Fortnightly, FREEFriday, September 9, 2022Edition The16 West Dorset Magazine ON P24DorsettoTourBIKE!YERofBritainreachWest Meet Pea Pod: the hoglet the size of a thumb who made No,correctpuzzlesofSport,FIVEofPlusP20recoverymiraculousEIGHTpagesWhasson?,pagesofSIXpagescultureandwiththeanswers!really... Same WELCOMENEWappointmentsemergencydayPATIENTS
2 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Contact us: ( 01305 566336 News & features 4-34 Whasson? (events) 6-13 Church 32 Vittles 33-37 Down to earth 38-41 Culture 42-47 Antiques 48-49 Letters 50 Home & Garden 50-53 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 Dan Goater Reporter dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk Miranda Robertson Editor miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk Karen Bate News Editor karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk Nick Horton Chief Sub nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk Stuart Wickham Sports editor stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk Emma Mitchell Advertising sales manager emma@westdorsetmag.co.uk Lyndon Wall Cartoonist justsocaricatures.co.uk Alana Robertson Classifieds classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk Constituency issues 54 Politics 54-55 Puzzles 56-57 & 70 Health & Wellbeing 58-60 Business 61-63 Recruitment 63 Sport 64-68 Agriculture 69-71 Contents: ADVERTISE IN WEST DORSET’S WIDEST READ NEWS MAGAZINE 01305 566336
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 3 PAGE 3 STUNNERS! Submit your Page 3 stunnas to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk ANOTHER GREAT REASON TO VISIT BRIDPORT! STUNNING ART FOR SALE BILLY MUMFORD FORGERIES ANTIQUES & CURIOS TOO HEAR OF BILLY’S EXPLOITS St Michael’s Trading Estate, DT6 3RR (next door to Ocean Bathrooms) GLOBAL ART & ANTIQUES Open Weds to Sun 10am-4pm globalartandantiques.com We buy art & antiques etc – call 07894 555107 This posh piggie was snapped at Melplash Show by our Labour Party columnist Claudia Sorin. We couldn’t resist making it our Page 3 stunna!
The Best Heavy Horse, In Hand: 1st Chantell Davies Knutsford Elegance. 2nd Trevor Bailey Stapleyhill Timeless
The Best Turned-out Heavy Horse in Show Harness: 1st Charlotte Trott Bettws Forest Lad. 2nd Sian Harris Bromford Supreme Miniature Shetland, 3 years old and under, Colt, Filly or Gelding: 1st Debbie Evans Hackpen D’Artangan. 2nd Trudi Ridgers Wotknotts Vera Sheep Small flock (15-30 ewes): Michelle Machin, Walditch: flock of Zwartbles Medium Flock (51-300 ewes): Winner RI Geddes & Partners, Toller Porcorum: flock of Mule x Roussin Large Flock (301 ewes and over): W E Yeates & Son, Swyre: flock of Dorset Rare Breeds Ewe Lamb, born 2022: Geoffrey Barnett Group of Three: SJ and DA Champion Ewe of any age: Chris Stacey Ram of any age: SJ and DA Champion 2022 Farm & Crop competition Small Farm – 199 Acres or Fewer: 1st & Winner of The RM Gillingham Challenge Cup – R I Geddes & Partners, Colesmoor Farm Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Best Conservation Environmental Practice (Small) – R I Geddes & Partners, Colesmoor Farm Medium Farm – 200 – 599 Acres
4 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
1st & Winner of The Borrough Perpetual Challenge Cup – Mr & Mrs Edward and Jo Goodfellow, Higher Silkhay Farm Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Best Conservation Environmental Practice (Medium) –Chedington Court Estate Large Farm – Over 600 Acres
Show secretary Lucy Hart said: “It was lovely to have the show back and to see everyone with smiles on their faces having a great time. The last two years have been very challenging, particularly for our show contractors whose work as a result had completely dried up. “They are very much part of our team, and although the work they do often goes unnoticed the effort and commitment they give us is instrumental to the success of the event. As are our many loyal volunteers who make the day possible. They have, as always, been fantastic and were brimming with ideas for the show and celebrating our 175th anniversary of the society, it was great to see it all coming together.”
“All the main ring attractions were well received and as always, the spectacular grand parade took centre stage. “I can’t thank everyone enough for making it a very special day.”
RESULTS CATTLE Holstein Female calf under six months: 1st Legge, Sally Dixie. 2nd Whetham, Polly Normandy Crushtime Peachy Heifer, 6-12 months old: 1st Waterford Farm Partnership Frontline Alongside Amazing. 2nd LG Bagg and Partners Huntlodge Cashcoin Dorina Heifer aged 12-18 months: 1st LG Bagg and Partners Shanael Darwin Spottie 2nd LG Bagg and Partners Shanael Renegade Glow Heifer in calf with first calf: 1st Waterford Farm Partnership Willsbro Sidekick Sharon 158. 2nd Cox, Robert, Terry and Mona Hinton Pepper Tonair Heifer, after having her first calf: 1st Cox, Robert, Terry and Mona Holmead Kingboy Socks Dexter Cattle Heifer under 16 months: 1st Bennett, Jason and Millie Cannington Uptopia Cow Dry: 1st Bennett, Jason and Millie Buryhill Maisey Too Bull: 1st Bennett, Jason and Millie Cannington Jacobean. Young Dairy Handler - Junior: 1st Honeybun, David. 2nd Whetham, Polly Young Dairy Handler – Senior: 1st Whetham, Polly Pure Breed Beefs Heifer, born 1/1/19 & 31/12/20: 1st Buryhill Dexters Wendy Caradog. 2nd Starlight Charolais Brampton Rainbow Rare and Minority Breeds Bull: 1st Alice Glover Warns Romeo
The heavy horse class and below, the Etheridge Longhorns. Right, children’s and adult winners in the homecraft tent
Melplash Agricultural Society welcomed thousands of guests to its annual show.
So good to have show back
1st & Winner of The David Williams Bart Memorial Cup – Mr Stephen Raymond, Childhay Organic Dairy Short-Term Cutting Ley: 1st R B Bowditch & Son, North Bowood Farm Long-Term Cutting Ley: 1st Mr James Wallbridge, Bridge Farm Best Field of Winter Wheat: 1st R B Bowditch & Son, North Bowood Farm Best Field of Winter Barley: 1st Symondsbury Estate Best Field of Spring Barley: 1st Mr Andy Sprake, Zephen Farms Ltd
Chairman James Vickery said: “It was the most fantastic day. To be able to welcome everyone back after two years’ absence and to see people enjoying themselves was all I could have asked for. “The show brings the community together, and gives people a real understanding of what local farmers do. The livestock lines were full to capacity, and it was lovely to see the general public interacting with the animals.
“Our Discover Farming marquee was packed with eager youngsters who through the free activities provided were able to learn about food, farming and the countryside, and the important role agriculture plays in all our lives.
Council practice slated by solar firm
“If nothing else, I am hoping we can persuade Dorset Council to give the decision over Cruxton to elected representatives rather than the Dorset planning officials to ensure the determination process takes into account the prevailing environment which in terms of energy provision, is only going to become more Enivromenachallenging.”claims the Cruxton Farm site would generate 11.8Mw of electricity per hour, providing enough clean energy to power more than 4,800 homes every year and offsetting more than 3,000 tonnes of carbon production Aannually.council spokesman said: “Local authority decisions are made by elected members but for the council to be able to function on a day-to-day basis the law allows various executive and non-executive functions to be delegated to officers. In addition, there are some functions which the law says must be exercised by specific officers. There is a constitution that sets out the ways in which the officers of the council can make decisions and which decisions they have the power to make. “It is called the ‘Scheme of Delegation’.”
By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk
POWER PLAN: A similar scheme near Winchester
surgery
Ingrowing
A clean energy company has criticised Dorset Council’s practice of delegating planning decisions to officers as an ‘absolute Enviromenascandal’.iscalling for elected officials not officers to decide on its application to build a 40-acre solar farm at Cruxton Farm near Maiden Enviromena’sNewton. Europe development director Mark Harding said: “It is our view that it’s an absolute scandal that such an to“Weprocess.havingdelegatedrefused,FarmdevelopmentimportantlikeCruxtonmightbedecided,andbyanofficerunderpowersratherthanthebenefitofdueareseekingfortheprojectbetakentocommitteeinthe coming weeks and benefit from the democratic process.
The Chiropody £37 Express nail cut and file £20 Diabetic Assessment £40 Corn removal (2 corns) £25 Ingrowing toenail treatment £25 Verruca treatment (acid) £25 Verruca needling surgery (local anaesthetic) £180 from £50 toenail from £270
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“It is our view that renewable developments like Cruxton Farm are absolutely essential to both the local and national cause of providing clean energy. This view, it seems, is shared by a local planning committee at neighbouring Hampshire where in Fleet in July, they voted unanimously 10-0 in favour of our application at Heckfield.
In an exclusive screening during the evening of Saturday, September 10, visitors will be led down the coastal path, lit up by glowing lanterns, to Pulpit Rock. Festival-goers will be guided to a cliff-edge viewing point where they can watch Suleman’s film exploring the myth of the siren, which will be projected onto Pulpit Rock, surrounded by the ambient crashing of waves against the cliff sides. Penny Newell will also be joining b-side’s leading lineup by inviting visitors to join her on the Poetry Ledge, where they can abseil down Portland’s infamous cliffsides to an intimate one-to-one poetry workshop, perched on the rock-face itself. Here, visitors with a flair for adventure will be encouraged to reflect on their experience of seeing the island from a unique, new perspective, and produce their own poetry inspired by it.
The Gentlemen of St John’s College, Cambridge will give a concert at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester at 6.30pm on Saturday, September 17.
The vocal ensemble are internationally renowned – check out their website at gentlemenofstjohns.co.uk Enjoy around 70 minutes of world-class choral singing, then meet the Gents over a glass of prosecco or soft drink (included in your ticket price). Booking is essential and tickets, priced £12 or £10 (limited view) are available at dorchesterticketsource.co.uk/st-peters-church-
The church often hosts great entertainment – why not follow them on Facebook: musicatstpetersdorchFacebook.com/ or Twitter: @musicatstpeter Thursday, Sept 8 There’ll be a long queue for the Gents
6 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
Steve Urquhart will also be inviting festival-goers to consider a different side to Portland by showcasing a unique exploration of what the island sounds like behind the bars of Portland’s Prison with a deep listening soundscape. His immersive audio commission reveals the importance of sound to our current understanding of the world around us, and invites visitors to look at Portland from the inside-out. The festival will culminate in b-side’s popular Big Portland Parade. Visitors and members of the local community will unite under the theme of ‘Keep Portland Weird,’ which challenges everyone to show off their
Whasson? (and where’s it to?)
b-side Festival returns to Portland until September 11, with 15 major new contemporary artworks designed to celebrate the island’s unique landscape. The festival will launch on Thursday, September 8 with a performance by climber and poet, Penny Newell. Audiences will be offered silent disco headphones and taken to the cliffs of East Weares for a one off, unique, abseiling poetry recital. The night will then continue to the backdrop of Pennsylvania Castle and with a performance by The Fantasy Orchestra, which brings together over 50 musicians – both professional and amateur –to create an atmospheric soundtrack to the landscape of OverPortland.thefour-day festival, visitors can expect to dive into a major new augmented reality artwork by Babar Suleman named ‘Requital. The Lighthouse as the Siren.’ By holding their phones over the Portland Bill Lighthouse, visitors can experience the Grade II listed landmark like they have never before – through a new augmented reality and queer lens, which will see the iconic building brought to life by references to mythical sirens.
The Portland Office for Imaginary History is running another of its free off-road expeditions, entitled Access All Areas, Part 3, from Reforne, (DT5 2AN) from Join11.30am-1.30pm.thePortlandOffice for Imaginary History’s Ranger Alistair Gentry for an offroad expedition to explore and map Portland’s wildlife and wild places. Designed with and for users of mobility aids, scooters, or trampers.
most wonderful and weird costumes. This community parade will take over the island in a MoreencounteranduniquecelebrationmusicalofPortland’scharacter,landscape,relationshipwithallwhoit.infoat b-side.org.uk Eyes down for bingo at Dorchester’s Shire Hall at Bingo6.30pm.Barry is certain to keep you all entertained and there are cash prizes and a brilliant raffle. It’s £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 Bookingbar.is essential! myshopify.comcourthouse-museum.shire-hall-historicor call 01305 261849. Get ready to laugh your innards out at The Comedy Network at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, from Enjoy8pm-9.45pm.laughout loud comedy from some of the hottest comedians on the circuit. savoysystems.co.ukdorchesterarts. A pottery for the garden session is being held at Puddletown Village Hall at For9.30am.£30 you can make a green man, owl or botanical tile for the garden (or an TheseOoser).will be bisque fired, glazed then fired to stoneware temperature. Pre booking only creativeclay forall.co.uk, 07815 819825 or yahoo.co.ukcreativeclayforall@
Drawing Into Life – a sixweek creative course – will be launched at Dorset Museum, Dorchester, by Helen Garrett. The course runs till October 14. The art course is designed for adults interested in art and archaeology, and is an exciting opportunity to get up close with some extraordinary artefacts in the collection at Dorset Museum. You will be drawing inspiration from prehistoric art including Neolithic flint tools, Anglo Saxon gold, precious burial goods, Roman mosaics, decorative textiles and archaeological maps amongst others, and have the chance to work directly from the Elisabeth Frink Attendeescollection. will develop foundational drawing skills and experiment with a range of materials including earth pigments, graphite, clay, printmaking and painting. This is a unique opportunity to connect with history in a closely profound and imaginative way. £175 per participant for the 6 Bookweeks.at week-creative-courseevent/drawing-into-life-6-dorsetmuseum.org/
Priority booking for people who identify as disabled. All explorers are welcome –everyone will be riding mobility DriversHall,andability.irrespectivescootersofwalkingThetourwillstartfinishatStGeorgesEaston.mustbe16+.
Friday, Sept 9
Booking essential - bring your own scooter or hire one from them for £10. Free entry: Eventbrite The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 7 Whasson? (and where’s it to?)
Cont’d next page Email your events to westdorsetmag.co.uknewsdesk@
There’s an Autumn Steam Gala at Moors Valley Railway from 10.45amVisiting5pm. locomotives will run alongside the railway’s own fleet of steam locomotives on a selection of special passenger and freight Weekendtrains.Gala Rover tickets are at moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk
8 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
The Friends of Holnest Church are hosting Dorset Heritage Open Days at the church (DT9 5PU), on the 10th and 11th September from 10am to 4pm with guided tours at 11am and 2pm each day. There are exhibitions of locally found pottery and stained glass rescued from the belfry. Refreshments will be available. All donations go to the Friends of Holnest Church for the upkeep of this historic Grade I listed Forbuilding.further information and to book a tour please contact 01963 Booking210916isessential as space is limited. A plant and garden sale will be held at Bridport Millennium Green from 9.30am. Bulbs, books, tubs, etc – anything garden related. If you have anything to donate and would like it collected please ring Sandra Brown, 01308 423078.
Melplash Agricultural Society is celebrating 175 years with a hedge laying and ploughing match an extra special match with horses drawing the ploughs. The annual match is taking place on Sunday, 18 September on land at Higher Langdon, near ItBeaminster.allstarted in the village of Melplash. Legend has it that two farmers in the bar at the Melplash Inn (now the Half Moon) argued whether their carters (the term used for workers who work with horses) could plough better than any other in the area. To settle their differences each staked the sum of £5 that his employee would do the better day’s work. The contest was held on October 20, 1846, the same day as the Melplash Parish Church was consecrated. It attracted a great deal of attention and after it was over, there were many more farmers to be heard in the Half Moon asserting that their man could have done a better day’s work than either of the two contestants. It was decided to form the Melplash Agricultural Society in 1847, so that they could hold an annual ploughing match for the rest of the farming community to compete in. At this time there was a choice of ploughing with horses, or four oxen and the time fixed for ploughing half an acre was three-and-a-half hours! Ploughing chairman Tim Frampton said: “The annual match is still as competitive as it was 175 years ago. We are expecting a good number of entries this year in both the hedgelaying and ploughing and“Spectatorsclasses.arewelcome,wehopetoseemany of you there.” To keep the ancient skill of hedgelaying Dorset style alive, there will be a free hedgelaying taster day on Sunday. September 11 10am-3pm at Higher Silkhay Farm, Netherbury DT6 5NG. Book by email at office@melplashshow.co.uk or call the office on 01308 423337.
Celebrating 175 years at match
SOW TALENTED: A contestant in the ploughing competition Sunday, Sept 11
Whasson?
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Dewflock’s Maize Maze at Dewflock Farm (DT2 8NP) will be open on September 10 and 11 from 10am-4pm. Trevor the Troll is a funny little soul and lives in the middle of a maze…can you help Trevor find his groceries that he has dropped on his way back to his home in the middle of our maze?
A chance to come and get lost in the Maize Maze, climb and tumble on the straw play and maybe squeeze a cuddle in with the farm animals maybe a drive too in the mini Landies? It’s up to you! Parking and refreshments in the Pig Shed Cafe. Macmillan Mighty HikesJurassic Coast – are running on September 10 and 11 from Lodmoor Country TwoPark.hikes of 13 miles and 26 miles along the spectacular Jurassic Coast, taking in stunning scenery including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. The full marathon and the half marathon are fully supported with refuelling stops, clearly marked routes and finishers medal and Enjoybubbly.a atmosphere,wonderfulwhilst raising vital funds to support Macmillan Cancer Support. https://bit.ly/3zpSIMR Seafeast - The Dorset Seafood Festival 2022 –will be held on September 10 and 11 from 10am-5pm. A visit to SEAFEAST the multi-award-winning Dorset Seafood Festival offers an amazing opportunity to gain a better understanding of the superb seafood available to us just off our wonderful shores. Watch, taste, learn and enjoy! Book at dorsetseafood.co.uk/book Blackmore Vale Scribes calligraphy group are holding an open afternoon from 2pm-5pm at Bradford Abbas Village Hall. Go along and see what they get up to, and maybe have a try at calligraphy yourself. Refreshments available. Melplash Agricultural Society is holding a free hedgelaying taster day from 10am-3pm at Higher Silkhay Farm, Netherbury Saturday, Sept 10
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 9 Whasson? (and where’s it to?) Monday, Sept 12 Tuesday, Sept 13 Thursday, Sept 15 THIS WEE WEEK’S TOP TEN VINYL SELLERS St Michael's Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR thecrew@clocktowermusic.co.uk 01308 458077 Vinyl records bought and sold 1. Frank Sinatra 2. Artic Monkeys 3. Oasis 4. Nick Cave 5. PJ Harvey 6. Scott Walker 7. Ian Dury 8. The Clash 9. Bob Marley 10. Slowdive Continued next page
(DT6 5NG). Call 01308 423337 or email office@melplashshow.co.uk to Thebook.7th Dorchester Jumble Trail will be held from 10am in the streets around Monmouth Road. By popular demand, there will be a seventh Jumble Trail in Monmouth Road and the surrounding streets. Residents selling everything from clothes to cakes, books to toys, plants to cars! Come along and find something you didn't know you
There’sneeded. an Autumn Charity Plant Fair (with free garden entry) at Mapperton House & Gardens from Admission11am-4pm. is £5 with under 5s free, including free entry to the Largegardens.award-winningnumberofstalls of specialist plantsmen from all over the region – one of the largest and most popular specialist plant fairs in TheDorset.Coach House café will be open serving hot drinks and Dorchestersnacks. Film Society launches its new season at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm with Phyllida Lloyd’s Herself, an absorbing domestic drama set in MembershipDublin.of the society is £60 for the full season of 18 films or £40 for the 10 films to be shown this Forautumn.further details and to join online please go to dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk
Rene Dewhurst of The Horse Course will be talking to the Townswomen’sDorchesterGuild at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, DT1 3DF from 2pm-4pm. The Horse Course is based in Littlemead, Weymouth. It is a local organisation which aims to help both adults and children with mental health difficulties. The horses are trained to give clear and unbiased feedback on mental and emotional self control. Visitors, welcome, £2.50. Queries 01305 832857. Tea or coffee available. Learn to Dance – Modern Jive (aka LeRoc/Ceroc) sessions are held at Chideock Village Hall on Mondays from 7.30pm10.15pm, cost £6. New and experienced dancers are welcome. Fun and friendly group taught by qualified dance teacher Dee Lanning supported by experienced Beginnerscoaches. at 7.30pm –come on your own or with Firstfriends.night free with a ‘Free Class Pass’ from dynamicdance.uk Ann & Neil are holding their regular Acoustic Night at the Woodman in South Street, Bridport, from 8pm11pm. Solos & duos playing/ singing folk, blues, country & all things rootsy in the round. Material for all to join in. Justine Hopkins will be speaking at The Arts Society West DorsetFrozen Breath of the Polar Night: An Introduction to Art Nouveau Glass, between 2pm and 2.30pm in Bridport Town Council. Visitors welcome, £7.50. Bridport Broadsides, local male sea shanty group, will perform at Bridport Town Hall, 7.30pm. £8, £7 members, includes glass of wine. In support of the Friends of MillenniumBridportGreen. Details Sandra Brown, 01308 423078.
