The West Dorset Magazine Edition 44, September 2024

Edition 44

of

September 2024

Monthly, PRICELESS

The West Dorset Magazine

Incorporating Weymouth, Portland.. and now a bit of North Dorset too!

IT’S SHOWTIME! Best ever Dorset County Show promised, with so much to see and do

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Contact us:

( 01305 566336

News, letters to the editor and general feedback: newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk Display advertising: advertising@westdorsetmag.co.uk Classified advertising (text ads): classifieds@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Sport: sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk Post: 15 Stanstead Rd, Maiden

Miranda Robertson Editor miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Karen Bate News Editor karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0BL

Contents: News & features Whasson? (events) Culture Church Puzzles Home & Garden

3-59 6-15 61-68 69 70-71, 74 72-72

Vittles (food & drink) Sport Business Down to Earth Politics Health & Wellbeing

74-77 78-79 80-81 82-84 85 86

When you respond to advertisers, please tell them you saw their advert in this magazine: It helps them monitor the effectiveness of their advert and helps us cover our costs

Stuart Wickham Sports editor

Laura McManus Advertising sales director

stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk

laura@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Nick Horton Chief Sub

Dan Goater Reporter

nickH@westdorsetmag.co.uk

dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Bob Holman Advertising sales

Lyndon Wall Cartoonist

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Letters

Wouldn’t hydro be safer and greener?

In response to the article in August’s Magazine about the proposal to install 600 huge and potentially risky batteries near the sub-station at Chickerell, I suggest creating a reservoir there instead. It could be linked to another reservoir on higher ground some miles away. When surplus energy is available it could be used to pump water uphill to be stored until more energy is needed. Then the water could run down to the lower reservoir through a series of hydro-electric generators. This would be much more environmentally friendly, safer, efficient and probably cheaper.

Chris Slade, Maiden Newton

I’ve just finished visiting the exhibition about the life and work of George Biles, the Bridport man who spent his life painting pub signs, artwork for local

companies, and brewery vans and drays for local brewers.

All those involved in putting together and displaying the exhibition, at three locations in the town are to be heartily congratulated. A real bit of local history and community.

If I had any artistic talent (but I don’t, at all), I would happily devote my time to restoring these colourful examples of local culture.

Richard Lewington, Bridport

We wanted to introduce ourselves: your newly elected Conservative councillors on Dorset Council. Cllr Craig Monks of Beaminster, Cllr Jill Haynes of Chalk Valleys, and Cllr Simon Christopher of Marshwood Vale are now the opposition at Dorset Council.

While the elections have brought about significant political

changes, that change does not always mean better outcomes for West Dorset. It has only been a few months but early signs are concerning. There’s been no new funding for rural Dorset Council from the Government, with support being redirected to metro mayors instead. The proposed redefinition of greenbelt areas and large-scale planning decisions made in Westminster rather than locally pose significant challenges. The grass isn’t looking greener, more like a depressing shade of concrete grey.

One of the most pressing issues is the proposal for one of the largest battery farms in the world in Chickerell. This raises serious environmental and logistical concerns, and we are committed to opposing decisions that do not benefit our local area but was supported by Lib Dems.

We are committed to a proactive opposition against national and local authorities that may not prioritise Dorset. We will work tirelessly to hold the current administration accountable and to ensure the community is at the forefront of all decisions.

Where possible, we will seek to collaborate with other parties in the public interest. West Dorset Conservatives have valuable lessons to learn, and we are reflecting on our past, listening to our constituents, and building a positive future. We assure you while the political environment may seem daunting, we are here to advocate for you and work towards a brighter future for West Dorset. Conservatism remains strong in our community, and together, we will strive to overcome the challenges ahead.

Craig Monks, West Dorset Conservatives

NERS! N U T S 3 E PAG

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

BAAAARK: Two-year-old Sheepadoodle Stamford lives with Nick Smith in Weymouth

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

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Go bats 4 bats Go bats for Portland’s biodiversity at b-side festival on September 7 and 8.

Romanian-born isle resident Dan Babei is on a mission to challenge people’s fear of the unknown and the unfamiliar, and will be using bats to represent this. His b-side contribution will start with a dusk/night-time walk, led by a bat expert, around the paths of Chesil Cove where the creatures can often be spotted. The walk sets out from Chesil Earthworks at 7.30pm on September 6.

Walkers will be taught about the misunderstood animal and why people need to protect rather than fear them. Dan’s band, the aptly-titled Bat-Man and the Na-Nas, will perform traditional Romanian songs around a campfire, and will delight audiences with a traditional Transylvanian dance, which they will be invited to join.

For more information, go to bside.org.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Be a part of Big Green Day Dorset folk are invited to join in a day of fun activities and information about sustainability and green living.

Beaminster Area ECO Group (BAEG) is pleased to announce its Big Green Day will take place on Saturday, September 28 at the town’s secondary school.

Entry is free, with the event running from 10.30am to 3pm.

Organisers said: “There will be opportunities to learn about nature recovery and how we can all help with that process.

“It aims to give local organisations a chance to showcase what they are doing.”

Alongside that there will be local produce, refreshments, a raffle, music and children’s activities.

Green Man’s natural look

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

This is the gnarly face of the Green Man who was found lurking in Thorncombe Woods by 12year-old Spencer, who spotted him when out walking with his grandparents.

While most images of the Green Man are sculpted, particularly those in churches, or carved in trees, this character looks like he has grown naturally over time, perhaps centuries.

Ian Mackenzie said: “My wife Liz and I were walking through Thorncombe Woods, when my grandson Spencer called out to us that he had spotted ‘a man in the woods’. We were taken

TRUNK CALL: The Green Man in Thorncombe Woods

aback when we saw this face of the Green Man lurking in the woods with a hand outstretched as if to grab us. I thought it was great to stumble upon him.

“It looks as if the Green Man has been carved but it is a natural phenomenon and is natural in the way that the tree has grown, although if it is an

underlying force of nature which has made it into the Green Man or just a coincidence, we will just never know.

“We have since been in Thorncombe Woods, and he is still there, lurking in the woods and celebrating the spirit of nature.”

The Green Man is a Pagan symbol, believed to embody the cycle of life, death and re-birth, heralding the spring and the renewal of nature.

However, from 500BC, it is believed people carved human faces into the trees to strengthen their relationship with the woodlands around them.

Leaves and stems twist around the features of the Green Man, usually originating from the mouth.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Grub’s up at the show More than 100 producers of the county’s most mouthwatering food will be at this year’s Dorset County Show on Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8.

Described as Dorset’s largest larder, there will be a huge array of delicious food and drink to try, buy and enjoy on site or to take back home.

The show is also offering a bigger and better range of real ales and craft ciders than ever.

Dotted around the show people can sample brews at pop-up micro pubs thanks to The Piddle Brewery, Hall and Woodhouse and The Dorset Brewing Company alongside local ciders, gins and vodkas.

This year there will be an even larger food hall, with more than 60 food producers offering cheese, fudge, cakes, bread, jam, Scotch eggs, gelato, olives, wines and more.

Organiser James Cox said: “Our county is bursting with

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“From last year’s success, we’ve carried on with the festival vibe and added more sails, flags and entertainment.”

New ‘Taster Tickets’ might just take your fancy, allowing entry from 3pm both days at £13 in advance and £15 on the day. This year’s Dorset County Show features many new attractions, from the internationally recognised Atkinsons Action Horses to axemen. The show celebrates life in Dorset, with over 60,000 visitors annually. n dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT 4 Dorchester and District Gardening Club welcome Susan Vincent MA Classical Studies, President of the Richard Wagner (Dorset) Group and committee member of the T E Lawrence Society and the Siegfried Sassoon Fellowship, for a talk: Pompeii: Eumachia in Pompeii at the time

of Augustus. The club meet at St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, Dorchester DT1 1LB. Doors open at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

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

All welcome. Contact: Jane, secretary 01305 268523 or email dorchestergardening@gmail.com

An exhibition entitled A Stitch in Time runs until October 27 at Beaminster Museum (Whitcombe Rd, DT8 3NB). It explores the history of stitching trades – dressmaking and tailoring, shoe and boot making, and saddlery – in Beaminster and the surrounding parishes. There are plenty of hands-on activities to entertain younger visitors, not to mention a selection of childfriendly craft kits in the museum shop. The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10.30am4pm, Sundays 2pm-4pm. beaminstermuseum.co.uk Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 West Dorset Ramblers Group will take an eight-mile walk around Moreton and Culpepper’s Dish. To book and for details ring 07798 732252.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Internationally renowned vocal ensemble, The Gesualdo Six, will perform at St Peter’s in Dorchester at 7pm. Book at ticketsource.co.uk/st-peterschurch-dorchester The Cerne Abbas Star Party will be held at Cerne Abbas Brewery at noon. For tickets head to Eventbrite!

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 A two-day celebration of all the delights Dorset has to offer will be held at Cokers Frome in Dorchester today and tomorrow. Dorset County Show will feature hundreds of animals, a huge range of food and drink, entertainment and more. dorsetcountyshow.co.uk A double open day will be held at the Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre today and tomorrow 11.30am-3.30pm.

Refreshments, picnic area and toilet. Free parking on adjacent Oborne Road, DT9 3RX. Entry by donation. Sswc.co.uk The Friends of Weymouth Library (FOWL) will be hearing a talk in the library at 10.30am entitled Keep your Hair on by Alan Jones. Straight, wavy, long or natural, we discover the secretive and lucrative international world of hair.

Tickets from the library at £2 for members and £3 for nonmembers. Refreshments available, everyone welcome.

A guided tour of Dorchester’s famous Borough Gardens will start at 6pm, by Friends of the Borough Gardens member Joy Wallis, wildlife expert and Blue Badge Guide. Free!

A Hedgehog Fair is being held in Chickerell 10am-12.30pm to raise funds for a new group to support hedgehogs and a hedgehog hospital planned by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visitors to the fair, at Chickerell Methodist Church in North Square (DT3 4DX), can learn about these creatures, the gardener’s friends, and learn how to help Chickerell become a Hedgehog-friendly Town. There will be stalls, hedgehog novelties, tombola, raffle and more. Refreshments served – GF and vegan catered for.

from not only members but other groups including Weymouth College, schools, and other care groups. There will be free workshops too.

The art trail will finish on United Nations International Peace Day, September 21, with the Mayor planting a Rose of Peace in the new sensory gardens at Radipole.

There will be a free, open to all, celebration where there will be the opportunity to view other

artworks, meet members of our team and other invited guests as well as enjoy planned entertainment including music, readings and performing arts.

Go to artwey.co.uk Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club six-mile walk from Musbury. For further

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Whasson? (and where’s it to?) information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Mosterton Art Group will hold their annual exhibition from 10am-7pm today and 10am-4pm

MIND BODY SPIRIT FAYRE Saturday, September 21, 11am-5pm Digby Hall Hound Street Sherborne Dorset DT9 3AA. Psychic mediums, psychometry, aura camera, aromatherapy, beauty treatments. Indian head massage, Thai + Swedish massage, reiki, reflexology, exhibitors selling spiritual goods, medium demos.

Homemade cakes served all day.. Tombola (great prizes)Entry £1. All welcome.

tomorrow. There will also be a preview party from 6pm-8pm on Friday 6th to meet the artists. All are welcome to the preview! The exhibition will be at Beaminster town hall, Fleet Street, DT8 3EF. A Blow Your Own Trumpet comedy night will be held at The Convivial Rabbit in Trinity Street, Dorchester (DT1 1TT) from 8.30pm-10pm.

An evening of fun and laughter in this welcoming microbar.

Featuring six comedians and your MC Gavin Egan. Tickets £5 plus booking fee from jokepit.com MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Kevin Patience will be talking to the members of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild at 2pm, on ‘The man who never was’. A true WW2 espionage tale. Visitors welcome (£3). 01305 832857 Bridport Choral Society’s first rehearsal will be held at the United Church Hall at 7.30pm. bridportchoral.wordpress.com Weymouth Choral Society also

returns to rehearsals today. The AGM will also be held (members only). They will also rehearse on September 16, 22 and 30 before performances in November, December and March. Go to weymouthchoralsociety.org.uk

Street car park, Bridport each Wednesday during term time from 6.30pm to 7.45pm. New members welcome, the first four rehearsals free. For more information 01308 456297 or westdorsetmusic.org.uk

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Southill Gardening Club will meet at the Southill Community Centre at 7.30pm. Experienced Dorset-based horticulturalist Alan Eason will be talking about a range of gardens to visit in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Members and non-members are welcome and refreshments will be available. Further info from Nigel Smith on 01305 788939.

The best of World Cinema is returning to the Corn Exchange with the launch of Dorchester Film Society’s new season. The programme features 18 titles, including two winners and six nominated titles at this year’s Oscars as well as a number of successes on the international film festival circuit.

The season opens today with Fallen Leaves, a droll comedy from the acclaimed Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki. The programme continues with a wide range of recent world cinema titles.

Full details of the programme to be shown at 7.30pm on the Corn Exchange’s wide screen with Dolby sound on selected Wednesdays, are available at dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk with

West Dorset Ramblers Group eight-mile walk around Sydling and Bushes Barn, To book and for details 07826 150114.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 11 West Dorset Community Orchestra rehearsals restart after the summer break in the Christian Fellowship Hall, East

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the details of how to join. Films are for members and their guests only – tickets cannot be purchased at the door.

THURSDAY, SEPT 12 Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association will meet at the Digby Hall, Hound Street at 7.30pm to hear from Paul and Helen Strickland of Black Shed Flowers. Non-members £3.

Contact Richard Newcombe on 01935 389375.

A free ploughing practice & training day is being held at Dunster Farm, Broadoak DT6 5NR 10am-4pm. Bring your own refreshments, spectators welcome, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Film Night: The Eagle Huntress at Wyke Regis Memorial Hall, 7pm (doors open 6.30pm). 2016 Kazakh language documentary film narrated (in English) by executive producer Daisy Ridley.

Heart-warming story of a 13-yearold girl as she attempts to become the first female to compete in the

eagle festival at Ulgii, Mongolia.

Entrance £6, includes glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Tickets parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events, or Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Cream Tea Afternoon and Tower Tours at All Saints church Wyke Regis, 2pm to 5pm.

Browse our books and bric a brac sale. Book a tower tour and climb the 100 steps to explore the bell tower and experience the wonderful panoramic view at the top. Tour tickets £6, bookable at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 There’s prize bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm for a 2.30pm eyes down.

Dorset Greener Homes: Over 30 homes across Dorset will be open for visitors today and tomorrow – and again on September 21 and 22 – to find out about heat pumps,

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Whasson? (and where’s it to?) wall insulation, solar panels and batteries, wildlife-friendly gardens or just how to save money on your heating bills. Talk to householders who have greened their home, to get the unbiased and unvarnished truth. dorsetgreenerhomes.org for times and details.

A free, one-day health and wellbeing festival with a host of therapists on hand is taking place at St Mary’s Church Hall in Bridport (DT6 3NN) between 10am and 5pm. Members of Bridport Health and Well Being are hosting this event to encourage and inspire people to lead healthier lives. Nutrition, massage therapies, energy healing, homeopathy plus herbal medicines and essential oils.

