 2 nice fat cloves garlic, crushed 1 sweetheart cabbage Method: In a small bowl, make the marinade by stirring together squeezed orange

juice, soy sauce, honey and crushed garlic, plus 1 tablespoon water. Put the chicken thighs into a sealable food bag and pour the mixed marinade over them. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan.

Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage and slice it into 8 wedges, slicing lengthways through the root. Choose a roasting dish large enough to hold

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23 , 2022

39

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

Make yourself a jar of liquid sunshine Crab Apple, Cider and Chilli Jelly My lovely friend lives in a gorgeous cottage with a beautiful garden. Recently, a load of crab apples suddenly appeared over my gate, followed by an email apologising that she’d abandoned them. I was delighted. Jellies take work but are rewarding when you see the jar, like liquid sunshine, sat on a table nestled amongst the cold cuts. Alternatively you can slather it on a toasted sandwich.

Here are a few handy pointers for making this recipe: Crab apples give a glorious pink glow, but any apples are great. You don’t need to spend much on cider as cheap and cheerful is good enough. Use a clean pair of tights (but don’t wash in scented detergent) if you don’t have a jelly bag. Put 2 or 3 saucers in the fridge before you begin.

Ingredients 2 kg apples 2 lemons, halved

YUMMY: Crab apple, cider and chilli jelly

2 litres medium cider 1.5 - 1.8 kg granulated sugar 1 - 2 teaspoons chilli flakes (dependent on heat required) Knob of butter (5g) Equipment Large pan, Jelly bag 5 or 6 jam jars (approx 340ml) sterilised* Chilled saucers Method Chop the unpeeled apples into pieces (2 cm) and put in the pan with cider and lemons. Bring to the boil

then reduce to a simmer for 45 - 60 minutes.

The jelly is ready when the fruit is soft and pulpy.

Suspend the jelly bag over a bowl and pour the liquefied mash through the bag.

Leave covered with a loose tea towel for several hours (or overnight) until the preserve stops dripping.

The next day I give the bag a little squish to make sure its fully drained.

Weigh the juice, adding 100g sugar for every 100ml of juice, into a clean

with Diana Holman not only the chicken thighs in one layer but also the prepared 8 wedges of sweetheart cabbage nestled around them.

Put the chicken and the marinade into the roasting dish and roast for 20 minutes.

Remove the dish from the oven and baste the chicken with the

sauce. Nestle the cabbage wedges around the chicken and brush with a little rapeseed or olive oil. Roast for another 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked right through.

I served this with wholewheat couscous, but rice, quinoa or mashed potato would also be nice.

saucepan over a low heat.

Pop in chilli flakes and stir occasionally allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.

Then bring the heat up enabling the jelly to reach a rolling boil. Leave to cook for around 30 minutes. Put a teaspoon of jelly on a saucer and leave it for 30 seconds. Push your finger through the jelly - the surface should wrinkle once ready. If it is not quite achieved a set then boil for a further three minutes and repeat the process of testing.

Once ready turn the heat off, add a knob of butter and keep stirring until the surface is clear. Purists may prefer not to add butter as it may make the jelly slightly cloudy.

Once ready, pour the jelly into warm jars and seal.

n Lizzie can be found in The Old Ship Inn, Upwey on Saturday mornings until 12.00. Check out lizzie’s website for more recipes or on Instagram: lizzibaking bird

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Down to earth

BEACHCOMBING with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

I blame it all on the gargoyle.

I had stopped on route to the beach to look for conkers at Upwey. One could hardly miss the outsize tongue on the wonderful gargoyle drain on St Laurence’s church.

By the time I made it to the coast all I could see were tongues. Around the ‘narrows’ of the Fleet lagoon there are a lot of weathered bricks along the foreshore. Possibly from the crumble of antiinvasion pillboxes or just that it is getting closer to the conurbation of central Weymouth?

It is interesting to see the spectrum of weathering from still shaped like brick to only really recognisable by colour and texture.

The slow, unstoppable power of wave and water.

I got excited imagining creating a version of the Rolling Stones cover of Sticky Fingers so collected many lingulate bricks.

When I got home and inspected said album cover I found I was lacking the lips and so ensued a craft frenzy of invention.

Inspired this time by dogs panting I set about drawing a bestiary of lolling tongues.

I pondered on why the exceptionally long tongue on the gargoyle makes sense while some of my

WEATHER-BEATEN: Wind, rain and sea water has taken its toll on these bricks

HOW RUDE: A gargoyle poking its tongue out at St Laurence Church in Upwey, a little dog called Blackberry and, right, techno-chic with the help of an old tripod

Tongues out for lots of LOLs drawings require a huge dollop of suspended belief.

I deduced the answer to be that the gargoyle was functioning for what is was designed to be (a drain) so the odd scale was acceptable?

Scale was also a problem when attempting to use a singular blackberry for the dog’s nose… but don’t worry no berries were injured in this project!

For a long time a brick

sculpted by the coast has taken pride of place on our mantelpiece.

I had thought it resembled an old-fashioned rotary telephone and added a piece of driftwood for a hand-set.

I tried to argue the case that if it were displayed in a whitewashed sterile modern art environment it might sell for a million.

Gathering dust on our cluttered mantelpiece my

friends and family found it hard to agree.

Gallery walls jostle cheek by jowl in our house, so I was reduced to commandeering the shower for a temporary pop-up studio.

An old tripod added (possibly) a touch of techno-chic. Not sure I nailed the right atmosphere – it looks more like a rejected advert for ET. But it was a lot of fun.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

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Down to earth

Milky Way ticked off my bucket list Kevin Quinn is a Dark Sky Custodian for the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve who lives in Piddletrenthide.

Read his blog at theastroguy.wordpress.com As I mentioned in my last article (issue 15) I was just about to jet off for a tenday stargazing adventure in darkest Namibia.

Originally regarded as a ‘once in a lifetime, bucket list’ affair, such was the breathtaking nature of the experience, I’m already looking into how it might be possible to go back again.

A friend and I stayed at the Tivoli Astro Farm, about two hours’ drive south of the capital Windhoek.

Situated in the central Namibian plain, the farm provides full board and lodging, plus the hire of telescopes, and there’s zero light pollution – there are no street lights, no sky glow from neighbouring towns, cities, business parks, etc – the only light on a moonless night coming from the stars and the Milky Way above. And what a sight it is...

Where I live, under Bortle Class 4 skies, the Milky Way is visible as a pale, cloudy band, which, when scanned using binoculars, reveals a great many stars within.

Under the very dark, Bortle Class 1 skies of Namibia, on the other hand, the Milky Way is much, much brighter

WHAT A SIGHT: The Milky Way as observed through Namibia’s zero light pollution skies

than it appears here, and positively glitters with myriad stars, the brighter and darker structures in the galaxy clearly visible. The accompanying photo, taken just with my smartphone, gives a pretty good impression of how it appeared.

Then there were the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (satellite galaxies of the Milky Way), plus spectacular globular clusters, such as Omega Centauri and 47 Tucanae (do look ‘em up), everything appearing brighter and clearer due to the overall darkness of the night sky. We ran out of superlatives pretty quickly.

Thoughts

TREE SURGERY &

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

07826 030706

inevitably turned to coming back to the increasingly light polluted UK, but I'm determined to remain upbeat. Whilst it’s unlikely we’ll ever have class 1 skies in Dorset, or anywhere the country, all is not lost. There are still areas where it’s possible to enjoy the night sky, the Dorset AONB being one.

People are becoming more aware of the effects of light pollution, not only on seeing the night sky, but also on our health and the natural environment.

The current energy crisis is prompting everyone to think about the excessive use of electricity. People are also discussing protecting the night sky in the same way we regulate and protect other natural

resources, such as the coastline, the rural landscape in general, ancient monuments, woodlands, river and sea water quality*, etc.

Back in the before-covid times I set up a Facebook group (Dorchester Area Stargazers), with the intention being that people could seek astro advice, arrange stargazing sessions, post their astro pictures, and generally talk astronomy… The pandemic put an end to stargazing get-togethers, and the group was left to languish somewhat. Do check it out. It's a public group, and everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. *Maybe not such a great example…

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Down to earth PAGAN VIEWS

by JO BELASCO

Three years ago, I had a stroke. Not the kind you get from high blood pressure but the type you can get from sudden and unusual neck movements.

No, I didn’t know they existed either but it’s like a lot of things, you don’t know until they bowl into your life and boy, do you know about it then.

It was a serious stroke and I ended up at Southampton with a brain surgeon deliberating whether he should operate.

About a month before my stroke a gypsy lady waylaid me in a car park at Bridport.

She told me that I was about to have a huge life event.

She offered to do a tarot reading for me but my mother was waiting for me in the car so I declined. I will always remember as I walked away from her she said: “Lucky”.

I did not need brain surgery as my scans showed “remarkable” improvement. By far the worst part for me was a feeling of extreme seasickness which meant I could only hold sustenance down if I lay down. If I stood up – watch out...

Many dear friends and many people I have never met sent me healing.

In fact the doctors kept sending me to the cat-scan as they couldn’t believe how each scan showed such huge improvement. I remember the orderlies

Lemmy tell you all about my huge Motorhead-ache exclaiming about my repeated appearance.

That’s the funny thing – everything that happened at that time seemed hyperreal.

Even my sense of smell. I got to have some insight into what wine buffs are going on about when they extol the virtues of top and under scents.

My sense of hearing was also affected for a short time. The thing I remember most was sitting in my hospital bed

while a neighbouring patient had company.

One of this man’s visitors stayed just to be near him and settled down with his headphones.

I was astounded at the volume of the headbanging music which blared out. I expected patients to wake up in distress and staff to rush to turn it down. The repeated wild chant of “The Ace of Spades, The Ace of Spades” was not doing anything for my

GINORMOUS headache.

I caught the attention of a nurse and asked her to get him to turn it down.

“That music is hurting my head “ I complained.

To which she replied, “What music?”

Nearly, three years to the day I took this photo near The Verne at Portland.

Only later did I see the sword light. I looked up the Ace of Swords tarot card and began to see what the universe was trying to tell me.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

43

Down to earth

So much unnecessary poison spread about ivy Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown up sons and her spotty rescue dog. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle Spreading up through trees and covering old walls and buildings, ivy is often seen by gardeners as harmful and something to get rid of. But it’s actually an incredibly important plant for wildlife and when the ivy in my hedge starts flowering in September I’m amazed at just how many insects it attracts.