Discover Dorchester on a tour of the historic market
Thetown.event will run from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18, exploring Poundbury and Fordington on Saturday and Dorchester town centre on OnSunday.Friday 16th, there will be a tour of Poundbury, starting at PiPs Cafe on the Great Field at 2pm. On Saturday 17th, St George’s Church at Fordington will be open for self-guided tours between 11am and 4pm. There will be guided tours and talks about Fordington, Rev Moule and Thomas Hardy from Mark Damon Chutter, Thomas Hardy Society and Brian Bates will talk and display information about Fordington. There will also be displays about the Mill Street Mission. On Sunday 18th, there will be free InventionsAstoundingdisplays and activities in Keep Military Museum, Shire Hall Museum, Dorset Museum and the Ancient Wessex Network will be at the Roman Town House. There will be guided tours of Dorchester Prison, the Corn Exchange and the picturesque Antelope Walk as well as demonstrations,craft live performances and trade Morsestands. code, Naval flags, quizzes and competitions for all the family. Free event – all welcome. Wool Skate Jam 2022 will be held at Durbeville Hall, Wool, from noon to 4pm. Free to enter skate jam event for streetboarders,skateboaders,BMX and scooter riders Menopause Yoga for Anxiety will be held from 2pm-5pm at Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre, led by Kim Jones Yoga and AnPilates.enjoyable and informative workshop is promised, where you can gain a greater understanding of your health and the menopause at all stages. This workshop we shall focus on a common complaint of anxiety and overwhelm related to perimenopause. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets £50 from bookinghawk.com St Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport are hosting another popular fun quiz. To reserve a table call 07741 457505. Six people per team (max) doors open at 4.30pm and the quiz starts at 5pm. £5 a head, reserve a table in advance and pay cash at the door. During the interval there will be a raffle, tea, fresh coffee and cake (included in the price). BYO nibbles and drinks, all proceeds to church funds.
10 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
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Saturday, Sept 17 Friday, Sept 16 Sunday, Sept 18
It’s a 9ft fish! On a bicycle!
A fantastically arresting procession featuring a 9ft high illuminated fish on a bicycle is to weave its way through Weymouth for a second year. The Dusk Till Dark event returns with an ocean adventure on Friday, September 23 from 7.30pm and Saturday, September 24 from 8.30pm, in and around the town Activatecentre.and Inside Out Dorset festival are presenting the spectacle, which they have named Peixos by Surruga. The free to attend event is a spellbinding parade inside an eerie underwater world featuring luminescent sea creatures and immediatelyresoundingWeymouthTillsuccessDawnWeandwithorganisedThewizardry.bicycle-poweredgiganticparadehasbeeninpartnershipWeAreWeymouththetowncouncil.AreWeymouthCEORondeausaid:“Theofour2021DuskDarkeventinwassoweknewthisshould be an annual event. “Events such as this bring vast numbers of visitors, benefitting businesses during an otherwise quieter time of year.” Mayor Ann Weaving said: “It’s fantastic that young people from the town have been able to take part in Activate’s summer school at Weymouth College and learn more about puppet-making, as well as providing great insight into what goes into staging these imaginative, large-scale performances.” Activate director Kate Wood said: “Following the success of Sense of Unity in our Inside Out Dorset festival last year, we are so pleased to be presenting another show in Weymouth this September. We have a summer of fishy-themed workshops across the area building up to the performances and Sarruga is a fabulous company from Barcelona which is excited to bring its fabulous parade show here in September.” Art works and puppets created during Activate summer workshops will be displayed in shops throughout the town in the run-up to Peixos.
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 11 Whasson? (and where’s it to?)
All welcome and parking
Business events
Theavailable.High East Street Hokey Cokey will start at Tom Browns Pub, Dorchester at 2pm as part of the Heritage Open CheckDay.out the pub’s page on Facebook for more details on dance times and entertainment throughout the Dorsetday.Blind Association Motor Show will be held at Lulworth Castle from 11am20224pm. sees a welcome return for the South's most picturesque automotive event, hosted by Dorset Blind Association and sponsored by Hendy Group. As the only Motor Show held on the Lulworth Estate, this unique event raises awareness and vital funds to help the charity support the blind and partially sighted people across Dorset. The Castle Showground, sponsored by Hendy, will be open to the public for free from 11am. Come along for a family fun day and view over 200 fantastic motors on display at the Castle Showground. There will be live entertainment, a kids' fun area, food stalls, a beer tent and local craft and produce stalls. As this is a free event, all donations are greatly appreciated and enable Dorset Blind Association to keep offering its services in your local community. A hedging and ploughing match will be hosted by the Melplash Agricultural Society at Higher Langdon, near Beaminster (DT6 3NA) from 9am-3pm. The society is celebrating 175 years this year. Entry is free. Messy Church will be held at St Mary's Church, Maiden Newton from 3pm. Craft and science activities for primary age children, food and drink and a story. Just turn Dorsetup.Fungus Group is leading a guided walk at Thorncombe Woods at 10am – booking essential on 01305 251228 or dorsetcouncil.gov.ukhardysbirthplace@ Join the rangers @DorsetFungusGroupand for a walk around the reserve to identify the fungi found on the Identifiersday. will be at hand to point out the seasonal fungi and confirm identification,theiroften with a great story attached. This foray is aimed at those wishing to know more about local wild fungus and not a harvesting foray. Suggested donation £5 or free with Dorset Fungus Group membership Art History lectures start in Bridport 2pm-3.30pm, in the United Hall, East Street. This course will focus on ‘British Moderns’,Romanticfigurative 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 catchweeks’Feephotographysomeandfilm.£65forsixconsecutivelectures(youcanuponFridaysvia Zoom if you miss a Monday). Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Monday, Sept 19
The September Bridport Chamber Meeting is at the town council offices, Mountfield in Rax Lane (DT6 3JP) on Tuesday, September 20 at 6pm. All local businesses welcome including nonComemembers.along and introduce yourself to the local community,businessfree tea and cake! n A cyber crime expert will be the guest speaker at Dorchester Chamber for Business’s next breakfast networking event. Chris Conroy, Dorset Police’s cyber crime lead, will talk to business leaders about how to protect their firms from Thehackers.networking event will take place from 7.45am to 9am on September 13 at The Coach House Inn, Winterbourne Abbas. Tickets are available on the chamber’s website.
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The second title in Dorchester Film Society’s their new season, Master Cheng, is to be screened at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm. Cheng is a Chinese chef who lands up in a small Finnish town described as an unashamedly ‘feel-good’ comedy Membershipdrama.of the society is £60 for the full season or £40 for the autumn only. For further details and to join online please go to dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk
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 number of tickets available will be limited to ensure the galleries are not too Bookcrowded.at whats-ondorsetmuseum.org/
Dorset Museum is holding a talk by Tom Sharpe at 7pm, 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 much is speculation? And how much is a myth that has developed
12 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
The u3a is a movement of locally-run interest groups for people no longer in fulltime employment and have reached their ‘third age’. Joining the u3a will give you the opportunity to make new friends, learn something new or further an existing interest. The group’s over 55 member-run groups / activities range from archaeology and art to Scrabble and weaving. Membership costs £15 per year and 50p to attend a group meeting. .org.ukmembership@dorchesteru3a
Fashion. To book email et.comchris.pamsimpson@btintern
Bride Valley Churches will be holding a series of harvest services over the next two months. St Michael and All Angels Church, Littlebredy will hold its harvest service on September 25 at 5pm followed by a supper. St Mary’s in Puncknowle will host its service at 9.30am on October 2 and St Mary’s in Burton Bradstock will host its service at 10.30am the same day. The Burton Bradstock service will be followed by a harvest lunch bookable at the Post StOffice.Mary’s Church in Litton Cheney is hosting its harvest service on October 2 at 11am followed by a bring and share harvest lunch. St Peter’s in Long Bredy will host its service at 11am on October 2, followed by coffee. St Martin’s Church in Shipton Gorge will host its service at 5pm on October 2 followed by harvest supper in the hall. Before the service there will be crafts in the church from 4.15pm. Holy Trinity Church in Swyre will host its service at 6pm on October 2 and Chilcombe church will host its service at 4pm on October 16 For church services throughout West Dorset see our Church page later in the magazine.
(and
Celebrate harvest at your local churches
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, Rembrandt,Vermeer,Pieter de Hooch, Van Dyke, Ruisdael, Cuyp, Hals, Leyster, FeeRuysch.£60, six weeks of Tutorlectures.isPam Simpson MA, Associate Lecturer London College of Fashion. To book email Pam et.comchris.pamsimpson@btintern
Weds, Sept 21 Thurs, Sept 22
Come and meet Dorchester and District U3A on their stall by the War Memorial, bottom of South Street, Dorchester from 10am-1pm and find out what is available on your doorstep.
Whasson? where’s it to?)
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 13 Whasson? (and where’s it to?) HUNNY BUNNIES Fabrics, haberdashery, Craft kits, Handmade products and gifts. Christmas fabric range, advent calendar and stocking kits now in 07914stock.387246 Hunnybunnies11@outlook.com REDLANDS BROADWINDSOR,YARD,DT83PX through the uncritical telling and retelling of her tale over the course of two Separatingcenturies? 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 well-known –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, students £5. Book at whats-ondorsetmuseum.org/ BRIDPORT & WEST DORSET COBOWLSINDOORCLUBTASASTERERSESSSSIONIONS:COMEME&GIVEIVEBOWOWLSATRTRY Contact Arthur Stone to book or for more details: 01308 425278 bridpor琀ndoorbowls.co.uk September 10, 11 & 18: 10am1pm & 2pm4pm September 17: 10am 2pm Wheelchair accessible | All ages and abili琀es welcome ADVERTISE WITH US: 01305 566336
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Political activist and singer songwriter Billy Bragg supported posties on the picket line at the Bridport Delivery Office. These postal workers are members of Communicationthe Workers Union (CWU), which represents Royal Mail Group workers. More than 150,000 workers went on strike across the UK on ‘this historic day for our Generalunion’. secretary Dave Ward staunchly defended CWU members and insisted that the strike action was absolutely necessary, vowing that the CWU would continue the fight and would prevail. “Today was an historic day for the CWU – the first time we’ve ever taken simultaneous strike action virtually right across our membership. And our members have responded magnificently across the UK.”
PICKET LINE: Billy Bragg with postal workers Picture: The Invisible Photographer
14 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
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Harvest festival at St Peter’s A harvest celebrationfestivalwillbe held at Caundle Marsh on Friday, October 7 at 6.15pm. The village’s small church dedicated to St Peter and St Paul will be running a service and a bring and share supper afterwards. The post code is DT9 5LX with signs for car parking off the A3030. The church will be decorated with harvest produce and flowers to set the scene for short readings and a couple of traditional hymns. Open to all. Any produce left over will be auctioned off –cash or cards all proceeds to the church. A previous event in July raised £1,136 and £400 of that was given to the British Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal with the remainder for Caundle Marsh church.
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STILL HOPE: The Bottle Inn at Marshwood in happier times and, right, how it is today
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WANTED The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 15
Hopes lifted in bid to save Bottle Inn
Potential saviours have come forward to save a historic village pub and restore a raft of community Tessafacilities.and Julian Blundy hope to bring a wealth of experience with them if their offer Marshwood’sfor Bottle Inn is Tessa,accepted.66, is a conservation architect and ideally placed to pull the building back from wrack and ruin. Julian, 65, is a retired carpenter who has worked on many a pub in the past. Between them, they have been instrumental in saving two other pubs from being turned into homes and they are passionate about retaining old fashioned boozers for the community, alongside offering the facilities desperately needed by Theircommunities.villageplan,ifBottle Inn owner Pauline Brooks accepts their offer, is to restore the pub, make the function room available for village events and re-establish the shop.
Tessa said: “We are both retired now, and have been planning to move in that direction for quite some “Itime.have first cousins in Marshwood and spent lot of time there as child and went to the Marshwood village school for a short “Itime.am very concerned about the Bottle Inn. Pubs are being lost all the time and we have fought through the planning system in the past to retain two pubs where developers were trying to get change of use for housing – it’s something we’re passionate about. “We would not open the Bottle as a gastropub – we are trying to retain an old fashioned pub as a community hub.” She added: “There’s a huge amount of work to do to put the building back together. It would start as a simple ale house. We would liaise with Camra, Historic England and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings during the “Mostrestoration.importantly for Marshwood, the Bottle Inn would evolve in response to the needs of the village “Wecommunity.havegot skills and enthusiasm to get the Bottle back, and we have made a formal bid to Pauline Brookes, who appreciates our intention to reinstate her pub.”
By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk
n Anyone who would like to register an interest in the fruit and veg boxes or bring in their home grown fruit, vegetables and herbs can message them on Facebook (search for Bridget’s Market Bridport) or call them on 01308 427096.
By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
“We can either pay the market value for it or swap their goods for produce they need. With times being so hard for everyone we thought it might help. We get to sell their produce on, and they get some money or are able to swap it for fruit, veg or herbs that they might need. “We have been running this local campaign this year to try and get as much local produce as possible from people’s gardens and allotments. It has been going well so far, but we really want to push this throughout the year and not just for the “Wesummer.would love the local community to grow us things and we hoped that by getting the word out we can source more local goodies rather than having to buy it from the market. “This saves us fuel costs and we would get fresher produce picked locally rather than travelling around the country.” Bridget’s Market has been a mainstay of the high street in Bridport for Butdecades.when lockdown struck, and independent businesses began to suffer, Larissa and Chris decided to deliver boxes of fruit and veg to people’s doors.
Greengrocers appealing for your produce to sell
16 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 A couple who bought the established greengrocers Bridget’s Market in Bridport four years ago are appealing for gardeners to bring in their fruit, vegetables, and herbs – and get paid! Larissa and Chris Kemm have been running a campaign this year to source as much local produce from gardens and allotments green-fingeredpayinglocals for their produce. Now the pair want to give their campaign an even bigger push as economic times are muchcommunityLarissaincreasinglybecomingharder.said:“Ourgrowssogreatproduce, and it seems such a shame that so much of it goes to waste and isn’t used. So, we asked our customers to bring in whatever they had whether it was vegetables, fruit, or herbs.
WE KNOW OUR ONIONS: Larissa and Chris Kemm and staff at Bridget’s Market in Bridport. They’re appealing to gardeners to bring their produce in to sell or exchange
The uptick was immediate and huge, so the couple carried on their delivery service to people in Bridport and surrounding villages, Chideock, Lyme Regis, fuel,toAndWeymouthAxminster,andPortland.now,thecouplewanthelppeoplefurtherasenergyandfoodsoar in price, and their campaign to swap or pay for people’s produce locally grown is a winwin.
The Caundle Marsh Tractor Run is being held on Sunday, September 25, hosted by Di and James Hiscock of the local farming family.
Oliver reels in a trophy
“TheseSupport.packages are priced from around £10 to £25 a month but Ofcom research suggests only 1.2 per cent of the estimated 4.2million households now eligible for these packages has so far signed up.” n Talk Talk is offering existing customers free broadband if they are referred by the Jobcentre. n It’s always advisable to check these social tariffs against deals available to all. We recommend compare-broadband-dealsmoneysavingexpert.com/, where superfast in West Dorset starts from £11.99 a month.
A modern tractor owned by organiser James Hiscock
People on benefits are being urged to apply for cheaper broadband tariffs. Citizens Advice in Dorchester and Sherborne is advising people to talk to their broadband providers about moving over to a ‘social tariff’ deal. A spokesperson said: “As the cost of living crisis develops, a continuing concern is that increasingly it is only possible to contact many key agencies online. “This disadvantagesseriouslypeople who do not have the skills or equipment or the spare income to easily access the “Howeverinternet. the Government has made it easier for people on benefits to apply for discounted broadband via low-cost ‘social tariffs’ many internet providers now offer those in receipt of benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Job Seekers Allowance and Income
A warm late summer evening greeted the Juniors of Dorchester and District Angling Society. The four finalists had competed over three qualifying rounds through the summer to try to win the inaugural Knockout title, and it all came to a head on the Stock Pond at Revels fishery. Faith Stone, Josiah WellsParkes, Oliver Smith, and Jack Copp had just two hours to catch as many fish as they could, and all set out for one species, carp. Jack had a good start, catching a threepound fish almost instantly but was soon caught up by Oliver in the next peg. Josiah crept past Jack too by the end to claim second place. Despite trying hard, The winner at the end and new knockout champion was Oliver Smith weighing an impressive 18lbs 1oz. Ollie won a trophy and a £20 voucher for Revels tackle shop. For more info about DDAS Juniors, ddasjuniors.co.uk or email juniors.sec@d-das.com Membership info at d-das.com.
The tractor run will feature vintage and modern tractors starting at 10am from just off the A3030 at post code DT9 5LX with signs showing the Theway.cost will be £10 per tractor which will include a bacon or sausage bap and a cuppa for drivers.
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The public is invited to see the spectacle before drivers set off on a course round the local countryside. All proceeds will be in aid of Caundle Marsh church. A raffle will be held, including two £50 catering vouchers for Dykes, a £50 meat voucher for Church View Larder, a two night stay for two at the Snug at Caphays, a hamper from Barbers Cheese, a drinks hamper from Di and James Hiscock and a Pot Doodles voucher.
Tractor run for church funds
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 17
A van-based business that sells retro vinyl records has won Dorchester’s Summer of Sunflowers window Thecompetition.VinylVan in Brewery Square heated, cut and shaped vinyl records to create beautiful sunflowers for their window display. The homemade sunflowers were accompanied by sunflower themed record sleeves to create their winning window display. Second place in the contest went to The Posh Partridge Cafe in High West Street. Staff at the café worked with students from Portesham Primary School to create the main sunflowers in their window Thirddisplay.place in the contest went to Fudges Wool Shop in Durngate Street. Their display featured crocheted, knitted and woven Helensunflowers.Moody, from winning business Vinyl Van, said: “We have enjoyed getting involved in Dorchester’s Summer of Sunflowers. It has been brilliant to see the town looking so bright and welcoming and to raise money for such worthy Dorchestercauses.”
THURSDAY: PUDDLETOWN7pm
The Old Salvation Army Hall, Durngate Street DT1 1NA (google The Pointe) Call/text Tracie 07827 710552
18 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 slimmingworld.co.uk
Puddletown Village Hall, High Street DT2 8FZ Call/text Julie 07871 821928
Crossways Youth and Community Centre, Old Farm Way DT2 8TU, Call/text Julie 07871 821928
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Town Council commissioned local artist Claire Nuttall to create huge aerial sunflowers that have been suspended across the South Street during the contest. Maiden Castle Farm also brought back its spectacular Dorset Sunflower Trail and Dorchester Town Council gardeners planted several varieties of sunflower in the town’s Borough MoneyGardens.raised through the competition with go to Dorset County Hospital’s Kingfisher Children’s Unit and Cherkasy Hospital in DonationsUkraine. can still be made at /eacdafbegofund.me
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Van-tastic shop is sunflower winner IN THE GROOVE: Close-ups of the Vinyl Van display
THURSDAY: 9.30am
A life-saving charity is asking for donations during Air Ambulance Week, which runs till Sunday, September 11. The national awareness week, organised by Air Ambulances UK, will see Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance join other air ambulance charities around the country in a campaign called Critical Moments –Life-Saving Difference. The campaign highlights how air Lastinjurysufferingsidehospitaldeliveringmoments,differencecharitiesambulancemakealife-savingincriticalbyrapidlyadvancedpre-caredirectlytotheofpatientswhenalife-threateningorillness.year,Dorsetand
HIGH DSAA team need your support
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Somerset Air Ambulance were called to 2,231 incidents – more than six a day on average. Their critical care team also provided 36 directhospitalchancesdrasticallyproductsadministeredinter-hospitaltime-criticaltransfersandbloodto41patients,improvingtheirofgettingtoalive.WithnoGovernmentor
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National Lottery funding, they rely on the generosity of the public to help raise their operational costs of over £5 million a year, with every mission costing approximately £3,000. During Air Ambulance Week, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is asking the public to donate £5 by texting: DSAA to 70085 or online at donatedsairambulance.org.uk/ or by calling: 01823
Fundraising manager Emma Jones said: “Your support this Air Ambulance Week is more vital than ever. We totally understand that times are hard, but every penny we raise during the week, will help us to continue being there for patients when they need us the most. Every donation counts, no matter the amount.”
FLYERS: The
You can make a life-saving difference
The669604.charity will also be using the week to raise awareness of their work via their social media channels, by sharing some inspiring patient stories and messages from their critical care team, who help to save lives every day.
Chris said: “This little Pea needed all the helpcouldhe get, and neededgotsuremakewasitnowuptometohealltheevenifit meant many sleepless “Peanights.had to be kept warm on a fluffy heat pad, to replicate his mum’s fluffy belly on his skin. And the warmth of my hand he loved too. He was just so “Everycute. day was a new day not knowing if he would make it. With babies this small not having their mum, many don’t survive.
“As the days went by, Pea was responding well to his feeds, so the next step was two-hourly feeds and Peatoileting.”changed rapidly, and in just eight days his skin changed colour, his eyes were more prominent but not yet opened and his whiskers began to grow.
LOOK AT ME NOW: Pea Pod is now fully developed after being cared for by Prickly Prickles Rescue
20 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 A tiny hoglet the size of a thumb has been nursed back to health and now been released thanks to the dedication and love of Chris Legg, who has made looking after sick and injured hedgehogs her life’s mission.
Pea would never have been a pet because no wild hedgehog should be kept as one. Just enjoy them visiting your gardens and feel it is a privilege if they do so. “Keep them fed and watered and provide sheltered places they can nest in. There always help and advice from rescue centres if you have any concern for any hog.”