Bridport Health and Wellbeing can be found on Facebook.

IMAG(IN)E 2, an exhibition and open day by Bridport Camera Club, is being held at the WI Hall, North Street, (DT6 3JQ) between 10am and 4pm. Imag(in)e is a different kind of photography club. In their friendly group they encourage all photography, from phone cameras to film. Take their 15-minute photography challenge, using camera or smartphone, meet members and browse photos. bridportcameraclub.co.uk, info@bridportcameraclub.co.uk A free one-day festival celebrating Bridport’s amazing multi-cultural community will be held 10am-noon at Bridport Arts Centre, then from noon at the community orchard and from 6pm at the arts centre. There will be food, storytelling, art, music, crafts and drumming. Go to facebook.com/jurassicmulticultur al to find out more.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club will host an eight-mile walk from Bridport.

Ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. Visitors welcome.

A colourful event will be returning to Bridport today – a Quilt WalkAbout!

The event used to be held biannually in Broadwindsor from

2001 to 2011. Its organiser has been teaching patchwork and quilting for 25 years and to mark the event she wanted to exhibit the quilts her students and locals have made over the years.

The event has been taken from the Amish idea that they hold in the spring called The Airing of the Quilts. They spring clean & air their quilts by hanging them outside making a fabulous colour display around their towns.

Weather depending quilts will be hung around the town outside, or in / as well as shops, churches & cafes. They will also be hosting workshops and demos and a competition as well as a big reveal of a super quilt on the last day. To find out more, go to studi0ne.com An RAF Association quiz night will be held at 7pm at Bridport & District Social Club on North Street. Teams of four to enter (£2.50pp). Great prizes, cash bar and raffle. Further details from Mike White 07821 167278.

One of the biggest and best summer fetes will be held today, at Weldmar Hospicecare’s inpatient unit (Herringston Road, 11am-4pm. Lots of family fun, entertainment, food and drink, games, and more. Free shuttle bus service from Dorchester South Station to the fete. Just £2 entry, and children are free! All proceeds towards Weldmar's specialist care for local adults with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones. TV star Martin Clunes will be there.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 There’s a Choral Eucharist with music by Mozart, Messiaen and Victoria at 10.30am at St Peter's Church, Dorchester. Free.

A free hedgelaying Dorset-style taster day will be held 9.30am4pm at Wyke Farm, Chedington, DT8 3HX. Wear strong shoes and gloves, no shorts. Bring a billhook and loppers if you have them. Bring your own refreshments. Book on 01308 423337 or office@melplashshow.co.uk Bridport and Lyme Regis Royal Air Forces Association Group

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Email your events to

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

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will host the annual Battle of Britain church service at St Swithun’s Church, North Allington, Bridport at 3pm.

Weymouth & Portland branch of the Royal Air Force Association are holding their annual Battle of Britain Remembrance Service at the BoB Memorial Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth at 3pm. All are welcome at either service.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 West Dorset Ramblers Group 7.5-mile walk – Beaminster circular to Toller Whelme – taking in Mapperton, Toller Whelme and Beaminster and surrounding countryside. No dogs. To book 07947 881635.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 18 Bridport Camera Club will host a presentation by Barry Lewis at Bridport Town Hall 7pm-10pm.

Barry has been a photographer and film maker for over 40 years.

His presentation will include a mix of the international photojournalism that paid his bills and his more left-field personal work. There will be images from his 1991 visit to Russia’s Gulag during Perestroika, which is the subject of his recent book, Gulag.

Non-members welcome for £5 via bridportcameraclub.co.uk or pay at the door.

The New Arts Group will be hosting its next talk at Bridport Town Hall 1.30pm for a 2pm start, with a talk on Charles I: King and Collector by Barbara Askew. £10, no membership required.

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 A talk by Barbara Whillock on her experiences as a Bag Lady for Cancer UK will be held at 2.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport. Entry is £5 or £4 for Friends of Bridport Millennium Green members.

Wyke Regis Horticultural Society will hold its AGM at 7pm in the Club House, Rylands Lane, DT4 9PY. Free cheese and wine from 6.30pm. All welcome.

Anna May from Bridport will be giving a talk about the glorious,

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colourful world of Dorset Dahlias at a meeting of Bridport and District Gardening Club at the Women’s Institute building on North Street at 7.30pm.

Anna grows around 800 plants a year in 80-100 varieties, which yields thousands of blooms.She sells to florists for weddings and events and also direct to brides doing their own flowers.

Free for members and £2 for nonmembers. For more information, visit bridportgardeningclub.co.uk FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 The next meeting of the South Dorset Group of the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society, at St. Aldhelm’s Church Centre (DT3 5EW) will hear from Felicity Herring, who will present a talk about the amazing, mysterious life of Doctor James Barry, who was born in 1789.

The talk will begin at 2.30pm, preceded by tea or coffee.

Admission is £2 for members and £3 for non-members.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club is taking on a seven-mile walk from Little Bredy. Ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

A Dorset Extravaganza will be held in Holy Rood Church, Buckland Newton at 7pm, with The Dorset Wrecks, a sea shanty group, in aid of the chancel roof.

Surprising stories of Dorset history with a humorous twist.

Bar and refreshments. Tickets £10 from 07971 277584, 01300 345434 or Old Chapel Stores.

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West Dorset Ramblers Group 11-mile walk. Hooke Woods circular via Loscombe, West Milton & Powerstock. Dogs by prior arrangement with the walk leader. To book and for details contact 07587 098079.

SATURDAY, SEPT 21 A coffee morning will be held at All Saints’ church Wyke Regis, 10am to midday. All welcome.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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A lunchtime concert will be held at St Peter’s Church Dorchester 12.30pm-1pm. Schubert’s The Shepherd on the Rock with songs

by Mozart and Handel and music for clarinet. Sue Adams (soprano), Natalie Burton (clarinet), Ian Davis (piano). Free.

A Mind Body Spirit Fayre will be held 11am until 5pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne.

Psychic mediums, a psychic artist, aura camera, therapists, massage and beauty treatments plus dreadlock extensions and faery hair sparkles. Demos held all day. Delicious homemade cakes and coffee. Entry £1.

Dorset Greener Homes are opening 30 homes across Dorset for visitors today and tomorrow to find out about heat pumps, wall insulation, solar panels and batteries, wildlife-friendly gardens or just how to save money on your heating bills.

Talk to householders who have greened their home, to get the unbiased and unvarnished truth. dorsetgreenerhomes.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Beaminster, invite you to a Harvest Celebration from 10am to 5pm. The church will open for a harvest festival service at 9.30am before the day-long celebration, which will have many and varied displays!

All are welcome. Free admission.

An open mic poetry afternoon will be held 3-5pm at The Occasional Bookshop, Durngate St, Dorchester DT1 1JP. Visiting poets from Stroud and Southampton will perform but Dorchester/Dorset poets are needed – just come along with your poems. All welcome. Free (though donations for Refugees Charity welcome).

A Sunday DJ event will be held at Mercato Italiano, unit 3b, Dreadnought Trading Estate, Bridport DT6 5BU, from 5pm.

Call 01308 459274 or see the menu at mercatoitaliano.uk TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Sherborne Historical Society

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Whasson? (and where’s it to?) will hear from Michael Hill on Mapping Dorset’s Historic Buildings at 8pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street. An architectural historian shares his expertise, from country houses to churches and towns in the county.

Members free, visitors £5 sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk The next Bridport U3A talk is at 2pm in the Bridport United Church Hall. It will last for about an hour, followed by a Q&A then refreshments. Members free, visitors £3. Speaker is U3A member Karen Herbert on National Coastwatch in Lyme Bay. Karen is one of 2,700 volunteers around the English and Welsh coasts who keep us safe.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 25 The Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society hosts a talk ‘Plant Hunters’ by Ambra Edwards at Uplyme Village Hall (DT7 3UY) at 7pm. Books for sale. Members free, non-

members £3. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments, talk starts 7.30pm. ulrhs.wordpress.com THURSDAY, SEPT 25 Sherborne Science Café presents speaker Prof Mike Tipton of Portsmouth University on Cold Water Immersion In Humans at 7.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall (DT9 3NL). £3 entry on the door, no membership required.

Sherbornesciencecafe.com FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 St Mary's Church Weymouth will host Wacapella at 11am for one of their Elevenses concerts – a short performance followed by refreshments in the Simeon Room. See wacapella.co.uk or ring 07747 373516. Free concert, donations welcome.

An organ recital with Zosia Herlihy-O'Brien will be held at

Ct’d next page

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

All Saints’ Church Wyke Regis, 7.30pm. Twenty-two year old New Zealander Zosia HerlihyO’Brien is much in demand as a solo, orchestral and chamber musician, and organist. A recital to celebrate the re-emerging of the church’s 1884 Henry Jones organ from its plastic cocoon following completion of the recent north aisle roof works.

Entry £6 (children under 16 free).

Cash bar. Tickets at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events

4.30pm with music by Parry, Beeby, Brewer and Bainton. Free with a glass of wine to follow.

SATURDAY, SEPT 28 A Last Night of The Proms with Weymouth Concert Brass will be held at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church (DT4 7TH) at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 on door (cash only) or £10 in advance from 01305 812637.

Cerne Abbas Village Hall will host The Quangle Wangle Choir 7.30pm-9.15pm. £10, children free. Refreshments. quanglewanglechoir.co.uk or ring 07747 373516.

Maiden Newton Youth Football Club is holding a bingo evening in the village hall. Doors open 6pm, eyes down 7pm. Raffle prizes welcome on the night.

St Peter’s Church, Dorchester will hold a choral evensong at

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER An evening of outdoor film and talks about ‘the commons’ and ‘shifting landscapes’ at the new Pavilion of Regenerative Practice in Askers Meadow, Bridport.

With a bar from Selected Grapes and music from Aidan Simpson 6pm-8pm. Free entry, all welcome. chasingcow.co.uk

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Minterne Magna Music’s third concert is a performance of Schubert’s C major String Quintet by Magnus Johnston and Max Baillie – violin Brett Dean; viola, Gemma Rosefield and cello Guy Johnston at 6.30pm. Tickets £60 inc reception. Email: MusicatMinterne@outlook.com

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Melplash Agricultural Society’s annual Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match takes place today at Wyke Farm Chedington DT8 3HX from 9am-3pm. Entry is free. Entry forms and info at melpashshow.co.uk

new members. Rehearsals are at St Ann's Schoolroom, Radipole Lane Weymouth on Mondays 7.30-9pm. A capella harmony singing, sociable and fun. julietharwood@hotmail.com 07747 373516.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 West Dorset Ramblers Group eight-mile walk at Cerne Abbas for area and Minterne Parva and Wessex Ridgeway. To book and for details contact 07974 756107.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 Plymouth Gin tasting is on at Mercato Italiano at unit 3b, Dreadnought Trading Estate, Bridport DT6 5BU. Call 01308 459274 or view the menu at mercatoitaliano.uk

The National Trust Golden Cap Association is hosting an illustrated talk entitled Life in Victorian Britain by well-known TV personality Paul Atterbury at the United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport at 2.30pm. This talk reveals the changes – cultural, social, economic and technical – from contemporary Victorian paintings, that changed Britain in that period and set the foundation for our modern world.

Members £3, Visitors £5. Mike Nicks 01308 45855.

The Live Wire Choir welcomes

The Dorchester and District Gardening Club welcome back local historian and senior archaeologist Steve Wallis for an illustrated talk on ‘A Journey along the River Frome’, heading from the headwaters in the Evershot area all the way to Poole Harbour – and looking at some of the historic and other features of its valley along the way.

St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, Dorchester DT1 1LB, doors open at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Free entry for members, visitors £4 on the door.

A great day out for all the family!

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

15

Whasson? (and where’s it to?)

There is also a bring and buy stall and a draw, with tea/coffee and biscuits available afterwards. All welcome. Contact: Jane, secretary 01305 268523 or email dorchestergardening@gmail.com Robert Read: professional photographer and author will talk to Bridport Camera Club from 7pm-10pm at Bridport Town Hall (DT6 3LF). Non-members £5 via bridportcameraclub.co.uk or on the door. Rob is perhaps best known as one of the founders of Bird Photographer of the Year and, more recently, WildArt Photographer of the year. His images have been used in countless publications across the world and he’s a regular contributor to Bird Watching Magazine.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 Wacapella welcomes new members. Rehearsals are at Weymouth Drama Club, Hope Street, Weymouth on Friday mornings, 11am-12.30pm. A capella harmony singing. wacapella.co.uk 07747 373516.

l l l

Weymouth Octoberfest is set to return this weekend!

The festival is organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale volunteers and held in Weymouth Pavilion’s Ocean room. This year sees the debut of local Dorchester brewery Copper St as the guest brewery bar. The beer theme this year will be ales from King Alfred’s Wessex 871AD and will be a celebration of the original Wessex region of Britain.

Customers can expect over 60 cask ales from Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire complemented by a selection of traditional ciders of varying style.

Entry is by advance ticket only – £12 per session which includes a free pint of beer or cider, a souvenir glass and a programme.

Book at camrawdorset.org.uk/ shop/tickets/weymouthoctoberfest-tickets SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 The Quangle Wangle Choir will rehearse at Radipole School, Radipole Lane, Weymouth. A capella harmony singing.

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A quiz night will be held at Wyke Regis Memorial Hall, 7pm. Doors open 6.30pm. Entry £6 (includes £2 of raffle tickets), payable on the door. Bring your own refreshments. Team (max 6) and individual entrants welcome.

Contact Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174 to reserve.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Dorset Cottage Garden Society will meet at 2pm at Puddletown Village Hall to hear from Tamsin Westhorpe on how to prepare for the perfect spring. Visitors and guests £5. Plant stall, raffle, tea and coffee.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 Want to know how Putin ticks?

Then pop along to Sherborne Historical Society’s talk at 8pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street to hear from Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, who will be trying to answer why Putin invaded Ukraine, and how the influences and experiences in Putin's

formative years have shaped his attitudes today. Members free, visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk Bere Regis Floral Group welcome you to Limelight, a demonstration by Lucy Ellis, national demonstrator, at 2pm at Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall, DT11 9JE. Tickets £15 to include refreshments available from Bob Holman at bobanddiholman@outlook.com or 01305 848262.

Southill Gardening Club will meet at the Southill Community Centre at 7.30pm. Experienced fuchsia grower and exhibitor Derek Dexter will be talking about how best to care for fuchsias over the winter, in order to protect the health of your plants ready for next spring.

Members and non-members welcome, refreshments available.

Info from Nigel Smith on 01305 788939.

Email your events to newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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WE’VE GOT IT COVERED: Fiona Bevins, Chris White, Louisa Plant and Dorchester chair Angela Goldsworthy and, below, evening secretary Maggie Mallon and afternoon secretary Sharon Wyatt

Busy summer for Trefoil members Dorset Trefoil guild members have enjoyed a busy summer, including a boat trip from Weymouth Harbour.

The Hardy Perennials (Dorchester’s evening section) were inspired by a photo talk at one of their afternoon meetings by Steve Belasco, a marine photographer, to organise the trip.