Ivy flowers are nothing spectacular and their strong scent is quite unusual, reminding me of the smell of the salt play dough I used to make for the boys! But these clusters (‘umbels’) of small greenish yellow flowers last until November and provide a great source of good quality nectar and pollen when other plants in the garden have faded. Many different

species of bees, hoverflies, wasps, and some late butterflies, such as red admiral, are all attracted to it.

There are other reasons why I love ivy and believe it should have space in the wildlife garden. Its flower buds are a food source for some moths and for holly blue butterflies. The flowers are followed by fat-rich berries that are eaten by blackbirds, thrushes and woodpigeons. Its dense evergreen foliage provides shelter for invertebrates and small mammals including bats, and in the early spring it provides nesting cover for garden birds such as robins and wrens. In fact, The Woodland Trust suggests that ivy supports some 50 different wildlife species.

The poet John Clare described dark creeping ivy…that fondly twists on ruins all thine own, but as it twists over buildings, will it lead to their ruin? An Oxford University study on

behalf of Historic England concluded that ivy can actually benefit a building by trapping pollutants and buffering extremes of temperature and humidity and reducing the severity of frosts. It cannot bore into buildings but with careful pruning it can be prevented from growing into and worsening existing cracks and crevices.

As for its effect on trees, ivy is not a parasite and does not harm the tree it is growing on, as long it is pruned regularly to prevent it growing so high that it competes for light.

Although as Charles Dickens said in his poem The Ivy Green, ivy clings to his friend the huge oak tree, this is just for support and ivy does not take nutrients or water from the tree, so carefully managed ivy can be of great benefit to wildlife.

Let’s take it nice and sloe when making fruity gin 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.

I thought that another very seasonal berry was in order, so this week it is the humble sloe.

These, I am sure you know, are the fruit of the blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, literally, the ‘spiny plum’ because of the long, sharp spines that project at right angles from the branches.

Incidentally, these spines are well worth avoiding because they invariably leave a layer of bacterialaden bark inside any inflicted wound that can

cause an infection. Sloes are easy to pick and can occur in vast numbers, all clustered together – always a wonderful sight.

There is much discussion about when to pick them – before a frost or after.

However, I do not hold with such niceties, happy instead to simply pick them when they are ripe, that is, purple all over and slightly soft when squeezed.

Apart from a few peripheral recipes such as pickles, a rather challenging wine and fruit leathers, Sloes have only one use – in the making of Sloe Gin. I am often wary of ‘singlerecipe’ wild ingredients, but sloe gin is so good that

sloes need no other use.

Everyone has their own recipe (a remarkable achievement considering it employs only three ingredients!) and, if not, they are easy enough to find. My advice is to simply wash your sloes and pour in the appropriate amount of sugar and gin (or vodka), close the lid of your Kilner jar and shake it. Shake it again periodically until all the sugar has dissolved.

Keep in a dark place as both the colour a flavour can deteriorate dramatically and quickly if exposed to light. You may be a fan of pricking your sloes, but it is not necessary as the process is one of infusion through osmosis, not the movement

of spirit into and out of the sloe through holes.

Now the big one. If you like your sloe gin simply fruity, it is fine to decant it off after three months or so. If you like it fruity and with a hint of Amaretto, then leave them in for six months.

This gives the alcohol time to penetrate to the pip in the centre of the sloe which is effectively a tiny almond (the Latin name for the Almond is Prunus dulcis, the ‘sweet plum’).

Drink immediately if you like, or keep for 20 years for a really great drink.

Or maybe make a huge batch and then you can do both.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Culture

MAGICAL: Bridget Syms at work in her studio and, right, two of her paintings: Moonlight Hare and The Night Watch

Artist returns for home-town show Dorchester-born artist Bridget Syms is returning to the town to exhibit her distinctive animal portraiture.

The exhibition, named Animal Magic: The Strange and the Familiar, will take place at Gallery on The Square, Poundbury

from October 1 to November 5.

Bridget, who now lives and works in West Cornwall, is a painter of wildlife and domestic animals whose work ranges from straightforward animal portraits to entirely surreal

images formed from dreams or flights of fancy.

Bridget says that from the time she could hold a crayon, drawing and animals has been her ‘obsession’.

Bridget’s formal art training began as a studio assistant to painter Rod

Hamer, where she gained the techniques and disciplines of classical drawing and painting.

She later trained in the restoration of ceramics and sculpture, specialising in early European and Oriental ceramics, and ran her own workshop.

Night Zoo’s captivating stories of motherhood Dorset author Sarah Barr has published a collection of short stories informed by themes of motherhood and feminism.

Night Zoo subverts readers’ expectations with stories about characters who contemplate the meaning of home in the face of climate change and others who are haunted by ghosts of their past.

Sarah Barr weaves an intricate, cyclical thread of regret and hope, offering

captivating glimpses into the lives of her distinctive cast of characters.

London-born Sarah Barr, who has masters degrees in social sciences and creative writing from Southampton University, now lives in Dorset where she writes, leads writing groups, and works as a mentor. She has also worked as a counsellor and as an Open University tutor of social sciences and creative writing.

Her short stories have been

published in anthologies, including The Cinnamon Review of Short Fiction, and in magazines including The Yellow Room and Woman’s Weekly.

“Reading Sarah’s work reminds me of taking a trip to a destination where I’ve been before, but then seeing it with new eyes.

“A delight to read,” said Della Galton, author of the Over Bluebell Cliff series.

Night Zoo is available in paperback now.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

45

Culture

Singers on tour down memory lane Singers in Dorset have been digging through old records for inspiration – but not in the way you might imagine.

The Ridgeway Singers and Band is collaborating with Dorset History Centre to bring to life old music long hidden in its archives.

Now the singers are preparing to put on a series of concerts in Dorchester, Wareham and Poole based on their discoveries.

Dorset History Centre holds the musical manuscripts of William Knapp, the renowned 18th century Dorset musician who composed the hymn tune Wareham. One of Knapp’s works, which will be performed by the singers, is dedicated to Blandford after a huge fire in 1731 destroyed most of the town. Works from the music book of Benjamin Rose will also feature in the singers’ concerts. Rose was a farmer and alehouse keeper from near Okeford Fitzpaine who wrote a collection of catchy country dance tunes in around 1820.

Other songs will be taken from the Hammond manuscripts, which contain

ON SONG: The Ridgeway Singers and and Band and, left, Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries

several songs collected in Dorset. The two Hammond brothers collected nearly 700 folksongs from the county between 1905 and 1908, travelling around only by bicycle.

The Ridgeway Singers have said they will perform at least one folk song at each concert that was collected in the town in which they are performing.

The singers will also be performing Linden Lea, which was written by William Barnes and set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

A spokesperson for the singers said: “It’s amazing what you can find in a box that has sat on the shelf for a long time, the results can be very intriguing.

“The songs, music and

readings we have unearthed will be delivered in the Ridgeway’s usual joyful, punchy way.”

The Ridgeway Singers’ performances will begin with a concert at Dorchester’s Dorford Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 6.

The singers will also perform at Lady St Mary Church in Wareham at 4pm on Saturday, October 8 and at St James’ Parish Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 13. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for under18s, via TicketSource or at ridgewaysingersand band.org or call 01305 852826.

Orchestra on look out to increase membership Calling all musicians: West Dorset Community Orchestra is looking for new members.

Musical director Walter Brewster says the orchestra is for players of all ages who ‘wish to make music in a fun setting’. The orchestra rehearses on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.45pm at the Christian Fellowship Hall at the back of the car park in

East Street, Bridport.

The first rehearsal for the coming season was on Wednesday, September 14.

Mr Brewster said: “We’d love to see some new faces.

“The standard of ability is quite wide, we have some advanced players and some who are returning to their instruments after a break. Concerts

take place locally twice a year, one in the summer and one at Christmas.

“Your first half term is free so come along and give it a try. We are a very friendly group.”

For more information visit westdorsetmusic.org.uk or email walter@westdorsetmusic.org.uk or call 07967 117012 or Pat Crawford on 01308 456297.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Culture

Formidable foursome’s concert for festival friends

The Friends of Beaminster Festival are holding an afternoon concert at 3pm on Saturday, October 15 in St Mary’s Church.

It will be performed by the Cirrus Quartet with pianist Mike Stanley. The programme will include Mozart Piano Quartet in E flat K.493, W.H.Reed Quartet no.4 in C and Elgar Piano Quintet in A minor op.84.

The members of the Cirrus Quartet are all leading solo and chamber music performers who have played with most of the leading chamber orchestras in London as well as top woodwind instrumentalists.

Cirrus has performed at the Wigmore Hall, been recorded by BBC radio, appeared on TV and has released a number of CDs.

AFTERNOON CONCERT: The Cirrus Quartet are at Beaminster’s St Mary’s Church next month

Martin Smith (violin) is a scholarship winner at the Royal Academy of Music who has appeared as guest leader of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Suzanne Loze (violin) played with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and has freelanced with many of the London orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia,

London Sinfonietta, City of London Sinfonia, English National Opera and Britten Sinfonietta. She has been leader of the Essex Chamber Orchestra since 2006.

Morgan Goff (viola) works extensively as a session, chamber and solo violist alongside his freelance career in the West End. David Burrowes (cello) sang as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral and

Keeping mental health in mind at art exhibition An art exhibition entitled Coming Out of My Shell is to be held at the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester in conjunction with Humphries Kirk Solicitors, showcasing the creative talents of people who use the mental health service.

Organised by Dorset HealthCare’s Weymouth & Portland Community Health Team (CMHT) this is the brainchild of

community support worker Jonai Da Silva, who has long recognised hidden artistic talents in people he has worked with. Following a successful preliminary exhibition at Weymouth College in April, Jonai has recently been nominated for a Dorset HealthCare Better Every Day Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for his work in promoting and

SHELL-SUITED: The exhibition is at the Shire Hall from September 26 to October 1

encouraging his clients.

He said: “Many people in our care have serious mental illnesses and sometimes art can be very therapeutic.

has been the guest principal with the London Mozart Players and City of London Sinfonia and played with the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mike Stanley (piano) was a founder member of the Yehudi Menuhin School and moved into light music ,touring with rock bands and theatrical productions.

He moved into the West End as Musical Director of Cats.

Alongside this he has worked as a composer for children’s television and as a session player. n Tickets for this concert are £12, available from Yarn Barton, Fleet Street, Beaminster , the Book Shop, South Street Bridport or on the door.

“We want to celebrate the talents and achievements of them rather than focus on the challenges they face.”

Sarah Case, from Weymouth has been supported by the team for five years and has contributed a variety of paintings and artwork for the display.