Sweet Pea ready for a life in the wild after rescue
Chris opened Prickly Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Dorchester in 2019 and since then has taken in some 400 hedgehogs, although Chris has been nursing sick and hedgehogsinjuredlong before Butthen.when this tiny little mite was found on a farm and taken to Prickly Prickles Rescue, Chris knew this would be one of her hardest hand rearing hedgehog journeys. “When I saw how small he was and I weighed him, he registered just 18g, the size of a thumb, a pink skinned, white spined, waferthin baby. And I called him Pea Pod. He stole “Theheart.mynext few weeks I knew were going to be challenging, babies this small need their mum to feed and toilet them. I had to take over and do all I could to keep him alive. “It was the hourly feeds and to toilet him which were the most exhausting. “Night and day, syringing him small amounts of puppy formula, and being so small and delicate, you have to be so careful not to overload his tummy, or for him to take the formula into his lungs.
By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
As the days passed Pea gained weight and began to look like a little hedgehog. His eyes opened, he started getting all his fur and new spines and his little feet and claws were developing. “He was just adorable,” said “PeaChris.gaveme a feeling of such an achievement, and I felt so proud to have saved his life and see him grow up to be a beautiful boy weighing 960g. He was now Pea Podge.” Despite Chris becoming very attached to Pea, she vowed from the start that if she nursed him to health, he would have the freedom of the wild, in his natural habitat. The time had Chriscome.said: “Pea was released in my garden where he can roam. There are several highways and hog houses if he wants to stay around although he can go where he wants.
Prickly Prickles Rescue, which is self-funding, is based at Chris’ home in Dorchester where she has a well-equipped hospital shed at the bottom of the Chrisgarden.is able to keep it going thanks to the generosity and kindness of people who donate to Prickly Prickles, which allows Chris to give her charges the daily care they need. Some hedgehogs stay days, while others might stay for months before they are well enough to be released.
n If you would like to donate email Chris at hotmail.compricklyprickles@ or ring her on 07747 344042. Chris added: “Donations and help would be very much appreciated.”
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 21
“Sinceyears. they began, they experienced a flood of generosity from local businesses, therapists, artists, health and cancer professionals and related “Sadly,charities.Jo O’Farrell died in July 2018, but her courage and passion will continue to inspire them. She would have been overwhelmed by what promises to be a wonderful celebration. “Now it remains for the people of Bridport to come and enjoy what the Living Tree group want to show you – that having cancer is life-changing, but can open some surprising new doors, and allow new friendships to Furtherdevelop.”information can be found on the Bridport Arts Centre and Living Tree websites.
Bridport’s Living Tree cancer support group is celebrating its tenth anniversary with an art Groupexhibition.co-founders, the late Jo O’Farrell MBE and Jo Millar, developed the service after attending a ‘cancer writing workshop’ at Dorset County Hospital in September 2012. A spokesperson for the group said that workshop proved to be ‘pivotal’ in inspiring the women to explore their shared belief that a ‘more holistic approach’ to supporting cancer patients was needed in West Dorset. By the end of 2012 the pair had secured a Macmillan start-up grant, and Bridport’s Friends Meeting House became the regular Friday afternoon drop-in venue for group members. A Living spokespersonTree said: “We feel it’s vital to offer support in a gentle responsiveand way. “Over the years, and as comprehensivewhatdevelopedhasincreased,numbersgrouphavethisgraduallyintoisnowa programme of creative activities, Friday drop-in GallerycreativeisTheToallotment.”gardeningtennis,suchgentlemindfulness,complementaryspeakers,therapies,yoga,andphysicalexerciseasambling,tableswimming,andintheircelebrate10yearsofLivingTree,thegrouphostinganexhibitionofworkintheAllsopofBridportArts Centre until September 10. There will also be an evening of music and food from Maria’s Pantry for Living Tree members on Saturday, September 10 in Bridport’s WI Hall. The Living spokespersonTreeadded: “The exhibition will be a way of saying thank you to the many theLivingsupportedwhoorganisationspeoplelocalandhaveTheTreeinlast10
MARCHING ON TOGETHER: Members of The Living Tree on parade and, inset below, founder Jo Millar
Cancer group’s anniversary exhibition
Mums are invited to go online and give their feedback on the county’s maternity services. Dorset Local Maternity Services are conducting research to help improve perinatal physiotherapy care. Dorset County Hospital clinical specialist pelvic health physiotherapist team leader Chris Leadley said: “This project is an exciting opportunity to improve pelvic health services across Dorset. “We want to hear the views of as many people as possible, be they good or bad, as all feedback is welcomed and vital to help ensure that our service meets the needs of local women. Our aim is to build a new pelvic health service by 2024 that will deliver better identification of pelvic health problems and will bring together midwives, specialist doctors and physiotherapistsspecialisttoshare knowledge and improve the support to women during their childbearing years with a longer-term goal of improved lifelong pelvic health.” Share your experiences at PelvicHealthServicesinDorsetsurveymonkey.co.uk/r/Perinatalor nhsdorset.nhs.uk to follow links to the survey.
Target of £20k for villagers in green makeover tribute
“ThePlace.plan has been almost three years in the making but we’re determined to make it happen,” said Sheila Hawkins, who worked with the late David Leader to put the project together for the Comrades Hall, which owns the land. “It will be a fitting tribute to David, who died suddenly earlier this year. “He made such a difference to community and sporting life in the village and brought everyone together.” The village green scheme forms part of a successful bid to The National Lottery Community Fund. The bid secured grant funding of £84,000 in total, including funding from Low Carbon Dorset, and £45,000 has been allocated to the village green upgrade. The remainder has funded improvements to make Comrades Hall more environmentally friendly, with the installation of 36 solar panels and an air source heat pump central heating system, which replaced the old oil-fired one, plus grantedDorsetinsulation.improvedCouncilhaspermission for new play equipment to be installed at the green. The existing swings in the park will be removed and a new oak-framed shelter is being Margeryinstalled.Hookings, who is leading the Crowdfunder appeal on behalf of Comrades importantgreenoutwhen“Duringshortfall.ourbusinesseshopearesaid:ManagementHallCommittee,“Fundraisingeventsplannedbutwereallypeopleandlocalwillsupportappealtomeetthethepandemic,wecouldonlygotoexercise,ourvillagebecameevenmoretousasa
LOVELY PLACE: Broadwindsor is a thriving community and, inset, David Leader
Villagers are coming together to raise the final £20,000 needed to give their village green a makeover in tribute to a community leader. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched in Broadwindsor to pay for new play equipment to be installed at Bernards’
22 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
community. Bernards’ Place is something we all treasure. By reconfiguring the space, adding new, inclusive and challenging play and equipmentexerciseequipment,activityintroducingsessionsandforallages, as well as communitystagingevents, there will be something for all of us to enjoy, bringing together people of all ages and abilities, and helping to improve health and well-being.” n To support the appeal, go to greenappealp/broadwindsorvillagecrowdfunder.co.uk/
WELCOME: The lower end of Bernards’ Place will be opened up for community space
Don’t keep mum: Have your say on maternity services
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 23 l TRAILER SALES l TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) l TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS We supply spares and parts for all makes and models of trailers l Brake spares l Trailer lighting l Trailer wheels/tyres l Jockey wheels/ prop stands l Body fittings l Bearings l Mudguards l Numberplate holders l Aluminium ramps l Security l Storage boxes 01929 462534 WADDOCK CROSS, DORCHESTER, DORSET, DT2 8QY Please visit our eBay shop for the best prices – ‘Wessex Trailers’ – click the link on our site, wessex-trailers.co.uk or email - sales@wessex-trailers.co.uk n Design & technical survey n Product purchase n Full installation n Wet rooms n Walk in baths and showers n adaptationsBathroom n Smart toilets n Tiling n Panelling n Non-slip flooring n Warranty n Free quotation! n Covering the whole of the South West! Keeping you safe & independent 01935 726216 0800 448 0861 BATHROOMSPECIALISTSMOBILITY Free quotes: ttfinstallations@hotmail.com
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We are thrilled to hear the news that Dorset has been selected to be one of the pilot schemes for the government’s new Local Electric “ThisInfrastructureVehiclefunding.fundingwillallow us to expand the number of public charging points in our county’s more rural areas, supporting our ambitions to get at least 80% of Dorset households to be within a 10-minute walk of a charge point by “The2025.pilot scheme is backed by £10million of government funding. Dorset Council has been awarded £1.62million of the funding with a further £1.08million from industry. Decarbonisation Minister Trudy Harrison said: “We want to expand and grow our world-leading network of EV government,industryworkingchargepoints,closelywithandlocalmaking it even easier for those without driveways to charge their electric vehicles and support the switch to cleaner travel.”
Dorset’s network of electric vehicle charging points is set to receive a £2.7million upgrade. Dorset is one of nine areas in England to receive funding from a new government scheme to improve its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.charging As part of the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, Dorset Council and industry will work together to create an improved vehicle charging network. These will include onstreet charging points and larger, petrol station-style charging hubs. As well as a planned 175 fast chargers, this pilot will also include the installation of a small number of rapid or ultra-rapid (50 kW to 150 kW DC) chargers on or near main roads to support en route charging. Charge points will also be located at popular tourist locations.
£2.7m upgrade to county’s network for EV charging
Spin to win as top cyclists whizz through county town
PEDAL POWER: Action from the 2021 Tour of Britain. Cyclists wll be passing through Dorchester on Saturday, September 10
24 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Cyclists are being asked to join a giant attempt to win a national prize as part of the Tour of Britain. Dorchester Town Council is asking people to bring their bikes to Kings Road Park at 11am on Saturday, September 10 to help create a giant spinning bike wheel. The giant spinning bike wheel will be seen by helicopters and film crew following the Tour of Britain Dorchester,throughand the council hopes to scoop the Tour of Britain’s annual National Land Art Thecompetition.councilhas teamed up with Brewery Square to lay on activities to support the AJ Bell Tour of Britain, as hundreds of internationally renowned road cyclists will pass through Dorchester that Theday. UK’s professionalbiggestcycle race and free-to-spectate live sporting event will see riders make their way through the town at 12pm in the seventh stage of the Brewerycompetition.Square is hosting a cycling celebration event from 10am-1pm on the day. Anytime Fitness will host spinning in the Square, with specialists from Pope Street Cycles on hand to provide bike maintenance advice. Dorset Police will also be there, security marking bikes for free. Matilda Manley, tourism development officer at Dorchester Town Council, said: “The AJ Bell Tour of Britain attracts some of the best riders from around the world and a roadside audience of over 1.5m spectators over eight “Livedays. coverage of the race is shown daily in the UK on ITV4, in addition to around the world so this is a great opportunity to show off Dorchester on an theaboutnotessubmittingalsowheelandatexcitingadditionasforpromotiongetensuretoVisitteamTheworking“Iscale.internationalhavebeenwithTourandDorsethelpweasmuchthetownwecan.IntoouractivitiesBrewerySquarethegiantspinningcompetition,we’vebeeneditingandvoiceoverforcommentatorsalltheattractionsriderswillpasson their way through the Keentown.”spectators can head to Brewery Square or Kings Road Park before 12pm to pick up a free paper flagandwaveto cheer on the cyclists. In keeping with traditional bike rides, people can also bring along a cowbell to chime at their chosen viewing spot to showcase their Theresupport.are several key spots to watch the cyclists pass in Dorchester as the route weaves in and around the town. Riders will enter Dorchester via Herringston Road, pass Maumbury Rings – which is ideally located near Brewery Square – and Borough Gardens before turning right at Top O’ Town and the Thomas Hardy Statue onto High West Street, where there will be a sprint stage – a thrilling spectacle which will see riders push their speed to the Riderslimit.will then pass Kings Road Park, onto Icen Way and South Walks Road (past the Elizabeth Frink Dorchester Martyrs Statue), along Prince of Wales Road out to National Trust’s Max Gate and on to Broadmayne.
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 25 Your local retailer for Sherborne upholstery FURNITURE | LIGHTING | CLOCKS | MIRRORS | SOFT FURNISHINGS | GIFTS & ACCESSORIES 9 Weymouth Avenue, Brewery Square, Dorchester DT1 1QR Tel: 01305 269070 Email: shop@avenueinteriors.co.uk www.avenueinteriors.co.uk Avenue Interiors ~ OF DORCHESTER ~
and
“The Lake District’s ‘Land of the Lakes’ route is the most electric vehicle friendly road trip in the “It’sUK. the road trip where you’re most likely to have a charging point to hand in the shortest possible time.”
Jurassic Coast with the most for e-vehicle drivers
for cancer recovery group quiz is
to
“With a distance of 51 miles and only 0.22 charges needed, a road trip along the Jurassic Coast, the outstanding UNESCO world heritage site, is ranked the second-best road trip for electric vehicle drivers.
Researchers said several factors were taken into account when creating their list of the best electric vehicle road trips in the Thesecountry.factors included the availability of charging points en route and how different electric vehicle models compare on the Figuresjourney.show that the Tesla Model 3 and Kia e-Niro need only 0.22 of a charge to complete the Jurassic Coast drive. The Volkswagen ID.3 would need 0.24 of a charge to complete the trip, while the Nissan Leaf would need 0.35 of a charge. The Audi E-tron S would require 0.26 of a charge.
Motoring along the Jurassic Coast has been voted the second-best road trip in the country for electric vehicle drivers.
a cheque for
also provides friendship and support and a chance to meet others who are living with cancer. The organisers, both Level 4 cancer and exerciseAlonghavetheBridport,newinstructors,rehabilitationexercisespecialistarewelcomingmemberswholiveinDorchesterandsurroundingareaswhoacancerdiagnosis.withcircuitclasses,which
THANKS: Elaine Street and Alex Hook of the Bridport Higos branch present £500 Richard Walsh Jo Perfect
A Saga spokesperson said: “Road trips were ranked based on the average distance between charging points, identifying the journeys where you’re most likely to have access to a charging point in the shortest time possible.
Stepping Out, activebeing,overallflexibility,improveSteppingtreatment.andindividual’sadaptedwomenfree,MarchweeklyThecancer.”withcontinueSteppingbusinessesofwithRichardmemberswithBridportSteppingtheandInstructorscharitycompanyBranch£500throughhelpingBridport-basedthegroupcancerrecoveryexercise,receivedfromtheBridportofinsuranceHigosatitsquiznight.RichardWalshJoPerfectweregivenchequeattheirrecentOutclassatLeisureCentre,manygratefulpresent.said:“ItisonlythegeneroussupportorganisationsandlikeHigosthatOutisabletohelpingpeopletheirrecoveryfromgrouphasheldtwice-classessince2015,whichareopentomenandofallagesandtosuitanactivitylevelscancerdiagnosisandOutaimstostrength,balanceandfitnessandwell-leadingtoamorelifestyle.Thegroup
26 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
start with the Tripudio flow movement that targets the lymphatic system, there is a chance to take part in taster sessions of Nordic walking, yoga, walking football, table tennis and talksThererelaxation.areeducationalonsubjectssuch as diet and nutrition and mindfulness and members play indoor bowls on a regular basis. If you would like to join, new members will need a doctor or professionalhealthfor a referral. n Please programmeemailmanager Jo at comj.perfect@bridportleisure. to arrange an initial Moreassessment.information is available at bridport.co.uksteppingout £500 right answer
Research conducted by Saga found that on a 51mile drive along the Jurassic Coast, electric vehicle drivers have access to 15 charging stations, with an average distance of 3.4 miles between them.
The surveyor said it was not possible to carry out a full survey due to the dangerous state of the buildings. Mitigation will be needed to protect badgers who may use the site, though there was no evidence badgers were present. Further measures must be put in place for nesting birds, otters and hedgehogs.
All aspects of interior & exterior plastering 07733 950923 Laser tattoo removal Safe & effective laser treatment Carbon laser facial (Instant skin brightening, reduces poor size) Laser skin rejuvenation and removal of benign pigmented lesions Laser hair removal finessesmp.co.uk Next to Sportarm, off Princes St, Dorchester ness@finessesmp.co.uk 07827 418238
tailored advice on Pensions & Retirement, Investments, Estate Planning and Protection With a
Gives of thicker hair in men cruelty
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 27
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Fresh application for ruined lodge
County town for over forty years, we at P J Aiken Limited, pride ourselves in offering our clients a personal, bespoke, and professional service, as every client is different and unique. • Tax ef昀cient structuring including pensions, ISAs and investment bonds • Bespoke investment proposition; creating and managing your investment portfolio • Socially responsible investment options including sustainability & environmental funds We look forward to working with you, please do get in touch if you think we can help. T: 01305 266676 • E: advice@pjaiken.co.uk www.pjaiken.co.uk P J Aiken Ltd is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 5581988 TRINITY STREET, DORCHESTER, DT1 1TT T
AS IT WAS: Cattistock Lodge when it was well maintained
A new application has been lodged to create homes from the ruins of Cattistock Lodge. The once fine home, built in the Victorian era after being moved to make way for the railway line, has been left to rot for a number of years. The whole building is in a state of collapse, after the death of its former owner Margetta ‘Peggy’ Soulsby. An application to convert the main house to seven dwellings and build three mews houses last year was turned down as a formal ecological survey had not been carried out. Now a reduced scheme for the main house to be converted into seven dwellings has been submitted, along with an ecological survey, which notes the presence of bats. The surveyor says: “Bats are present in the main building on site and bats are foraging and flying through the site. Bat activity surveys have been carried out and a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) will be required.” They added: “Greater and Lesser horseshoe bats are using the main building of Cattistock Lodge to roost. “Both bat species were seen leaving the building on the SW side through a doorway and two windows, although the surveyors cannot be certain that all bats emerging from the building were seen due to complexity of the building and the inability to see every elevation clearly. These two species together with both Common and Soprano pipistrelle bats were also seen and/or heard commuting through the site.”
Trusted, presence in Dorset’s
free
The plans will include bat boxes on trees, integral bat bricks in the buildings, integral bird bricks, bird boxes, on trees in the grounds, a reptile hibernacula, hedgehog houses and bee bricks. The gardens will be landscaped with native fruit trees and species good for pollinators. An ecologist will oversee the installation of all these measures. The plans, P/FUL/2022/05175,numbered are now out for consultation before being decided by a planning officer under delegated powers.
PLASTERINGWILLIAMS
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Scalp Micropigmentation
n Sherborne Folk Band meet on a Sunday afternoon between 1.30pm and 4.30pm once a month at Digby Memorial Hall between for a workshop. The next one is Sunday, September 18. Further dates are: Sunday, October 30 Sunday, November 20
ear but sheet music and audio clips of the music are sent out in advance to waywhichbeenfriendly.Theparticipants.”bandisveryManymembershavepartofthefolkgroupsincethefirstdayitstartedandtheywelcomeandsupportnewmusicians.ThebandplaysarangeoftraditionaltunesfromtheUKandEurope,Juliaarrangesinawhichaddsinterest
By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
It’s the sound of music as folk flocking to folk band
28 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 We all know that music is medicine for the soul and in Sherborne, folk music is thriving. Sherborne Folk Band is attracting music lovers from across the patch and is led by Julia Catovsky, who launched this merry band five years ago in 2017. Julia, a teacher by profession, has played folk music sessions with informal groups for more than 25 years, originally belonging to The West London Folk Band. She also plays in the band of the Morris side, Treacle Eater WhenClog.shemoved to Sherborne, she missed the group West London Folk Band so much she decided to start a new one, here in Dorset. And for the last five years she has created a fun and supportive workshop environment, where members learn ‘by ear’ an eclectic set of tunes, getting their feet tapping and instilling confidence so they feel happy to perform in Juliapublic.said: “Sherborne Folk Band is a community band now in its fifth year and going from strength to “Thestrength.band meet monthly to learn new tunes and, also to play through the repertoire of tunes the band has acquired over the five years it has been running. I teach folk tunes, harmonies and chords aimed at all levels of musicians playing the“Duringinstruments.acoustictheworkshopstunesaretaughtby
STRIKE UP THE BAND: Sherborne Folk Band perform at the bandstand
for the audience. The Sherborne Folk Band has performed on the Harbour Stage at Wessex Folk Festival 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Pack Monday Fair, Sherborne Festive shopping day and at the Open Mic Night at Guggleton Farm Arts. The band will be performing at the Sherborne Monthly Market in Pageant Gardens on Sunday, September 18 at 11am. Julia added: “Why not pop along and have a listen?”
TAKE IT FROM THE TOP: The band in their new tops and, left, band leader Julia Catovsky
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 29
Lyme has lots of geological connections and its own dinosaur museum, which you will pass on your route in from the car Ipark.would suggest buying three hours to the car park to give you plenty of time to enjoy Lyme’s delights.