Other enjoyable summer events included a tea party held in the garden of Katharine Marr, who is in her nineties, and an evening barbecue.

Members have been knitting memory/lap blankets, shawls, twiddlemuffs and animals for the stroke and elderly wards at Dorset County Hospital. Many people knit

squares which members sew into blankets, while others knit and sew up a complete blanket. Brenda Turnock crochets round the edge of the blankets to strengthen them.

You don’t have to be a member of Trefoil to contribute and its knit and natter group is open to all knitters.

Trefoil is the adult section of Girlguiding, and is open to anyone over 18, men too. In Dorchester, they meet on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month, usually in St George’s Church Hall in Fordington – there is often a speaker.

The evening group usually meets on the third Tuesday evening.

For information email jct19336@gmail.com

Up to date with vintage fashion A pre-loved and vintage fashion fair will be held at Bridport Arts Centre on Friday, September 20.

For more information on the event – which coincides with Sustainable

Fashion week running from September 20 to 29 – visit the Bridport Fashion Revolution Facebook and Instagram pages.

Visit sustainablefashion week.uk/dorset

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Good gourd! Pumpkin weighs a tonne Proving that size really does matter, a 1,000lb pumpkin will go on display at this year’s Dorset County Show.

Competitive growers will be weighing in their monster sized squashes for the heaviest pumpkin class at the Dorchester showground on September 7 and 8.

Show organisers said: “Many of these pumpkins spend over 100 days on the vine before their debut at the show.

“A huge amount of care goes in to achieve this size and they are thirsty too – many like to be watered over 12 times a day.

“On chillier evenings rumour has it that many of our pumpkin growers tuck their pumpkins up with

SMASHING PUMPKINS: Some of these giants will be on display at Dorset County Show

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Besides the heaviest pumpkin class, the heaviest onion class is also

attracting entries – with some of them weighing in at 9kg. n For show tickets visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The Crown Jewels will be on display at a special evening opening at The Dorset Museum.

No, not those Crown Jewels, but those of a horde of naked history…er… buffs.

There’s a special deal for British Naturism members, at £16 for the event, on Tuesday, September 17 from 6.30pm till 10.30pm. It’s £20 for nonmembers.

This is a chance to browse the 250 million years of natural history exhibits, focusing on the geology, landscapes, habitats, and wildlife that surround us, all while on display yourself.

Organiser Ed Brand said: “I visited the museum a few months back when they were holding a special exhibition of Elizabeth Frink’s works.

Amongst her sculptures were several of naked men.

“Anyway, somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered seeing some YouTube clips of naked visits to museums in places like Paris, Barcelona and Tokyo.

And for some reason I thought… and why not Dorchester!

“Anyway, I hand-wrote a letter to the museum on reused paper on the basis that it might get read rather than an email which can be got rid

EXHIBITIONISTS: British Naturism members will be at Dorset County Museum on September 17

Nude the Obscure!

Naturist club to enjoy museum of straight away. In the letter I suggested that we have a naked visit to the museum.

“Much to my pleasant surprise I got a reply and here we are!”

He added: “I did suggest to Dorset Museum that it might be a first for a provincial museum and could show that they might be provincial in location but not provincial in attitude.”

The event is being hosted by

British Naturism. A spokesman said: “Discover the life and work of Dorset’s famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and dive into key themes of his personal and professional life.

“Enjoy a beautiful gallery full of the museum’s superb collections

21

of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, and fine and decorative art. Marvel at the historic Victorian Hall as well as the modern Acheson’s Atrium adorned by Roman mosaics on the walls and floors of these spaces. This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the museum NAKED.” In case you need relaxing, there’s a glass of wine or other beverage on arrival, and changing facilities with a locker for your clothes and other personal possessions.

If you are busy that evening, or you fancy other opportunities to get your kit off with others, you can swim in Southampton on September 28 naked, for just £8, or enjoy a naked quiz and social evening on October 19 for £15.

Not only can naturists enjoy money off events if they join up, they can also get discounts on BN merchandise – featuring a range of T-shirts, hoodies and caps alongside mugs, stickers and even doormats. n Visit bn.org.uk to find out more.

Safe space for all to enjoy Claire Dixon, executive director of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, said: “It is part of our ethos that we open our doors to as many people as possible, and private events like this allow us to create safe spaces for everyone to enjoy the museum and art gallery.

“We are always keen to balance this commitment with ensuring we are respectful of

all our audiences. We hope this is the beginning of many new and different events and activities in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery that connect new and diverse audiences with our heritage and stories.” n If you need more information on the museum tour or have a question to ask, contact the organiser at keith.bowman@bn.org.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

23

Concern over fire service cuts plans

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A West Dorset Magazine source says fire services in Maiden Newton and Bere Regis could be ‘significantly reduced or lost altogether’ under ‘devastating’ plans to cut resources from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

Our source said: “If the claims are realised, the move will be a disaster, especially with the amount of traffic accidents at peak times on the A37 and the Puddletown bypass. A swift response is vital to the outcome of an emergency and in rural areas such as ours, immediate deployment of emergency crews is essential and a cut to our emergency services would put lives at risk. While I believe there is a plan to secure wholetime firefighters in Dorchester, ‘on-call’ firefighters in Maiden Newton would still be at an accident, for example in Cerne Abbas

FEARS: Edward Morello MP meets on-call firefighters

faster than a Dorchester crew.”

West Dorset MP Edward Morello said: “The Maiden Newton on-call fire service have been providing an amazing service despite operating at half strength for far too long.

“I recently met with the station chief to make my support for the service clear and I will be making representations in the hope we can keep the service.”

Portland could lose one of its two fire engines, which will be confirmed following a review in January 2025.

The Fire Brigades Union has warned that plans to cut the

service will ‘put homes, communities and public safety at risk’. The union said: “Eight fire stations are set to lose a vital fire engine, leaving many with just one appliance. Due to lack of resources, it is taking longer than ever before for firefighters to arrive at a fire in Dorset and Wiltshire.”

A statement from DWFRS said: “Whilst data suggests the removal of some fire engines is the right thing to do, and this

presents essential savings to help our financial challenges, this is also a programme of work that includes some reinvestment and will enable us to improve fire cover by increasing the number of wholetime firefighter posts at Westlea and upgrading Amesbury and Dorchester fire stations from on-call only to on-call and wholetime.” n Interested in joining the fire team? Visit dwfire.org.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Ale award for The Woodman

The Woodman Inn in Bridport has been named one of the top 17 pubs in the UK as part of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Pub of the Year competition.

CAMRA named the “fiercely independent, traditional pub” the best in Wessex, saying it is at the heart of its community and has a “focus” on quality beers and ciders.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “The Woodman Inn offers a range of five constantly changing beers, rarely serving the same drink twice, with one handpump dedicated to dark beer.

“The Woodman Inn has a cosy one-bar interior with a stone floor and log burner, a pleasant garden to the rear and a skittle alley.”

Regional and national finalists, including the Woodman, will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September.

The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.

Correction In the August Edition 43 of The West of Dorset Magazine, a story written by Karen Bate entitled ‘Visit to Yard a creative experience’ on page 60 wrongly stated: “Everything served in the Stableyard Restaurant is gluten free.” This is incorrect. The Stableyard Restaurant is not gluten free, and as such we would like to apologise for any upset this may have caused.

We would also like to clarify that The Gallery of Makers is no longer at Redlands Yard.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

25

Family pay tribute to well-known café owner Shirley Ann Samways, 88, of Beaminster has taken her leave from her husband Robin and three daughters, Helen, Mel and Steffi.

Shirley was born in Finchley, London and moved to Dorset in 1971.

She was well known and respected in the town as co-owner alongside Robin of the Trading Post Café,

which has been open for 32 years. Before that the

couple ran Evershot Bakery. Shirley was a

watercolour artist who painted the beauty of nature and her wonderful award-winning wildlife garden, which was a great love.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Yeovil Hospital who gave her the best care in a truly peaceful passing. Born 16/3/36. Died 29/9/24

Bridget dines out on competition win

What was the name of the old brewery that used to be where Brewery Square is?

Of course, the answer is Eldridge Pope Brewery, and Bridget Holmes of Weymouth is the lucky winner of £50 to spend in the new Italian restaurant Il Nodo in Brewery Square.

“I am delighted, thank you,” said Bridget who was thrilled to have won. I enter most of your competitions,” said Bridget, “I absolutely love your magazine.”

“I live in Weymouth and have lived there

all my life, but I work in Dorchester in Duke’s opposite Brewery Square, and I remember when Eldridge Pope was there.

“I have eaten at most places in Brewery Square and am looking forward to trying Il Nodo.”

Il Nodo opened in early August offering

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traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine specialising in seafood.

On the menu is a range of much-loved favourites and unique dishes such as monkfish risotto, seafood grills and a collection of dreamy desserts.

Tara from Brewery Square said: “We are delighted to celebrate the launch of this fantastic new restaurant by being able to invite Bridget to enjoy all that Il Nodo has to offer!”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Feline good about Susie’s new book A new book on Dorchester’s famous feline Susie is about to be released, after being written by a team of people with disabilities.

Members of People First Dorset, which empowers people with learning disabilities, have been working with artist Catherine Owen to produce Not Lost: Susie, the Dorchester Cat. Having excitedly signed the contract to print the book, they are hoping to get lots of pre-orders.

Kerry, Emily and William, writing about the moment the contract was signed, wrote: “This is a wow moment for all of us. We are all feeling proud, happy and excited!”

Lu Fraser, author of The Littlest Yak has seen the final proof of the book. She said: “I have such a soft spot for any

DRAMATIC PAWS: From left, William, Emily, Kerry and Catherine and, inset, the new book written by members of People First Dorset

picture book rooted in reality and Not Lost is exactly that – a lovely narrative non-fiction with one paw firmly planted in the city of Dorchester and a heroine who has her own Facebook page.

“Not only does it weave a

gentle tale about Susie, the curious and much-loved town cat, it’s clear that Susie (and this project) have brought people together from all walks of life and helped build connections between strangers in the most

enchanting way. The illustrations are so heartfelt, with a classic old-feel beauty, and, with a little bit of cateducation thrown in along the way, coupled with the proceeds benefiting a wonderful charity, this book deserves to be a brilliant success. Gentle, genuine and made me smile!”

Catherine said: “This has been written by and for the charity People For Dorset, to raise money for them, and because everybody loves Susie.”

To preorder, go to raggyrat.co.uk or send a cheque for £13.99 (£9.99 + £4 P&P) made out to Catherine L Owen to The West Dorset Magazine, (address on P2).

Or you can preorder the book at The Crafty Cuppa, 46 High East Street, Dorchester.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024 A holiday complex in West Dorset that focuses on accessibility for all has been shortlisted for a major architectural award.

Wraxall Yard near Cattistock is in the running for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Stirling Prize, which recognises the nation’s “best new building projects”.

The complex is facing strong competition, including from the National Portrait Gallery and The Elizabeth Line.

Once a disused dairy farm, Wraxall Yard is now a community interest company operating six disability-friendly holiday cottages, plus community and open-air educational spaces.

RIBA judges noted the buildings had been “sensitively repaired” by

SHORTLIST: Wraxall Yard in West Dorset

Holiday homes in line for top prize Clementine Blakemore Architects, adding: “The site is made accessible through clever manipulation of landscaping, avoiding the need for obvious ramps and handrails.

“The project is also part of a wider initiative to

improve biodiversity and boost the general public’s engagement with wildlife and farming. Unanimous user comments agree that visiting Wraxall Yard is an emotional experience.”

Nick Read, who runs Wraxall Yard with his daughter Katie, told The

27

West Dorset Magazine: “We’ve worked to achieve a design that is universal and works for everyone.

For example, our bathrooms have handrails and other disability friendly features, but they’re incorporated in a way that works equally well for our able bodied guests.

“This all really came about because of my mother, who was in a wheelchair. She would often find holiday accommodation for people with disabilities was very lacking. But at Wraxall Yard we’ve created a place with great accommodation where people with disabilities can get some contact with nature.”

Wraxall Yard has already won multiple RIBA South West awards.

The winner of the Stirling Prize will be announced on October 16 in London.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Society hands out £36k of scholarship funding Melplash Agricultural Society has allocated scholarship funding for local further education students.

This year a total of £36,000 was awarded to students aged 16 and over who live within a 12-mile radius of Melplash Village Church and are studying agriculture or related topics.

The scholarship offers financial assistance with the students’ apprenticeships, diplomas or degree courses and will be extended throughout the successful student’s course provided they receive a satisfactory annual report from their college or university.

This year, funds were allocated to Tia Groves,

THANKS VERY MUCH: Melplash Agricultural Society hands over the funding to students

studying a diploma in agriculture at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester; and to Will Fooks, studying T-Level in crop production at Hartbury College, Gloucester.

Funds also went to Amy Messer, studying Level 2 agriculture; Ryan Powell studying Level 3 agriculture; and Marly Winters O’Brien, studying Level 3 agriculture – all at

Kingston Maurward College.

Funds also went to Sophie Raymond, studying TLevel in livestock management; Jack Bacon, studying an extended diploma in agriculture; and George Goringe, studying T-Level in livestock management, all at Hartpury College, Gloucester.

Scholarships were also awarded to Will Symes,

working at GCS Agricentre on an apprenticeship linked with Writtle College, Chelmsford; Thomas Horsington studying foundation degree in agriculture and business management at Royal Agriculture University, Cirencester; and George Found, studying agriculture in farm business management at Newcastle University.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

HealthCare is honoured for supporting veterans Dorset HealthCare has been accredited as a Veteran Aware Trust – and is urging any former military personnel struggling with physical or mental health issues to seek help.

The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VC HA) accreditation highlights the trust’s commitment to improve NHS care for veterans, their families, reservists and active members of the armed forces.

As well as healthcare, the service helps people access support in social care, housing, welfare and employment issues.

The team visits veteran groups across Dorset on a weekly basis, helping to combat loneliness and

isolation, and works with GP surgeries to raise awareness of the help available. Some 58,000 veterans live in Dorset alongside 40,000 serving personnel and family members based in Blandford, Bovington and Poole.

Major (Retired) Andy Gritt MBE, the team’s clinical and operations manager, said: “We are very proud to have once again received this accreditation.

“It’s vitally important that ex-armed forces personnel are well supported, and we want them to know we are here for them every step of the way.” n For more information or to access support email dhc.dorset.veterans@ nhs.net

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Make a difference as valued trustee Two roles making a big difference to the community are up for grabs with the Bridport Area Development Trust.

The trust, which runs the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSi) needs volunteer trustees covering building services and maintenance and finance.

The LSi is a vibrant community hub providing cultural, social and educational opportunities in an innovative charitable and commercial partnership with a leading high-tech crowdfunding business.

The institute is housed in an imposing Georgian grade II* listed building, which the LSi rescued, renovated and repurposed.

The group is dedicated to preserving great buildings and spaces, helping to create jobs

IMPOSING: The Literary and Scientific Institute (LSi)

and support the local economy.