She said: “I find a lot of enjoyment from art and it’s a great way for me to express myself.” n The exhibition will run from Monday, September 26 to Saturday, October 1, and viewing is included with your entry ticket to the Shire Hall Museum from 10am till 3pm.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

47

Culture Grammy-nominated Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Beth Nielsen Chapman is back, with her 15th studio album CrazyTown released on September 23.

To celebrate, she will perform at Weymouth Pavilion on October 27.

Since the release of her first album Hearing It First in 1980, Beth has made her mark in music.

Her body of work includes seven number one hits and spans a diverse roster of legendary artists who have covered her songs including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Keb’ Mo and Elton John, and has often been featured in film and TV. The depth of her music reflects her resilience and strength, having come through many life challenges, she has survived with humour and an endless sense of wonder, as vital as ever.

Her new album CrazyTown offers further insight into the heart and soul of a hugely established artist who, 40 years into her career,

ON SONG AND ON TOUR: Beth Neilsen Chapman, her LP CrazyTown

Beth taking her new CrazyTown album out on tour continues to take risks and create something entirely new.

“It’s about navigating chaos” says Beth. “How,

even despite everything being crazy, on some level one can trust that things are in divine order and that we will be okay.

There’s a lot of groove and joy and fun on this album, along with a couple of deep dive ballads.”

Whilst CrazyTown will give fans everything they want from a Beth Nielsen Chapman record it’s actually quite a departure for her, in terms of overall sound and also in the recording process.

“I let go more on this record than I have ever before in my recording experiences,” said Beth, who happily let producer Ray Kennedy take the reins on which musicians played on the record.

“I turned to Ray and said ‘put me together a slamming band’. And boy did he ever!”

Dean’s first gig for 25 years after beating illness Singer-songwriter Dean Carter will be playing his first full gig since falling ill with ME 25 years ago.

The ambient-acoustic guitarist will play his first album for a quarter of a century at Sherborne’s Pageant Gardens from 2pm on Saturday, September 24.

He said: “It’s a very special event for me, my first full

gig and music album for… ahem…25 years….since illness (ME) completely stopped me in my tracks and changed the course of my life and sonic endeavours to be channelled into the field of healing sound. This, too, can be thought of as ‘sound healing’, I believe.”

The album, Songs Without

Words/Towards Tomorrow – the double title reflects the fact that the album comprises one ‘side’ of instrumentals, one of songs – will be released on HOWL Records the same day. You can see Dean on YouTube, where he performs Sea of Tranquillity at the David Hall in South Petherton.

LONG-TERM RECOVERY: Musician Dean Carter

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Culture

Devil’s best tunes... it’s the nature of the Beast

BIT OF A BEAST: The Devil’s Violin

For some 15 years, acclaimed performers The Devil’s Violin have created magical performances, dazzling their audiences and this autumn, the thespians and musicians will be returning to Dorset with The Beast in Me with Artsreach.

The Beast in Me features a masterfully woven tapestry

of stories from long ago about our perception of beauty and the value of kindness. Epic narratives are evocatively brought to life by master storyteller Daniel Morden, with sublime stringed accompaniment from virtuoso musicians Sarah Moody (cello) and Oliver Wilson-Dickson (violin),

who Artsreach audiences will know well from previous appearances with Welsh folk groups Mabon and ALAW. Expect a charming, chilling and thrilling evening’s entertainment. n The Devil’s Violin will perform live at Drimpton Village Hall on Sunday, October 23 at 7.30pm.

Speed of life documented by Simon The ‘Solzhenitsyn of Sherborne’, Simon JBP, has penned a colourful tale of a live well lived - La Vie Va Trop Vite (Life Goes Too Fast.)

Beginning in pre-war England and ending with the ‘joys of living in a delightful community in Sherborne’, Simon’s 80 years are humorously documented, illustrated with photographs, tumbling across each page.

Packed with outrageous commentary, this fascinating book covers all aspects of Simon’s life from childhood games on Sandbanks beach to the outbreak of the Second World War and from his expulsion from prepschool to adventures in Vancouver.

Simon went on to run a hugely successful baby product manufacturer and said: “By 1990 my company was selling to more than 40 countries with 3,000 retail customers in the UK. We have to add that even Margaret Thatcher was of some surprising assistance.”

READ ALL ABOUT: Simon with his new book and, right, with his late wife Carol

Various blows, hiccups and delights assaulted Simon over the years, but his tale strives forward with a move to Monaco with his second wife Carol before buying a vineyard in Devon, complete with longhouse.

Simon said: “A blissful seven years followed until a series of minor health problems appeared. The property including the vineyard were sold and a quieter life beckoned. Very sadly my wonderful wife Carol was attacked by

cancer and, now a widower, I have settled in Sherborne, in a delightful quadrangle, peopled by neighbours of the most charming and helpful nature.”

The book’s ISBN number is ISBN 10: 139991524X.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

49

Culture An exhibition of colourful and joyous paintings inspired by Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens opens next month.

Bridport artists Angie Porter and Claudia Dharamshi are holding an exhibition of recent paintings called The Secret Gardener at Grow Slow nursery and café in Bridport.

Both artists have made plein air paintings at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens for this show. Although each has a distinct and intuitive style of work, they are united in their expressive approach to painting, featuring bold mark making and use of colour.

Angie first encountered Abbotsbury Gardens as a new mum and visited in the early days with her baby following a traumatic birth experience. The gardens became a haven for her where she could sit for hours and felt healed by the trees. She said: “It was as though I had entered a magical world. There were moments when I felt connected to the trees, the lily pads and the birds. I felt calm and at home in a way I had never felt since I was in Australia as a child.”

Angie has since become a full time artist and returned this summer to paint the garden that transported her all those years ago.

Anthony Trewavas’ work on plant intelligence serves as the inspiration for The Secret Gardener Exhibition, where art and

IN THE FRAME: Artist Angie Porter and some of the paintings on show at the exhibition

The secret is out as artists’ garden work goes on show

science come together to celebrate our connections to the natural world through a garden.

Claudia’s recent garden paintings are inspired by Abbotsbury gardens and the work of pioneering Victorian artist and explorer Marianne North.

North bucked convention by travelling, often alone to remote parts of the world in her quest to document exotic plants.

Her paintings allow us to travel vicariously and

imagine ourselves in these remote and verdant places, many of which no longer exist. Growing up on a farm in rural Somerset Claudia spent many hours in the beautiful gardens which her grandmother (another pioneering woman) had created from scratch. For her, these garden paintings evoke not only the expeditions of Marianne North, but also memories of childhood daydreaming, lost in the

scents and colours of the garden.

There’s a private view of the exhibition on Saturday, October 1 from 6pm-8pm, with a talk by Stephen Griffith at 7.30pm. The exhibition runs until October 29 at Grow Slow Nursery, Farm Shop & Café, Broomhill Farm, Westbay Fields, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5LB (open MondayWednesday 10am-5pm/ Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm).

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Letters

Electric and gas prices track each other Regarding Chris Loder MP’s article ‘If energy is renewable, why hike price?’ he wrote: “I do not understand how they need to increase their price if it genuinely is renewable.”

My understanding of this is that when the energy providers were taken out of public ownership and sold to private companies in the 1980s the government set it so that if one utility, for the sake of argument gas, rose in price then electricity would track it.

I think this explains what is presently happening, despite there having been a huge increase in the generation of renewable electricity.

If I have misunderstood this I hope someone more knowledgeable than me and the MP will explain.

Deborah Batten Maiden Newton SW Dorset Local Exchange Trading System (LETS), based in Bridport, is finally closing after more than 25 years Sadly, SW Dorset LETS – (Local Exchange Trading System) - a community of local people who have been sharing skills and services over more than 25 years, using their local currency (Nets) as payment to each other, has finally been brought to a close.

It has been a wonderful era – many friends made, so much assistance given to each other, shared events and a lot of fun. However, time moves on and our community has found other ways to help each other – Bridport has boundless ways to work together, as we all know.

However, all is not lost! Many ‘exmembers’ are still keen to carry on, and there has been an arrangement made with South Dorset LETS, based in Dorchester, which started at roughly the same time as the group in Bridport and which is still going strong. They have very kindly agreed to take on any Bridport people who would like to join their group. Many

of our members have done just that.

This means we still have members here in Bridport who wish to continue to ‘trade’ in this way – they will be local to each other and have an extended membership to enjoy.

The Dorchester-based team will do all the administration electronically.

If anyone is keen to be put in touch with South Dorset LETS, please contact them at www.dorchesterlets.co.uk Anne Rickard Bridport My small tribute to a Lady of extraordinary measure who went above and beyond the demands of an almost impossible role. My humble respects and admiration Ma’am.

John Seymour

Gone.

The stood in disbelief at what they now could witness there, They knew but could not yet accept the fact so raw and bare, Since laid before them was the truth of all so recent seen, Now for the first time

understood – this was their dearest Queen.

For much had been the showing of events which bore the shock, And years of presence long relied when she had been the rock Upon which this fair realm and wide had stood in steadfast place, And she the constant which throughout had known no other face.

And though the thronging multitudes filed by it was still wholly strange A surreal sight that there within she lay, which none can change, The thought that never more will she be here amongst us all, Was only slowly realised there in that silent hall.

Outside along the riverside the people came to voice, Their gratitude and last farewells for which they felt no choice But to attend this resting place to show respects and pause For just a brief and sombre chance to join this solemn cause.

From every corner and beyond they gathered queue on queue, Long lines of those compelled to mark the love which she was due, And welling sadness tinged with pride of all for us she stood, Peerless example of her vow lived as she said she would.

Then so as days slipped by we came to closure of so much, The pageantry and grandeur hid the truth that follows such magnificence. A funeral is grief and loss here seen, As there we knew the passing of our most beloved … Queen.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Antiques

We’re coming back

51

Just like the good old days

PASTIMES of Sherborne (near the Abbey) Thirty years of dealing in antique & collectible toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, diecast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kit etc.

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Who are these young players?

This photo, marked Maiden Newton v Beaminster school 1948, was posted in the Maiden Newton & District Community Museum Trust Facebook page by Sue Gardiner.

She said: “Dad (Pat Denty) is front row, second from left.

I’m pretry certain Alan Roper is in there – anyone able to name them all?”

Anyone who can name any of the players can email newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk or call 01305 566336.

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BRIDPORT AUCTION Friday 30th September An Auction of Collectables and Antiques (starting at 10am with viewing from 9am) Viewing Days: Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th September from 9am-5pm

Some of the “people” at this months auction.