Make like a tourist and follow GODFREY HALL as he visits Lyme Regis, Bridport and Weymouth
30 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
My second suggestion is a walk from West Bay into Bridport along the Monarch’s Way which is said to be the route Charles II took when he escaped in 1651 after being beaten at the Battle of Worcester. Over 625 miles long the Monarch’s Way meanders around the countryside. The Yeovil Loop it is called extends down to Charmouth where Charles
GO WEST: Monarch’s Way between West Bay and Bridport and, below, signs at Lyme Regis and, right, the riverside walk
Plenty to see, do and enjoy in a tour Hop on the Jurassic Coaster and make your way to Lyme Regis getting off in the centre of the Alternativelytown. take your car along the A35 to Lyme Regis and then left onto the B3165 Uplyme Road and into Lyme Regis arriving at the top of the Turntown.left into Hill Road and then make your way past the police station turning left into the Woodmead Car Park (toilets can be found in Woodmead Hall). You can also sometimes park along the road as you approach the car park, but regulations apply and you may find you don’t have enough time to enjoy the town and the Cobb. Walk down the hill to the bottom and take a right turn on the footpath which takes you along riverside walk and the River Lim/Lym towards the Town Mill complex where you turnOnceonpassingdownStreetintoaAftereat.andseveralfindshopsplacestothistakerightagainCoombeandwalkintothetownbythebakerytheright.onthemainroadrightandcrossthe car park onto the front and follow the road which leads onto the Esplanade and then to the Cobb climb the breakwater, weather permitting and walk out along the top for some of the best views in Lyme. If the time is right, you should also stop by Jane’s Café which is at the end of the front. It has plenty of seating inside and out and some splendid deals including breakfasts using local sausages and bacon. Prices are servicecompetitiveextremelyandtheandqualityof food is Theexcellent.Cobbhas been the location for a number of films including recently Ammonite with Kate Winslet as Mary Anning the palaeontologist and Wonka when they sprayed the Cobb with foam to create instant snow.
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 31 of some of our picturesque resorts was hoping to escape to Unfortunately,France. when he arrived the town was full of Parliamentary troops and he was forced to retrace his steps. This part of the route actually starts and ends in the village of Trent near GoYeovil.over the bridge in the centre of West Bay and take a right into the Parkdean caravan site (Part of the public right of way). Follow the bottom road towards Bridport. This then becomes a footpath which crosses several fields and goes under the A35 ending up by a white cottage on the Hereleft. you can either continue along the track or take a right along the river Brit. At the end of the track or path, you will come into a road just by Palmers Brewery. Turn left and followed the road a short distance until you come to the Bridport FC Turnground.rightacross the car park and join the footpath which passes by the grounds, some impressive graffiti and open playing fields. Turn right across the footbridge and then left just after the bowls club which will then bring you past some cottages and onto the road which takes you to the car park at the rear of Waitrose and the bus station. If you prefer after you leave the bowls club, take a slight right through the Community Orchard and onto the road leading up to Bucky Doo Square where you will find Bridport Town Hall. If you go this way, stop and look at the Electric Palace on your right which is an art deco building built in the 1920s and now restored and used for concerts and films. The town is famous for rope making and the Charter Market which takes place in the wide sweeping streets used at one time for drying ropes. Notice the Ropemakers Pub near Waitrose and do stop for a coffee at Gelateria Beppino next to the bus stop on the other side of the road. The route is much prettier way of getting from West Bay to Bridport than taking the roadway. It has probably been used for hundreds of years and whenever I walk this route, I imagine how it might have been to use this path several hundred years ago. My final idea is to take the Jurassic Coaster or car to Weymouth and then explore the main beach and the town on the other side of the river next to the lifeboat station. Walk from the car park or where you get off the bus at the Kings’ Statue past Marks & Spencer and through the town until you come to the river. Turn right and go up and across the lifting bascule bridge (A moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or leaf, throughout its upward swing) onto the other side where you will find some intriguing shops and Weymouth’scafes. wonderful beach is great for families and is in close proximity to the railway station which links the local towns and Well,Yeovil.that’s it. Join me next time when we venture further afield to the West Bay’s twin town of St Vaast la Hougue in Northern France.
THE FIRST RESORT: Weymouth’s Punch and Judy show on the beach, the famous Town Bridge and beautiful harbour are all well worth exploring
Church By Canon Deb Smith, Team Rector of Bridport
32 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
Services
You may have noticed that there has been a leadership race on – and our news headlines are filled with claims of who is the best person for the top Evenjob. among the disciples this jostling for position – or the question, who is the greatest – took up much Andenergy.when Jesus took the wind out of their sails by suggesting that greatness might have something to do with being last and servant of all, it turned everything upside down. Jesus is like that. If being great, holding the number one position, means being last of all and servant of all, then we have completely misunderstood what greatness is really about.
St James the Great in Longburton: 10am Family Communion St Martin of Tours Lillington: 10am Holy Communion St Paul’s at The Gryphon: 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary Magdalene: 11.15am Holy Communion Cheap Street: 6.30pm Taize Service
Jesus is asking us to reframe our understanding of greatness. What does it mean and look like for you and me to be great in today’s world? That’s the question. Jesus answers that question by taking a little child in his arms and saying to the disciples: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
The child is a symbol of vulnerability, powerlessness, and dependency. The child in Jesus’ day had no rights, no status, no economic value. The child was a consumer and not a producer. Greatness, Jesus says, is in welcoming and receiving into our arms one like this, regardless of his or her age. With the growing sense of fear about how some of us will manage as the cost-of-living crisis bites, perhaps greatness is to be found not in what we have accomplished and gained for ourselves but in what we have done and given to “the least of these” Our greatness is revealed in our service and care of others regardless of their ability or willingness to pay or return the favour. Greatness comes to us when we share with others who have nothing to share with us, when we respond to the needs of others. That’s the life Jesus offers us. This kind of greatness happens in the simple, ordinary, and unnamed,unnoticedItmundane.oftengoesandbut it keeps together.community
Care for others is mark of a good leader
Burton Bradstock: 11am Holy Communion Shipton Gorge: 9.30am Breakfast Church Swyre: 11am Holy Communion Litton Cheney: 9.30am Holy Communion Littlebredy: 11am Holy EachCommunionweeka service is recorded by a member of the clergy team. Listen to this by calling 01308 293062. Roman Catholic Mass 8.30am Chideock 10am Beaminster Dorchester United Church: 10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church Powerstock, St Mary the Virgin: 11am - Benefice Eucharist Broadoak, St Paul’s: 6.30pm Evening Prayer Halstock: 10am Morning Prayer Melbury Osmond: 9.30am Holy Communion Frome St Quintin: 11am Baptism Maiden Newton: 9.30am Worship Service Sunday, September 18 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 9.30am Family Service Chilcombe: 6.30pm Evening Prayer Swyre: 11am Morning Worship Puncknowle: 11am All Age Holy Communion Litton Cheney: 9.30am Morning Prayer 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, 3pm Messy Church Chilfrome: 11am Harvest Service Dorchester United Church: 10.30am Morning Worship and Junior Church 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.
Sherborne Abbey Weekday Services Monday to Saturday at 8.30am, Morning Prayer - The Sepulchre Chapel Every Monday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Lady EveryChapelTuesday at 12noon, Holy Communion - The Lady EveryChapelWednesday at 10.30am, Holy Communion with Homily – The Lady Chapel Every Thursday at 12noon, BCP Holy Communion - The Lady EveryChapelFriday at 9am, Ecumenical Holy Communion - The Lady Chapel The first Friday of the month at 9am, Requiem Holy Communion - The Sepulchre ChapelEvery Saturday at 9am, Holy Communion - The Sepulchre Chapel Sunday, September 11 Sherborne Abbey: 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong
SLICE OF THE ACTION: The cakes at The Horse With The Red Umbrella, left, and the Cabin, right
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 33 Vittles (food & drink) The Poet Laureate 5 Pummery Square, Poundbury, DT1 3GW Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, FridaySaturday 11am-11pm and Sunday 11am-8pm 01305 267000 poetlaureate.co.uk Carvery on Sundays and theme nights in the week See facebook.com/thepoetpoundbury for details
Dorchester is officially one of the best places in the country to enjoy afternoon Accordingtea. to research conducted by care home provider Lottie, the county town ranks number seven on the top ten list of places in the UK to enjoy a cuppa and a Researcherscake. used a range of metrics, including aggregated online review scores and pricing, to determine Dorchester scores a 7.73 out of ten on its ‘overall afternoon tea’ Therating.analysis showed that while Dorchester has some of the more expensive afternoon teas in the top 20 list, the town ranks fifth overall for quality. A Lottie spokesperson said: “With 61 per cent of its cafés serving afternoon tea, Dorchester score“Overall,scoresoutforimpressivelyachieveshighscoresitsonlineratings9.08of10–whileitspricing7.92outof10.thetown’stotalis7.73outoften, putting it in seventh place on our Beyondlist.”the facts and figures behind the research, what is it that makes the county town such a great n Continued next page
Teatime! Town officially takes the cake
By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk
34 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 THEHE HORSE WIWITH THEHE RREDED UUMBRELLMBRELLA Serving up delicious cakes & lunches in Dorchester for more than 50 years! A friendly welcome to dogs and humans Mon-Sat 8am-3.30pm 10 High East St, Dorchester DT1 1UJ 01305 262019 We’re on acebook and TripAdvisor Openseven9am-4pmdaysaweek Wardon Hill, off the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil The Cabin at Wardon Hill Emporium Breakfasts l HomemadeLunchescakesCreamteas Vittles (food & drink) Head to destination Dorchester for the n From page 33 place to come to for afternoon tea? For most café owners in the town, the answer seems to be a combination of the natural beauty around Dorchester and the friendliness of the town’s “Dorchesterpeople. is a convivial kind of town,” said John Fiori, owner of The Horse with the Red Umbrella. “Everybody around here is very friendly, and we have beautiful countryside all around us. All of that lends itself to an enjoyable afternoon tea. “All of our cafes and restaurants in the town have a comforting old-fashioned style to them, which is especially true of us, since we’ve been here since the Emily1970s.”and Murray Pullman, who opened the Posh Partridge café in High East Street six years ago, share John’s sentiment about Dorchester being a great place for afternoon tea. Emily said: “I think the town appeals to visitors because of its heritage and coming into the Posh Partridge for a good cup of tea and a cake is something that’s really nice to do after a day exploring the town. “We offer a lovely selection of homemade cakes and POSH NOSH: The Posh Partridge in High East Street serves up some wonderful food
SUP UP: Left, the vintage tearoom at The Three Compasses, Charminster, above, where you can have tea or gin served in a bone china teapot
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 35 Cafe and outside cateringCafe and outside catering A family-run business offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, plus outside catering for any event Open 9am-3pm Mon-Sat: 29 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF Afternoon tea: selection of sandwiches,hand-cuthomemadecakesandpatisserie,sconeswithcreamandjamwithapotoftea.Mustbebooked24hoursinadvanceAllfreshlyhomemadeBook your afternoon tea: 01305 342024 Vittles (food & drink) e delights of the best afternoon teas other treats made using local ingredients, which again brings a bit of the local heritage into what we “We’vedo. been running the Posh Partridge for six years now and I really enjoy it. I love talking to the customers and serving them good food, I like the hustle and bustle of running a busy Jackiecafé.”Trickett, who runs the Cabin café at Wardon Hill Trading Post in Long Ash Lane, said: “I think we’ve proved popular because we serve a great range of homemade cakes and scones and we offer a really good service. “Customers like that what we offer is homemade. “We’re a bit outside of Dorchester so I think the environment and the setting are a draw for people. “If you’ve spent the morning or afternoon here shopping, it’s nice to stop in here for a tea and cake afterwards – recharge the batteries a bit!” Even the pubs are getting in on the act.
Tina Dixon, who runs The Three Compasses in Charminster with husband Rob, opened a room in the historic coaching inn as a vintage tearoom, where you can get tea or gin served up in a bone china teapot!
Harvest the taste of early autumn DELICIOUS: Almond Apple Tart Kitchen...
Vittles (food drink)
GOLDEN,
Mum’s
36 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
This is a very moist, rich and indulgent dessert cake that has its origins in the glorious days of Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright. Once asked if they were offended by their nickname of Two Fat Ladies, their response was that there was nothing wrong with fat, but ladies made them sound like a public convenience. Ingredients for the batter 140g/5oz butter 200g/7oz caster sugar 2 85g/3ozeggs self-raising flour 115g/4oz ground almonds 125ml/4floz milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon boiling water
Danish Apple and Prune Cake
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.
½ teaspoon baking powder Toppings 8 stoned prunes, chopped 115g/4oz shelled walnuts, finely chopped and mixed with 2 tablespoons of sugar 2 apples, cored and sliced 3 tablespoons sugar Ground cinnamon butter Method Whizz up the batter ingredients in the According to tomorrowmeterologicaltheofficeisofficially the first day of autumn, although the autumn equinox is not until later in the month. The evenings are now noticeably closing in and although not yet experiencing ‘Seasons of mist’, we have plenty of mellow fruitfulness. At this time of year fruit and vegetables are plentiful, rich in colour and sumptuous in flavour it’s almost as if mother nature herself is saying: “Take full Foradvantage”.manyyears I experienced France at its most rural. Southwest France at the time was relatively undiscovered and the locals viewed us initially with an eclectic mixture of amusement and caution, it was a cultural tsunami. This was the area of sunflowers and vineyards of buttermilk walls and pan tiles, miles from the nearest road, the deafening silence disturbed only by the sound of cicadas.Ourconsistedvillage of six ‘chimneys many houses were derelict skeletons from decades of neglect. Some of the houses were owned by Les Parisiennes who were viewed with equal caution, arriving in their smart cars with their elegant haut couture and distinctive gaudy dialect. Gardens unchanged for decades produced their winters feasts, produce was harvested kitchens became industrious hives of activity it was a family event. Vegetables and fruit were bottled, some preserved in Olive oil, tomatoes as big as melons were chopped, made into rich passatas or Ourratatouille.ancient Victoria plum tree groaned each year with a profusion of the instinctivepreparingLateamethyst-colouredsweet,jewels.summerwasatimeforforwinter,somecouldsay.
Time maybe to resurrect this tradition to combat hard times Itahead.took a few years but eventually trust was gained and we became very much part of the commune we knew our acceptance was complete when invited to place food in the inaugural lighting of the newly renovated village oven. Almond Apple Tart 3oz butter softened 3oz caster 2 eggs beaten 3oz ground almonds 1 tsp almond extract 3 red eating apples Readymade short crust pastry Line a tart dish with the Creampastry together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, then add the ground almonds and almond extract and blend until well Spreadcombined.the frangipane filling evenly on top. Leaving peel on, cut thin slices of apple and place on the top of the frangipane Bake for 25 mins Entente cordiale!
&
Vittles (food & drink) food processor and pour into a lined 25cm/10in round cake tin. Place the prunes on the batter, and spoon over the walnut and sugar mixture. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the walnuts. Bake in a preheated oven 190C/170C fan oven for 45 Sprinkleminutes.the surface with sugar and cinnamon and dot tin.Coolclean.comesskewerminutes20/25forbutter.withBakeafurthertillaoutinthe
American Style Pancakes American pancakes (or flapjacks as they are often known in the USA) are very different from our ‘English’ Fatcrepes.and fluffy, they can be served for breakfast with bacon or sausage, or blueberries or raspberries. Alternatively, make a delicious dessert by slicing figs to put on top and serve with ricotta cheese or natural They’reyoghurt. quick and easy, so why not give them a try this 200gServesweekend?4self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 1/2 tbsp caster sugar 3 medium free range eggs 25g melted butter (plus a little extra for cooking) 200ml vegetablemilkoil, for cooking Mix flour, baking powder, sugar and a pinch of salt together in a large bowl.
First of all, what does it mean for a wine to age and why might we do it?
WINE: With Jack Priestley, manager of wine merchant Morrish and Banham’s Dorchester shop. Do wines improve with age? That common phrase to age like a fine wine. But do all wines get better with age?
The vast majority of wines are unlikely to get better with any extended time in bottle, though. Most wines are produced for consumption,earlymeaning they are best drunk whilst they are young, bright and youthful. Young wines typically have vibrant, fruity characteristics; this is why we enjoy them so much! So when you purchase your average bottle of Cotes du Rhone or Chardonnay, the wine will keep in pretty good condition and stay reasonably fresh for a couple of years, but I’d steer clear of tucking it away for any longer.
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9 , 2022 37
Lizzie Crow AKA Lizzie Baking Bird is a self taught baker, who has a stall outside her home in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.
US pancakes flipping lovely
Lightly whisk the eggs and pour into a well made in the middle of the dry Followingredients.this with the melted butter and milk. Whisk together until smooth (if it is lumpy push through a sieve). Decant the batter into a jug and leave it to settle for 10 Heatminutes.atablespoon of oil and the extra butter in a frying pan on a medium heat. Once the oil is up to temperature (the butter will be frothy) pour in a round of the batter (approx 7cms)it will spread as it cooks. Sizzle for approximately two minutes until the base takes on a light brown colour and the surface is full of bubbles. Flip it and leave for a minute until cooked through. Repeat until the batter is used up. If you need to the pancakes can be kept warm by putting them, lightly covered, in an oven on a very low Ifheat.you would like to add fruit to the pancake then throw in approximately 125g berries or chopped fruit once the batter is rested and cook as directed.
To age wine refers to storing a bottle for an extended period. The hope is that over the years it will evolve, both in the flavour profile (developing more interesting and diverse flavours) but also texturally on the palate, (some wines can appear a bit tough or tightly wound in their youth, and a bit of time helps them to relax and expand).
n Lizzie sells her wares at The Old Ship Inn, Upwey on Saturday mornings and at various markets. If you are interested in finding out more check out her web lizziebakingbird.co.ukpage or on lizzibakingbirdinstagram with Diana Holman
Does wine really improve in time?
Wines characteristically high in acidity or tannins (or both) have the best ageing potential. Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling are two of these. Acidity and tannin preserve the wine, providing a frame so even as these diminish over time, great older wines should still have freshness and body to carry all the intriguing flavours that develop.
. He had me at ‘Celestite’ – what a beautiful name for a mineral. I suspect if Ian West was taking the same path I did he would be able to detect a spectrum of gems which I do not notice. He speaks of Portland Alabaster and black magnetite pebbles and I can only dream of developing the knowledge to be able to spot them! It’s enough for me that they are there. It ignites the fire in the rock hound that I am. Ian also mentions trace fossils at the cove and reminds us that it is a Site of Special Interest, so no hammers allowed. Although I did not spot any fossils at Church Ope, on another visit to Portland climbing up from First Beach I took this photo of a fossil found climbing up from First Beach.
withBEACHCOMBINGJOBELASCO
Where there’s Ope, there’s a lot of history to discover
BA Hons History of Architecture and Design
38 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Down to earth
VikingsfirstChurchanothersearchHowever,muchsuspicionsearchOpebeachcombingdetectingYouTubejustToon.deepthePossibly,stone.beachonceworkwhereboulder-likeThequartzseedownlizardsWhiletidalshipthereknownThegoodies.abovecenturycenturybuildingsThebeachcombers.fordensityofhistoricalincludinga15thcastleanda13thchurchperchedthebeachsuggestcoveitselfwasawell-smugglingspotandhavebeenmanyawreckintheinfamousraces.IdidspotcuteonthelongwalktothecoveIdidnotaglintofsea-glassoranywhere.pebblesaremoreonthebeach,yearsofquarryinghavereplacedtheapparentlysandywithchunksofaswithWestBay,treasureisburiedtooforustogetourhandsdouble-checkitwasnotme,IviewedmanyvideosofmetalandatChurchCoveonline.Thisonlyconfirmedmy–thereisnotthere.duringthesameIstumbleduponclaimtofameforOpecove–itisthenotedplacewheretheinvadedin
STONE ME: A fossil found climbing up from First Beach on Portland Church Ope Cove with stone boulders and beach huts, part of the ruins of old St Andrew’s Chruch and, right, the path down to Church Ope Cove
In theory Church Ope Cove on Portland should be a treasure trove
England. Visions of finding battle-dropped Norse runes, Plantagenet coins and Tudor buttons all in one gorgeous day flashed through my mind. I could almost hear the pirate ghost of the Flying Dutchman from Sponge Bob Square pants laughing at my daft expectations. At the top of the walk down to the cove sits Portland Museum. Next visit I will start my search with a thorough local knowledge data grab from here. Until then I was guided by the geologist Ian West’s fabulous websites: Geologicalac.uk/Portland-Isle-wessexcoastgeology.soton.
The Friends of the Earth has a number of ongoing projects on the go. Here are a couple of them: n In autumn 2019 Bridport Tree Planting partnered up with WD FoE to plant trees in the area. Their aim is to encourage and help people plant trees: to reinvigorate our climate and wildlife. The group can provide trees at low cost or no cost in small numbers to the community of and around Bridport, provide help with planting and procurement, and give advice. They are cooperating with other planting groups, nurseries and tree management experts, and have a community nursery for saplings at Riverside Gardens. Anyone with small trees to donate? Or with spaces for planting? Contact Joe on joe@thehacketts.uk n Plastic Free Bridport is a campaign to rid Bridport of as much single-use plastic as possible. Run by Surfers Against Sewage, it provides a set of instructions for a town to attain plastic free status. In August Bridport achieved this, having recruited 18 businesses to join in and 32 community allies.
DOWN TO EARTH: Looking after our land is just one of the many topics during West Dorset Friends of the Earth’s Great Big Green Week
The group’s 18 Business Champions have removed at least three different plastic items from their normal practice. Together with our allies they help raise awareness of the massive environmental and health problems emanating from plastic Theirpollution.next scheduled event is our autumn Street to Sea litter clean on Sunday, October 16, which will clean the streets of Bridport, the riversides of the Brit and the beaches of West Bay. If you want to sign up get in touch with Mayor at ianbark@icloud.com
“They will be displayed at the opening gathering on a wall of words and randomly about town. “Join in, we are all in this ride Entriestogether.”should be emailed to jenny@thehacketts.uk or handed in at the tourist information centre. Entries can handwritten,betyped, signed or anonymous. n Go to oftheearth.org.ukwestdorsetfriends for more information
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 39 Down to earth
Earth-loving poets are being called to add their voice to a wall of words for the West Dorset Friends of The Earth’s Great Big Green Week.