They would welcome someone with expertise and experience in some, or all the following areas: building maintenance, operational systems, procedural documentation, compiling reports, anticipating structural and technical issues and repairs, engaging contractors

and liaising with our tenants and property management agent.

The volunteer finance trustee will mostly work from home two-three hours a week. They will understand accountancy and general finance, and will be familiar with spreadsheets, online banking and small/medium sized organisations.

Experience in the voluntary or charity sector would be useful as would an interest in giving something back to the local community.

Apart from the LSi, the other Jewel in BADT’s Crown is the West Bay Discovery Centre, a former Methodist Chapel and now an award-winning visitor centre providing an insight into the hidden history of West Bay and the Jurassic coast.

If you are interested in either role send a copy of your CV with a covering email explaining why and what you have to offer to: mail@bridportadt.org.uk.

A job description and trustee recruitment pack are available on request. If your CV is not up to date or you don’t have one email them a phone number so they can call you back for an initial discussion. n See P35 for more details.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024 A new e-bike scheme covering Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester is up and running.

Transport provider Beryl is working with Dorset Council to make 121 bikes available at 30 bays throughout the region.

The scheme is meant to help people get around at a lower cost to themselves and the environment by getting them out of their cars and onto a bike.

A special launch event was held on Weymouth beach where Beryl representatives were on hand to answer questions and give advice, as well as offer test rides, giveaways and discount codes.

Beryl chief executive and co-founder Phil Ellis said: “It’s really exciting to see our e-bikes on the streets of these picturesque Dorset areas and I’m confident they will dovetail with

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PEDAL POWER: Phil Ellis, Beryl CEO and co-founder, and Cllr Richard Biggs, deputy leader of Dorset Council

Out and about on new Beryl e-bikes some of the excellent local cycling infrastructure already in place.

“Our e-bikes are not only good for the environment, they’re also fun, convenient, easy to use and

cost-effective, removing the need for vehicle ownership expenses such as fuel, tax, MOT, storage and maintenance.”

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“Dorset Council has an important role to play in driving our county towards net zero, so these make a great alternative to using the car by making light work of cycling, whether for commuting or leisure.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Chimp Chocolat well looked after at her new home

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

This is Chocolat the disabled chimpanzee, who was given VIP treatment as she headed to Monkey World to start a new life.

Chocolat was orphaned after her family were shot by cruel bushmeat hunters in the Republic of Congo more than 20 years ago. When Chocolat was rescued, the infant was found with had shotgun injuries, leaving her with a paralysed hand and foot.

After spending the past two decades in Kenya being looked after by her original

rescuer, Monicah, Chocolat has now found a new home at the sanctuary.

Chocolat was transported by DHL Express in a custombuilt crate, snacking on fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato and supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel, and pilots.

Her journey was carefully planned to reduce the amount of time she spent in transit. Cain Moodie, EVP Network Operations for DHL Express in Europe, said: “It has been an honour to help Chocolat, the chimp,

HELLO: Chocolat with Stefanie Powers

relocate to her new home at Monkey World. The logistics of transporting her were quite challenging, but our team of experts, in collaboration with Monkey World and her carers in Kenya, took every possible measure to ensure her journey was safe and comfortable. It’s a real pleasure for everyone at

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DHL to use our skills and network to contribute to projects such as this.”

Chocolat is being gradually introduced to six chimpanzees, all of whom have disabilities at the 65acre sanctuary, which is home to 230 primates of 25 different species. Chocolat joins 51 other chimpanzees, over four groups, living in as

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024 natural conditions as possible.

And she has already made friendly contact with Bryan, the dominant male in her group, the first time she has touched a fellow chimp in 20 years. She is receiving a diet with a larger variety of vegetables than she has been accustomed to and, as she learns how to be a chimp again, Chocolat is expected to live out the rest of her days in peace at Monkey World.

Chimps like Chocolat have an average life expectancy of 50.

Dr Alison Cronin MBE, director at Monkey World, said: “Companionship of their own kind is vital to chimpanzees’ well-being, as they are social, intelligent animals. Living in family groups in as natural an environment as possible is the best kind of rehabilitation we can provide to chimpanzees like Chocolat.”

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Pubs’ £900 boost for MV Freedom The Weatherbury Hotel and Park Hotel Charity Group in Weymouth raised £900 for MV Freedom, the Lantern Trust and Cycling without Age. And the Grand Raffle held at Weymouth Care Home Summer Fayre added £318.60 towards MV Freedom coffers.

Trustees of MV Freedom, which takes people with a disability on two hours sea trips, are encouraging housebound and independently living disabled people and their carers to book a trip.

To book a two-hour sea trip ring 07974 266867.

Fundraiser for young jockey Sherborne landlady Tracey Hampson is holding a fundraising event on Saturday, September 21 for local young jockey Alice Procter, who suffered life-changing injuries after a catastrophic fall at Cartmel in July.

The event is taking place at Skippers Pub from 2pm, with charity five-a-side football matches kicking off at 3pm on the astro-turf opposite the pub followed by a charity raffle and auction and music from three live bands.

High profile horse trainers, including Colin Tizzard and Willy Mullins, along with jockeys have donated some fantastic prizes to the auction and raffle, which has been organised by Tracey, her nephew and Alice’s friend, Jay Bird with

huge support from the community.

Tracey said: “Alice is so young, and her life has been turned upside down. We want as many people to come to the pub on Saturday 21st to help raise as much money as possible to help Alice in her rehabilitation.”

Alice was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital when six-year-old Uggy Uggy Uggy took a heavy fall in the two-mile, one furlong race during the female jockeys’ handicap hurdle.

Tracey added: “My nephew is a jockey and local lad Jay Bird, who is good friends with Alice, was also injured in a fall and had to retire. I feel this could happen to anyone of us.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Ex-radar stations added to heritage list of buildings Two Second World War fortifications that formed part of a chain of radar stations have been added to the National Heritage List.

The two buildings formed what was a Second World War Coastal Defence/ Chain Home Low (CD/ CHL) radar station known as M72 at East Cliff, Portland and are now on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II. M72 was operated between 1941 and 1942 to detect enemy shipping and aircraft, and could produce the range and bearings of a

target. This information would then be passed onto Portland’s fire command post and the naval plotting room, both of which had direct lines of telephone communication with the station.

The brick building was the combined transmitter, receiver and operations block, with the radar array and gantry mounted on its roof, and the smaller building was a standby set house for reserve power.

The station was part of a network of stations in operation along the coast.

RADAR: How M72 looked earlier this year and a rough re-creation of how the radar array and gantry would have looked when the site was operational Pictures: ASHLEY SMITH

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Heavy weather delays MND skydive Heavy clouds and high winds thwarted an intrepid team who dressed up as Spider-Man to leap from the skies in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Nine intrepid fundraisers were poised at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Honiton for tandem skydives on Saturday, August 30 but the weather had other plans.

Undeterred, the group – who together have raised over £7000 for the charity – are planning to try again on the provisional date of Sunday, September 15.

The adventurous team is led by Mary Bates from Weymouth, who at the grand age of 80, arranged the skydive in memory of her son Spencer, a talented Weymouth drummer who sadly passed away from

motor neurone disease (MND) aged 49.

Her team is named SOAR To Defeat MND as they are also jumping in memory of Oliver (11 years), Adrian and Rob, who all lost their lives to Motor Neurone Disease.

One of the fundraisers, Susan Pykett, 78, of Weymouth, said: “Weather conditions were inclement - the weather forecast at 7.30am stated heavy clouds and high winds which is exactly what happened.

Our dive was scheduled for 2pm but had to be cancelled just as the first Spider-Man was walking to the plane. We hope it can be rescheduled for the 15th of September but that is to be confirmed. We are disappointed but we look forward to trying again.”

Volunteer Finance Trustee (mostly working from home 2/3 hours per week) Help preserve great local buildings, spaces, create jobs, and support the local economy.

You understand accountancy and general finance, are familiar with spreadsheets, online banking and small/medium sized organisations, and prepared to roll up your sleeves when required. Experience in the voluntary or charity sector would be useful as would an interest in giving something back to the local community.

Bridport Area Development Trust have been responsible for two major renovation and refurbishment projects. The Georgian style, Literary and Scientific Institute lsibridport.co.uk a historic Grade 2* listed building in the centre of Bridport. The other jewel in BADT’s Crown is the West Bay Discovery Centre westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk a former Methodist Chapel now an award-winning visitor centre providing insight into the hidden history of West Bay and the Jurassic coast.

If you are interested in this role send a copy of your CV with a covering email explaining why and what you have to offer to: mail@bridportadt.org.uk. A job description and trustee recruitment pack are available on request and if your CV is not up to date or you don’t have one then email us a telephone number so we can call you back for an initial discussion.

FOR THE HIGH JUMP: From left Kathryn Jones, Susan Pykett and Sandra Galloway. Inset, Mary Bates

To sponsor any of the Spider-Men skydivers go to

justgiving.com and search for SOAR for MND.

Volunteer Trustee Building Services & Maintenance The Literary and Scientific Institute in Bridport is a vibrant community hub providing cultural, social and educational opportunities in an innovative charitable and commercial partnership with a leading high-tech crowdfunding business.

An imposing Georgian grade 2* listed building, the LSi was rescued, renovated and repurposed by Bridport Area Development Trust, a group dedicated to preserving great buildings and spaces, helping to create jobs and supporting the local economy.

As this exciting project develops, BADT is looking to recruit a buildings specialist to join its tight-knit team.

We would welcome interest from someone with expertise and experience in some, or all the following areas: building maintenance, operational systems, procedural documentation, compiling reports, anticipating structural and technical issues and repairs, engaging contractors and liaising with our tenants and property management agent.

For more information contact Bridport Area Development Trust at mail@bridportadt.org.uk, attaching your CV and a covering letter, and we will provide a job description and a trustee recruitment pack. If you would prefer a preliminary chat, send us your phone number and we will get back to you.

36

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

burglary New £1.4m unit opens at DCH Abbey saddens rector

Dorset County Hospital has opened a new dedicated unit for people having elective orthopaedic surgery, with a new admissions lounge and a therapy suite.

Funded by NHS England, the £1.4million scheme is the second phase of a programme to reduce waiting times for appointments and surgery, which included the creation of the Outpatient Assessment Centre at South Walks House.

Anita Thomas, chief operating officer at the hospital, said: “This funding has allowed us to transform the former Ridgeway Ward and will make such a difference to people waiting for elective orthopaedic surgery.

“We will be able to reduce

YOU’RE WELCOME: Staff at the new unit at DCH

waiting times, treat people more quickly and support their recovery, so they spend less time in hospital.”

The new unit will allow people to be admitted for their orthopaedic surgery more quickly, and also enable patients to go home sooner to continue their

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recovery.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Nick Savva said: “We have been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to develop the unit. It has been designed to the highest standards and will facilitate world class levels of care and efficiency.”

Thieves broke into Sherborne Abbey in the early hours of August 7, causing significant damage and stealing valuable items of silver.

The Revd Martin Lee, Rector of Sherborne Abbey, said: “This is an extremely sad day for the abbey and indeed for our community. We are all deeply shocked by this crime and now must work hard to deal with the consequences.”

A diocesan spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the theft at Sherborne Abbey and the damage that has been incurred on one of the most significant and beautiful churches in the Diocese and wider Church of England. Such actions are deeply upsetting.”

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024 A niche area of stamp collecting created by Britons mocking the establishment is the subject of a new book by two Dorset men.

Mulready Caricatures can now fetch up to £50,000, and Dr Richard Hobbs and Robin Cassell have explored their history in The Mulready Caricature.

When stamps were first introduced, a pre-paid envelope was also launched.

But the design on the ‘lettersheet’ created by the noted artist William Mulready was mocked by newspapers and readers on its launch in 1840.

Britannia was depicted dispatching winged messengers to the colonies.

Entrepreneurs quickly made envelopes with caricatures – they were instantly popular.

They were satirical and acerbic and many were coloured in by hand.

Every remaining example of these highly collectible

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FIRST CLASS: Robin Cassell and Dr Richard Hobbs

Strangely drawn to philately collection Mulready Caricatures has now been recorded by two Fellows of the Royal Philatelic Society. Robin said: “In 1840 Sir Rowland Hill introduced the penny post with the 1d Black and 2d Blue stamps. He also commissioned Irish artist William Mulready – an

Associate of the Royal Academy – to create a design for the pre-paid envelope.

“Newspapers ridiculed it because it was deemed pompous and over-the-top.

“Their readers also joined in.

“The messengers Britannia was dispatching were people in native costume and

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included exotic animals.

“What happened next was like an internet meme of today. Stationers, book sellers and printers immediately began issuing their own satirical envelopes. Robert Wright Hume in Edinburgh issued one showing Britannia sitting on a pig. The first was sent to Mulready himself who appeared to have received it in good humour as he kept it.

“Because these envelopes were not pre-paid, stamps had to be attached, so they also helped establish the importance of stamps. By early 1841 the craze of the caricatures had died out.”

He added: “Collectors have traditionally looked down on Mulready Caricatures, but in recent years their values have rocketed. It’s a good area to collect because there are examples that you can find for £100, but an incredibly rare one might swap hands for £50,000.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Blooming great!

Allotments and gardens winners A building site and bramble patch transformed into a gardener’s paradise has scooped the overall title at Melplash Agricultural Society’s Gardens & Allotment Competition 2024.

Eleven gardens and three allotments were judged over two days by past winners Alison Waterman, Richard Middleton and Gillian Livingston, along with society president Martin Cox and his wife Vanessa, chairman Philip Hardwill, vice chairman Simon Wakely and steward Clifford Pitcher.

Overall winners Carole and

Barry Peters King started work on their garden in Fishpond Bottom in 2019. At that time it was a building site and bramble patch following their two-year project refurbishing their house.

Carole looks after the spectacular flower beds, except the sweet peas, and Barry the growing of the vegetables.

WINNERS Allotments 1 Ronald Gow and Julie Lambden, West Allington Allotments, Bridport 2 The Living Tree group, St Cecilia’s Gardens, Bridport

MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009 Application for Weymouth Sailing Club Pontoon extension Notice is hereby given that Mr Brian Twigg, Doe Cottage, Cheselbourne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7NS has applied to the Marine Management Organisation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Part 4, for a marine licence to undertake construction of a new walk-on pontoon and an extension to an existing pontoon for Weymouth Sailing Club members to use as a mooring for recreational boats. The activities involve the replacement of four rusting piles and installation of eight additional piles to support the new pontoon extension and to provide added strength to the widened pontoon. Copies of the application and associated information may be viewed on line in the Public Register at www.gov.uk/check-marine-licence-register.

Representations in respect of the application should ordinarily be made by visiting the MMO public register at https://marinelicensing.marinemanagement.org.uk/mmofox5/fox/live/MMO_ PUBLIC_REGISTER/search?area=3 and accessing the ‘Public Representation’ section of case reference MLA/2024/00199; However, we will also accept representations via the following formats: By email to marine.consents@marinemanagement.org.uk; or by letter to Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH In all cases, correspondence must: Be received within 28 days of the date of the first notice (before October 2nd, 2024); Quote the case reference; and include an address to which correspondence relating to the representation or objection may be sent.