Lacework and textiles, English, Chinese &European ceramics, Fishing reels, Dolls, Teddy bears, Postcards, Coins, Books, Pocket and wristwatches Glassware, Metalware, Oak and Country furniture inc. period dresser, Desks, Tables and chairs etc., Fountain pens, Tribal Art, Walking sticks and canes, Silverware and Jewellery, Vinyl L.P’s, Bronzes, Barometers, Dinky Toys, Prints and pictures, Ephemera, and lots more.

Telephone 01308 459400 or email for details Online catalogue from Thursday 22nd September Saleroom and Office: No.1, St. Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport, Dorset.

Website: www.bridportauctionhouse.com email: info@bridportauctionhouse.com

52

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Homes & Gardens x

Horticulture...

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

Beware the space-invading trouble maker Over the centuries our gardens have been stocked with an ever-increasing number of plants from around the world.

Initially, collected by professional plant hunters commissioned by wealthy benefactors associated with commercial nurseries, private estates, and botanic gardens.

This has provided an incredible palette of plants that grace our gardens and homes.

AN ABSOLUTE THUG: Japanese knotweed is a notorious space invader

Many of these remain within the garden, but a few ventures beyond our manicured patch and become space invaders.

The most notorious is Japanese knotweed. It arrived in Britain in the mid-19th century. In 1847, it won a gold medal as the most interesting ornamental plant of the year. Even eminent horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll praised the virtues of this plant. Consequently,

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

53

Homes & Gardensx ...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin plants sold for huge sums.

A century later its attractiveness was proclaimed in a Royal Horticultural Society’s publication. As recent as the 1980s, a particularly attractive form remained on sale, despite the thug-like behaviour of this invasive plant being well known.

Japanese knotweed spreads vegetatively, its ‘diamondtipped’ underground rhizomes (stems) capable of piercing roads and foundations. Contractors have become increasingly cautious of taking on infected sites due to the cost of removing this menace.

A friend once had a mortgage application refused due to its presence in the garden of the house

they dreamt of purchasing.

Other properties have been devalued due to this rampaging plant. It is not illegal for it to be in your garden, but if it crosses the boundary to your neighbour then you leave yourself open to civil prosecution that could become very expensive. In 1981, the Wildlife and Countryside Act made it an offence to introduce Japanese knotweed into the wild.

Unfortunately this has not stopped fly-tippers dumping this plant alongside roads. Reported outbreaks, often on the outskirts of towns, are dealt with by the local authority with a hefty dose of weedkiller, which explains occasional groups of dead plants alongside roads.

Plant of the week: Ivy Hedera helix As Britain’s only native evergreen climber, ivy is a frequent inhabitant of gardens and woodlands.

Often maligned for damaging trees, yet in truth this is rarely substantiated.

Look closely and you might spot its two very different kinds of growth.

During a juvenile phase lobed leaves radiate from long cord-like stems that attach to vertical surfaces by small roots. Once well established, its growth becomes shrub-like with unlobed leaves and an absence of roots on its stems. Its autumn flowers provide vital food for pollinating insects

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including, in our area, the ivy bee.

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54

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Constituency issues

with West Dorset MP Chris Loder

Such a moving week for cherished Queen

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a cherished constant in all our lives – much like a beloved grandparent and in this column, I’d like to share my insights on what has been such an incredibly moving week and so very sad, from the moment on Thursday, September 8 at 6.30pm when we were told that The Queen had died.

Being elected as West Dorset’s MP is the honour of my life, and during sad times like this, I feel the gravity of my responsibility acting on our behalf, especially when giving a tribute to The Queen, representing West Dorset’s grief and sentiments in the House of Commons.

I spoke of the fondness and

affection with which the Queen is held here; much of this stemming from Her Majesty’s numerous visits to West Dorset over the 70 years of her reign. Her list of activities and contributions to West Dorset were extensive – outlined during my tribute in the House of Commons.

HM The King addressed the nation the next day and I was sitting in the House of Commons where it was projected on to the screen.

Tributes to Her Majesty were made until late into the night, when I was able to make my tribute to HM The Queen at 9.30pm which you can watch online:

chrisloder.co.uk/ER. I wished the King to know of the profound sadness we share with him and our sympathies. Of how much we have appreciated the Queen’s incredible leadership and steadfast support and our enormous respect for her duty and service to this country.

On Sunday 11th, in the morning, I joined the Sherborne Abbey ringers in the fully muffled ringing of the eight bells. I then went to Dorchester where King Charles III was proclaimed as the new Monarch. Returning to London on Sunday evening, I prepared on Monday, with fellow MPs and Peers, for the King to speak in Westminster Hall

where a presentation of sympathy from both Houses was made to the King. The moving response from King Charles was one that inspired hope through the most painful grief. I and other MPs welcomed the Queen’s coffin at Parliament, where Queen Elizabeth lay in state until her funeral on the Monday. I witnessed the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall – perhaps the most moving and personal event of the whole week. One where phones and cameras are prohibited – a rare chance for a moment of contemplation – of prayer and gratitude from subject to our beloved monarch, someone whose life has touched us all in so many ways. God Save The King.

Politics

Her Majesty’s grace and resolve will live on The death of Queen Elizabeth II is a profound loss for our nation.

The Queen was a formidable monarch, who faithfully served our country for all her life and was loved the world over.

She represented not only duty and courage, but warmth and compassion.

She tied our nations together. Embodying an unwavering pride in our country. Showing us that patriotism is not defined by political allegiance. And reminding us of the many things that bind us all together – even when it doesn’t always feel that way.

We saw this so vividly

By ANDY CANNING West Dorset LibDems

during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. It was incredibly fitting that after so long kept apart by covid, it was the Queen and a celebration of Her Majesty’s reign that brought our communities back together so joyfully. Just as the whole country is united so sadly in grief.

The deep mourning across the country now – just like the celebrations of her Jubilee a few months ago – comes not from a sense of duty, but from genuine and heartfelt affection, love and admiration of Her Majesty.

It’s not because we were her subjects, but because she was truly our Queen.

For almost everyone in the country, she has been there our whole lives. At times of national grief and national jubilation, she has never not been there for us. So it is hard to accept that she is gone. But we will. Our great United Kingdom has a great future – because The Queen’s spirit of strength, grace and resolve lives on.

Her Majesty will be remembered with honour, as the monarch who guided our country out of the shadow of a terrible war.

She guided us calmly through troubled waters and brought us safely into a new

millennium. And she will be remembered so fondly. As the monarch who leapt from a helicopter with James Bond and showed Paddington where she kept her marmalade sandwiches.

And, for the Royal Family, she will be remembered simply as a beloved mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with them all as they bear this terrible loss.

After a lifetime of dedicated and tireless service to our country and our Commonwealth, Her Majesty has gone to her eternal rest. May God rest her soul and may God save the King.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

55

Politics

It’s time to rethink our constitutional monarchy By the time you read this the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will have taken place, the period of national mourning will have ended, and the country will slowly be getting back to normal.

There can be little doubt that the late Queen was greatly admired. The huge crowds that turned out for the various events and the incredible queue of people for her lying-in-state testify to this. It was obvious to all that she was totally committed to the role that fate had bequeathed her, and had a sense of duty that she maintained throughout her long reign.

She carried out her constitutional duties impeccably throughout this time. However, during this

By KELVIN CLAYTON West Dorset Green Party

period of mourning I found myself in a dilemma.

Despite the respect I had for her as a person I really struggled to find respect for the monarchy as an institution. In fact I find the whole notion of inherited power, status and privilege abhorrent and think that a modern democracy deserves an elected head of state. I therefore chose to not attend any formal function, like the Dorset Civic Service of Thanksgiving for her life at Sherborne Abbey, lest I spoke or acted in a way that may have given offence. I find it very difficult to be

anything other than honest.

Now, though, I think we need to start seriously questioning our status as a constitutional monarchy.

Whilst I totally understand that our monarchy is essentially symbolic, that it has very little real power, what it symbolises is deeply damaging to any attempt to reduce social inequality in this country.

It basically says that a small group of elite people are better than the rest of us, not because they have more knowledge, skills or expertise, but simply because they were born into a certain family.

The royal family sits at the apex of a class system which is still prominent in the national psyche.

Coupled with this is the wealth they have accumulated – and not through hard work. King Charles III, for example, is in line to receive tens of millions of pounds amassed by the Queen – much of it from art and racehorses – which will not be liable for tax.

Most people pay 40 per cent inheritance tax on anything they inherit over a £325,000 threshold, but a deal negotiated between the Crown and John Major’s government in 1993, effectively exempts the monarch. By whose standards can this be seen as fair, especially when so many families are really struggling to make ends meet?

responsibility and would often defend the poorest and most vulnerable in the community, foregoing her fees when they had no means of paying. Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life. I see many similarities with the late Queen, even in the warmest, most beautiful of smiles that would make people feel welcome and at ease.

My father, Enrico, was Italian, a photographer and artist. He was passionate about the arts, architecture and music but he was a firm believer in the potential of knowledge and science to build a better world for all. This optimism and commitment to improving yourself and

the world around you through access to education and the arts was another characteristic of their generation. My father also valued the ability to travel, live and work in different countries and before he died in 2018, he was saddened to see that Brexit might deprive younger generations of those opportunities.

Commonwealth countries like my native Bahamas will see the end of this era as the moment when they decide whether they become sovereign nations.

In a time of change, if we can hold on to the best of those values which have guided us this far, we can look to the future with confidence.

Holding on to values in an era of change On behalf of West Dorset Labour Party, I send my deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family and to all those who are grieving. This sense of loss rekindles memories of the loss of our own loved ones.

Both my parents were born in 1926, the same year as the late Queen Elizabeth.

It feels like the end of an era, and I’ve been thinking about the qualities and values displayed by their generation – people who experienced the horrors and hardships of the Second World War but then came together with a great sense of duty and optimism to rebuild the world within the post-war consensus for

By CLAUDIA SORIN West Dorset Labour Party

lasting peace. In the United Kingdom the National Health Service was created alongside social security, education and homes for all.

My mother, Patricia, was born in the Bahamas, a Commonwealth country.

She studied law in Canada and in the UK before returning to the Bahamas where she became the first woman barrister there in 1952.