Do the write thing to help the Great Big Green Week
The group is hosting a week of events to highlight the climate emergency, including an opening event with stalls, refreshments, picnicking and music on Saturday, September 24 from 10.30am-3pm at the Millennium Green. The theme for the week focuses on local acts of restoration: for our land, our rivers, our seas and how these actions can serve to restore our own hope, energy and Manyperspective.ofthe events are still being planned, but events from Bridport Tree Planting, Bridport Town Council, Bike through Town, visit a beaver’s lair, a refreshing swim in the sea on the closing weekend are on the calendar and more will be added in the next couple of Oneweeks.event starts now. The group is asking people to write a poem, share your favourite quote, or draw a cartoon. Scott Morrison of West Dorset Friends of the Earth, said: “Tell us your hopes, your worries, your anger or determination.
About five years ago we were house hunting around the Evershot area. Melbury Bubb is not really a village you can find yourself in by accident, but we were nosing around the area and couldn’t resist checking out this funny sounding place. The T-junction where you turn into the cul-de-sac of Melbury Bubb is named Hell Corner, as you can see from the photo. The house on the corner has a large sign with Hell House on it. I was trying to explain to our sons that the hell in the name was probably more to do with hel from the Greek word Helios, meaning sun. Trying to counter their excited imaginations with images of the sun rising and the rays lighting up the No,pathway.they preferred scaring each other with lurid stories of gateways into hell fire in darkest West TheDorset.die was cast. What we may have found quaint was now a bit spooky. There was no obvious place to park and not a soul about. It is a beautifully well-kept village with some gorgeous trees and Thearchitecture.churchhas a fortresslike wall around it with tall gates which block your view. Looking beyond the church are the Dorset Downs crested with Insidewoodlands.thechurch my favourite find was the wonderfully includingAAnglo-Saxonsculptedfont.menagerieofanimalsastag,abird, a dolphin, a horse and a dog decorated the surface. The information sheets told us that this object had once been a column which had been hollowed out to create a font. While I could entertain the idea that early Anglo Saxons (or more likely in my mind Pagan Celts) were reluctant to stop dancing round the column-cumtotem pole and sit quietly in the church, I could not quite believe that a column would have been hollowed out to make a Ifont?thought it more likely that the Pagans were resisting the pull of the church so the vicar ordered the already hollowed totem/columnout on the hill top to be rolled down and into the church. Just to make the whole scene a little odder the carving on the font is upside down. So, did they do this on purpose for practical Orreasons?wasit done in the same vein as that Hammer Horror staple – the upside down cross?
Hell of a village with Beelze-Bubb
40 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Down to earth
A GOOD SIGN: A fingerpost from a recent visit and, right, the downs above Melbury Bubb
PAGAN VIEWS by JO BELASCO
FONT-ASTIC: The magnificient font at St Mary’s and, right, the animals on theBubbMelburyCorneratTheWELCOME:YOU’REfontHouseHellat
With some thought, it is easy enough to separate the berries from everything Washelse. them, then gently cook them with a little water in a pan until they all Sieveburst. out the tiny pips, pushing the juice and pulp
earth The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 41
Hummingbirds and hummingbird hawkmoths are examples of a phenomenon called convergent evolution. Although unrelated species, when faced with the usual challenges of finding enough to eat and living long enough to reproduce, over time Nature has come to the same solution, creating near identical looks and behaviour.
hawkmoths are chunky, day-flying moths with brown spotted abdomens and bright orange hindwings. They are summer visitors to Dorset, migrating up from southern Europe. The long spell of warm southerly winds this summer has meant that record numbers of this amazing moth have visited our gardens. The British Trust for Ornithology (another organisation more associated with birds) has recorded a four-fold increase in garden sightings compared to a typical summer. In my garden, the hawkmoths are most attracted to red valerian, a flower species introduced in the 1600s and now naturalised in the UK, often seen growing out of walls or bits of broken pavement. Its tubular flowers are rich in nectar and the moth hovers as it uses its long proboscis (tongue) to extract it, looking just like a hummingbird as it does so. The moth beats its wings so fast (80 beats per second) as it flits between the flowers that it creates an audible hum.
Record numbers of hummingbird hawkmoths
Havingthrough.done all of this, you will have something that looks like orange juice.
Down to
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
It’s been wonderful to see so many hummingbird hawkmoths in the garden this year and with our climate changing, the number that breed and overwinter here is likely to increase. We can help moths, and butterflies and bees too, by growing nectar-rich plants in our gardens but also by not tidying up too much. I try and resist the urge to cut back the garden too much at the end of the Bysummer.leaving some fallen leaves and old stems, I can provide some places where moths and other beneficial insects can safely hide away over the winter.
Cheers!Buck’sor,sweetacceptablycantooIfcapsules.expensivenormallycompoundsfoundintheformofyoufindtherawjuicemuchofadeterrentitbemadetotastemorepleasant,asinaSeaBuckthornjelly,bestofall,SeaFizz.
The tree is really a shrub, about the size of an elder, with small, grey/green leaves and (the big giveaway) thousands of brilliant orange berries that form dense clumps along the many branches from late July until November.
Berry good way to wake up, if you don’t mind acid
The flavour is not entirely unlike it either, except that it tastes as though half a bottle of sulphuric acid has been added. In fact, it contains large quantities of malic acid, the acid found in apples. I love the neat juice and will cheerfully drink a large shot first thing in the morning as a bump-start to day – adding sugar just draws attention to the Whyacidity.drink it? Well, Sea Buckthorn is high in vitamin C, A, K and E, plus an ironmonger’s shop of minerals, plus essential oils and numerous complex organic
There’s a particular garden visitor that I’m always thrilled to see. My mum has phoned me in excitement when she’s seen one, friends have shared little clips of video on social media and my cousin even planted up a flowerbed specially to attract them. lookshummingbirdThehawkmothandbehavessolike
The berries are almost unpickable because they burst with the slightest squeeze, so it is much easier to cut away entire clumps using secateurs, trim them, then put them in the freezer for 24 hours. Place these in a big bin liner while still frozen and bounce the bag of berries on the floor to detach them.
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. Foragers are notorious for keeping their foraging spots to themselves, telling only blood descendants. So, do not expect me to give much away here. However, I am prepared to say that there are several populations of Sea Buckthorn in Dorset, some highly conspicuous, some Certainly,not. there is enough for me, but only if you take it easy if you find some. Until fairly recently it was confined to the east coast of Britain, but its usefulness in stabilising sand dunes has encouraged authorities to plant it around many more coasts, and highway authorities have adopted it as a vigorous and colourful tree to plant on roadsides.
a tiny hummingbird that the RSPB has a special page devoted to them on their website, calling them one of the most remarkable cases of mistaken identity in the animal Hummingbirdworld.
The album launch is taking place at Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peter’s Church, Eype on October 22 from 7.30pm. Tickets are £18 from the town’s TIC or £15 via Soundcloud.
A Dorset-based poet has published a collection of her works for the first time in paperback form. A Landscape with Birds by Beth Brooke features works she has previously read at poetry events in Bridport, Dorchester and Cheltenham. Beth describes her work as grounded in nature and the Dorset landscape, but she also writes about universal experiences such as grief, loss, and the ageing Theprocess.former teacher said: “I used to write school text books but now I have retired I can focus on writing poetry in a way that I couldn’t before. I loved teaching poetry but writing it is even more satisfying.”
FIRST PUBLICATION: Poet Beth Brooke
Ricky said: “We went through a process where one of us would suggest a melody and then go through a process of listening. If we listen back to it and if we both agree it’s good, that’s it. “Andrew then adds his recording magic. For me it is the best I have heard my sitar recorded.”
A Landscape with Birds can be ordered from Hedgehog Poetry Press, Amazon, and most bookshops.
42 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Culture
ThisandthecameBeethoven,worksInitiallyColognetheGoldbergComposer-pianistbedfellows’.Andrewstartedstudyingpianoandharmonyinattheageofeight.introducedtotheBach,HaydnandAndrewlatertobeinfluencedbyworksofLigeti,PärtReich.openedthegatewayto more ‘spiritual worlds of music’ inspired by compositions for contemporary dance and visual arts performances. During the pandemic Andrew began working on a film score and crossed paths with visual artist and sitar player Ricky Romain, who has been studying sitar and Indian Classical Music since 1972, after becoming ‘obsessed’ with the instrument listening to The Beatles. Ricky and Andrew worked together at Andrew’s studio, going through a series of improvisations until they created something they were both happy with.
West talking to East with Variations
INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE: Pianist Andrew Goldberg and sitar player Ricky Romain
Poet’s Birds publication takes flight
Two musicians from wildly different backgrounds have united to record an album they describe as a ‘dialogue’ between Western and Indian classical music. Pianist Andrew Goldberg, who has a studio in Dorset, and sitar player Ricky Romain are launching their new album Variations in Bridport next month. Variations is the result of a natural and simple evolution that occurred when Andrew Goldberg on piano and Ricky Romain on sitar started improvising with themes and moods based on traditional Indian Classical Music. Ricky describes the album as a ‘journey into a musical world or soundscape that hasn’t really been explored, mainly because of the nature of the two instruments which are not natural
and Riding
n
Diaries n Kit
Snap up a ticket as literary festival is booking up fast n Simon
and The
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Culture43
of this year’s festival include the writer Kit de Waal, who will be at the Electric Palace on Friday, November 11 at 6.30pm, and will be talking to Lisa Blower about her memoir, Without Warning and Only Sometimes - Scenes from an ChildhooUnpredictable d. Kit, the award-winning author of My Name is Leon, has been reading from the memoir for Radio 4. You can catch up via iPlayer here Inm001b3ynbbc.co.uk/programmes/www.ahouseholdof opposites and extremes, and caught between three worlds, Irish, Caribbean and British in 1960s Birmingham, Kit and her siblings knew all the words to the best songs, caught sticklebacks in jam jars and braved hunger and hellfire until they could all escape. Without Warning and Only Sometimes is a story of an extraordinary childhood and how a girl who grew up in house where the Bible was the only book on offer, went on to discover a love of reading that inspires her to this Dorset’sday. very own Joanna Quinn comes to The Bull Hotel ballroom on Monday, November 7 at 3.30pm. A former reporter at the Dorset Echo, Joanna’s debut novel The Whalebone Theatre is receiving rave reviews for the immersive coming-ofage novel set on the Dorset coast against a backdrop of two world Thewars.festival launches on Sunday, November 6 at 10.30am at the Bull Hotel with Simon Parker and Riding Out A Journey of Love, Loss and New Beginnings, inspirationalanstory about his 3,500-mile bike ride across Britain. For those disappointed at missing out on PJ Harvey or Hugh Whittingstall,Fearnley-book lovers are urged to consider becoming a Friend of Bridport Literary Festival next Friendyear.receive an advance copy of the festival brochure, priority booking, free postal booking and no booking fee, regular events including an annual party, a twice-yearly newsletter and an opportunity to get involved, all for just £15 a year (or £30 for couples). Tickets for Bridport Literary Festival events are available from Bridport TIC in Bucky Doo Square (telephone 01308 424901 and email tc.gov.ukbridport.tic@bridport), and online at bridlit.com Parker Out Chris Patten Hong Kong de Waal and Without Warning and Only Sometimes
Bridport Literary Festival tickets went on sale last Friday, with some events selling out straight away. Tickets for PJ Harvey and Hugh Whittingstall,Fearnley-who are at Sladers Yard, West Bay, were snapped up instantly. Other events involving big names at bigger venues –such as Dame Sheila Hancock, actor Hugh Bonneville conversationinwith Lord Fellowes, politician Lord Patten and bestselling author Maggie O’ Farrell, who are all appearing at The Electric Palace, Bridport – are also selling Bridportquickly. Literary Festival director Tanya BruceLockhart said staff at Bridport InformationTouristCentre “have been working flat out to meet the demand. They always go above and beyond when it comes to BridLit and we’re so grateful for their fantastic Highlightssupport.’
Artist’s talent in the shop window
Bridport artist Jules Cross is opening a window into everyday life in the town on Saturday, September His10. 16 oil paintings capture well known Bridport businesses, such as Balson’s and Bridget’s, in such evocative detail they spark a need in the onlooker to go and look at the real thing. Jules began working on the 16 paintings in 2016, completing them in August 2022. He took five years to paint the first 10, then eight months to paint the final six.
He said: “My father was a lepidopterist and I inherited his love of the countryside. In 2003 I started work with Carymoor Environmental Trust – a nature reserve and educational facility based on an active landfill site in Somerset. I eventually became reserve officer and worked there for nine years.” The exhibition is on at the Chapel in the Garden, 49 East St, Bridport DT6 3JX, until SeptemberSaturday,24.
44 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Culture
TOP OF THE SHOPS: Jules Cross’s paintings of Balson’s and Bridget’s and, below, Leakers and T Snook
Jules is hoping to sell the paintings as a set, as a ‘historical document of the town which is ever changing’. He added: “We’ve already lost a greengrocer while I’ve been working on them. They are a sort of legacy and six years of my life. I would like to sell them, at a fair price, to an individual or institution that would keep them together for future residents of Bridport to see and hopefully appreciate.”
Jules was born and brought up in north London. His parents retired to Shipton Gorge in 1972 and he maintained links with west Dorset since, permanentlymovingto Bridport in He2005.studied at the Royal Academy Schools from After1973-76.the RA he got involved in archaeological illustration and worked for Wessex Archaeology for 10 years.
Dorchester Arts has announced a packed autumn season, taking place in four venues across Dorchester and BookingSherborne.is now open for comedy, theatre, music and opera. In addition to its main venue the Corn Exchange, several performancesmajor are scheduled for the new Hardye Theatre, which seats up to four hundred and is a major new arts resource for the town. The beautiful acoustic of St Mary’s Church in Edward Road is a must for a Christmas choral concert. And finally, DA is delighted to be presenting a major music performance, featuring Lucy Parham and its Patron Dame Harriet Walter in Gransden Hall at 2019presentedArtsDorchesterseasonextensivetheThisinGirlsSherborneSchoolOctober.willbemosthassinceandisfull of star quality (Isata KannehMason, Lucy Parham, Dame Harriet Walter); huge bands (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Pasadena Roof Orchestra); familyfriendly shows (Tooob, The Lost Present); comedy and cabaret (Jen Bristow, Charlie Bicknell, A&E Comedy) and firm favourites (Frank Griffiths, Craig Ogden, Living Spit). There are also special talks and film showings, from Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist to a talk by Touching the Void mountaineer Simon Yates; and a special night celebrating all things vinyl with Dorchester’s own Vinyl Van. With a major fundraiser in November and plenty of festive shows too, look out for full details at dorchesterarts.org.uk
AUTUMN below,QuintetLondonDATES:Tangoand,insetA&EComedy
A packed autumn season for county town arts
Novelist finds inspiration from on high: Her loft Georgina Kenway, a farmer in Axminster, has penned her first novel for teenagers, In My Mind’s Eye, which explores the turbulent times of those teenage Georginayears.was having a sort out in the loft, when she stumbled upon her old notebooks – the inspiration behind her first book. “As the children grew up, I had a few more hours on my hands. As I was having a good sort out in the loft, I discovered my old notebooks. I found the time to sit down and collaborate my notes on life’s lessons, the highs and lows and the twists and turns I had witnessed, I combined this with the knowledge of how my children had gone through school and I found myself piecing a novel together. “I wanted to be able to offer young teens a relatable book, one that was combined from true events over the years, one compacted with understanding and empathy on how hard and turbulent life truly can be for young teens.”
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Culture45
46 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Culture Book lovers are set to celebrate the compelling line-up of authors and the many brilliant speakers at Dorchester Literary Festival in the county town between October 15 and Author22. and TV presenter Ray Mears, novelist and former journalist Robert Harris, along with crime writer Minette Walters, novelist Elizabeth Lowry and British ornithologist Tim Birkhead make-up part of this year’s stunning line-up. Robert Harris will discuss Act of Oblivion – a gripping novel about one of history’s greatest manhunts, Max Hastings on Abyss, the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Ben Macintyre on Colditz. During the same week you can delve into the lives of our Queen and the Royal family with eminent commentatorsroyal Robert Hardman and Hugo Vickers or learn about Marine Commandos from Monty Halls. Visitors can discover The Celts with Simon Jenkins, the life of artist John Constable with James Hamilton, Mary Seacole’s story with Rappaport,HelenMiss Dior’s significance with Justine Picardie, and Josephine Baker’s life in espionage with Damien Lewis. A range of memoirs that illuminate surprising lives will include Antiques Roadshow expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan revealing his life story, Keith Brymer Jones of The Great Pottery Throwdown, Norman Scott, once at the centre of the Jeremy Thorpe scandal, and Jackie Malton, the DCI whose life provided the inspiration for Lynda La Plante’s Prime Suspect Highlighting the world of nature is Bushcraft and survival legend Ray Mears, who will reveal how to reconnect with the wild with We Are Nature, Dave Goulson explains the world of insects in Silent Earth, Tim Birkhead shines a light on man’s relationship with birds in Birds and Us, while Dogfather Graeme Hall gives sage advice on how best to look after a new family friend in Perfectly Imperfect Puppy And for would be writers there’s an afternoon of seminars to help; Sophie Hannah will provide a Writing Master Class and Rebecca Lee will walk you through the publishing process in How Words Get Good Festival directors Paul Atterbury and Janet Gleeson said: “The lineup for the We-FestivalDorchestereighthLiteraryisnowconfirmedandwhataline-upitis!can’twaittowelcome audiences in October, meanwhile do keep checking the website and our social media platforms for the latest news.” n Details of all the events are listed online at @DorchLitFestFacebook/InstagramFestivalDorchesterYouDorchester,47oresterliteraryfestival.com£10Ticketsesterliteraryfestival.com.dorchareavailableatfromdorchfromWaterstones,45-SouthStreetin01305257123canfollowLiteraryonTwitter/ Turn up for these books at literary extravaganza
BOOK NOW: Ben MacIntyre’s Colditz, Hall’s Commando, Grame Hall’s
Justine Picardie’s Miss Dior
Monty
Perfectly Imperfect Puppy Simon Jenkins’ The Celts and Robert Hardman’s The Queen
Embroidery exhibition of natural inspiration
The June Brides, The Wedding Present, Primal Scream and The Loft leading the way, championed by Radio One’s John Peel and Janice Long. They released three albums (Kettle getting to number 2 in the independent charts), five singles (Ask Johnny Dee reaching number 3), and toured the UK and Europe non-stop before splitting in They1989. reformed briefly in 1993 to tour Japan and release a fourth album, and then returned to action 23 years later when they were asked to play New York Pop Fest in 2016. The current line-up features Simon Barber on bass and vocals, Rob Parry on drums, Helen Stickland on guitar and vocals, and Andy Strickland on guitar and vocals. n Tickets: Advance £9 / Door £12. Book at the-chesterfieldwestbay.co.uk/product/bridportand
Take a seat – The Chesterfields are playing at the Lyric Theatre in Bridport (DT6 3LX) on Saturday, September 24 at 7.30pm, with support from Jody & The Jerms. The Chesterfields came to prominence in 1986 as part of a thriving UK underground scene that had turned its back on bland over-produced 1980s chart music and was looking for back to basics pop music. Bands, independent record labels, gig promoters and fanzine editors were making their entertainment,ownwith
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Culture47
A hand embroidery exhibition by Bridport textile artist Deborah Tiltman is being held at Art Unlimited, South Street, Bridport from Friday, September 23 until Thursday, October 6 inclusive, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Deborah takes her inspiration from local landscapes and nature. She said: “Being blessed with the coast on one side and the rolling hills on the other, I never find a shortage of “Ifinspiration.Iamstruggling for inspiration, I can always lie on the grass and watch the clouds with all their delightful colours and shapes. “I then create a wide and varied range of bespoke hand embroidered pictures using different backgrounds from painted, wet felted or chiffon, with each piece of work often taking several twists and turns trough my creative process.” IN THE FRAME: Deborah’s embroidery
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 at the next gig on Saturday, September 24 from 7pm, are: n Violin Shoppe, with Simon Breakspear on keyboards and Mike Stockwell on guitar n Wot 4, featuring Brian Cornish who played with Shandy and The Roger James Band back in the day
BUTTONED UP: The Chesterfields are at the Lyric in Bridport on September 24
Sofa, so good for The Chesterfields
One more time: Bands reunite for good causes
n The reformed Crystal Ship, featuring original members Alan Hodder, Phil Biggs and Mick Martin n Monkey Jump, featuring local legends Tony May, Steve Peach and Andy TicketsCollettarejust £10 and available from Paul Ward at the Centenary Club on 01305 839310.
48 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
Antiques
Michael Dark has enjoyed a life as varied as the lots in his saleroom – with roles as diverse as lobster fisherman and model. Perhaps it was the ten different schools in eight years he attended as an RAF officer’s son that created his need for variety. The longest he attended one school was Colfox, where he studied aged From12-16.therehe attended art college in Brighton before becoming a potter with his own studio Gloucestershire,in then a teacher/art therapist in London and Brighton. His next move was to become a market stall holder in Brighton and Bermondsey, then an auction porter and lobster fisherman in Newhaven before becoming an antiques dealer with two shops in Brighton’s North HeLanes.was also a part-time model, appearing not only in catalogues advertisements,andbut also featured on a Bristol double decker bus! His final role before opening his own auction house was as an antiques sair organiser and show promoter for an advertising Twenty-fiveagency.yearsago he opened his own auction house and hasn’t looked back. Now aged 70, he still enjoys the tension of the saleroom and intends to “carry on until the gavel falls”. He still takes part in numerous other activities, completing the Three Peaks Challenge three years ago and immersing himself in books, cooking and watching the rugby. He said: “My favourite antiques are books, ephemera, photographs, First and Second World War items, kitsch, tribal art, folk art, American painted furniture and “Runningantiquities.an auction is all consuming. It’s exciting –the thrill of the chase, discovering unique items and displaying them for sale. It’s worrying, with P A T (pre-auction tension and post-auction tension).