GARDEN PARADISE: The Rev Carole & Barry Peters-King’s garden and, below, the couple themselves

3 Mr and Mrs David and Susan Greenwood, East Street Allotments, Beaminster.

Small Gardens 1 Ronald Gow and Ms Julie Lambden, Bridport 2 Ian and Anne Bark, Bridport 3 Les Loveridge, Lyme Regis Medium Gardens 1 Rev Carole & Dr Barry Peters King, Fishpond Bottom 2 Peter and Barbara Lacey, Lyme Regis 3 Christine Corson, Beaminster Large Gardens 1 John and Heather Coley, Ryall 2 Andrew and Alison Stevens, Morecombelake 3 Shirley Samways, Beaminster Special Award for Best

Environmental and Wildlife practice Helen Mandy, Beaminster Special Award for the most unusual or themed garden that

falls outside the categories of Large, Medium, Small, Allotment and Environmental award guidelines - The Living Tree group allotment, St Cecilia’s Gardens, Bridport ‘A great community space for the use of carers and people recovering.’

Fire service works pays off Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service attended 1,503 incidents in non-domestic buildings between 2019 and 2023 – a decrease of 11% from the previous five years. The decline underscores the effectiveness of the work that Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service does with local organisations to raise awareness about fire safety practices.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

39

Care workers heroes are honoured Weymouth and Portland care workers have been honoured at a national awards ceremony by Castletownbased care provider Agincare.

Crecy Care Home, in Spa Road, won The Will Mitchell Award for Outstanding Achievement, which is named in honour of an exceptional team member from Weymouth who died tragically young in 2022.

The award was presented in recognition of the home’s longstanding success in supporting people living with complex mental health conditions to live independently and thrive in the local community.

Crecy Care Home manager Vicky Boursnell-Brooks said: “Every single team member at Crecy is exceptional and we are all extremely proud to have received this prestigious award.”

Other winners included Karen Ingram, from Weymouth, who picked up an Agincare Hero Medal, the ceremony’s most prestigious award, in recognition of exceptional service and

n The Will Mitchell Award for Outstanding Achievement is won by Crecy Care Home, Weymouth

n Home care area manager Karen Ingram from Weymouth with a prestigious Agincare Hero Medal

n Customer Service Team of the Year: Aaron Wolfendale, Sharon Pitman and Mike Edge

leadership over 20 years.

Lia Khachapuridze from Crecy Care Home also collected an Agincare Hero Medal, and Luminita Bunghez from the Weymouth Home Care Team won the Apprentice of the Year Award.

An expert judging panel selected the winners from hundreds of nominations submitted by those receiving care, their families, health and social care professionals, Agincare colleagues, and the general public.

Team members at Agincare’s Head Office in Castletown also collected awards in customer service and support service categories.

Agincare was founded from a single care home in Weymouth, by Derek Luckhurst in 1986 and is still growing almost 40 years on, employing some 4,000 team members nationwide.

He said: “Our care workers are the lifeblood of Agincare.

“They are hard-working men and women who provide care and support to thousands of people in over 85 locations.”

Go-ahead given for more homes at ex-offices County planners gave the go ahead for more homes to be added to the redevelopment of Dorchester’s Vespasian House, pictured right.

Under permitted development rights, RTI Estates can now add another phase to its conversion of the offices at Top o’ Town, with 37 apartments that can accommodate a maximum of 144 people.

The developer said this is a

“significant milestone” that will add £11million to the value of the overall

development. The company, part of the Dorchester-based property company Redtale Holdings, will deliver a

mix of one, two and three bed flats, including penthouse apartments in what is currently the loft.

The developer has received notification from Dorset Council of its right to convert the entire building and loft under permitted development rights, with the change of use considered “acceptable in principle”.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We have

also received ‘right to rise’ confirmation for the loft of the property.

“The development will repurpose an iconic building in a brownfield and highly sustainable location as part of RTI’s ongoing regeneration of the county town’s historic Barrack Quarter.”

Vespasian House is currently being used as offices by the NHS and was previously occupied by the Inland Revenue.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Helping victims of torture worldwide

By Lauretta Kerridge

Secretary of the Dorset Freedom from Torture supporter group. Lauretta lives in Dorchester

I was staring at the letter and couldn’t believe it.

It was sent almost 25 years ago, and stated that I needed a chairperson, treasurer and secretary. I found my local team, replied to the letter, and that was that. The Dorset Freedom from Torture supporter group has been growing ever since.

The group raises money to support people around the world who have endured torture with vital medical and legal assistance, as well as creating a safe space for people to build friendships, engage in art and creative writing, as well as taking part in horticultural therapy in a large garden facilitated by volunteers.

I heard about the organisation while supporting Amnesty, and I remember being affected by the true life stories of what people had been through and how much they’d managed to turn their lives around once given the opportunity and resources. Some 25 years later I still find myself deeply moved by the stories I hear from Freedom from Torture.

GROWING SUPPORT: Lauretta Kerridge of the Dorset Freedom from Torture group and, inset, an awareness event in Bridport

Many people at the organisation are clinicians, legal professionals, and translators who work other jobs and help from the goodness of their heart.

Living in Dorset, it’s almost impossible to comprehend the kinds of cruelty that lead men, women and children to flee their homes and undertake dangerous journeys from their home countries.

As I tell people at our fundraising events, torture

is unfortunately far from being relegated to the history books. Despite being prohibited by international law, many countries still use torture, and in 2021 alone the organisation supported people from 50 countries.

People are tortured for things as little as being involved in a particular political group, belonging to an ethnic or religious minority, or being LGBTQ+.

The Dorset supporter group now has more than 40 members who regularly run fundraising events across the region.

Our events include selling bric-a-brac on the seafront in Weymouth, holding stalls at Dorchester’s One World Festival and Sunday morning car boot sales, hosting coffee mornings for shoppers in Wimborne, being present at Christmas Fairs, organising film screenings, and taking part

Here’s how you can join us and make a difference To join the group or to find out more about their work, simply email freedomfromtorturedorset @gmail.com, telephone 01305 268641, or find them on Facebook (facebook.com/groups/19168385052

83828) or Instagram (instagram.com/freedomfromtorture _dorset).

Freedom from Torture is a British human rights charity that supports people who have survived

torture to heal and to rebuild their lives in safety.

Led by survivors of torture, we campaign against torture and for the rights of survivors seeking asylum in the UK.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

for over 25 years

WHAT WE DO: The group’s stall at the recent One World event in Dorchester and, below, on Weymouth seafront

41

Relationship therapy to ease parental rows Families in Dorset are being offered free relationship therapy through a funded project aimed at reducing parental conflict.

The SIPCo (Support for Inter-Parental Conflict) project is offering free relationship therapy to selected parents in Dorset with children ages between eight and 14. Funded through the Youth

Endowment Fund and delivered by Tavistock Therapy, the project is being offered across Dorset, BCP and Bristol and uses therapeutic approaches to help parents reduce conflict.

To find out more about the SIPCo Project which runs to April 2025 visit: Support for InterParental Conflict (SIPCo) project – Dorset Council.

Children with a love of nature are behind a new wildlife information board installed at Damers Meadow in their school grounds. Year One children from Damers First School in Dorchester raised the money they needed with donations from

organisations and businesses including, Dorset CPRE, Mansel Pleydell Trust, Poundbury Community Trust, Poundbury Rotary, Dorset Gardens Trust, Dorchester Town Council and Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Programme.

Pupils help with field studies funds

in Holocaust Memorial Day events.

Headed by Rob, Alex, Nancy and myself, we are a diverse group of individuals from around the county. We enjoy meeting members of the public and spreading the word about this littleknown charity.

It is interesting to hear people’s reactions to torture together with varied opinions on related news stories.

When the Bibby Stockholm barge arrived in Dorset in July 2023, I knew that it was likely that survivors of torture would be housed there.

Such a huge national disgrace – described by human rights lawyers as ‘a floating prison’ – docked

right on our doorstep was extremely hard to ignore.

Several of our group joined a WhatsApp chat that supports those on the barge and some members attended protests in Portland.

When Labour recently announced that they wouldn’t be renewing the contract next year for the barge, we felt elated.

While this still means half a year of extremely challenging circumstances for those on board, this is proof that the national conversation can change.

I like to believe that the Dorset Freedom from Torture group has had a role over the last 25 years in changing that conversation for the better.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024 Long-overdue restoration work on the floral clock at Weymouth’s Greenhill Gardens has been completed.

Believed to be the last traditionally operated garden clock of its kind in the country, the feature has been a jewel in the crown of the town’s seafront since 1936.

Months of restoration work on the timepiece and the showcase clockhouse incorporating its workings is now complete.

Described as a “rare and historic” seafront element by the Friends of Greenhill Gardens, the clock was designed in Edinburgh by Richie and Sons, who also built Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street Gardens’ floral clock.

A friends spokesperson said: “Both the Scottish clock and the Weymouth one incorporate a cuckoo sound which can be heard on the quarter hour.

“In earlier years the sound seemed to come from a hedge next to the old clockhouse and many children thought the cuckoo lived in the hedge, but it has not worked for very many years.

“The original Weymouth Clockhouse was a basic wooden hut with few windows. From the original suggestion by Weymouth Town Council, who have supported this project throughout, the

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COMETH THE HOUR: The restored floral clock in Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth, and. below, the official opening ceremony Pictures: EMMA JOYCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Floral clock restoration?

Well, it was about time...

Friends of Greenhill Gardens took on the task of raising the money to replace this building with something a bit more aesthetically pleasing.”

An initial sketch by The Friends of Greenhill Gardens Group chair Jane Chandler was subsequently made into a formal drawing by building design consultants Paul Dean Associates.

The design closely followed the look of the nearby Bennett Shelter

with many windows for members of the public to view the fascinating clock workings.

The 1936 floral clock cost £200 which was a considerable amount of money then. It is located about 20 feet from the clockhouse and is connected two feet underground to the mechanism that runs the time piece.

The new building showpieces the fascinating apparatus with multi-pane windows on two sides to

allow for easy viewing.

The friends group say Weymouth has the only working floral clock that retains its original clockworks.

The creative team behind the restoration were the chair of Dorset Clock Society Leon Harvey, Portland builders JAIC Group and Friends group members Tim Spooner, Barry Graham and Graham Dubben.

Repairs to the cuckoo sound box were undertaken by Shane Seagrave and Rob Harris, with local businessman Derek Luckhurst covering the cost of restoring the clockhouse building, so monies raised by the friends can be used for the restoration of the clock mechanism itself.

Community orchestra in appeal for musicians An open call for musicians to join a community orchestra has gone out.

West Dorset Community Orchestra’s new term starts again on Wednesday, September 9.

Anyone who can play an instrument

is invited to come to rehearsals at the Christian Fellowship Hall in Bridport’s East Street car park at 6.30pm every Wednesday.

Organisers said: “The new term starts soon, so why not come along and

give it a go? New members of all ages are always very welcome.” n For more information visit westdorsetmusic.org.uk or call 01308 456297.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

On the art trail to celebrate International Peace Day Creative Weymouth folk will contribute to an art trail celebrating peace and an art group’s milestone birthday.

The more than 100 members of Artwey Community Interest Company are setting up the trail at 15 venues, with help from artists at care homes, schools and Weymouth College.

Officially opening on September 7, the trail marks Artwey’s 15th

anniversary and is themed around peace. The project is supported by the town council and Weymouth BID, and closes on United Nations’ International Peace Day, September 21.

Maps of the trail will be distributed locally in lead up to the event. The maps include details on how to record the venues you have visited, with organisers saying those who completed the trail will be entered

into a free prize draw.

An Artwey spokesperson said: “To mark the United Nations’ International Peace Day, we will be asking the mayor to plant a rose of peace in the new sensory gardens at Radipole. There will be a free, open to all, celebration where there will be the opportunity to view other artworks, meet members of our team and other invited guests. n Visit artwey.co.uk

Bake Off star Val will be whispering to cakes Great British Bake Off star Val Stones will host a baking demonstration and tasting at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil.

While talking about her love of baking for her family, friends and colleagues and how that led to winning the hearts of the nation after appearing on Series 7 of the Great British Bake Off,

Val will prepare sweet and savoury scones from her book, The Cake Whisperer.

The demonstration will start at 1.30pm on Thursday, September 19 in the garden centre and will conclude with a Q&A and tasting, with tea provided

by The Apple Tree Restaurant. Tickets at thegardensgroup.co.uk

BAKING DEMOSTRATION: Val Stones

Arts boost for region in culture move Politicians, business leaders and representatives of arts organisations are celebrating after Weymouth and Portland were announced as Dorset Towns of Culture for 2025.

The Arts Development Agency announced the borough will take the baton from Bridport for a “year of creative events” for both towns.

Following the agency’s announcement, the director of Portland’s b-side festival, Rocca HollyNambi, said: “We are delighted Portland and Weymouth are Dorset’s Town of Culture 2025.

DELIGHT: Rocca Holly-Nambi

“Weymouth and Portland have a diverse, vibrant, and ambitious art scene. We know this venture will be the catalyst to reveal, showcase, and celebrate our many creative people and places.”

In a joint statement, Portland and Weymouth’s town councils said: “Both

councils are looking forward to working with local residents, artists, and community organisations to help deliver a year of fun and creativity where everyone can have a go at new skills, develop existing ones or just enjoy some new experiences taking place across Portland and Weymouth.”

We Are Weymouth’s chief operating officer Dawn Rondeau-Irvine said: “Working in partnership to achieve this result is incredible news for everyone. We are excited about the possibilities for our towns as both the

businesses and residents enjoy developing new initiatives to build on the arts and culture scene.”

Island Community Action’s chief executive Kim Wilcocks said: “Island Community Action are absolutely thrilled to be part of the winning team selected for Dorset’s County of Culture 2025.”

Activate Performing Arts’ artistic and executive director Kate Wood said: “Activate are thrilled with this success. We have had the real pleasure of working in Portland and Weymouth for many years.”

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

45

We want you to tell us what you see & saw A new community project aimed at capturing the memories of local people takes place in Broadwindsor from October to March.

It is being led by Margery Hookings for Windrose Rural Media Trust, a charity which works in rural communities in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

There are several strands to this latest project, which is called Born & Bred and is a follow up to Windrose’s The Place I Love project (2021-2022), which was funded by Dorset Council, Dorset AONB and Broadwindsor Group Parish Council.

That project compiled the village’s field names and included two events incorporating local folk

HAPPY MEMORIES: The Windrose Born & Bred project

songs, an art exhibition by local artists inspired by the landscape, poetry workshops at the village primary school and a short film.

It culminated in the unveiling of an illustrative village map created by a local artist, which is displayed in Broadwindsor Square. Prints of this map should be available for sale

in October to pre-order, more details to follow.