She was already a wife and mother and went on to have five more children whilst continuing her career. She had a deep sense of duty and

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

EASIER PUZZLES

Tudor Arcade, Dorchester

Arrow words Contend

Crossword Shade of violet

Stranger

DVDs, eg

1

Exultation

2

3

4

5

8

6

7

9

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10 Formal wear

11

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12

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13

14

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Mother

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16

18 19

Advanced science degree (abbr) (1,2)

Foreigner

17

20

21

23

22

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24 PC maker

Total

English rapper (inits)

Captain Hook’s right-hand man

Body-scan technique (inits)

Astound

25

Founded (abbr)

8 9 10 11 12 16

Outfits

Pole

20 23 24 25

Wordsearch

Across Without a doubt (7) Ikea purchase, perhaps (5) Foolish person (5) Abate (7) Violation (12) Intended for prisoner rehabilitation (12) Priced at (7) Name words (5) Customer (5) Gave for free (7)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 22

Vowelless Words

G F A V G B R R R D A M F K Z

G A C C H H U E E T H T N Y S

BRRR CYSTS DRYLY FLY FYRD GHYLL LYNCH MYRRH

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S G N U H D S S A S F Y R D R

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R W X S Y E M Y H P X O R A O

V O A G T J O X S X W W Q Y I

X T Y A N K E I Z V N U T B U

Down Provisional certificate of money (5) Novice (8) Moon depression (6) Farewells (4) Speak inaudibly (6) Noon, in French (4) Parts (7) Bad hair discovery (3) Assess (8) US rapper (3,4) Asylum seeker (6) Possessing (6) Passing remark (5) Protein derived from beans (4) Supreme beings (4)

Sudoku

6

2 5 8 9

6 4 1 6

8 7

7

9 3 2 9

1

For the solutions turn to page 70

1 5 3 1 3

6 5

8

Brain chain (Easy version) 8 21

×1/2 +7

×3 ×1/4

-75% ×5

×7 -10

×1/3 +50

RESULT

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

HARDER PUZZLES

www.bestpricehearingaids.co.uk | 01305 602240 Jumbo 3D Sudoku 6 3

1

Cryptic Crossword 4

1

7 9

8

8

4 4

3

2 9

1 8

3

4÷

5÷

10+

9

7

10

9 4

6

8 2

1 6

9

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21+

4

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12

8 5

16

17+

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2

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Brain chain (Hard version) 133

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14

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×3

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.

RESULT

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

15

19

21

22

252×

11+

15+

6

11

20

17+

1

18×

5

9

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.

12×

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8

2

3

1

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6

2

2

1

8 3 9 2 3 2 5 6 8 4 5 5 2 8 3 1 9 3 1 3 6 7 4 6 1 4

57

23

1 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 21 22 23

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Down 2 Very old worker around dilapidated cinema ignoring old woman (7) 3 Extreme fear in Japan I considered (5) 4 A leftist moved out being naturally enterprising (4-9) 5 Issue for a following generation? (13) 6 Managed top man on board showing status (7) 7 Appreciate interpretation (5) 13 Fancy island beginning to grow in US state (7) 15 Like some thinking more recently by a lecturer (7) 17 Plant by hotel characterizing Dublin? (5) 19 Conservative with four in charge of a local administration? (5)

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Health & Wellbeing

Walking West Dorset

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

FROME VALLEY TRAIL: 14th WALK This is an easy, level, walk of seven miles.

Start near The Ship Inn at Wool and use the adjacent bridge to cross the railway line. Turn right for a furlong to join the main road, heading north-east for a short distance, then north along the old road, over the ancient Wool Bridge crossing the Frome.

Continue past Woolbridge Manor to join the Bovington road. Turn right for a furlong to join the A352 at a roundabout and head south-west crossing the new (in 1955) bridge and the railway level crossing.

Turn left and head east past the station. Where the road turns right, carry straight on along Bindon Lane.

After a while it turns right and passes the ancient Bindon Abbey. The road then curves south-east past a terrace of four cottages at Bindon Farm. The end cottage was my home 70 youcantalk.net is a new wellness and mental health resource launched by Bridport-based Kerry Miller, pictured, and Alex Fender, who now lives in Snowdonia. It features lots of free resources to help people relax and take stock.

Hello from my breakfast bar.

Now, I’ve written that because I’ve found I really enjoy having a breakfast bar.

Woolbridge Manor House, next to the restored woolbridge in Wool

years ago when there was a single roadside tap providing water for all four.

Continue along the lane for half a mile then join a footpath leading north-east alongside East Stoke Fen Nature Reserve, a reedy bogmire. Soon you might notice a path on your left leading to the ancient but demolished St Mary’s Church. It’s on Access Land but currently is overgrown with brambles.

Continue eastwards along the path, passing the Freshwater Biological Research Centre to join the road that leads you north, crossing the Frome and tributaries over five bridges to a level crossing, thence to East Stoke’s new (200 years ago) Church.

Then return southwards along the road to join Bindon Lane which takes you west back to the farm where you turn left along a footpath along a field edge

then right, west across two fields back to Wool close to the church, which has lots of Commonwealth war graves. Then head north through the old part of the village with lots of thatched cottages, passing the Black Bear and curving left back to your car.

Keep yourself open to any If you had asked me what I was looking for in a home before I moved house, a breakfast bar would have been low on the agenda, but significantly higher than a hot tub, and the irony is, I now have both.

The breakfast bar is a joy, I sit and work at it with everchanging views through the kitchen windows: cows plodding off for milking,

lambs skittering, Snowdonia visible then hidden for weeks, and, from about midday, red

kites patiently circling above my neighbour’s garden waiting to be fed chicken. The hot tub is a

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

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Health & Wellbeing

Healing energy from surprise sources stop the everyday spiral and spinning of your busy life within you. It brings a sense of calm and stability to your mind and thoughts, enabling you to reflect on those thoughts that are upper most in your mind and process them properly, thus allowing you to make decisions based on clear thinking, rather than being rushed into taking hasty solutions.

With the wildflower seeds in the meadow still feeding the birds, it won’t be long before they are all gone, at this point the birds will be looking around for another source of food and the berries are starting to look very attractive now.

The pyracantha plants are full of colour, the different plants having yellow, red, or orange berries, these plants have come through the drought still in the best of health, and with a large root formation under them, are much more capable of surviving long dry periods.

The energies from the pyracantha provide a solid positive platform to move

forward from, they encourage independence, constructive and logical thought, this combined with the confidence and creative energy, gives you a wonderful uplift to your mind and spirit.

This plant is very good to put on your boundaries, with its spiky thorns it will deter unwanted visitors trying to gain access into your garden in the night.

You can underplant pyracantha with a wide variety of plants and bulbs, but if underplanted with geraniums, the energies from these are solid and stable, giving a constant flow, allowing ideas to come into the mind, drift away and return, each time giving new impetus to the thought, continually allowing change and adaption to an idea until you are ready to take it forward and see it through to fruition. Combining the two energies will give you constructive and logical thought to new ideas and the confidence to see it through to completion.

changes or new opportunites

ordered a ‘completely unlike me’ blush pink velvet sofa!

A dear friend, stunned to silence by this odd revelation, eventually offered to help sponge off stains. Well, that’s a bonus for me. It means she’ll be here for a visit. Win-win.

Doing a life review can help you self-question – take risks – order the blush pink velvet sofa – if you want to know more please get in touch.

Andy Cole is a reiki healer based in Middlemarsh.

He specialises in planting for healing.

DOING WELL: Pyracanths and false shamrock, below

Over the last few weeks, we have spent a lot of time watering our plants, and in one particular pot there was a couple of small selfseeded tree saplings.

They were not very big, not very good but we decided that they should have a chance and started to water them.

They were in a pot that we were using to hold down some weed suppressant membrane, so in the grand scheme of things not an important pot, just one with compost in to hold down a sheet.

The two saplings started to grow and to our amazement a week or so later, a small but insignificant plant started to grow. We thought nothing of it, then it started to really blossom.

To our amazement it was an oxalis triangularis or false shamrock plant.

These plants are normally indoor plants but this one is doing well outside in full sun (they are supposed to like partial shade, but no one told this plant that).

The beautiful purple leaves and light lilac flowers provide a wonderful contrast – it is a joy to see the plant thriving so well.

The healing energies of this plant provide a calming effect on your mind and

far noisier joy, but still an unexpected pleasure.

I suppose this is what happens in life, you get to a

certain age (whatever that is) and you have established what you like or don’t as a result of choices, associations, prejudices, taste, class, value and thus have a mental checklist which automatically kicks in when you see something – from clothes to a breakfast bar: ‘That’s me’ or ‘That isn’t…’

My point is, we should never let the categories close – what if these preferences were hereditary and you’ve never really had the space to think about what you really like?

Without my two recent accidental acquisitions, I would have missed utter delight and with this philosophy in play, I have

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Health & Wellbeing From lengthy 45-minute appointments, a green and sustainable philosophy along with head turning eye wear, patients at Sproston & Bowden Opticians in Dorchester can expect a thorough and reassuring bespoke service.

When David, Jean and Gill opened Sproston & Bowden 25 years ago, they wanted to offer a tailor-made, individual service, giving patients time and expertise for the best possible eyecare.

This service was a big attraction for Lisa Gunning, who started her career some three decades ago as a receptionist and swiftly progressed to become a contact lens optician after graduating from her three-year course at Anglian Ruskin University in Cambridge.

Lisa said: “Qualifying as a Contact Lens Optician has given me a much-varied role and great job satisfaction. Having worked with David, Jean and Gill before in other practices before they opened Sproston & Bowden, I knew I wanted to work with them as they shared the same values I wanted to offer.

“When David and Jean retired in 2016, I was given the opportunity to join the practice and work alongside Gill until her retirement last year and now I run the practice ensuring that all of our high standards of patient care are upheld.”

At Sproston & Bowden optometrists, Guilia and Elena offer a thorough eye

SEE YOU LATER: The team at Sproston & Bowden and, below, Elena and Lisa Gunning

Searching for a bespoke optician? Look no further

examination using stateof-the-art equipment including the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Lisa said: “Regular eye examinations are important, not only to check your vision but they can also detect underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

“We also offer dry eye clinics, contact lens clinics and emergency eye care appointments.”

And with all of us wanting to do our bit for the planet, Sproston & Bowden offer a contact lens recycling scheme and stock a range of ecofriendly frames, made from biobased materials or recycled plastics which have been taken from the sea.

Lisa said: “We look to suppliers that are more aware of their carbon footprint and who use more sustainable ways to provide their products.

“We like to stock frames that are a little different than those on the high street, as we believe providing more of an individual look is how we differentiate ourselves.

We believe in offering our patients the best eye care and the best solution to their visual requirements.” n For more information visit sprostonbowden opticians.co.uk or pop along to 23 High West St, Dorchester DT1 1UW

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Health & Wellbeing

Ballet school launches dementia class A popular ballet school is offering classes to people with dementia.