“But it’s satisfying and rewarding when your successful marketing and research lead to a good price being obtained for the vendor – and for the auction house of course. “Every month we see something different and we handle beautiful and strange objects. “It’s a learning curve – not just about history, artists’
Auction house owner
Auction house owner’s life has been
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 49 W A R D O N H I L L T R A D I N G P O S T on the A37 Dorchester to Yeovil Road, DT2 9PW Open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm & Sunday 9am-4pm ( 01935 83069 Find us on facebook ANTIQUES * VINTAGE * COLLECTABLES * CRAFT * OVER 60 TRADERS * CAFÉ & GARDEN CENTRE * FREE PARKING * ACCESSIBLEWHEELCHAIR * DOG-FRIENDLY * SPACE AVAILABLE TO RENT Bridport Auction ENTRIES ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR OUR NEXT FridayCOLLECTABLESOFAUCTIONANDANTIQUES30thSeptember Some results from our August sale :Oak coffer..£200 Autographed cricket shirt..£140 Gold chain bracelet..£410 Collection of fountain pens..£340 Diamond ring..£3,000 18thc. etching..£80 Silver tea set..£550 Carriage clock..£100 Gold pocket watch..£1,100 Signed photos..£300 Dunhill lighter..£95 Majolica pottery vase..£400 Small 19thc. table..£400 Giltwood mirror..£180 Chinese vase..£200 Tel :- 01308 459400 for appointments and home visits Email images to us for appraisal Website: www.bridportauctionhouse.com Email: info@bridportauctionhouse.com No 1, St.Michaels Trading Estate,Bridport DT6 3RR We’re coming back Just like the good old days PASTIMESofSherborne(neartheAbbey) 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. Those magical makes: Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Lego, Timpo... 01935 816072 07527 074343 HOME TO BILLY MUMFORD’S LEGENDARY FORGERIES! SEE OUR MAIN AD ON PAGE 3 St Michael’s Trading Estate, DT6 3RR (next door to Ocean Bathrooms) GLOBAL ART & ANTIQUES Open Weds to Sun 10am-4pm globalartandantiques.com We buy art & antiques etc – call 07894 555107 Antiques lives etc but keeping upto-date with modern marketing methods and collecting trends and Itemsfashions.”arenow being taken for Bridport Auctions’ next sale on Friday, September Call30. 01308 459400 or email auctionhouse.cominfo@bridport Catalogue online from Thursday, September 22. Saleroom and Office: No.1, St. Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport. bridportauctionhouse.com as eclectic as his collections
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Fortuneswell‘Correction:Cancer Trust - Swingtime event on 17 July 2022 I should like to apologise for an error in the report and thank you letter about this event in the 26 August edition of The West Dorset Magazine. The Saxtet Jazz Band were in fact unable to play and we were very grateful to the Moonlight Swing Band for stepping in at the last Thankminute.’you
I heard this the other day and thought I would share it with you. A lady stopped my husband the other day and said how much she enjoyed reading my article in The West Dorset Magazine She said it had become a new family tradition on a Sunday evening when her family popped round that they read it out loud together and one of them goes away and during that week makes the recipe, bringing it back the following Sunday for everyone to try. That really lifted my heart. Making positive changes to people’s lives, and bringing families together. I just wanted to say thank you to The West Dorset Magazine for giving me the opportunity to do that.
ClariceCross. lists the many large vehicles which use this route, to which I would add vehicles towing horse boxes and motorised horse boxes Claricethemselves.pointsout that there is no footpath or verge and it is difficult for vehicles to pass each other and there have been many accidents and damage to the bridges. As these are labelled Frome Valley Walks, there are only certain places where you can cross the River Frome. The whole area with its minor roads without footpaths eithertryingwouldB3390WaddockthatwouldalongandbestwalksTherelorriesfullandWoodsfordthroughandTincletonaccessingMoretonareoftractorsandtrailers.andvans.aresomelovelyintheareabutitistoparksomewherewalkofftheroadsmarkedtracks.IagreewithClaricethemilebelowCrossonthebelethalforanyonetowalkalongitsinglyoringroups.
Letters
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk
Marjorie Brewer Joint Honorary HomecraftSecretary
50 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
Karen Broad Vittles n I was interested to see the walks in editions of the WDM dated 12th & 26th IAugust.livein Crossways and know the area well and saw Walk no 11 started near Tincleton Church which included a photographlovelyofthe church. In the WDM dated 26th August there is a letter from Clarice Wickenden from Moreton who refers to the dangers of walking along the section of the B3390 for the mile below Waddock Cross. Also in this edition there is Walk No 12, which is based around Moreton, but which also takes in this section of the B3390 of the mile below Waddock
Magazine is creating traditions
Peter CrosswaysStevens
Judges were out in force in the homecraft tents at Dorset County Show at the weekend. Competitors excelled themselves once again. From left, Diana Holman’s best in showwinning scarecrows,arrangement,flowertheand Anna Blackwell’s winning marmalade
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 51 Homes & Gardensx 32, North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DY. ( 01308 861144 beaminstersheds.co.uk A family-run business established more than 29 years ago, offering a huge range of sheds and outbuildings, including: l Bike anddustbinsheds,storeslogstorage l Sheds to suit all budgets & uses, from hobbies to workshops l Garages & carports l &Summerhouseshomeoffices l Playhouses l Beach huts l Field shelters & stables l Poultry housing, dog kennelshouses,&runs l Garden gates l Fencing l buildingsBespokeFREE local delivery & erection of buildingsgarden Paul OvenShaveTechnician07818862216LikeusonFollow us www.sparkleanovens.co.ukinfo@sparkleanovens.co.ukon Professional Oven Cleaning Services t winners announced
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
For some, buying new trees and shrubs will be a luxury and if you are wishing to stock a new garden then costs can be considerable.
52 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Homes & Gardens x Horticulture...
As summer rolls into autumn this selection becomes less. The bristly oxtongue’s autumn flowers, reminiscent of dandelions and sow thistles, provide a splash of colour and are an important food source for insects. Unlike dandelions and sow thistles, bristly oxtongue is covered in stiff hairs and warty leaves. It can reach 90cm, although often considerably smaller. Interestingly, this plant is considered an introduction from southern Europe over 500 years ago, since these times it has naturalised on chalk, clay and coastal areas.
Over the past few decades, an instant gardening trend has emerged, where people expect transformation of bare earth into established garden within months. To achieve this, plants are densely positioned, and sizable trees, shrubs and perennials purchased. Perhaps it is time for the rebirth of a more traditional approach to gardening, buying smaller plants (which establish easier) and enjoying the reward of propagating your own for free. Late summer and early autumn is perfect for taking semi-ripe cuttings. These cuttings are taken from current year’s shoots, they have a flexible tip and a firmer base. It is a great method for propagating shrubs, climbers and evergreens, and of course, completely free. The procedure is straightforward. Look for healthy, sturdy growth typical of the plant you want to propagate. Using a pair of secateurs remove a stem from the parent plant just above a leaf joint. Trim the severed shoot to just below a set of leaves and carefully remove the lower ones. You want to achieve a cutting between 5 and 15 cm in length. The photo shows a range of cuttings and their stages of preparation from left to right. I prefer small cuttings, often smaller than gardening books describe, because I think they root quicker, and it allows you to pack more cuttings into the same sized space. If your chosen plant has large leaves reduce their size by cutting across their width with a sharp knife. Rooting hormone can be applied to the base then cuttings inserted into a pot of welldrained media, such as a peat-free cutting compost or make your own mixture combining a 50:50 mix of sharp sand and coir. Place in a shady location in the garden, greenhouse or coldframe and ensure they don’t dry out. The time they take to root depends BOX CLEVER: Rosemary and box cuttings
How cuttings can cut costs and help to
In this series of Plant of the Week, my aim is to showcase native plants likely to be in bloom at the time of publication.
Plant of the week:
Bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca (Picris) echioides
As the cost of living continues to rise steeply, many are having to cut back on garden spending.
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 53 Mention The West Dorset Magazine to receive 10% off all LED light bulbs Open Monday - Friday 9.30am-5pm Saturday - 9.30am-4pm 52 South St, Bridport, DT6 3NN info@bridportlighting.co.uk 01308 422318 www.bridportlighting.co.uk INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING –LARGE RANGE IN DIFFERENT STYLES Homes & Gardensx ...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin make your ends meet on the plant in question, but usually they will be ready for potting in spring. If you are impatient, plant three rooted cuttings into a single two litre pot, this method has increasinglybecomecommon in commercial nurseries where they can produce a saleable plant in a shorter duration. The plant should be ready to position in the garden next autumn. With confidence it is possible to bend the rules slightly, in September last year we received a bouquet of flowers from a friend, amongst them an attractive Michaelmas daisy (normally propagated by division). Through the vase I spotted three possible cuttings. I managed to root them and kept them alive over winter in a cold greenhouse. We are currently enjoying the flowers of three large plants of this daisy but growing in our own garden. This type of propagation can become very addictive, and be warned, you may end up with a small nursery in next to no time. THE FENCING & GATE Co Free survey & quotation 01935 330095 01305 330031 Soil Testing Service Professional laboratory soil tests • gardeners • landscapers • small holders Wild昀ower meadows, veg, fruit, 昀ower, new & established gardens. Fast, accurate & easy to interpret soil report within 7 days www.soilvalues.com 07598 714 082 SHINY STOVES Oven cleaning Family-run business Eco-friendly products 01935 592461 / 07875 shinystoves.com272401 OVENPLUMBINGCLEANINGADVERTISEGARDENS YOUR TRADE: 01305 566336 Reach tens of thousands of readers with a small ad in The West Dorset Magazine. Prices start from just £15! Call 01305 566336 FURNITUREUPHOLSTERYUPHOLSTERYBEAMINSTERANDREPAIR Please ring Mike for a quote 07470 007588 or email upholstery@gmail.combeaminster Located between Charminster & Dorchester 01305 756026 | dorsetgm@aol.co.ukDorsetdorsetgardenmachinery.co.ukGardenMachinery Ltd Your one-stop shop for all of your garden machinery needs. Sales, service and repair for residential and commercial customers. We do it all! KDL PLUMBING AND HEATING ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN. FREE ESTIMATES. ☎ 07475 128249 (01929) 448548 (01305) 290265
lowest-income households through these extraordinary times: reducing the Universal Credit taper rate; increasing the National Living Wage; freezing fuel duty for the 12th consecutive year; and launching a £500 million Household Support Fund. The Government’s Energy Company Obligation and the expanded Warm Home Discount schemes will also provide at least £4.7 billion of extra support to low-income and vulnerable households between 2022 and 2026, but at the time of writing, we are awaiting for the Prime Minister’s statement on the way forward with address this issue with is by far and away our most important domestic priority at the moment.
54 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
All across West Dorset parents are having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their children. We are on the brink of the worst cost of living crisis in a century and yet still Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak will not scrap the energy price rise. It is clear energy prices must not be allowed to rise in October. Their refusal to cancel the energy price cap rise is leaving millions facing financial devastation. An economic catastrophe is now just a month away because we have a zombie government and two leadership contenders living on another planet. It is time to tax the record multi-billion pound profits of oil and gas companies and use the money to save British families and pensioners.
By LibDemsWestCANNINGANDYDorset
The Lib Dems are calling for the Government to scrap the energy price cap rise in October, as well as provide further targeted support at the lowest paid amid a winter cost of living crisis. The party’s plan to keep energy bills at their current price would be part funded by a further windfall tax on oil and gas companies. In the first six months of this year alone, BP and Shell made a staggering £29 billion in profits.
West Dorset Lib Dems have spent much of the summer listening to local residents’ concerns about the cost of energy and how they are going to be able to cope in the winter. New commissionedpollingbythe Lib Dems reveals the public are planning to heartbreakingmakedecisions to cope with spiralling energy prices. Lib Dems warn of “the worst cost of living crisis in a century” if Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak do not scrap the energy price cap rise. Our research has revealed almost one in four (23%) of UK adults are considering not turning their heating on this winter. This rises to over one in four (27%) amongst parents with children under the age of 18. The new polling also reveals those who are parents of children aged under 18 are increasingly likely to put more on their credit card due to rising energy bills (33% compared to national average 23%). The polling also finds seven in ten (69%) will turn on their heating on less this winter and one in ten (11%) will even take out a loan in response to rising energy prices. Those with children under 18 are again more likely to take out a loan due to rising energy bills (17%).
The findings are revealed following Ofgem announcing the energy price cap will result in the typical household energy bill reaching £3,549 a year from October 1.
Politics A zombie government leading us to catastrophe
If energy is renewable, why hike price?
The last few weeks have been very busy in West Dorset, with the Bridport Torchlight in August, the Beaminster scarecrow festival that I also visited and also the Melplash and Dorset County Shows. It was great to see and speak with so many people at these events to absorb people’s thoughts on the political landscape today and reaching out to those in need of their MP’s assistance. Both Melplash and Dorset County Show have highlighted the very best of UK agriculture and demonstrated the passion, both for the art of producing beautiful, happy and healthy livestock, and also for sustainability and the longterm future of farming. My highest priority currently is the price of energy, which I know is affecting everyone. I would like to share with you some insights into this and steps being taken to lessen the impact this is having.
The price cap is primarily based on wholesaleinternationalgaspriceand that has risen due to various factors. Sanctions placed on Russia have meant their retaliatory action is raising the price of gas where there is huge dependence in Europe. Things that don’t add up.
Constituency issues with West Dorset MP Chris Loder
If you have power supplied organisationsby like Bulb or Scottish Power and some others, their bill says 100% renewable energy. I do not understand how they need to increase their price if it genuinely is renewable. I was listening to the energy (Ofgem) regulator on the radio last week. I’m of the view that Ofgem has not been on the side of consumers for years, but I have asked the regulator to explain their Thedecisions.Government has released the new Energy Security Strategy, which sets out how Britain will accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen to boost long-term energy independence and champion cleanerThepower.Governmenthasalreadytakenstepstohelpthe
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Politics55
Rethink urgent on generating and supply of energy
There is an element of sadness about the August bank holiday. It marks the end of summer when tourist areas become a bit quieter and we all start to prepare for those darker nights, cooler temperatures and costly winter festivals. It has been quite a summer. Record temperatures which we forget at our peril. Travel chaos by air or by sea. Longer waiting times for health and care services. Lines of ambulances outside A&E. Fuel reaching £1.90 a litre and eye-watering energy rises of 80%. It has also been a summer when the government washed its hands of the problems we face. The Prime Minister was forced to resign by his MPs who told him: “Enough is enough.” A seemingly endless leadership contest followed which highlighted years of failure but offered very few Againstsolutions.this background, we have had a summer where people in Dorset have done their best to bring support and pleasure to others. We have seen record attendances at some of our local festivals, fetes and community events. Thousands of volunteers organised, delivered and cleaned up after everyone else had gone home. Hours and hours spent making the lives of others better. As we reflect on the last few months, we must never forget those people who contribute so much but rarely get the praise they Indeserve.addition, overstretched firefighters fought major fires. Overworked and overwhelmed NHS staff coped with never-ending demands, care workers, often on minimum wage, rallied to keep the elderly cool, comfortable and hydrated. Students and young people, many working for the first time, catered for the large numbers of tourists who flocked to our beaches and attractions. We also saw a growing number of votes for strike action and to the surprise of government ministers, considerable support for those withdrawing their labour. Grant Shapps et al, forgot that British people share a common belief in Fallingfairness.wages, (in real terms), at a time of spiralling inflation and soaring profits, do not sit comfortably with Whatthem. this summer has shown is that we have fantastic people doing tremendous work for our communities. But the country cannot survive on goodwill forever. A decade of austerity and underinvestment has left us with a crumbling under-resourcedinfrastructure,services and a workforce which has seen living standards fall year on year. It is time for a change.
By GreenWestCLAYTONKELVINDorsetPartyByCLAUDIASORINWestDorsetLabourParty
We can’t survive on goodwill gestures
People are telling me they are deeply worried. Our winter energy bills are set to rocket to three times their level of last year, leaving many of us in fuel poverty – the point where a household spends more than 10% of its income heating their home. Yet at the same time, we read that the main energy companies are predicted to make profits of £170 billion over the next two years. It seem blatantly obvious that something is seriously amiss and that there needs to be a major rethink about how we both generate and supply energy. One thing that would help would be the decoupling of gas and electricity prices. Electricity prices are currently pegged to the market price of gas – a commodity whose supply has been seriously restricted by the Russian invasion of WhilstUkraine.his linkage may seem reasonable when electricity is generated by the burning of gas, it makes no sense when it is generated by other means. It causes the cost of electricity from solar and wind to be far in excess of its generation costs. Groundmounted solar arrays currently supply electricity to the grid at 6p/kWh, and off-shore wind at 5p/kWh, but all electricity is sold at the wholesale price of over 20p/kWh. On a more fundamental level, should energy generation and supply be in the hands of private companies? Surely energy to heat our homes, energy that we need in order to live, should be regarded as an essential service. As such, energy companies should be in public ownership. In the short-term I would favour their nationalisation. But only in the short-term. As I have argued before in this column, the long-term solution is for energy to be generated locally by energy cooperatives. One possible model for this is being trialled right here in West Dorset – Energy Local ButBridport.both the decoupling of gas and electricity prices and the nationalisation of the UK energy market require action from national government. What could Dorset Council contribute to our long-term energy security? Well, it could ensure that its new Local Plan requires all new developments to be build to the highest energy efficiency standards possible. Octopus Energy have claimed that it costs less than £10,000 extra to build a ‘zero bills’ home, one that incorporates a heat pump, solar generation, battery storage and energy optimisation. This is the standard that Dorset Council should be requiring for all new builds, and it is surely a standard that people would want to buy.
56 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 8RESULT ×1/2×3-75%×7×1/3 NationalMottoes DESIRETHERIGHT FREEDOM GOD’SWILLFIRST ISHALLUPHOLD IWILLMAINTAIN LIBERTY ONEHAPPYISLAND ONWARDRAINTOEACHHISOWN TOLEADISTOSERVE TRUTHPREVAILS UNITYANDFAITH UNITYISSTRENGTH WESTAYASWEARE WITHGOD’SHELP PTHGIREHTERISED HTGNERTSSIYTINU WWIEISTEHDIUAOH IYEISNWPTSILMGT TTSRIFLLIWSDOGI HRLASAAHOIREDTA GERAEWSAYATSEWF OBSLRAEPWSISEPD DIRMAHPNCNNERIN SLOICAOHHASYFIA HDLOHPULLAHSICY EVRESOTSIDAELOT LLNWOSIHHCAEOTI POIWILLMAINTAIN FTRUTHPREVAILSU ServerAnyoldhow Many-(2,3)LeakslowlyNormalEquivalently storeyed(4-4)Assembly‘ThisIs40’ Yinactor,PaulReady and yang philosophyWordplays Plusmore(abbr)GreekletterHot,‘X’Fed brown RoyaldrinkAflame title (inits)RepeatTrickMen George Orwell’srealnameEire(inits)Duster,eg Codeword Indianfor‘Z’ style of meditationSignal‘yes’Wily Map legends14 910 1112 14 1718 2022 2324 123567 1581316 1719 21 1AcrossAdhere (6) 4 ‘Understood’ (6) 9 Large,flightlessbird (3) 10 ‘Forgetaboutit’ (5,4) 11 Superb,toJamieOliver (5) 12 Mostprying (7) 14 Uttering (11) 17 Garments (7) 18 Onehavinglunch,perhaps (5) 20 Started (9) 22 Teadispenser (3) 23 Abrupt (6) 24 Eccentricperson (3,3) 1DownMusicalspeedreversion (1,5) 2 Goods-transportvehicle (5) 3 Box (9) 5 ‘Stickyour___in’,tointerfere (3) 6 Addapointofview (5,2) 7 Officialaccountscheck (5) 8 Possibleoutcome (11) 13 Achievedthedesiredresult (9) 15 Answered (7) 16 Smoothedsomeshirts,perhaps (6) 17 Farewell (5) 19 Shortestdigit (5) 21 Intensetemper (3) For solutionstheturntopage70 Arrow Wordsearchwords Crossword 18RESULT ×1/3+50%+8×3-24 Sudoku 2185 8915361 2165 5958896 737698 PUZZLESEASIER TudorDorchesterArcade,
Killer Sudoku Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, col umn and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage 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 di vide by the other numbers in that cage. 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. 2DownChurchbyfashionableareainhighlypopulous country (5) 3 Eccentricrevcutsplantomakeactof mediating? (12) 4 Secondtune’splayed,aphenomenonat day’send? (6) 6 Substiturebook (7) 7 Thinstrandinstrawispretty (4) 8 SailorwithAmericanIhavefoundtobe insulting (7) 9 Likesomeaidsatsea,avitalgainon swims (12) 14 Unfriendlyhotelisreviewed (7) 16 Medicalaccessorydeployedyesaround group (7) 18 Plantforalltoseeamongreptiles (6) 21 Seecopperandsulphurinplace (5) 22 Self-complacentidiotafterstartofschool (4) www.bestpricehearingaids.co.uk
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The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 57 15 6+ +47 72+ ×1345+4× 40 45×2 ×35 72× ×16 8+ +18 60×0× 18+ 23+9 5+ 168 14× ×96 422×16×+212÷13+ + 357 12 87 5 23982 394 7349 18 82 5 2296988412575 132 7259368 7983 412214647952 164 85783 17 15 1011 1213 1517 1920 2324 2526 23467 8914 22161821 1AcrossPartiallyhideshortvideosinmiddleofreel (7) 5 TeamonboardinCheshiretown,it’ssaid (4) 10 FirmlyfixeddevelopmentforDublin?Itis lackingdepth (5-2) 11 Girlswithoutleaderbecomingfools (5) 12 Bythesoundofit,lookfixedlyatpartof flight (5) 13 Easternfighterabouttofindoneliving abroad (6) 15 Itcarriedfluidinboat,say (6) 17 Developalikingforjudgewithpairin audience (4,2) 19 Oldcarclosetoladderandholeinground (6) 20 Featureofshoreline,popularrental property (5) 23 Fellowwithenergygetsexoticfruit (5) 24 OutsidersincliqueyNorthernIrelandring mostlypessimisticaboutpeople? (7) 25 SurprisedexpressionbyKelvin,amisfit (4) 26 Poordirectionforprotectingthe environment? (7) 2 2 Jumbo 3D Sudoku Brain chain (Hard version) Cryptic Crossword 25RESULT +60%+122-72-10%-25 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.