Born & Bred, which will take place over six months, comprises: n The compilation of oral histories of people aged 55 or over who were born and/or bred in the village n The creation of a book about their memories n An artwork inspired by the witty sayings of Dr

Thomas Fuller, a vicar of Broadwindsor in the 17th century n A short film n An exhibition and final event The material gathered from interviews will be made available on the village, parish council and Windrose website, with links to local press and social media.The project has received partial funding from Dorset Council’s culture and community fund. n If there is anyone who is aged 55 or older and was born and bred in the village or nearby and who would like to be involved, please contact Margery Hookings on 07807 705457 or by email at margery. hookings@gmail.com

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A pair of Dorchester traders have amassed a superb range of interesting, arresting and unusual items and opened their doors to their new emporium.

Ben Kilburn and Jack McLeod have long been selling in the town – Ben has been running his building and garden supplies business TerraGrow for a number of years in the estate off London Road and Jack has sold teak garden furniture around the markets.

When the old De Danann centre, next to the Shell garage, closed, Ben was keen to reopen it as the sort of place he could fill with brilliant stuff. And he has – over the last few months a profusion of amazing items has taken up residence, from a kit car to a Morse code lamp, an original painting of Al Capone to fantastic wavy edged tables made by a local carpenter.

It’s taken months to empty the former treasure trove that was the De Danann and create the new Dorchester Emporium, which has a café called the Food Box in a converted horse box, and rooms laid out with all sorts of quirky finds, from original oak chests, furniture made from barrels – even some 200year-old chairs with carved lions on the backs, which they can have upholstered to suit your décor.

Everything has been selected for its unique look and in many cases

TAKE A SEAT: Jack McLeod at Dorchester Emporium

Looking for the odd & amazing?

You’ve found it...

FOR SALE: An old kit car, a Morse code lamp, an unusual coffee table and breakfast bar with the Al Capone portrait

there’s a great story behind the items. The Al Capone picture was painted by a hotel staff member in the 1930s, when the gangster was staying there.

A massive 200-year-old

chest still has its original wooden wheels – just as well, as you’d never be able to lift it.

Ben said: “There’s three or four of us in here, all with different stuff to sell.

“We don’t want it too

crowded – we like people to be able to see things and not have to climb over things to get to anything.

“We like to encourage local sculptors to show their work and have all sorts of things here.

“People are welcome to come and speak to us about selling items here.”

Ben’s mum Kathy ran the well-known Dorchester store Change of Seen in South Street for years, before closing due to covid, and some of her stock is also in the Emporium, adding some lovely fabrics and ornaments to the mix.

There is also a room full of Persian rugs – you could kit your whole home and garden out here.

There are items for a few pounds, alongside stunning furniture costing several thousands – something for everyone.

Jack, who runs Dorset Teak, stays on site as security.

Ben said: “I run the place with a silent partner, but Jack has had a large part in creating the Emporium.

“He does have some good ideas sometimes!

“We think people will love it here.

“I know lots of people do shop online, but people round here prefer to see things, and touch them, and know what they’re going to get.” n Dorchester Emporium is open seven days a week, 9am-5pm, later when required.

The Food Box will be open all day, serving breakfasts, lunches, snacks and cakes. An indoor café is planned next year.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

47

Helpline for people facing homelessness A vital housing helpline has been launched for people who live in the Dorset Council area who are at risk of becoming homeless because of difficulty paying their rent, mortgage or housing costs.

Dorset Council has joined forces with Citizens Advice and Shelter to launch the Housing Advice Line, which is a free, confidential and non-judgemental helpline.

Some 16 banners promoting the specialist support service have been placed on the sides of refuse trucks throughout the council area, to encourage residents to seek help early if they are worried about losing their home.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, Councillor Gill Taylor, said: “I think a lot of residents in Dorset don’t know that our housing service can help

them, which is why we’re putting this information on the sides of bin lorries: to reach as many people as we can.

“Prevention is the key to avoiding homelessness. We hope that by working in collaboration with Shelter and Citizens Advice, we can avoid residents moving out of their home wherever possible.

“High energy bills, sharp interest rate increases and stagnant wages have left some people facing homelessness or in rent or mortgage arrears for the first time in their lives.

“These people may not have traditionally been in this position. For example, working people may not have previously needed financial advice or support to keep a roof over their head and may not know where to turn for

HERE FOR YOU: From left Jacqui Few from Citizens Advice, tenancy sustainment officer Lorraine Simpson, corporate director for housing and community safety Andrew Billany, cabinet member for housing and health Councillor Gill Taylor, tenancy sustainment officer Dominic Amans and strategic manager for partnerships at Shelter, Kate Parker at Wareham Depot for campaign launch of the Housing Advice Line

help, or even that free, confidential and nonjudgemental help is out there.”

She said council records show residents are contacting the council when they are in crisis mode and facing eviction, so she urged anyone with concerns about their housing costs to call 01305 221133 or email housinghelp@dorset council.gov.uk immediately.

Citizens Advice housing

specialist Jacqui Few, added: “When clients are referred to us from Dorset Council, we look at the wider picture and check whether people are receiving the right benefits and look at maximising their income.

“We also have a team of specialists who can advise including our Energy Advice team who can offer energy efficiency advice, help with billing issues and meter problems.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

New hope in bid to save island pub

UNDER THREAT: The former Pulpit Inn is now back on the market

Campaigners say they see a “ray of light” in their fight to save Portland’s Pulpit Inn from demolition.

The pub, which ran a number of popular events and is thought of as a landmark, was closed in October last year. It was due to be levelled and replaced with 11 holiday lets and a restaurant, but is now back on the market.

Island Community Action, b-side and The Portland Association are now jointly asking people to fill in an online consultation giving their thoughts on the inn’s future.

The organisations are also urging anyone who can help bring the pub into community ownership to get in touch with them.

A spokesperson for the campaign to save the inn, which was registered as an asset of community value in 2022, said: “The pub could become a valuable centre for a multitude of uses, events, courses, performances, meetings, education and schools use. The organisations are asking people to come together to create something really special for Portland.”

For more information visit Island Community Action’s Facebook page or email amanda@b-side.org.uk

Supported living for youngsters Four youngsters from the Weymouth area have moved into a new supported living service in the town to enable them to live more independent lives.

This new initiative forms part of Dorset Council’s Transitions service which oversees the care and support of eligible young people aged between 14 and 25, enabling a more seamless move from Children’s Services into Adult Services.

Experienced Care Dorset colleagues support the young people to develop a range of life skills, including financial management, washing, cleaning and cooking at the property in Dorchester Road, Weymouth to prepare them for life in their local community.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024 An archaeology and conservation group in Weymouth is meeting two senior managers from brewers Greene King after becoming concerned over the state of historic meeting rooms.

A peaceful demonstration was held outside Weymouth’s Old Assembly Rooms last month, in protest at Green King Brewery’s apparent neglect of the Grade II listed building on North Quay.

Originally a house built in the 17th century, it became the town’s first assembly rooms in the 1760s, when extensions were added for concerts and balls. George III is said to have visited.

Historian Rachel Knowles says in her blog: “The Royal family visited the Assembly Rooms, where balls were held twice a week. Here they could attend in a private room, cordoned off from the public, but not hidden from them.”

Greene King say the building, which is attached to their pub The Old Rooms, is not registered in their name and therefore they cannot do anything to it. They say they are currently in the process of registering it and will then apply for listed buildings consent to repair it.

Mark Vine of Dig the

49

PEACEFUL PROTEST: Campaigners outside the Assembly Rooms near The Old Rooms pub in Weymouth

Talks to preserve historic assembly rooms near pub

SAVE OUR HISTORY: The plaque on the wall of the old Assembly Rooms in Weymouth

Street says this has been going on for at least five years since they were first approached and the brewery have done nothing about the building, which now has water ingress and ceilings

are falling down. But now Dig the Street is due to meet Greene King on September 12.

Greene King said in a statement: “We are taking the concern surrounding the Assembly Rooms very

seriously and we’re currently in the process of meeting with campaigners to resolve the situation.

Our priority is still registering ownership and applying for listed building consent.”

Woof! Dog-friendly businesses compete for treats An awards ceremony that celebrates dog friendly businesses in Dorset makes a welcome return to Weymouth’s Nothe Fort on September 24.

Organisers of the puntastic Paws 4

Fort fun dog show and the Dorset Dog Friendly Businesses Awards 2024 said they are thrilled to be back for their third year.

An event spokesperson said: “Each year brings a host of popular events,

along with exciting new additions.”

There are six show categories, culminating in a Best in Show competition. For more information on how to vote visit facebook.com/dogfriendly.social

50

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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51

40 years of making most of the coast Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is inviting people to a weekend-long celebration marking four decades of its work.

The 40th anniversary celebrations begin with the centre hosting its annual craft fayre at Charmouth Community Hall from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 26.

Local fossil collectors and the RSPB will be running stalls at the fayre alongside local crafters selling handmade pottery, jewellery, paintings, home baked cakes, produce and more. There will also be a prize draw raffle.

Coast centre staff will also be in the Charmouth Village Hall from 10am to 2pm for a variety of exhibitions and activities.

A heritage centre spokesperson said: “The Charmouth Local History Society will be running an exhibition of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and the Old Factory Building through the ages on the Saturday.

“People can also join Darrell Wakelham for a book signing for Art Shaped and some arts and crafts throughout the day.”

The spokesperson said

GETTING READY: Tidying round at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and, left, dinosaur footprints

people can create “flower pot monsters” alongside coast centre volunteers by recycling old garden items into some “terrifying creatures”.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day from 10am to 2pm in the village hall, and 2pm to 4pm for cream teas in the community hall.

Rounding out the Saturday, Dr Paul Davis will deliver a talk on Old Fossils and New Discoveries in the Charmouth Community Hall from 7pm.

There will be refreshments and a brief talk from Terry Sweeney on the inception

Sing out if you want to join Weymouth Choral Society is hosting open rehearsals for anyone who ever fancied giving the pastime a go.

The rehearsals are being held on September 16, 23 and 30, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre in Spa Road, Weymouth.

A society spokesperson

said: “We are a group of about 70 singers who perform concerts three to four times a year in Weymouth. We rehearse on Monday evenings in term time. Open rehearsals are free, with no obligation and music will be on loan.”

For more information visit weymouthchoralsociety.org .uk

of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre will follow.

Places are open to members and nonmembers for free by

reservation only, with donations gratefully accepted.

On Sunday, October 27 people are being urged to come and help centre staff with its Big 40th Beach Clean along the beaches of Charmouth from 10am.

Volunteers will be joined by members of the Clean Jurassic Coast group and the National Coastwatch Institute.

The heritage centre spokesperson added: “Please join us to help keep our beaches litter free and to also take the chance to find some coastline treasures in our scavenger hunt. If you’re lucky you might even find a mermaid for a storytelling session afterwards.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Improving relationships? That’s what

By Dan Goater dan@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A charity that helps people build better lives and relationships says it is excited to be bringing new services to more West Dorset residents.

Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire will be offering face-to-face appointments in Bridport and Yeovil from September for adult relationship and individual counselling.

The new service is one of a series of forthcoming improvements for the charity, which has a mission to help county folk have “thriving relationships at every stage of their lives”.

A charity spokesperson said it now has a small shop permanently based in the reception area of Poundbury Business Centre, adding: “We are keen to expand this and open a full-size charity shop in Dorchester as this will give us a great source of income to support our work and also help raise awareness of the services that we offer.”

From September, thanks to funding from the Purbeck Local Alliance Group, the charity will also be offering children and young person’s counselling at Swanage school and the Wareham Family Hub for the first time.

Relate is also looking to begin offering a mediation service as the charity feels this would be another “important” service that can help separating parents to “co-parent more effectively”.

I CAN RELATE: Volunteers at Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire

The new services, and plans to set up a shop, are a testament to how much the charity has developed over the years.

Originally founded in 1974 under the name Relate Dorset, the service began with a handful of volunteers delivering marriage guidance out of a terraced house in Dorchester.

In 1998 the charity was renamed Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire, an independent local charity with a board of trustees and a federated member of the national Relate charity.

A charity spokesperson said: “As well as expanding the geographical area we cover to also include South Somerset, we have developed the services that we provide to reflect the changing society in which we live and the different relationships that people have.

“Our purpose is to provide support to help enable people in our communities to have thriving relationships at every stage of the lives.

“The wide range of services we offer all feed

into this goal, from early childhood through to old age. There have been lots of studies that have shown the importance and impact of relationships with family and friends on mental health. Covid 19 and the lockdowns really emphasised this and the loneliness epidemic that we are currently facing.”

The charity provides highly trained counsellors, who work to Relate’s national standards, in providing counselling services for children, young people and adults.

“We take a holistic approach,” explains the charity spokesperson, “using a wide range of tools and techniques as we are very aware, that one size does not fit all.

“For children and young people, with increasing demand on NHS resources, many young people are unable to access support.

“We offer an early intervention service that can help them with issues before they become severe. We are there to help them with any issue, from problems with friends, anxiety, exam pressure to problems with family break ups or becoming a blended family.”

They added: “For adults, we offer relationship counselling to couples and individuals in a wide range of relationships to help them articulate and resolve issues that they are experiencing. We also offer individual counselling to help with wider issues such as

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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we’re talking about anxiety, low self-esteem or bereavement.

“Because we are a charity and do not receive any statutory funding, we do have to charge for our services, but keep this as low as possible and do have some bursaries to help those on a low income as we do not believe finance should be a barrier to accessing the help that someone needs.”

The final main area of services the charity offers is a range of programmes aimed at reducing domestic abuse.

The charity said that last year it delivered some 1,400 children and young people’s counselling appointments and 1,146 adult relationship

Quilts set to go on walkabout

Bridport’s inaugural Quilt WalkAbout from September 6-14 is the celebration of community through creativity.

A host of vibrant quilts and patchwork will be on display at The Arts Centre forecourt, at Studi0ne, St Mary’s Church and The United Reform Church throughout the week.

counselling appointments.

The charity helped more than 200 couples and individuals with their relationship problems at its centre in Poundbury, its outpost in Verwood and online via webcams.

Among its other accomplishments for 2023, the charity delivered some 173 adult Individual counselling appointments and helped 30 individuals with non-relationship based issues.

Charity staff delivered 475 hours of supervised child contact and 40 workshops for men on its “choose to change” 28-week rolling programme for male perpetrators of domestic abuse. n For more information on Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire visit relate.org.uk

Beauty salon picks up national eco accolade A west Dorset salon has beaten competition from around the country to win a top award.

The S.H.E.D salon in Symondsbury, above, won the Eco/Sustainable Salon category in the 2024 British Hair and Beauty Awards.

Salon owner Faye Brown, inset, said: “This accolade means the world to us. It not only serves as a powerful validation of our commitment to sustainability and ecofriendly practices but also recognises the hard work,

dedication and passion of our entire team.

“Winning this award is not just about recognition though, it’s about inspiring others in the industry to embrace sustainable practice. We are committed to continuing our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, promote eco-friendly products and educate or clients and peers about the importance of sustainability.”

The salon uses biodegradable hair towels and refillable cleaning products, and its own branded hair care line.

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54

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Protecting vulnerable at poverty group’s talk A housing association rep will discuss how his organisation protects vulernable customers at an open meeting in Dorchester.

The Magna employee will deliver his talk at Dorchester Poverty Action’s annual open meeting in the Dorford Centre on Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm.