Fee Jeanes Ballet, which holds classes in Bradpole, will be offering the hour-long classes after a successful taster day.

Fee said: “It was a huge hit – it brought tears to my eyes.

“Heather who took part, said, ‘It’s made me “feel alive again. I loved every minute of it’.

She left holding on tight to a new pair of ballet shoes “I think if this can help anyone with dementia/Alzheimer’s and their carers it has to be worth it –shining a light in what can be a dark world. Music and ballet the perfect mix.

Anyone interested in the classes should email feejeanesballet@gmail.com or call 07818 838896.

Church Services Sherborne Abbey Weekday Services Monday to Saturday at 8.30am, Morning Prayer - The Sepulchre Chapel Every Monday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel Every Tuesday at 12noon, Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel Every Wednesday at 10.30am, Holy Communion with Homily – The Lady Chapel Every Thursday at 12noon, BCP Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel Every Friday at 9am, Ecumenical Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel The first Friday of the month at 9am, Requiem Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel Every Saturday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel Sunday, September 25 Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong St James the Great in

Longburton: 10am Harvest Communion St Martin of Tours Lillington: 10am Holy Communion St Paul’s at The Gryphon:10.30am Morning Worship St Mary Magdalene: 11 am Mattins Cheap Street: 10.30am Sunday Service Burton Bradstock: 11am Holy Communion Shipton Gorge: 11am Holy Communion Litton Cheney: 9.30am Holy Communion Littlebredy: 11am Holy Communion Each week a service is recorded by a member of the clergy team.

Call 01308 293062.

Holy Communion and Celtic Worship Services St Saviour’s, Dottery 9.30am: Holy Communion St John the Baptist, Symondsbury: 11am - Benefice Eucharist St Michael & All Angels, Askerswell: 6.30pm – Evensong St Mary Magdalene, North Poorton: 6.30pm Evensong Shipton Gorge: 11am Holy Communion Litton Cheney: 9.30am Holy Communion Littlebredy: 5pm Harvest Festival Puncknowle and Swyre Breakfast Church will be held at the Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington Village Hall (in Puncknowle) from 9:30am 10:30am on September 25, and then every fourth Sunday.

Roman Catholic Mass 8.30am Chideock 10am Beaminster Dorchester United Church 10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church Broadoak, St Paul’s 6.30pm Every third Sunday of the month

Sunday, October 2 Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong St Martin of Tours Lillington: 10am Morning Service St James the Great, Longburton: 10am Family Communion St Paul’s at The

Gryphon:10.30am All Age Worship St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 11am Mattins Burton Bradstock: 9.30am Family Service Powerstock: 9.30am Morning Prayer Loders: 11.00am - Harvest Eucharist Litton Cheney: 9.30am Morning Worship Chilcombe: 6.30pm Evening Prayer Swyre: 11am Morning Worship Puncknowle: 11am All Age Holy Communion Long Bredy: 9.30am Morning Worship Corscombe: 10am Morning Worship West Chelborough: 9.30am Holy Communion Evershot : 10am Holy Communion Melbury Bubb: 11am Holy Communion Maiden Newton: 9.30am Holy Communion Dorchester United Church: 10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Business

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Rising costs at the petrol pumps are hitting West Dorset’s small businesses hard. And despite Dorset Council’s pledge to spend £2.7million upgrading the county’s electric vehicle charging network, making the switch from petrol vehicles is far from the cure-all many businesses need.

Nick Good, chairman of the Bridport Taxi Association and owner of several small businesses, says he knows of at least one cabbie in the town who can no longer afford to work.

“The cost of fuel just got to be prohibitive for him,” Nick said. “For the amount of money he was spending on petrol and what he was making back, he found it just wasn’t worth it.

“It’s been a struggle for taxi drivers in West Dorset for quite a time. We’ve made it through the pandemic, which basically shut us down for months on end, and now we’ve been hit with this fuel hike.”

Mr Good, who drives a taxi and owns Chesil Theatre Supplies and Gen Alarms, said most fulltime taxi drivers in the Bridport area drive between 600 and 1,000 miles each week.

He said: “Filling a tank used to cost around £80, but now it costs almost double that. And most drivers can do that twice a week, the costs mount up quickly.”

Small businesses suffering as fuel prices on the rise

FUEL FOR THOUGHT: Nick Good and, right, Rob Muhl

On electric vehicles, Mr Good said: “These cars still only have a range of about 250 miles at best.

“If you’re driving 500 or more miles per week for your business, then you would need to have a dedicated site with charging points.

“And you’re going to spend quite a while off road while your vehicle charges – that means lost income and it doesn’t work for taxi drivers.”

Mr Good’s sentiment about electric vehicles is echoed by handyman Ben Holland, who works in and around Bridport and Beaminster.

“I used to spend around

£80 per week on petrol but now it’s up to about £120 a week,” Mr Holland said.

“These days if a job is too far out of town, then I have to say no to it or tell customers that I will basically have to charge for petrol as well.

“For a lot of companies, they say that’s not worth it for them. Prices may have to start creeping up to cover the cost of everything, including fuel.

I don’t think it would be helpful moving over to an electric vehicle.

“Every now and then I get offered work in London but, trying to get there in an electric vehicle, you only make it about

halfway before having to stop and charge again.

“If I had to do that all round Dorset every week as well, it’s a lot of lost time.”

When asked how small businesses with high fuel costs can ride out the current storm, Rob Muhl, president of Bridport Business Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

“It is likely that many businesses, particularly in hospitality and tourism may have to make changes to deal with what the next few months may hold.

“The chamber is here for all businesses and I would urge people to join us.

“As an independent business owner and as the chamber president, I am only too aware that rising fuel costs and, as a result, the fast-rising prices of so many goods is really putting the pressure on us all. Coming out of two years of covid restrictions, it is disappointing in the extreme that this winter looks set to be so difficult for so many.

“We hope that businesses had a good summer and have reserves to get them through the winter.”

Dorset Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ian Girling added: “We are extremely concerned at the soaring inflation and energy costs, including fuel, facing Dorset businesses. We are calling on the government to do all they can to properly support businesses in this extremely challenging economic climate.”

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Buiness

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A group of volunteer business mentors are offering support to business owners as we head towards recession.

Dorset Business Mentors, or Dormen, have 120 volunteers with a wide variety of backgrounds.

Many of them have been through recession more than once, and can offer people practical ways to keep their heads above water.

Charles King, 72, from Uplyme, has been a mentor for five years, a role he took on after retiring from a career owning restaurants and wine bars.

He has experienced the sharp end of recession – managing to keep his businesses afloat during the downturn, then having his properties repossessed as the economy recovered and the buildings’ values rose.

He said: “Wine bars are hit hard in recession – what happens is wages remain the same, as do rents, which can even go up – but people drink much cheaper alcohol.

“One of my bars was near the ITN studios and sold mostly champagne at £23 a bottle. When the recession hit, customers traded down to white wine at £12 a bottle, with a much lower margin.

“So while on the face of it you look just as busy, your gross profit is much less.

“Then you have a shortage of good staff and then everyone asks for salary

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD: Experts are predicting a recession but Charles King, inset below, and fellow Dorset business mentors are offering advice and support

Business mentors offering support as recession looms increases – it’s a recipe for disaster.”

Charles and the other Dormen want businesses to take an urgent and hard look at their current activities. And they are appealing for other experienced business people to join them in

helping others.

He said: “The message we want to put out there is, batten down your hatches.

Look at any vanity projects and shelve them. If you’re thinking of restructuring go ahead, but make sure any changes make you more efficient.

“Some people can even expand their businesses in this time – look at ways in which people will be trading down, such as buying refurbished IT equipment rather than new.

“The other thing is, keep your bank manager up to date. If you’re looking at your cashflow monthly do it weekly. If you’re doing it weekly, do it daily.

“The recession might be

quite short this time. But it could be very painful. And when you think in lots of service industries 80% of your income comes from 20% of your customers you have to think ahead and decide whether to invest if things are closing down.”

Charles’ interest in being a mentor was sparked by his own experience, working for a large brewer, who teamed its employees up with impartial managers to help them grow.

He said: “We’ve got about 120 mentors but we want to increase that considerably. The time commitment is never more than one meeting a week n To sign up for mentoring, or as a mentor, go to dorsetbusinessmentors.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Sport

Top-flight status Cattistock’s reward

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The chairman of Cattistock and Symene Cricket Club has spoken of his pride as the club’s first team avoided relegation from Dorset Cricket League’s Premier Division by just a single point.

Nick Skyrme has said the effort is testament to the teams’ competitiveness and resilience throughout the season, where they have ‘kept going’ despite starting with a run of 10 defeats.

Nick said: “We lost the first 10 matches, and had some horrible defeats in there, but the team kept going and always fought hard in those matches.

Even against the top teams, we have competed really well – we ran Poole and Dorchester close, Wimborne too. Even in defeat, we were able to pick up six, seven, eight bonus points. We started winning some games in the second half of the season but ultimately, it was those bonus points that saved us, and they came from competing hard in every game.”

The First XI survived the drop in dramatic fashion, earning eight bonus points in their final day defeat to Wimborne and Colehill to edge Puddletown, and maintain their place in the league’s top division. The game itself was a microcosm of the team’s season, as they battled back from 38-3 to score 207, falling short of Wimborne’s total by 29 runs, and

STAYING UP: Cattistock and Symene are retaining their Premier Division place.

PIC BY LUKE SIBLEY

earning the crucial batting bonus points to guarantee their safety.

Cattistock and Symene merged in 2019 to create a unified club with a thriving youth section, a key requirement of entry into Dorset’s top flight. The merger gave the unified club a rich seam of young talent, many of whom now play for the First XI, and Nick is optimistic about prospects for 2023. Nick said: “The younger players in the team know the level now, and will benefit by being a year older and having the experience from this season. Steven Tucker has captained the Firsts brilliantly, and I am so proud of what they have achieved as a group. We are upbeat about what they

might be able to achieve next year.”

There are positives to take from the performance of the club’s other teams.

Nick said: “The Second team, under the leadership of Reuben Kingston, had a really strong start in Division III but fell away a little second half, but at full strength could really beat anyone in the division on their day. I am confident they will be one of the top teams in 2023.

“Our Third team, captained superbly by Leo Gurd, is a real mixture, featuring younger teens and experienced players in their fifties, even sixties. This is where many of our younger players get their first taste of league cricket and, although he’s playing

well below his own level, Leo has been a real inspiration to the youngsters. They have also competed really well, finishing third in Division VI and it’s great for the young players coming through to be surrounded by so much experience.