Stop me if you’ve heard this SUPER
This walk is a little over six miles and takes you back to nature, passing through woodlands and water meadows, crossing the Frome several times. Park near the church at Moreton and walk along the track crossing the ford. Continue north-east along the Abouttrack.afurlong after crossing another branch of the Frome there’s a path leading south-east, serving a campsite, of which there seem to be dozens in the Afterarea. a quarter of a mile, your path swings left, north-east and soon enters Forestry Commission land. This is Access Land on which you’re allowed to wander freely, but they request you not to do so in the season when there are ground-nesting birds.
Walking West Dorset with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade VALLEY TRAIL: 13th WALK youcantalk.net is a new wellness and andduolaunchedhealthmentalresourcebyBridport-basedKerryMiller,pictured,AlexFender.Itfeatureslotsoffreeresourcestohelppeoplerelaxandtakestock.
It’s mostly just chattering about ‘general housekeeping’ stuff, for example what I’m going to eat next. It also offers an ongoing commentary, on the inner and outer world, and flits from past to present to future. We generally get along okay, which I’m pleased Thisabout.1% idea reappeared in the days and weeks that followed, and it tickled me even more each time, because each time it came to mind again, it proved itself right, again. It was only an original thought once, the first time I thought it, every subsequent presentation was a rehash. Funny! It made me feel really smart and really dumb at the same time, and I liked that feeling. Aside from this being a daft little insider joke I was enjoying with myself, there is SPOT: Moreton Ford Picture: Moreton Ford Campsite
58 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Health & Wellbeing
Yonks ago someone said to me (without any actual, hard evidence) that only about 1% of what the average Jo/e thinks each day is original thought. Mind. Blown. I LOVED this idea. It made me laugh out loud because it fitted so well with my own direct experience. I suppose I would class myself as neurotypical, an ordinary Jo/e if you like (others might Butdisagree).because of my job I’ve become pretty good at noticing what my own brain is up to, and I have to admit that for the most part it’s not being wildly creative or original.
Continue through the forest along the track that swings around to the south east. At the end of the forest you enter a military domain so you have to keep to the right of way to avoid being shot or run over by a tank. The path continues through countryside although you can see houses to your right. Eventually you reach the road opposite the Tank Museum. Turn right, south, and follow the road round the bend. Just before a camp entrance to the left, you’ll see a public footpath on your right, heading south across a tank training You’llarea. notice a couple of fords that tanks use. Crossing a bridge, you leave woodland and enter water Aheadmeadows.isaraised bridge over a section of the Frome that’s popular with Theswimmers.paththen takes you to the hamlet of East Burton and the road that takes you right back to your car, passing through lots of natural countryside. The road undulates vertically and horizontally so ofbestenablesideschangetotheviewtraffic.
FROME
What a welcome break from the hot weather. The rain is steadily falling and will gradually soak in, providing a needed respite for all the plants in the Thegarden.grass will start to green up, and you can almost hear the sigh of relief from the shrubs, trees, and the herbaceous borders. The weeds will come back with a vengeance and once again the cycle of gardening will be reinstated. The trees have started to drop their leaves already as the drought has taken its toll on them and some I fear will not recover from the long, hot dry Walkingspell.thedog this evening we came across some common elder. It had fruit on it but very small, the leaves had turned brown, and it was dying. There were several in a row all looking the same, but one plant on the end was bursting with fruit, green leaves and in perfect health. The energies from the elder plant work on a psychic level, empowering your ability to trust in your own intuition. The energies from the elder help to calm and relax. Elderflowers have relaxing nervine properties, which support the nervous system through stressful periods. It can help to soothe nerves and anxiety and may assist in reducing symptoms of depression. This in turn reduces negative energy and boosts your self-esteem and Theconfidence.eldermost commonly planted in gardens is the Sambucus Nigra ‘Guincho Purple’ this is a cultivar or the common elder it is an upright shrub with dark green leaves which turn purple then red in the autumn, and the lovely pale pink flower contrast perfectly with the foliage, it grows in sun or partial shade in any fertile soil, if left it can grow to 20ft. Whilst working in a local garden, the silver birch was showing signs of stress, the lawn was completely covered with a layer of small brown leaves, the autumn leaf drop is going to be early this year. All the plants are reducing their foliage in a bid to counter the amount of water available to them. Their energy levels are reduced, and the healing we can receive from them will require us to be within the energy field for a longer period, to receive the same Silverbenefit.birch is a very good clearing plant. The energies provide clarity of vision when meditating. The layers of doubt and confusion are peeled away from your conscious mind to allow a understandingclearof the meditation. They clear the mind of the day’s stresses, allow your mind time to process the clutter within it, sort out and file what is needed, and dispose of the unwanted baggage, this will improve your mental state and your overall wellbeing. The leaves collected will make an excellent mulch once rotted down. If you have enough room for a separate compost bin to store just the leaf mulch, it is well worth doing as this mulch will be ready in just one year. The much-needed rain is very sparse at the moment and with the size of the cracks in the ground we are going to need an awful lot of rain to get the soil back to normal. Let’s hope it is little and often and not sudden downpours as this will cause flooding as the water will just run off.
Andy Cole is a reiki healer based healing.plantingspecialisesHeMiddlemarsh.ininfor value in this awareness that is worth sharing. There is a (better evidenced) theory that it is the emotional charge associated with a thought that determines its frequency. After all, a thought without a feeling is just words, Inright?my case the emotional charge that went with the thought felt ‘good’. Sadly for many of my clients their repetitive thinking is charged and recharged by a ‘bad’ feeling, something they would rather avoid, not have or get rid Unfortunately,of. the harder they try to avoid, not have or get rid of these ‘bad’ thoughts and feelings, the more frequently they Thenoccur.there are thoughts about the thoughts. What do they mean? This can be a downward spiral that takes people to very dark place: ‘Am I sick in the head?’, ‘Does this mean I’m a bad Whatperson?’my unfortunate clients fail to recognise is that these are not original thoughts, they don’t tell them anything new or helpful, or merit the attention they are given. They are, in fact, just words. So what to do?
Common elder helps with relaxation
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 59
Elderberries
I refer you back to previous posts The Six Core Processes in ACT, specifically defusion, and
Health & Wellbeing
before but here’s a thought
OrdinaryI’llletheardpeoplecannot.whetherarematter‘ButNeuroplasticity.neuroplasticityit’strue!’Itdoesn’tsomuchifthethoughtstrueornot,itmattersmoretheyarehelpfulorOfcourse,somethoughtsbeverysticky,andmanyneedtheirstorytobebeforetheyarereadytoitgo.behappytohearit.Jo/exxx
ENERGIES:
GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN: Debbie Polden at her shop in Sherborne and, right some of the Emimence range
By Miranda Robertson karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Debbie ran a spa in Canada for about 17 years, where she first discovered Eminence and fell in love with their Sheproducts.said: “It’s a very active brand – collagen, peptides, vitamins and minerals work hard and the products do a really good job of bringing together ancient herbal craftsmanship with modern skincare tech, using hyaluronic acid and a natural productisandrhubarb,amazing“Thealternative.retinolproductssmell–strawberry,apricot,citruswildflowersandatreeplantedforeverywesell.”
60 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Health & Wellbeing
Quality thatmatters:skincareJustletsinkin,ok?
When Debbie Polden spotted a little shop in Sherborne in 2019 she knew it would be a perfect base to sell her skincare Therange.professional grade Canadian products had until then been mainly sold to salons and spas, as salon owners loved the luxurious range with its gorgeous, fruity scents. But Debbie wanted to also sell directly to the public. The old InformationTouristCentre on Digby Road would be the ideal place for her to sell her Eminence Organic SheSkincare.snapped it up and set about fitting it out… then the pandemic came along. Undaunted, she started boosting the online orders and managed to weather the storm. While many salons closed their doors Debbie had a brisk online trade to fall back on. She said: “As new business owners we thought this is crazy –salons were closing and it was very scary. But thank heavens for online. We managed to survive as we built up our private “Wecustomers.didn’t have the best year we’ve ever had, but we were fine. Then salons and spas came up with innovative ideas to keep their trade going.” Debbie bought the business from Tracy Smith, who had launched the products in 2006 in movedSheBromsgrove.andherhusbandnorthtorunthe business but in 2019 she figured she could run it anywhere and she returned to Dorset, where she had grown up. As the authorisedexclusivedistributor for Eminence she supplied 100 salons across Europe and the UK and business was strong before covid reared its head. Now, having built it back up after the pandemic she faces a slowdown in the luxury market due to the soaring costs of living. She said: “This year we’re probably not going to see lot of growth in the luxury “Ifmarket.people are cutting back, the one product they must have is a good Ifmoisturiser.”you’reinthe market for some seriously gorgeous skincare though, Debbie’s range also includes cleanser, toner, exfoliating scrubs and eye products, as well as lotions and hand creams – all organic. The Eminence range originated in Hungary in 1958 as a small cottage industry. Then two brothers took the range to North America in 1990.
n The Skinsmith Ltd 01527 834904 theskinsmith.co.uk
Following months of negotiation with BT and Royal Mail, the kiosk was formally adopted by Sherborne Town Council through BT’s ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme. Steve Shield, Town Clerk, said: “The Town Council is delighted to support this excellent initiative for the best interests of the local “Thecommunity.installation of more potentially life-saving equipment, in such a prominent location in the town, is invaluable for residents, local businesses and visitors alike.” The new
A new community public access defibrillator (cPAD) has been officially launched in Sherborne by local businesses and organisations that have supported the £3,000 Theproject.defibrillator, available 24/7, is located in Cheap Street, outside Sherborne Post Office, in an iconic K6 telephone kiosk originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935. It features the latest Zoll AED 3 technology, for adult and paediatric rescue. Designed to give confidence to those attending a casualty, the defibrillator provides realtime voice instruction, helping rescuers deliver high-quality CPR. Its innovative, intuitive design offers inexperiencedevenusers the ability needed to treat sudden cardiac arrest.
When someone calls 999, they will be directed to the box, presuming it is the closest defibrillator to the Nocasualty.code will be required to access the device. The British Coatings Federation, in partnership with the nationalsignificantredKiosk“WeBT’ssevenbeboxcostBTYeovil/AkzoNobel.Duluxkiosk,revitalisesuppliedHeartbeatCommunityTrust,generouslythepainttoSherborne’sdonatedthroughDecoratingCentrecontinuestosupporttheofelectricitytothesotheequipmentwillavailable24hoursaday,daysaweek.MarkJohnsonsaid:launchedtheAdoptaschemebecausethetelephoneboxisapartofourheritage.”
Local business Girlings Complete Hearing kickstarted the project in September 2021, following a Sherborne Chamber of Trade appeal, by making a £500 funding pledge and a commitment to manage the Midwestproject. the Stationers raised a further £360 through its charity raffle. Nicola Girling said: “As hearing providers,healthcarewedidn’t think twice about supporting this new health resource for the town. Naturally, we hope the defibrillator isn’t needed, but it’s reassuring to know it is available round the clock for anybody experiencing a cardiac emergency.”
ThethehaveHeartbeatthroughpurchaseddefibrillator,andmaintainedtheCommunityTrust,wouldnotbeenpossiblewithoutgeneroussupportofFriendsoftheYeatman Hospital, which committed £1,740 to the project as part of its community Davidoutreach.Hayes CBE, Chairman of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital said: “At the forefront of The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital’s priorities is emergency and long-term care for the Sherborne “Thecommunity.defibrillator project is an excellent example of our contributions to emergency care.” Inside the phone box, in place of the telephone unit, Sherborne’s new defibrillator is housed in a Rotaid heated cabinet to protect it environmentalfrom elements. The unit is registered with South Western Ambulance Service.
By Andrew Diprose editor@dorsetbiznews.co.uk Lifesaver installed in phone box after £3,000 campaign JUST IN CASE: Jane Wood, Andrew Maddock, Nicola Girling, Juliet Pentolfe, David Hayes with the new defibrillator in Cheap Street, Sherborne
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Buiness61
Ex-PM Boris signs off with visit to Wessex Internet found itself in the national spotlight after the Prime Minister visited Dorset to mark the company being awarded the first contract in the £5 billion Project Gigabit. At the start of his last full week as PM, Boris Johnson saw for himself the plans and preparations for connecting more than 7,000 hard-toreach homes and businesses in the county to lightningfast broadband. The Blandford-based Internet Service Provider – named Best Rural Fibre Provider and Rollout Challenge Buster at this year’s inaugural UK Fibre Awards – has been awarded a £6 million contract by the government. The first home will be connected by the end of the year, with an expected completion date for all by It2025.covers the rural outskirts of towns, villages and hamlets in Dorset from Sherborne to Verwood and Shaftesbury to Blandford Forum. Project Gigabit aims to bring the fastest, most reliable broadband to areas considered too difficult or expensive to connect under the broadband industry’s commercial Governmentplans.funding will complement industry investment to ensure that harder-to-reach areas benefit from the same gigabit broadband as the rest of the Thecountry.Dorset contract marks the start of a flurry of Project Gigabit delivery contracts to be awarded over the coming Asmonths.partof the programme, the government has already launched procurements totalling over £690 million aiming to cover up to 498,000 premises.
MAKING CONNECTIONS: Boris Johnson visits Project Gigabit Pictures: SIMON DAWSON
The PM, who was accompanied on his visit to Dorset by Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “From Sherborne to Stirling, broadbandlightning-fastislevelling up towns and villages across the “Incountry.justthree years we have increased the coverage of gigabit broadband from seven per cent of households to 70 per cent.
By Andrew Diprose editor@dorsetbiznews.co.uk
“I am proud that today more than 20 million households, businesses and organisations are able to tap into rapid and reliable internet, unleashing their potential, creating opportunities and driving growth across the country.” Nadine Dorries said: “We enter an exciting new phase of our £5 billion Project Gigabit digital connectivity programme by signing our first major contract in Dorset.
62 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Business
Work is due to begin to connect hard-to-reach areas in Cambridgeshire,Cornwall, Cumbria, and several areas across north east England before the end of the year.
“Thousands of hard-to-reach homes and businesses in the region will get access to faster connections and join the 20 million properties we’ve helped connect over the last three years.”
Gigabit broadband can provide speeds of more than 1,000 megabits per second, more than 30 times faster than copper-based superfast broadband, which is currently available to 97 per cent of UK premises. While superfast is fast enough for most people’s needs today, the government says connectionsgigabit-capablewillprovide the speeds and reliability Britain needs for decades into the Accordingfuture. to new data published by independent website ThinkBroadband, seven in ten UK properties can access the fastest and most reliable internet connections needed to take full advantage of revolutionary new advances in technology in the coming Thatdecades.compares to seven per cent gigabit coverage in The2019.government’s target is 85 per cent coverage by In2025.the last five months alone, one million premises have been connected to gigabit Thenetworks.rateat which gigabitcapable internet connections are installed has increased threefold, with companies like Wessex Internet connecting premises at a rate of one every seven seconds. More than 740,000 premises have been connected through government funding so far. The Dorset project is the first large-scale scheme under Project Gigabit to deliver gigabit connections to a regional area en-masse.
Nick Chandler and Jane Sloman at CommunityBroadwindsorShop
Broadwindsor Community Stores has a new manager. She is Jane Sloman who has been an assistant at the shop in Drimpton Road since it opened in 2013. She’ll replace Mike Moles, who has resigned for personal Janeher.’Janeandwhothesheaboutyoubywill‘IfJanehadyearschangesStores‘BroadwindsorHookingsChairmanreasons.Andrewsaid:Communityhasseenmanyoveritsalmosttenoftradingbutithasonepositiveconstant:Sloman.you’rearegular,Janemostlikelygreetyouyourname,knowwhatlikeandifyouaskheranythingintheshop,mostlikelywillhaveanswer.Talktoanyoneusesthevillageshoptheynotonlyknowbutthinkhighlyofsaidsheremembers
Well-known face appointed manager
Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation, added: “This significant government investment in Dorset is great news for communities and businesses that would otherwise have been left behind as the country moves to gigabit-capable broadband.
her interview at the shop like it was yesterday. ‘The shop wasn’t open yet so Sue Williams, the first manager, and I sat on a couple of upside-down crates in the empty shop to do the interview. And I got the job! Haven’t looked back Andrewsince!’said: ‘Jane has been with us since the shop opened in March 2013. She is very popular with volunteers and customers alike. She richly deserves this opportunity.’ The shop committee is now looking for a part-time shop assistant to help Jane and work alongside her colleague, Margaret, as well as with the volunteers who together make the Broadwindsor Village Shop team. The part-time shop assistant role will be on a temporary basis whilst Jane settles into her new role with the aim of being a permanent position. For more information about the shop assistant role please contact Andrew Hookings at yahoo.co.ukandrewhookings@
check on progress of Project Gigabit
Millions of rural homes and businesses across the UK are in line for an upgrade due to dozens of multi-million pound contracts, making Project Gigabit one of the largest national infrastructure projects of recent times. Now the contract in Dorset has been awarded, the government will work with Wessex Internet and the local authority to begin planning the construction of the gigabit-capable network, with spades set to enter the ground in the coming weeks.
Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded the first contract under the government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit “Asprogramme.abusiness based in North Dorset, our priority has always been to bring fast, reliable broadband to rural communities overlooked by other providers.”
“Good broadband connection has never been more important as we rebuild the economy after the pandemic. “We look forward to working with Wessex Internet and the government on this exciting development in technology, which will greatly benefit some of the most rural parts of our county.”
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 63
Just the Job (recruitment)
THE CABIN AT WARDON HILL TRADING POST is looking for a MANAGER/ COOK to join our team. Must be able to cook and willing to work front of house when needed. 25+ hours a week, which will include some weekends Contact Jackie on 01935 83069
Buiness
SITE VISIT: Nadine Dorries and Boris Johnson
64 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Sport Dorchester Town 4 Koszela (2, 56), Gwengwe (61, 83) Hartley Wintney 2 Cooksley (17’pen, 88) ATT: 416
Town followed up the home win against Hartley Wintney with a well-earned point in a trip to Yate Town which ended goalless.
The Magpies maintained their 100% home record this season with victory over Hartley Wintney at The Avenue, with Olaf Koszela and substitute Shaquille Gwengwe each bagging a brace in an entertaining game. In a lively start to proceedings at The Avenue, it took The Magpies just two minutes to take the lead. After Hartley Wintney had a penalty appeal turned at the other end, Koszela broke down the left-hand side, cut inside Hartley’s Tom Leggett before finishing at the second attempt, after his initial shot was blocked. The fast start didn’t stop there, as Exeter City loanee Harry Lee had to be at his acrobatic best to tip over a header from Matthew DorchesterDrage.then countered from the resultant corner, but Alfie Stanley could only flash his effort wide after being played through. The opening ten minutes set the tone for the first half, with the away side seeing more of the ball, with their Bermudan fullback Reese Jones putting numerous crosses in from the right-hand side, only for the Dorchester backline to deal with them relatively comfortably. The visitors’ pressure paid off just before the twentyminute mark. Skipper Harry Cooksley picked up the ball midway inside Dorchester’s half before driving into the box, only to be upended by Matthew Neale. Penalty was the verdict of referee Andrew Hobbs, and Cooksley picked himself up to send Lee the wrong way from the spot to bring The Row
BACK OF THE NET: Shaquille Gwengwe scores his second and Dorchester's fourth in the win against Hartley Wintney Picture: PHIL STANDFIELD
Four-midable! Dorchester keep up DorchesterADAMSHARRYBY
Afterwards, Harry Adams, caught up with Magpies’ defender Keith Emmerson, pictured inset, to reflect on the weekend’s action and the challenge of playing two games in the space of three days.