All are welcome to attend the talk, entitled Magna Support Services – protecting our vulnerable customers,

by Magna’s specialist manager for sheltered and support services Ian Wood.

A Dorchester Poverty Action spokesperson said: “This year’s annual meeting is an opportunity to find out more about how Magna is providing support to local people in our current difficult financial and housing climate.

“A significant number of people are

struggling to afford their utility bills, while others are frightened of getting in arrears with their rent, some are coping with mental health issues, which can create chaotic life styles, while others can no longer afford the weekly shop.” n For more information about the work of Dorchester Poverty Action visit dorchesterpovertyaction.org.uk

Josh jogging the Jurassic Coast in fundraiser A fundraiser from Dorset will be jogging the Jurassic Coast in support of the charity Target Ovarian Cancer.

Josh Tucker is supporting the charity after his mum faced her own diagnosis of cancer last year.

Josh said: “I decided that I wanted to do something that was challenging and was big enough that it raised a good amount of money.

“I am aiming to raise at least £5,000 for the charity Target Ovarian Cancer.”

Josh’s run will be 116 miles along a route with an elevation of 5,450 metres, starting on September 25.

He is aiming to complete the run in four days and is raising funds through justgiving.com

JOG ON: Josh Tucker is raising money for Target Ovarian Cancer

Water good way to enjoy new activities Organisers of a new water sports festival are inviting people to come along and try some activities.

Weymouth Water Fest is set to become a new addition to the town’s annual events line-up, taking place for the first time on Sunday, September 22 from 11am to 2pm at Weymouth Beach.

The town council says the free event is aimed at adults and children in Weymouth who want to increase their confidence in sports like sea swimming, kayaking, and paddle

boarding. There will also be yoga on the beach and Revive Wild Sauna will be there offering sauna taster sessions.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Dorset Wrecks, Wey Bay Rockers and Weymouth Ukuleleans.

There will also be stalls run

by Weymouth sea swim groups, and activity sessions with Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre – some pre-booked and others that can be booked on the day – and Adventure4All. Weymouth Mayor Jon

Orrell, who will be attending, said: “This event has been put together by different groups with funding from Weymouth Town Council to encourage people who live in the town to become more confident in the water.

“We’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the Jurassic coast, so whether you want to start or improve your sea swimming, learn to kayak or find out the secret to staying upright on a paddle board, Weymouth Water Fest is for you.”

The fest is a partnership between Weymouth Town Council and Adventure4All, Revive Wild Sauna, Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, sea swim groups including Bluetits, Beach Babes, Groyne Boobies and Bouncers, along with Everyone Active, Surf Life Saving Club, and the RNLI. The fest will be held in an area of the beach near the sand sculpture dome and the snail ride. All other sections of the beach will be accessible as normal.

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Learning how to play your Bug chompers on sale Gardens Group has cards right at bridge lessons The reintroduced four species of Bridport Bridge Club is hosting a free introductory session for ‘complete beginners’ on October 14 between 2pm and 4pm at Bradpole Village Hall.

The introductory session is being held ahead of its eight-week course of beginner lessons starting on October 28 between 2pm and 5pm.

Classes are suitable for anyone interested in learning how to play basic duplicate bridge. The sessions are also ideal for ‘rusty’ players who have not played for a while.

Players will be ready to join the Tuesday afternoon Gentle Bridge club sessions or play social bridge with friends.

Bridport Bridge Club is a friendly and informal club and meets to play duplicate bridge on most Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings and most Friday afternoons at St Swithun’s Church Hall.

n For more information, please contact Martin on 01308 861120, email bridportbridgeclub@gmail .com or visit the club at bridgewebs.com/bridport

carnivorous plants to its indoor plant range at Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens in Poundbury.

Sarah, Emmelene and Katie, who run the houseplant departments, have spent months researching and gaining knowledge about these amazing plants and their global conservation status, with the aim of finding an ethical, reliable, and quality supplier.

Species include Sarracenia, which catch and digest insects in their trumpet-like upright hooded pitchers and ‘Monkey Cups’ (Nepenthes), that display pendulous lidded pitchers to trap insects.

Sundews (Drosera) with sticky dew-drop-like tentacles and the Queen of Carnivorous plants, Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) are also available at all three garden centres.

The carnivorous plant collections at each centre have been commercially grown to avoid any impact on native habitats and wild populations.

As well as being evolutionary marvels, they are also a solution to naturally control pests at home.

Bestselling author Victoria Hislop, pictured, will discuss her new book The Figurine at this year’s Bridport Literary Festival.

The novelist, best known for her historical fiction set in Greece, will deliver a special talk at Bridport Electric Palace on Wednesday, September 18 at 2.30pm.

Festival organisers said the talk, which precedes the festival taking place from November 3 to 9, is aimed at book clubs but will appeal to everyone who love Hislop’s “richly-drawn” novels set in the recent past.

The Figurine tells the story of Helena who inherits her grandparents’ apartment in Athens and is overwhelmed with memories of the summers she spent there as a child, when Greece was under a brutal military dictatorship.

Her remote and cruel

grandfather was a General and, as she sifts through dusty rooms, Helena discovers an array of valuable objects and antiquities. How did her grandfather amass such a trove? What human price was paid for them? Helena’s seeks answers about her heritage and attempts to make amends for some of her grandfather’s actions.

Tickets to hear Hislop speak are £15 from Bridport’s Electric Palace or the TIC in South Street, or by calling 01308 424901.

Author in town for talk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The story for many rural villages is sad but true, the struggling local pub closes its doors, closely followed by the Post Office and shop, leaving residents with cars to travel miles for the basics, and of course a bus is as rare as a hen’s tooth.

But Piddletrenthide is bucking this trend, and the new owners of The Little Piddle Stores, Dan Edwards and Lesley West, have big ambitions for their little shop.

Surrounded by miles of verdant farmland, Piddletrenthide has had a shop in one form or another since the 16th century – the village was once self-sufficient.

Now Dan and Lesley want to revive this ambition, to cater for the needs of the community and create a self-sufficient village once again, and bringing the community together.

Lesley and Dan bought the building in March, and refurbishment followed in June with new freezers, an ice-cream deli and a garden revival to boot.

Along with eggs from their own hens, the shop is laden with organic fruit and vegetables, quality meat from Jurassic Coast Meats and Fossil Farm, milk and dairy products from Craigs Farm plus a delicious array of cakes and pastries – all locally sourced – and fresh bread is delivered daily from Cowdry’s Bakery.

The pair are offering café facilities in their new garden, where locals and visitors can call in to read

WHAT’S IN STORE: The deli counter at The Little Piddle Stores in Piddletrethide and, right, the old fashioned sweets on offer

The little village stores with the big ambitions

GOT IT ALL: Pop in for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, locally-sourced meat, the wellstocked fridge, eggs from the hens and a cream tea

the paper or meet up with friends over fresh coffee and tea or tuck into homemade sandwiches, a cream tea, slice of cake or icecream.

And if you find yourself short of a jar of honey,

shampoo or soap, false eyelashes or eyeshadow, The Little Piddle Stores stock these items too plus a whole host of musthaves.

A village shop is vital for a rural village, particularly

one which sells locally sourced, sustainable and ethical produce. n The Little Puddle Stores is open from 9am each day at Main Street, DT2 7QF. Call 07775 185551 for more information.

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Wheely excited by our new boat Champagne bubbled over the bow of powerboat AllAboard in a special naming ceremony at Portland surrounded by trustees, volunteers and sailors from Chesil Sailability and Paul Elgood of The Wheelyboat Trust.

The new Coulam V17 rigid hulled powerboat is an exciting addition for Chesil Sailability fleet, made possible by the Wheelyboat Trust and Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation, Dorset Nature Art and Wellbeing Fund plus the Bruce Wake Charitable Trust and RYA Foundation.

This is an exciting new venture for Chesil Sailability, expanding its core work of providing accessible sailing to now providing accessible powerboating.

Hugh de Iongh, chair of Chesil Sailability, said: “We are very excited to be able to take disability groups out for journeys round Portland Harbour, adding an extra activity for individuals at our weekly sailing sessions, and especially enabling powerboat driver training for people with disabilities, particularly as the layout enables a wheelchair user to drive.”

Tom Hepburn, sailor and

OUT TO SEA: Thomas Hepburn and Shaun Kerrigan on board All Aboard Picture: GARY HEPBURN

trustee of Chesil Sailability, said: “The addition of AllAboard adds to the essence of what Chesil Sailability, RYA Sailability & Powerability is all about, allowing those who would not otherwise be able to do so, to get on the water and experience the joys and freedom that come with it.

“Our new wheelyboat, AllAboard will mean that at Chesil Sailability we can get more people on the water including some carers who may not wish to go out on our sailing boats with the person they bring to our sessions.”

Chesil Sailability operates from the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy, it is an RYA affiliated sailing group, making sailing (and now powerboating) available to everyone irrespective of physical disabilities, long term health conditions, learning difficulties or mental

Waste medicines scheme in line for national award A Dorset-wide campaign to reduce waste medicines has been shortlisted for a national award.

The campaign – Only Order What You Need – saw NHS Dorset collaborate with community pharmacies and general practice to raise awareness of medicines waste.

Around 50,000 people in Dorset have repeat prescriptions for multiple medications every month and it is estimated that 1.6 million repeat prescription items are wasted in Dorset each year.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony which takes place in London on November 21.

health difficulties, with its motto ‘Whatever your disability, whether you know how to sail or not, you will end up smiling’.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Motion passed: The end of an era as BOTHENHAMPTON AND WALDITCH PARISH COUNCIL: A HISTORY, OF SORTS

By Graham Styles (with grateful thanks to Jane Read for the very kind loan of her notes from records of the period)

At the end of March, Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council ceased to exist.

Following a review of local government, the parish council, along with Allington and Bradpole, was absorbed into Bridport Town Council.

The council had existed for over a hundred years. Some councillors have served for a year or two, others longer – like Councillor Palmer, who served for 40 years, from the 1930s to the early 1970s, most of that time as chair.

Before the formation of the parish council in the late 19th century, local issues in the parish were often discussed in ‘vestry meetings’, held in the church vestry or in the village school room. In December 1870, a vestry meeting discussed the collection of subscriptions for the building of a new school, ‘granting the premises known as the Bothenhampton Poor House to the Trustees of a school for the education of the poor’.

In March 1886, the dilapidated state of Bothenhampton church was discussed and the possibility of building a new one “upon the site kindly offered by Mr John Hounsell”, a churchwarden. The vestry meeting decided to pull down the nave of the old church but retain the chancel and tower for a mortuary chapel.

Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council was created under the Local Government Act of 1894. Its first meeting was held on November 30, 1894, in the school room. J

OUR PARISH: Looking out over Bothenhampton and, below, the view over Walditch Pictures: NEIL BARNES

Gundry was elected chair and an impressive 14 people volunteered – seven were elected. The council agreed there should be a meeting “to discuss the availability of lighting or otherwise making safe from accident the high pavement in the parish of Bothenhampton.”

A few months before this, residents discussed a possible re-arrangement of local boundaries. There was “very strong feeling in the parish against having any of their parish annexed to that of Bridport”. The main reason seems to have been a concern that a re-arrangement might entail losing free burials.

The council’s relations with its bigger brother in Bridport could sometimes be strained, especially whenever the threat of possible absorption by the town council loomed.

It was considered and rejected in 1947, 1980 and in 1994. In 1994, the parish council expressed “its displeasure and annoyance at the arrogant attitude of the town council.”

There was some concern then that Walditch might be “swamped” if it joined with Bothenhampton and “have to sink its name”.

The population of Walditch was then 108 and Bothenhampton’s 365, so Walditch wasn’t big enough to have a council of its own. It was not until nearly 100 years later, on January 1 1990, that ‘Walditch’ was formally added to the council’s name.

The council considered splitting in the late 1990s, following the addition of around 200 electors on a new housing development in Lower Walditch; but electors weren’t keen.

Regular appeals to higher authorities, for work to be done often went unheeded or needed numerous reminders.

There were letters to the district surveyor over blocked drains, the poor state of Green Lane (in 1961) or, in 1966, over the dangerous state of the steps outside the George Inn in Bothenhampton; letters went to the Ministry of Transport in 1949 about the speed limit in Crock Lane; and in the late 1950s and 1960s to the South West Electricity Board about street lighting.

The council has often been thwarted in its objections and objectives. In 1965 the council objected to the proposed ending of all passenger services on the Bridport to Maiden Newton railway.

In 1968, the council was concerned the construction of a new highway from the Crown Hotel along the disused railway line (now the A35) would greatly increase traffic along the “already congested” Crock Lane.

In 1992, the council opposed the application to close the George Inn in Bothenhampton (70 people signed a petition to retain it). Following this loss the council vowed to “keep a close eye” on the future of the village shop, which in time itself went the way of the pub.

In the same vein, in 1966 136 people signed a petition pleading for the Walditch Post Office to be re-opened, “consequent on the village stores being available”.

Nowhere was the sense of frustration more evident than over the saga of the rubbish tip at the end of Long Lane in Bothenhampton, originally the “old brickworks tip”.

This was a source of irritation for the council and residents of Bothenhampton alike, from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

59

parish council ends after 100 years Closure, however, was He stressed the parish was not for Walditch. This remained on was a regular concern: in July constantly being postponed, asking for the protection of the back burner for some time, 1942, the council wondered if mainly due to the difficulty of intoxicated persons or for and signs were only installed a it would be adequate for finding an alternative site. tessellated pavement but asked couple of years ago. firefighting. A shortage of Meanwhile, residents for something to be done to Until recently, the council was water was reported in 1948 complained of leaks, smells render the footpath safe. helped by a Neighbourhood and again in 1952 after a fire. and rubbish along Main Street According to the local paper, Watch and a Bothenhampton In 1987, poor water pressure from lorries. It was claimed in at the meeting of the wider Residents Association – the was reported in Walditch.

1987 some 350-450 vehicle council to discuss this request, latter formed in June 1988.

A gift of food aid was received trips were made to the tip on the reference to intoxicated The installation of a phone from the Australian some days. In 1989, there was persons provoked laughter. kiosk in Bothenhampton at the Government in 1946 and a “very lively discussion” over Things didn’t improve. In foot of the steps opposite allocated to “aged and needy” the future of the tip and in 1922, the local paper reported Hoskins shop was delayed in people in the villages. Further particular the need for an that the high pavement was the 1940 due to “too much food gifts were received alternative route to it. In from New Zealand in July 1991, the council 1952 and distributed to supported a route to the tip those over 60. via Shipton Gorge; the The parish council following month, created the John Holt councillors in Shipton Play Area in the late Gorge said they were 1980s and in 1997 Mr “astonished” B&W had Gundry kindly agreed to approved a route through give a plot of land at the their parish. The site was end of the allotments to eventually closed in 2000. the west of Uplands for In May 1895, the council the John Gundry Play THEY THINK IT’S ALL OVER: Walditch Parish Councillors at their was concerned over the Area in Walditch. last meeting on March 4, 2024. From left: Chris Addis, Martin Warne, Graham Styles and chairman Jim Basker state of the Hollow Way Reviewing the parish high pavement. The clerk council over the last 100 asked Highways for some scene of “yet another accident” military activity” (it, and its years it is clear – that the protection along the “raised when Mr M T Thorne fell onto counterpart in Walditch, are nature of the work and the causeway” from the railway the roadway. now much-loved “book dedication of local volunteers bridge (then at the bottom of In May 1962, the local WI boxes”). as councillors have remained Hollow Way) to the church. requested a 30mph speed limit The water supply in Walditch remarkably constant.