“We are looking forward to recognising many of our players at our presentation evening in October and excited about what next year holds. We are always open to more people coming to join us, whether it’s on the playing front or to support us off the pitch.

We rely so much on the great work of our committee, volunteers and sponsors and are always grateful for people who want to give their time.”

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Sport

By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Beaminster first team captain Jim Park has spoken of the ‘team spirit and togetherness’ which helped the team lift the Division II title following an entertaining season at the Memorial Ground.

Following their nail-biting final day victory against Shaftesbury, Beaminster Cricket Club were crowned champions of Division II of the Dorset Cricket League. Finishing with an impressive 14 wins out of 18, their points tally of 338 points edged out their season-long rivals Chalke Valley, although the pair will resume battle in Division I next year as Valley will be promoted as runners-up.

It has been an exciting, swashbuckling season for Beaminster’s First team, which was typified by the win against Shaftesbury, with over 530 runs scored on the day and the win coming with just a handful of balls remaining.

Skipper Jim said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we won the league as you can imagine. At the start of the season, I didn’t have any expectations about league

GOING UP: Beaminster celebrate promotion to Division I after clinching the Division II crown

Champagne cheers all round as Beaminster clinch the title

positioning, I just wanted to create a culture of fun and enjoyment.

“We had a lot of fun the season before even though we had been beaten almost every week.

“So with a couple of new players, our youngsters a year older and stronger, a few new ideas and a positive outlook, the stars

seemed to align.

“None of us would say we have the best players, but we were the best team. Our team spirit and togetherness were vital in our campaign this year.

Everyone had each other’s backs, we’re all mates off the pitch and it showed on the pitch too.

“We know it will be much

harder next year, we’re under no illusion there.

With the side we have now, I feel that we’ll hold our own and will consolidate.

But we’re looking to build a side that will one day compete in the Premier Division, so we’ll be looking to add to our squad squad but making sure we get the right people in.”

Route of 2023 cycle race yet to be determined Organisers of the 2022 Tour of Britain have advised that it is too soon to say whether the race will come to West Dorset in 2023, after the Dorset stage was cancelled following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The race was cut short as a mark of respect, and owing to operational circumstances including the reassignment of police resource.

With both stages seven, in Dorset,

and eight, on the Isle of Wight, being cancelled, the winner of the Tour was announced as Gonzalo Serrano of the Movistar Team, who was leading the field after stage six. Additionally, the respective classification leaders -Tom Pidcock (Points), Mathijs Paasschens (King of the Mountains) and Matthew Teggart (Sprints) – were declared the winners of those competitions. Local cycling fans will

hope that the organisers will incorporate a Dorset stage when the 2023 schedule is announced in due course. Businesses in our region will share this hope too, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors who could see an influx of visitors for the event itself, and benefit from the stunning West Dorset scenery being showcased to a global TV audience.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Sport

It’s end-to-end stuff as bowls club

By PAUL MOFFITT

Lyme Regis Bowls Club held its annual finals weekend recently with members competing to win fifteen trophies across two days of fierce competition.

Paul and Judith Moffitt were victorious in the Married Couples, coming from behind to win a ding-dong battle against Simon and Helen Dowling, with the teams having to play an extra end having been tied after 21.

Simon puts his first wood on the jack.

Judith puts her first two just behind. Simon, unluckily, made slight contact with his shot wood, nudging the jack back to Judith's woods.

Paul's first wood then came in for the shot, and Helen was unable to dislodge it.

In the Ladies Invitation, Barry Rattenbury and Nicky Driscoll defeated Joe Morris and Ann Allman 21-13.

The lead battle between Ann and Nicky was particularly impressive, with neither lady giving ground, although Barry’s form carried the team through, with his expert drive on the 13th end dislodging three shots Unfortunately for Joe, he was unable to match Barry’s strong form. The 13th end could have been a turning point when Joe and Ann were holding a very good three shots, however an expert drive from Barry killed the end and they then took charge of the game.

Men’s 2 Wood Singles.

Rom Hunt 6; Paul Pomeroy 17 2 wood specialist Paul Pomeroy eased to victory, as Rom tried valiantly to remain in touch, without finding the consistency of his opponent.

Paul was always ahead and had reached an unassailable lead after 16 ends.

Men’s 4 Wood Championship.

Paul Pomeroy 21; Steve Pomeroy 13 In a match-up between father and son, Paul continued his earlier form from the 2 wood match, and never really looked in trouble, although Steve did close the gap to within two shots after both the 9th & 12th ends.

Thereafter, Paul cruised to a comfortable win to add to his many former titles, and will go on to represent the club in the champion of champions competition next year.

The Rocky Alan Weech 10; Barry Rattenbury 21.

The match was tight up until the tenth end with just a single shot in it, however

Barry found another gear to ease to victory in this one.

Ladies 2 Wood.

Helen Dowling 16; Ann Allman 5.

On paper, this looked a very tasty match up between two of the most consistent bowlers at the club, however Ann never really got into her stride and Helen seldom looked in trouble, seemingly determined to land the title following her disappointment earlier in the day.

Henry Broom Trophy.

Keith Barnes 9; Paul Stoke-Faires 21.

In a trophy reserved for members who have never won a singles competition, new member Keith took an early lead against Paul, who only started playing bowls this year. Paul started off consistently but found himself trailing 6-1 with

Keith pinching ends with his final bowl. Eventually Paul’s consistency helped to turn the tide and he came back to win comfortably.

Many at the club suspect that Paul will be a regular winner of silverware at the club in future years.

2 Wood Mixed Drawn Pairs Avril Sherring & Alan Nabarro 19; Erica Sarson & Steve Pomeroy 17 This game provided some excellent bowling both from the leads and the skips. Early on, Alan looked particularly good, picking up highlycontested shots from the greatly experienced, Steve.

After nine ends, it was all level at 9-9. Erica and Steve then raced into a 17-9 lead and looked to have the game sewn up, before losing their rhythm and being pegged back to 17-17. Now with the

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

67

Sport

hosts its annual finals over two days

TROPHY TIME: Some of the winners with their trophies at Lyme Regis Bowls Club

momentum, Avril and Alan went on to win a thrilling encounter 19-17.

Men’s 4 Wood Handicap.

Rom Hunt 18; Barry Rattenbury 21.

Barry was seemingly cruising to a comfortable win, leading 16-6 lead after 10 ends, when a change of jack length couple with a rejuvinated Rom, closed the scoreline to 18-20. Barry searched in vain for the final point for four ends and was looking increasingly frustrated, before eventually finding the elusive last shot to end a highlyentertaining match.

The Fillies Ann Allman 21; Nicky Driscoll 11 Looking to put her defeat the previous day behind her, Ann found herself up against a very determined opponent in Nicky. The pair were neck

and neck for 15 ends until Nicky's form suddenly deserted her, and Ann was able to capitalise to score a comfortable win.

Ladies 4 Wood Championship Helen Dowling 14; Pam Weech 24 Here was a match between two ladies who have never won this title.

Helen was unable to bowl to her potential in this game, whereas Pam looked at her absolute best. Pam took the first four ends before Helen picked up a two. Helen never looked comfortable barring a 3-shot pick up on end 18 to close the gap to four shots, Pam then upped the pace denying Helen any further points.

Men’s 4 Wood Drawn Pairs Simon Dowling & Steve Pomeroy 22;

Barry Driscoll & Joe Morris 6 Simon and Steve looked firm favourites on paper and so it proved to be. One had to feel sorry for Barry who played very well throughout, Unfortunately, Joe was no match for Steve and they ran out very comfortable winners after a tiring Joe conceded the game.

One noticeable thing in this game was Simon utilising the mat well up ploy that was his undoing earlier.

Men’s 4 Wood 5 Set Singles This match between Rom Hunt & Steve Pomeroy also looked like a tasty encounter.

Steve took the first set comfortably 7-1 but lost the second set 7-6 after a 12-end marathon. Steve added the third set easily at 7-2, and closed out victory in the fourth 7-3 to win by three sets to one.

Ladies 4 Wood Pairs Jasmine Bishop and Sue Rowe 22; Mary Haseman and Pauline Knight 20 The last, and arguably the best, game of the weekend saw Jasmine and Sue take an early lead thanks to some sublime leading from Jasmine.

Ten ends in, Mary and Pauline drew the scores level before a surge from Jasmine and Sue opened up a five-shot margin.

Pauline was enduring some bad luck, twice knocking up the opposition for shots despite playing exceptionally well.

Another fightback from Mary, who was now bowling well, levelled the scores at 20 apiece with one end to play.

Jasmine and Sue held their nerve to pick up the win with two shots.

Jasmine was the stand-out bowler in this match and thoroughly deserved her win.

The Ladies 4 Wood Handicap between Helen Dowling and Jan Parsons will be played at the beginning of next season as Jan was not able to play.

The club members would like to wish Brian Parsons a speedy recovery.

Finally, perhaps the most coveted trophy of all, the Captain’s Plate, was awarded to Rom Hunt.

This plate is given to the member the captain feels has gone above and beyond in their duties for the club.

This year’s winner, Rom Hunt, has run all this year’s competitions with military efficiency, always arrives early to set up the rinks, marshals the car park and helped with the maintenance during the winter.

This award was richly deserved.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Sport

n Sherborne pictured at the start of the 2022-23 campaign. Following a thrilling 43-41 triumph against Teignmouth, the First team suffered back-to-back defeats against St Austell and Sidmouth. They hope to return to winning ways as they host Truro at The Terraces on Saturday, September 24 Picture: GILL CLARK

Plucky Bees still search for first win Bridport Town Dartmouth

0 2

Bridport were left to rue missed chances in an even first half at St Mary’s Field, before Dartmouth assumed control after the break and ran out winners courtesy of two secondhalf goals.

Despite the loss, caretaker manager Chris Herbst will be happy at his team’s performance, and may have had greater cause for celebration had the Bees converted one of a number of early chances that came their way.

Herbst has taken over the reins following the departure of Edgar Marcu, who was unable to turn around the team’s fortunes despite a number of closeseason changes and the introduction of a new style of play.

In keeping with matches across West Dorset, a minute’s silence was held in honour of our late Queen.

RESPECT: Bridport players hold a minute’s silence before their match with Dartmouth and, right, Dan Baggs who hit a wonder goal against Sidmouth PICS BY STEVE BARRETT

Sidmouth Bridport Town Dan Baggs’ wonder-goal against to Sidmouth was not enough to give the Bees their first victory for over a year, with the Bees pegged back through a second-half penalty.