Thelevel.visitors stayed in control after the equaliser, passing the ball around nicely in the middle of the park, making life difficult for the hosts and drawing fouls with their quick movement. Despite their possession, the visitors failed to create many clear-cut chances, and it was Dorchester who nearly went back in front with the first real
It has been an excellent start for The Magpies, with the team currently occupying fifth place in the Southern League Premier South. On the game against Hartley Wintney, Keith said: “The win was brilliant, very well deserved. It Emmerson in with a shout as
Keith said: “For me, it has been a stopstart beginning to the season. I missed the first game against North Leigh as well as the away game against Truro, but I’ve been back into the team for the last couple of games. From a team perspective, though, it’s been a very good “There’sstart.obviously been numerous changes to the squad and there’s a different set up this season, but the coaching staff have done well in terms assemblingof this new squad to challenge in the early part of the season. To be where we currently are and to have the number of points we’ve got is very impressive.”
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022Sport65 home record with impressive win opportunity since the leveller, with Ollie Balmer seeing his shot well saved by Hartley Wintney’s rookie goalkeeper Killian Barrett, on his first-team Balmer’sdebut. strike was the last real piece action of a first half that saw the visitors edge proceedings in terms of possession, whilst the hosts had arguably the more favourable chances in front of goal. Glenn Howes’ half time team talk - and the introduction of Gwengweclearly worked, as the Magpies began the second half much the better side, and started to stamp their authority on the game. Ten minutes into the second period, the home side got their reward when Balmer beat Barrett to a though-ball, leaving the ‘keeper stranded in the process. The Town striker then fed Koszela, who showed great composure to tuck away his second of the Momentumgame. was clearly with the Magpies and, six minutes later, they made it 3-1 with Balmer again the provider. The forward latched onto a loose ball after some sloppy midfield play from The Row and found Gwengwe,substitutewho cut inside before finding the far corner with a wonderful finish. The two quickfire goals were no more than Dorchester deserved after a brilliant start to the second half, which saw them outrun and outclass their opponents. The fourth Magpies goal came about in somewhat dramatic fashion with ten minutes to go. After some rare Hartley Wintney pressure saw a fine effort from substitute Anis Nuur strike the inside of the post, Dorchester hit their opponents on the counter. Full-back Harvey-Joe Bertrand broke down the right-hand side and slipped in Gwengwe, who finished coolly past Barrett for his second of the game. The visitors managed to close the gap with two minutes of normal time remaining, with Cooksley finishing well on the edge of the box after beating Town skipper Buckley with some neat footwork. The Magpies almost added some real gloss to the score line in stoppage time, with Barrett denying Koszela what would have been a deserved hat-trick. So, 4-2 it finished after a dominant second-half display saw The Magpies blow The Row away. The home crowd clearly loved what they saw, tongue-in-cheekwithchants of “We are going up” emanating from a group behind the goal. was almost like a basketball game first half, very end-to-end, but second-half we showed our quality and earned the win. The game on Monday against Yate was very much a game of two halves. It was a very resolute display defensively from our perspective.” The thought of having to play two games in the space of three days would have the likes of Jürgen Klopp apoplectic with rage. However, for a non-league footballer, it is nothing out of the ordinary, and there are often additional challenges. Keith said: “It does take its toll. Obviously, some of the lads have jobs in between playing, which makes it very tough for them, and, with us all not living in the same area, you have to factor travel into that as well. Not many teams at this level have the squad depth to be able to regularly rotate either. On a personal level, I think I’ve added some experience to the “I’msquad.veryvocal on the pitch, so if I can help the younger players in any way, then that’s a positive.
IT’S FOR YOU: Olaf Koszela celebrates his first goal after just two minutes Picture: PHIL STANDFIELD
Magpies continue good start
“I knew a few of the lads before I signed in the summer which was great, and I’ve worked with the gaffer before at Poole, so I already had a good relationship with him. Shaq (Shaquille Gwengwe) came in as a bit of an unknown entity from Totton, but he’s shown his quality this season.”
Beaminster clinch promotion and now wait on
Shaftesbury CC 1st XI 268/9 (45 BeaminsterOvers)CC1st XI 269/7 (44 Overs) Beaminster CC 1st XI won by 3 wickets – Beaminster CC 1st XI 19 points; Shaftesbury CC 1st XI 8 points
By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk
OUT DorchestersaveenoughwasknockAnderson’sEralLUCK:OFof52notto
Dorchester miss out on fourth title
Dorchester CC 1st XI 202 All Out (45.2 Overs) Bere Regis CC 1st XI 203/5 (43.3 Overs)
66 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Sport Premier Division
County Division II
Bere Regis CC 1st XI won by 5 wickets – Bere Regis CC 1st XI 20 points; Dorchester CC 1st XI 6 points Dorchester Firsts missed out on a fourth consecutive title as Bere Regis produced a strong all-round performance to register a comfortable win, although Poole’s victory maximum points haul against Sherborne meant that even a victory for the visitors would not have been Dorchesterenough. had been the beneficiaries of Bere Regis’ final day exploits in 2021, but found themselves on the receiving end of a team intent on ending their own season on a high. The game was shaped by brilliant opening spells by Bere Regis’ front-line bowlers, Richard Payne and Robert Murphy, with Dorchester reeling at 2-3 by the end of the sixth Payneover. dismissed Jim Ryall and Jamie Barrett for ducks in consecutive balls at the start of his second over, and although Simon Mitchem survived the hattrick ball, he too was quickly on his way, with Murphy having him caught at slip without scoring. Eral Anderson offered some stoic resistance, scoring a measured 52 before being run out to leave the visitors teetering at Gautham94-5. Rajendar and skipper Dan Belt gave the innings some impetus, putting on 71 for the sixth wicket, before Belt became the first of Matt King’s three victims, having scored a breezy 48 off just 42 Brandonballs. King and James Dunham fell cheaply, and with the tail exposed, Rajendar fell for an excellent 58 when looking to add some quick runs, and Murphy returned to take the final Dorchester wicket as they were bowled out in the 46th over. King finished with 3 for 29, with two wickets apiece for Murphy, Payne and Pete Russell. In reply, opener Russell helped to build a solid platform for Bere Regis, scoring 35, although two James Dunham wickets in the kept the hosts in check at Russell37-2. and Murphy then fell in quick succession to leave the contest evenly poised with the score at 864, before Sam and Tim Goodhew produced crucial contributions to take the game, and any chance of the title, away from the visitiors. Sam Goodhew top-scored with 57 before being bowled by Rajendar with the home side 42 runs short of victory. Tim Goodhew continued to take the attack to the bowlers, hitting three sixes and four fours on his way to an unbeaten 43, while Cameron Robertson’s rapid 25 not out came from just 12 balls and included two Themaximums.resultsees Dorchester finish in third place behind winners Poole, and Wimborne and Colehill. Bere Regis consolidated their fourth place in the division and demonstratedagaintheir ability to beat anybody on their
Beaminster edged a highscoring encounter to win a share of first place in Division II and cement their promotion to Division I for next season. The win, their 14th of a successful campaign, was another close contest which demonstrated Beaminster’s resolve and strength in depth. Batting first, the hosts amassed an imposing 2689, with a third-wicket stand of 142 between Kevin Monaghan (60) and Lawrence Yeo (89). The Beaminster bowlers struggled to keep the pair quiet on a strip favouring the batsman, but chipped away at Shaftesbury’s middle order to keep the total manageable, when a score of 300 plus had looked possible at one Nickpoint.Hollely took three wickets, with Oliver Bareham and Paul Edwards bagging two a-piece. Fittingly for such a united group, Beaminster’s reply was a team effort, with all batters reaching double
A Puddletown side featuring 15-year-old Evie Snow making her first team debut gave themselves a chance of surviving relegation from the Premier Division with a brilliant win at Broadstone.
Batting first, Puddle posted a strong total, largely courtesy of a half century from James Mitchell and a composed 39 from Adam Barrett, but also aided by some ragged bowling from the home side contributing 43 in the extras column. Mitchell’s measured innings of 55 helped the visitors navigate to 162-5, with some useful late order runs giving them a defendable total. In response, provideasnotunbeatenCook,BroadstoneofTheover.thethebowlersbowlingNorman3-41.supported53captaintopBroadstone’sattackedunder-strengthPuddletown’sbowlingwhittledawayatbattinglineandmiddleorder,withRyanNorman’s4-leadingtheway,ablybyAdamWeir’sSkipperRyangambledonouthisfront-linewhorespondedtochallengebydismissinghomesideinthe35thhostswerewellaheadtherunrateandcaptain,Danwhofinishedonabrilliant79out,ranoutofpartnersnobodywasabletosustainedsupport.
The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022Sport67 FINAL TABLES
bonus points verdict figures. contributionsStandoutcame from Ross Baker with a hardhitting 43 wicket-keeperand Adam Moss, who top-scored with 67. Keeping pace well with the asking rate throughout, Daniel Hillier (36 not out) and Oliver Bareham (10 not out) saw the visitors home with just six balls of the contest remaining. Having finished level on points with Chalke Valley CC, Beaminster must wait to see if they can be separated on bonus points, or will simply share the Eithertitle. way, with two promotion spots up for grabs, they will be playing in Division I next season.
Dorset Cricket League Premier Division Batting Bowling Total P W L Pts Pts Pts Poole 18 16 2 84 82 326 Wimborne 18 15 3 86 76 312 Dorchester 18 15 3 83 73 306 Bere Regis 18 11 7 68 77 255 Sherborne 18 9 9 66 69 225 Broadstone 18 7 11 66 67 203 Martinstown 17 5 12 60 50 160 Cattistock & S 18 3 15 55 65 150 Puddletown 18 5 13 47 52 149 Christchurch 17 3 14 52 54 138 County Division 2 Beaminster 18 14 4 81 83 336 Chalke Valley 18 13 3 78 73 336 Parley 18 12 6 73 82 292
Puddletown CC Saturday 1st XI 233 All Out (48.3 BroadstoneOvers)CC Saturday 1st XI 201 All Out (34.4 Overs) Puddletown CC Saturday 1st XI won by 32 runs –Puddletown CC Saturday 1st XI 20 1stBroadstonepoints;CCSaturdayXI6points
to Poole as Bere end season on high day. Both clubs will hope for better things in 2023. Dorchester chairman Mark Derrien said: “Naturally we are disappointed not to retain our Premier league title but Poole have been the most gracious and worthy opponents I’ve seen in the past four seasons and thoroughly deserve the title. Dorchester and Poole have been the top two teams for a while, and Dave Miller deserves to lift the trophy. We have nothing but respect for “Nextthem. season we will try our hardest to win it it back. Dorchester are digging up the square at the Rec next week and spending £7,000 levelling the wicket. We have been successful in obtaining a £21,000 grant to get solar energy to complement our ground-source heating so we are virtually carbon neutral. While short-term we are disappointed not to retain the title, long-term we are well-placed to compete for many years to “Congratulations,come. Poole. We look forward to trying to win the title back next year.” Sherborne CC 1st XI 166/6 (50 Overs) Poole Town CC 1st XI 170/6 (29.2 Overs) Poole Town CC 1st won by 4 wickets – Poole Town CC 1st XI 18 points; Sherborne CC 1st XI 6 points Poole Town Firsts eased to victory at the Terraces to wrestle the Premier Division title from threetime winners, Dorchester. Sherborne elected to bat first and came up against a mean Poole attack determined to give nothing away. Tim Durston’s fine 63 not out was the standout innings for the hosts, who found it hard to build momentum in the face of such tight bowling. Although batting through the 50 overs, Sherborne looked short of a challenging total. Two early Ni Denham wickets in Poole’s reply gave the home side some encouragement, although the Sherborne attack lacked the same control as their opponents and leaked far too many extras, with Denham himself being the main culprit. However Sherborne chipped away at the champions-elect, with Otto Denham taking 3-36, to leave the game in the balance with Poole at 1266. Richard Armstrong’s unbeaten 52 ultimately proved decisive and it was somewhat fitting that Poole captain David Miller, having joined Armstrong at the crease, was on hand to score a four to secure the win, and the title, for the visitors.
Sport Annie Bowden, the President of Bridport and West Dorset Indoor Bowls Club, says that it is vital that their membership is increased to ensure that the club remains viable in the face of unprecedented financial challenges, with rent and utility bills set to increase Theexponentially.club,based at St Andrews Trading Estate, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023, making it the oldest indoor club in Dorset. Annie feels it’s important that the club survives and thrives, for the benefit of their members.
Join the
By Stuart Wickham stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk bowling club help you keep warm!
68 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022
A welcome also awaits for those who don’t want to play the sport concessionarycanAnniecompetitively.said:“Wehavesuchabroadmixandlotsofourmembersarereallyhappywiththesocialsideofcomingtotheclub.WehaveourAcornsGroup,whojoinonratesfor just £20 per year. The Acorns include people who may have mobility issues, perhaps Alzheimer’s and wheelchair users – for many of these members, it’s about playing a couple of ends and then having a nice cup of tea and a Withchat.”the club being completely wheelchairfriendly, Annie is hopeful that the open days might appeal to wheelchair users. Annie said: “We have two specially adapted wheelchairs that can be used. We have disabled parking and our building is 100% accessible. We are all on one level and the sides drop down for wheelchairs to access. There’s disabled changing on the ground floor which is great, too. “We have players who have had strokes or suffered serious injuries and it’s a great way of helping them to regain their flexibility, strength and motor skills - and to help keep their minds active as well. We have put fliers in doctor’s surgeries and with physiotherapists, just to let patients know that we’d love to help through bowls if we “Wecan.”used to have over 240 members and if we got back to somewhere near that number, we’d be fine with costs going up. Unfortunately, with many of our members are older players, we inevitably lose some of them each year. It would be good to see some younger people coming along to our open days.” The rising costs of gas and electricity is a concern for most at the moment, and Annie is braced for the impact on the club’s finances. Annie said: “We are waiting for what the first bills look like, and are certainly prepared for these going up a lot. Of course it’s not like we can just switch off the heating and tell our members to put on an extra cardigan or get them doing star jumps. We have to keep them warm while they’re with us, although I don’t mind it so much as I’m used to working outdoors and it makes the green faster which I like! “I suppose you could look at it as a positive for members “Comereally. to the bowls club and you won’t have to heat your own home for a few hours. “We’ll certainly give everybody a warm welcome.” Please refer to the club’s website for details of the open days n bridportindoorbowls.co.uk or call them on 01308 424074.
Annie said: “We want our club to keep going and to prosper and it would be nice to get to celebrate the 50th anniversary and many more beyond this. So many of our members are local, older people and they simply can’t drive any distance to other clubs, so it’s really nice for them to have the chance to come and play here at Bridport. They would lose that social interaction if we were ever forced to close.” With the aim of boosting membership numbers, Annie and her committee are encouraging people to give bowls a try across the next two members.andafacilities,seeopportunitywillageGuestsweekends.ofanyorabilityhavethetotheenjoyfriendlygame,chattocurrentNewmembers will benefit from a reduced annual membership fee. The club currently has 120 members, some of whom compete in county teams while others are social players. Annie said: “We cater for everybody, whether they are competitive or just want to have a bit of fun. We would love to boost our ranks of competitive players and are open to seeing potential players who have competed in other sport. We’ve had a lot of ex-golfers and former badminton and hockey players, and they tend to have that competitive spirit.”
and we’ll
WARM WELCOME: Bridport Ladies pictured at the indoor club and, inset below, club president Annie Bowden
It has been a busy summer at Synergy Farm Health. Our move up the hill to our new premises on Rampisham Down was Thesmooth.arrival of our laboratory a few weeks ago was the final phase. The team worked hard to ensure that there was no disruption to any of our service provision. With our 13-year tenancy at Evershot now over, a new chapter in Synergy’s story has begun. Our new space will enable us to build the client events and farmer training courses we offer. One of our first events was celebrating 10 years of our smallholder scheme. It was lovely to see in excess of 60 smallholders on site, taking the opportunity to learn and take the knowledge back to their livestock. In the coming month we have our first Setting Up a Smallholding training session, and another on welcome the Dorset branch of Women in Dairy on October 6 for a Dairy Cow First Aid workshop with vet Claire Rudd. The summer show season has certainly been busy, with all shows (up to the point of writing!) blessed with large crowds and good weather. It has been great to finally get back to normal and see so many clients and their families off farm. The extreme weather needs no introduction! We have certainly seen a variety of cases which have been due to the extended hot and dry newsletter (available on Colleaguecoursesandhinderedgrowthgrazestockpoisonouspotentialadviseswebsite)ouronmayasiswater
By Ed SynergyVeterinaryPowell-JacksonSurgeonFarmHealthVets
gives hemlock water dropwort aka dead man’s fingers as an example: “Common in ditches and water courses, this plant is particularly toxic. Leaves and stalks (which look remarkably like celery) are commonly eaten by cattle when grass is short, and have been identified at post mortem on several occasions this summer as the cause of sudden death “Theoutbreaks.roots are very poisonous also (and look remarkably like a human hand – hence the name). These may be exposed with dropping water levels, or following ditch clearance work, and cattle seem to like to eat them. Beware!” Quality forages underpin profitable livestock farming and this is an area for improvement on many sheep and beef farms. Forage analysis can enable rationalisation of concentrates purchased and fed (in many instances reducing costs) and identify any potential nutritional shortfalls early. appliedWhethertobeef suckler cow or ewe nutrition, our teams are receiving an increasing number of requests for analysis and the results used to help target nutrition. Later in the month we have our first EID issuestockswithoutfarWithdetails.onlookopenAllunlocktravels,equipmentalsorateshappeningunderstandingtoolbutstepof),sheepourtheandmosthaveliveexternalprogramme,identification)(electronicsheeptrainingdevelopedwithconsultantswhoandbreatheEID.Weeightsessions,onthepopularweighheadssoftwarefoundwithinsheeppopulationunderveterinarycare.Forourvets,data(orthelackisoftentherate-limitinginmanyinvestigations,canalsobethemagicwhichunlocksourofwhatisonfarm.Growthareaniceexample.Weseelotsofgreatonfarmonourbutknowinghowtothepotentialiskey.ourtrainingcoursesaretoanyattendees,takeaatourtrainingsectionourwebsiteforfullthemaizeharvestnotawaylet’shopethisgoeshitch,asforagearelikelytobeanformanyunitsthiswinter.
Lots of courses on offer at new premises The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Agriculture69 BRIDPORT & WEST DORSET CCOTBOWLSINDOORCLUBASASTERERSESSSSIONIONS:OMEME&GIVEIVEBOWOWLSATRTRY Contact Arthur Stone to book or for more details: 01308 425278 bridpor琀ndoorbowls.co.uk Mondays: Saturdays:7.30pm10am Wheelchair accessible All ages and abili琀es welcome
Harvest fun
An apparent decline in rural crime during 2021 was caused in large part by the covid pandemic, and NFU Mutual is warning that data for the first quarter of 2022 shows thieves are busy making up for lost time in the South West. And people machinery,outbuildings,withfarmland,andvehicles are being advised to ‘review their Accordingsecurity’.toNFU Mutual’s (NFUM) latest Rural Crime Report, rural crime costs fell by more than 18% to £4.3m. NFUM says the South West remains one of the regions worst affected by rural High-valuecrime. farm machinery remains a popular target for Landthieves.Rover Defenders are particularly sought after by thieves, with owners paying the price for the rocketing value of second-hand cars and 2020NFUMreceivedtheftnumberAlthoughnationally.87%shootingvehiclesforpartsreplacementwithclaimstheftsoftheupbyto£2.6mtheoffuelclaimsbyfellfromto2021, with prices for diesel and heating oil reaching record highs, claims data from the first half of 2022 indicates the frequency and cost of fuel theft has more than doubled compared to the same period in 2021.
70 The West Dorset Magazine, September 9, 2022 Agriculture Puzzle solutions From pages 56-57 18 691751 27 WADI ADRUDD HIGHRISE TAOPUNS ETCATE HRHCLIT ECHOC ROIRAG ERICZULU NODSLY YOGAKEYS 231647895 649851273 875239461 458176329 962483517 317925684 583792146 194368752 726514938 ATTACHGOTCHA TROEAHU EMUNEVERMIND MCTEMI PUKKANOSIEST OITUI PRONOUNCING EEACI APPARELEATER DLIEHO INITIATEDURN OERYEME SUDDENODDBOD Brain chain Killer Sudoku Pro 893614572 264735981 751298634 537862419 982471365 416359827 178546293 325987146 649123758 15 6+ +47 72+ ×1345+4× 40 45×2 ×35 72× ×16 8+ +18 60×0× 18+ 23+9 5+ 168 14× ×96 422×16×+212÷13+ + 8 59 164 2377 356 41289376 542 1981 493 58726512 689 937464 275 318723 895 4126 584 76931948 371 9526 813 45726874 362 519652 941 738128 957 463639 148 275754 632 281998 145 376247 916 835126 493 8547 651 72398983 417 625762 598 134329 468 175461 579 238587 312 896462 341 597194 783 256639 854 17225 401629081 56 ECLIPSECREW AHNUNEI BUILTINASSES UNESVEP STAIREMIGRE IVTGVH VESSELTAKETO EYNCTS CRATERINLET SIIOOOI MANGOCYNICAL UGNUAUE GEEKUSELESS Cryptic Crossword Jumbo Sudoku3D Brain chain (Hard) Rural crime on the increase again
Some 40,000 pupils have registered for this year’s biggest harvest festival –Harvest LIVE. Harvest LIVE, an initiative from the NFU’s education team, is set to return on September 29 and 30, to teach children about the journey of farm to fork and the roles involved in food production, while delivering key STEM (Science, producingpeoplefarmstheStudentsobjectives.EngineeringTechnology,andMaths)cangobehindscenesofrealBritishandmeettheresponsiblefortheirfood.
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