Baggs’ incredible left-foot strike stunned the Sidmouth goalkeeper,

1 1

Ashley Small and gave his side a deserved lead at the break, however the visitors were unable to hold on to bag the three points, with Danny Pym levelling from the spot on 62 minutes.

Jordan Scadding was in inspired form in the Bridport goal, producing a number of fine saves to ensure the Bees returned home with a point.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

69

Agriculture

A few words about worms

By Rachel Light RAMA

Whenever you bring new animals onto your farm there will always be the risk of adding more than just the animals you’ve bought in.

As we head into the main sheep sale time of year it’s always worth remembering now is as good a time as any to take extra care over your quarantine protocols.

Worm resistance is without doubt the greatest risk to productive sheep farming in the UK today.

It is estimated 98% of farms currently have resistance to Group 1-BZ wormers (white wormer), 68% have resistance to Group 2-LM (yellow wormer) and 51% have resistance to Group 3 Ivermectin (clear wormer). It is important to note that it’s the active ingredient within these three groups that the worms have become resistant to, therefore there is nothing to be gained from switching to a different class of wormer!

There are three basic steps (as set out by SCOPS) to ensure the risk of introducing resistant worms, Scab and Fluke on to your farm are kept to a minimum and they are as follows: Treat : On arrival all animals should be treated with Zolvix a Group 4AAD (orange wormer).

It’s advised to also treat

Mud-phobic Tria Stebbing lives on the outskirts of Sherborne. She keeps sheep, is working on her first book, and works in a village school.

with a Macrocyclic Lactone such as Cydectin 2% or consider plunge dipping. Fluke risk should be assessed on a flock by flock basis- if unclear consider treating with triclabendazole followed by closantel six weeks later to remove resistant liver fluke. Speak to your vet to consider screening at the point of purchase for Sheep Scab and Fluke.

Yard : All new animals should be kept isolated on a concrete or other hard surface for a period of 48 hours. This will allow any existing worm eggs to pass through the animal and be cleared away before the animal is let out to pasture. Being kept in a yard or shed for 48 hours is also a good time to observe the animals for symptoms of other diseases which may pose a threat to your flock.

Quarantine: Turn the sheep out onto a dirty pasture, preferably one recently grazed by lambs.

This allows any surviving resistant worms eggs to be diluted down by worm eggs already present on the farm. If possible, the quarantine field should be one that next year will not

be grazed until cut for silage or hay, or a field earmarked to be ploughed up. It is advised to Worm Faecal Egg Count at least 10% of the new arrivals 14 days after quarantine dosing. After discussing results with your routine vet animals can then join your existing flock.

Quarantining your new purchases properly is very important as it’s protecting your flock from further introduced diseases. But, without doubt, what is a far more important reason to follow quarantine protocols as closely as is humanly possible is to protect the future profitability of your business.

Synergy’s independent mobile plunge dipping lorry, operated by our highly trained team, provides shepherds with an option to consider for Sheep Scab prevention or control. The minimum handling and low stress plunge dipper is suitable even for those close to lambing.

For more advice or information don’t hesitate to speak to your veterinary practice or dispensary.

Snot very nice but it can happen to any flock The owners of the visiting sheep that had taken up residence on the hillside finally came to collect them.

It remains to be seen whether they produce some unexpected early black lambs next spring. It was amazing how far they had walked.

We are still battling flies, both on the fleece and now up the nose. Sheep nasal bot has arrived.

A large fly which deposits its larvae in the nose of sheep, works its way up the sinus, causing among other things loss of condition, which at this time of year we do not want.

So one of our older ewes is showcasing a snotty nose. I suspected something was up when she was a bit detached from the rest of the flock yesterday – it took the runny nose to confirm my diagnosis.

It is easily treatable with some medicine, but she will need watching.

CONT ON PAGE 70

70

The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022

Agriculture animals, which is my natural go to in times of stress and sadness. Sitting on a hillside in the sun with your flock by your side is the place to be, to contemplate, to reboot and to adjust to the new life ahead.

New life for us means getting Humphrey ready to meet his ladies.

We are noticing some stroppy behaviour in the ewes, some head banging and general argy-bargy among the flock, they too sensing the change in the season and the need to breed.

CONT FROM PAGE 69

The flies continue to bother the rest of the flock too, and we are spraying daily with citronella and other sprays to prevent Fly Strike. The dry weather came to an abrupt end but not before we had managed to get the topper out on the hillside, the difference has been amazing, new green shoots coming through already.

The flock are tucking into their winter hay as the grass has not been enough to get them back in condition.

Great Britain has seen a tough few weeks, the like of which most of us have never seen.

I have sought solace in my

Humphrey on the other hand appears to be calmly waiting for the party in the paddock to commence.

All the ewes have been treated with a mineral drench, to increase essential trace elements, had their feet done and some intimate trimming, next we need to find a fine patch of grass and let them gorge themselves, flushing themselves through. Flushing in the last few weeks before tupping boosts ovulation and increases lambing percentages, although

given the incidence of triplets last year we did it too well.

The rain came just in time to take the ewes to a new paddock to munch on grass and get themselves in top form.

As we all remember her Majesty, our thoughts must turn to her love of animals, her beloved horses and corgies and her patronage of over 30 animal charities.

From the RSPCA to The Royal Pidgeon Racing Association she supported them with a passion.

I for one will miss her stability in a world that is fast changing, I will watch in anticipation as Charles takes the throne into the next chapter.

From pages 56-57

Puzzle solutions Sudoku

7 6 5 1 8 4 3 9 2

2 1 3 7 9 6 4 8 5

8 4 9 3 5 2 7 6 1

1 5 8 2 6 3 9 4 7

6 9 7 8 4 1 2 5 3

4 3 2 5 7 9 8 1 6

Crossword

5 8 4 6 2 7 1 3 9

9 2 1 4 3 5 6 7 8

3 7 6 9 1 8 5 2 4

Brain chain 21

28

7

35

75

25

Killer Sudoku Pro 12×

2

4÷

4 1

21+

6 8 7

17+

5 9 3

6

10+

7 3

4

5 1

5÷

5

1

8

5

9

2

40×

18×

11+

3

15+

4

9

2

8

7

4

1

16+

19+

2

6

8

13+

6

0

1

7 6

252×

4 9 5

4

3

9

1

27×

3 7

6

2 8

17+

9

24×

3 8 7 2

7

3

4

2

1

5

6

13+

72×

4 9

1

8

4

6

6

7

24×

13+

5×

5

1

2 2

7 5

24×

3 8

5

9

24+

8 9 7

2

1 3 6

7+

2 5 4

S B C C L E A R R G A I D I O T P N E I N F R I E C O R R E E M C O S T I U O G B U Y E R E A E

Arrow words B L Y E S U I N I C T N G O D S

M M A U N I T S M D P B S I D E L C G E M E N T V S I O N A L W L A N O U N S I A I O N A T E D G E E

Jumbo 3D Sudoku 4 6 8 5 7 3 9 2 5 9 8 2 1 4 1 3 3 6 9 6 7 6 5 8 7 7 1 2 5 1 6 5 4 2 1 2 1 2 9 8 5 4 3 7 3 9 3 4 4 7 9 2 7 6 7 8 5 1 2 3 6 8 9 4 2 3 5 8 3 8 6 5 6 8 8 4 61 4 9 3 8 34 7 9 9 4 7 1 5 7 2 1 7 5 2 9 2 4 4 9 1 5 7 5 1 6 9 1 3 3 4 3 7 8 6 9 7 6 2 6 1 9 3 8 2 1 8 4 4 8 6 8 9 1 5 2 5 5 8 1 4 2 7 4 6 7 6 8 2 6 5 2 5 2 3 1 3 9 1 3 9 2 9 3 7 6 8 4 3 7 5 6 8 6 9 5 1 3 9 4 7 8 2 9 3 1 7 4 7 2 3 8 5 4 8 6 1 6 1 5 3 6 1 7 8 5 9 45 9 2 2 2 75 7 1 5 4 9 1 3 4 3 4 2 8 7 6 6 9 6 8 5 8 4 9 7 2 1 3

V L I N I H E E L W A A C C O M A M A D E L M R I I E S T U N

D G T I A L S S E T C H E D U S E I X M S C I S L E L E S M E E Q U I P S M A S T

Brain chain (Hard) 133

247

19

40

20

60

A R A R N K I N I G

I S H E I N G S T E M

Cryptic Crossword C A N S C I W E N S T D I R S I S T H

M P U S G A E R A N L E A I F N L C O M E D O C R I C T H M I I V A V E L G A D N I S T E R N E E R E A D N

O C I V I I C

H L A I T E A R A E L

Y Y Y Y

The West Dorset Magazine, September 9 , 2022

71

Agriculture You herd it here first...

with Rachel Hayball

Milk recorders – I am ready for you!

Rachel Hayball is a mum of six from Beaminster.

She is a herdsperson, has a small flock of sheep and sells lamb.

We are milk recording today. Milk recording is an essential task which can be done monthly or quarterly.

Milk recording involves several things, the most important part being where samples of milk are collected from each cow as they are milked. To do this we connect sample pots to the milk line and as the cow is being milked it constantly drops little bits of milk into the pot leaving

us with around 100ml of milk in the pot. The person taking the sample will then take a little bit of milk from that pot (up to 28ml).

The samples of milk are then put in clean sample pots containing preservative and is then sent to the lab.

Once at the lab the milk is tested for many things including the cell count, fat content, protein etc and we can also test for disease through the milk and even run a pregnancy test using the milk. The end result is that each month the farmer gets a good picture of how well each cow is doing and the herd as a whole. It also acts as an early alert for us, if a cow has a high cell count we can find out why

and treat any problem preventing illness from occurring.

Some farms do the milk sampling themselves, but it is an extra faff during milking which can really slow things down, so the majority have milk recorders come in and do it for us. Milk recorders go from farm to farm on a daily basis doing this so they are quick, efficient and enable us to crack on with milking.

I used to be a milk recorder and know that although it sounds a simple job sometimes it’s far from simple and the paperwork side of things can be a nightmare. You also spend your life getting covered in milk and cow poo. Always

an interesting combination.

There are several things that make milk recorders happy 1) Farmers being organised and ready to go when they arrive. 2) The farm data being clear and up to date 3) A nice clean place to put the sample pots during milking 4) Being offered a drink during milking, a nice cup of tea of coffee is really appreciated. 5) Chocolate or biscuits. If a farmer brings out a cup of tea with a biscuit then oh my goodness they are the best farmer ever.

So, I’ve got the kettle ready to go. The chocolate biscuits are on the side and the farm data is up to date... milk recorders, we are ready for you.

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