Next generation of farmers take stock The next generation of farmers went head to head in Melplash Agricultural Society’s annual Young Farmers Stock Judging Competition at Pilsdon Dairy Farm near Bridpor, Some 14 teams from Beaminster, Marshwood Vale, Puddletown, Sherborne and Wedmore Young Farmers Clubs took part.

2024 Results Juniors: 1: Winners of the Melplash Agricultural Society Junior Shield – Hannah Forsey and Bobby Hutchings, Marshwood Vale YFC 2: Jacob Tucker and George Tucker, Wedmore YFC

FARMING FUTURE: Young farmers at Melplash 3:Tia Groves and Sophie Raymond, Beaminster YFC Intermediates: 1: and winners of the Melplash Agricultural Society shield – Lauren Hutchings and Joanna House, Marshwood Vale YFC 2: Grace Willcox and Emily Bell,

Wedmore YFC 3rd – Liam Hector and Meg Hatch, Wedmore YFC Seniors: 1: Winners of the Francis W Hunt Perpetual Challenge Cup – Sophie Kerley and Amy Wonnacott, Puddletown YFC

Picture: TIM RUSS 2:Henrietta Love, Marshwood YFC and Jasper Love, Sherborne YFC 3:Elizabeth Bell and Jack Williams, Wedmore YFC Best Newcomer: Hannah Forsey – Marshwood Vale YFC Highest Placed Individual: Hannah Forsey - Marshwood Vale YFCRUSS

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

By Miranda Robertson miranda@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A mum of three has swapped full-time teaching for a mix of educating and antiques after her husband’s enthusiasm made her fall in love with the trade.

Vicci Rashleigh opened Poundbury Antiques this year, after seeing hubby Matt enjoy buying and selling for many years.

The couple, who are parents to twins aged 17 and a 12-year-old, both now work six or seven days a week, trying to cram in all their passions.

Vicci’s new shop, at 14 Challacombe Square (DT1 3SX) is now open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and is seeing a healthy footfall as people discover her well laid out, eclectic collection of items, from an old school science bench to a Lambretta scooter.

She said: “I’m a home educator, so I love learning. I learn all the time. I like working with people, chatting with people and I love having a little shop.

“Matt grew up with buying and selling antiques and it’s rubbed off on me.

“I’ve been learning from him all these years, since he had his shop in Lyndhurst.”

Matt has since opened up County Clearance, between Mole Valley and the Weldmar outlet on the Marabout Industrial Estate, and has been doing house clearances and the car boot sales as well.

Vicci said: “He has lived and breathed the industry and has an amazing eye.

Some stuff he comes

WHAT A LOT WE’VE GOT: Vicci Rashleigh with the Lambretta, a mystery wooden funnel, the shop at Poundbury, some of the furniture in stock and an old school bench complete with bunsen burner marks

Buying and selling the old and new is a real education home with I think, what the heck is that? But then he tells you its story – everything has a story.”

Vicci started out in costume design and making, and travelled the world with theatre companies before deciding she wanted to settle down and retrain to be a teacher.

She loves teaching, but decided to go part time to maintain the ideal balance.

Her experience in period costume and props has come in very handy in

both spotting fantastic items to sell in the shop but also in laying out the merchandise to show off pieces to their best effect.

“I like things with a bit of personality, and I like clean lines.

“There’s art from the 1800s, some modern pieces by local artists.

“I try to put a bit of everything in here – whatever people want to buy. I think sometimes you can go into antique places and things have been there a long time, so I want to shift things

round as much as I can.

“Luckily, Matt and I work together and what maybe doesn’t work in one shop we move to the other.

People have a mix of old and new in their homes, and that’s what we have here.” n Poundbury Antiques is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Free delivery within Poundbury and a small fee DT1 and DT2, click and collect and postage for smaller items.

See some of their stock at Poundburyantiques.com

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Culture

BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL 2024 A very Special Event for all Book Clubbers and Book Lovers

VICTORIA HISLOP

in conversation with Sally Laverack Wednesday 18 September at 2.30 pm Bridport Electric Palace Tickets: £15

Tickets from the Box Office (allocated seating): 01308 424 901 or electricpalace.org.uk/theatre The Twentieth

BRIDPORT

Literary Festival 2024

Books at 10% off from: The Bookshop, South St., Bridport

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Culture More than 40 theatrical, musical, dance, circus, and comedy performances will take place as part of Dorchester Arts’ 2024 autumn season.

From September to December, these performances will take place at two main venues of Dorchester’s Corn Exchange and the town’s Hardye Theatre, as well as at Shire Hall, Athelhampton House and Maumbury Rings.

The season’s highlights include Our Star Theatre’s performance of murder mystery Death(s) At Sea on Thursday, September 19 at the Corn Exchange.

Sherlock Holmes – The Last Act, sees the super sleuth attempt to resolve the ‘last act’ of his career at the Corn Exchange on Thursday, October 10.

Nigel Miles-Thomas is set to give a tour de force performance as 14 characters while the evening of theatre unfolds.

Living Spit presents There’s Something About Typhoid Mary on Friday, November 15 at the Corn Exchange – an evening of wit, song and silliness where the laughter is as infectious as Mary’s meals.

Live at the Apollo host and comedy school founder Kiri Pritchard McLean brings her joyous and uplifting show – in which she lifts the lid on social workers, first aid training…and what not to

AUTUMN SEASON: Thought Control, CarmenCo and Kiri Pritchard McLean, and, inset below, Amy Mayes

A packed autumn programme for town’s arts scene do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube – to the Corn Exchange on Friday, September 13.

Described as the quickest wits in comedy, Freewheeling (The Noise Next Door) will deliver off-the-cuff gags, scenes and songs, all based on the audience’s suggestions, on Saturday, October 19 at the Corn Exchange.

The season’s musical include Thought Control’s Tribute To Pink Floyd on Saturday,

September 21 at Hardye Theatre, complete with lighting, laser-effects and projection.

CarmenCo: A Pocket Opera comes to the Corn Exchange on Thursday, October 3, featuring Spanish and Spanishinspired music presented as a play, based on the story of Bizet’s Carmen and told from her point of view.

A rare opportunity to see and hear one of the great progressive rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s, Focus: Hocus Pocus come to the Hardye Theatre on Saturday, November 2.

For families, Indigo Moon presents The Jungle Book on Saturday, October 6 at the Corn Exchange.

Powerhouse soul vocalist Amy Mayes brings her band to the Corn Exchange on Friday, October 11, promising a set filled with haunting ballads and some uptempo swinging dancefloor fillers.

Dorchester Arts’ favourites Squashbox Theatre return for the build-up to Halloween with a performance of Shivers and Shadows on Monday, October 28 at the Corn Exchange. Craig, your friendly host, has just inherited a creepy mansion from his Great Uncle Vladimir. Join him as he explores the mansion’s secrets and meets some of its strange and spooky inhabitants.

A re-telling of Milton’s Paradise Lost through words, music and dance will be delivered by Lost Dog on Friday, October 18 at the Corn Exchange.

A circus performance with a digital twist comes to the Corn Exchange on Thursday, September 5.

Natalie Inside Out is a unique collaboration between world-class hand-balancer Natalie Reckert and digital artist Mark Morreau, using technology and video projections to turn conventional ideas of circus upside down and inside out. n For more information on the whole autumn programme visit dorchesterarts.org.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Culture

The day I found a king under a car park Famed for her role in the discovery of King Richard III’s remains under a Leicester car park, historian Philippa Langley MBE will tell her story at Bridport’s Electric Palace this autumn.

Langley’s latest book The Princes In The Tower follows her investigation into the fate of the deposed King Edward V of England, and his younger brother Prince Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York.

Both men were heirs to the throne of King Edward IV of England and are the titular “princes in the tower”.

Langley lifts the lid on fascinating new research that shows the two princes were not murdered on the

HISTORY WOMAN: Philippa Langley will be talking about her work at the Electric Palace in Bridport

orders of their uncle Richard III in 1483 as previously thought but did, in fact, survive.

As well as talking about her new book, the historian will be detailing some of her astonishing discoveries, as explored in her recent

Channel 4 documentary, plus the fascinating detective work she undertook in challenging 500 years of accepted views about the fate of the young princes.

Following a talk from Langley, the event will also

feature an audience Q&A session, plus a book signing with the author herself.

The talk starts at 7.30pm on September 19.

Tickets are available through the Electric Palace website.

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK: Ronan Charles at work at Chesil

Sculptor chips in with ornate coastline pieces A French artist has left his mark on the Dorset coastline by carving ornate pieces into rocks on the county coast.

Sculptor and photographer Ronan Charles told West Dorset Magazine he spent a week creating the artworks on Chesil Beach.

He said: “One of the sculptures has the famous “wet drape” them, from the history of sculpture, with a twist contemporary, surrounded by the wave.”

Mr Charles records himself working and posts the videos on his self-titled YouTube channel.

Bookings: www.eventbrite.co.uk Sun 22 Sep : 17h00 St. Paul’s Knightsbridge, LONDON Mon 23 Sep : 16h30 New College Chapel, OXFORD Tue 24 Sep : 19h00 Southwark Cathedral, LONDON Wed 25 Sep : 19h00 Wells Cathedral, Wells, SOMERSET Fri 27 Sep : 19h00 Worcester Cathedral, Worcester, WORCESTERSHIRE Bookings: Contact Barnsley Youth Choir Sat 28 Sep : 19h00 Barnsley Youth Choir, Barnsley, SOUTH YORKSHIRE Sun 29 Sep : 19h00 Barnsley Youth Choir, Barnsley, SOUTH YORKSHIRE www.dbchoir.com

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Culture

Conference focuses on large, naked old man on hillside A day-long conference will allow people to learn a huge amount about Dorset’s most celebrated naked guy.

A deep dive into the various theories of the origins of the Cerne Giant will be held at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on September 28.

By Karen Bate South African national treasure The Drakensberg Boys Choir will showcase their outstanding choral works and Afro-Pop music at Wells Cathedral on Wednesday, September 25 at 7pm.

Joined by the choristers of Wells Cathedral Choir and musicians and singers of Wells Cathedral School, the audience are promised an enchanting and captivating blend of classical masterpieces and infectious pop hits, ranging from the timeless compositions of Carl Orff and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the vibrant rhythms of Afro-pop and traditional African contemporary works.

The choir will offer the melodic genius of Ola Gjeilo, Knut Nystedt, and works from other celebrated composers during the tour.

For many of these talented boys, attending this worldclass choir school is a long-held dream come true.

Known affectionately as ‘Drakie boys’, students are

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Wessex Hill Figures: Cerne Abbas Giant Conference will draw on recent excavations by the National Trust and subsequent new research.

The origin and date of the Cerne Abbas Giant has long been a matter

for debate with advocates for a prehistoric origin and a more modern one.

Tickets are £40 (£35 for members and £25 for students) from dorset museum.org/event/cerne-giant-andother-wessex-hill-figures

HONOURED: The Drakensberg Boys Choir are at Wells Cathedral on September 25

Drakie Boys’ sound of South Africa on way to cathedral

moulded to harness their musical talents to bring hope and positive change in South Africa and globally. With a 57-year history, The Drakensberg Boys Choir School is the only established choir school in South Africa, earning international respect.

The Boys Choir School aims to prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music,

academics, sports, and social enrichment in a Christian environment.

The blessing of talent does not only come to boys from families that can afford to pay for their children’s unique education in the Drakensberg and so the bursary fund is critical in providing deserving boys with the opportunity to perform on the world choir stage - but an honour they would not have had

without generous donations to the bursary fund.

All proceeds from the UK tour will go to the bursary fund.

The Wells Cathedral Choristers are the treble voices of the worldrenowned Wells Cathedral Choir, continuing a tradition dating to the 10th century. n Tickets are available at Eventbrite: Drakensberg Boys Choir

World cinema on screen at society 66th festival The best of World Cinema is returning to Dorchester’s Corn Exchange this September with the launch of the Dorchester Film Society’s 66th season on Wednesday, September 11.

The programme includes 18 titles,

including two winners and six nominated titles at this year’s Oscars as well as number of successes on the international film festival circuit.

A rich mixture of recent world cinema titles, including the two Oscar winners: Anatomy of a Fall, and The

Zone of Interest. Other films include The Old Oak, The Killing, and Perfect Days, winner of two prizes at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Admissions are for members and their guests only.

Visit dorchesterfilmsociety.org.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

65

Culture

Writers booked in for BridLit fest Tickets are now available for this year’s Bridport Literary Festival from November 3-9, which takes place at venues all across the town.

Among the star line-up is gardener Carol Klein, war correspondent Lindsey Hilsum, bestselling author Andrew O’Hagan, nature writer John LewisStempel, novelist and spy’s granddaughter Charlotte Philby and archaeologist Bettany Hughes.

Damien Lewis will be talking about his new biography of Paddy Mayne and the SAS, Daisy Goodwin will be in conversation about her novel, Diva, based on the life of Maria Callas, and politician Dr Liam Fox will discuss The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Write the 21st Century.

The festival, known affectionately as BridLit, is now in its 20th year.

It features writers from many genres – fiction, children’s books and nonfiction - including politics, nature writing, history, art, poetry, memoir and the environment.

West Dorset law firm

BOOKED IN: Charlotte Philby, Damien Lewis, Bettany Hughes and, below, Daisy Goodwin, Andrew O’Hagen and Lindsay Hilsom

Kitson & Trotman is the festival’s main sponsor once again.

BridLit director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart said: “BridLit is dependent upon the generosity of sponsors, donors and the Friends of the Bridport Literary Festival to sustain a high standard of programme of events

while trying to keep ticket prices affordable.”

There is also a special event in September in advance of the festival.

Number one bestselling author Victoria Hislop, known for her historical fiction set in Greece, comes to Bridport Electric Palace on Wednesday 18 September at 2.30pm to

talk about her latest novel, The Figurine. n Tickets are available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre in Bucky Doo Square, either in person or by calling 01308 424901.

There is more information on the website, bridlit.com

Lovely Lily immortalised in portrait

BridLit director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart and her beloved dog Lily, who sadly died last month, have just been immortalised in a new portrait at Bridport Electric Palace.

It was painted by

Bridport artist Ruth Winding and paid for by a number of local festival supporters.

Lily, a Staffie, came to Tanya 13 years ago.

She was 18 months old, and about to be euthanised because her

owners were splitting up.

“Words can never describe what I now feel at having to face life without my Lily,” Tanya said. “She created a framework for us both and living on without her is proving so tough.”

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Culture VIVIANE HORNE meets more of Portland’s people, Portlanders’ and Kimberlins’ stories of migration to the isle, inspired by B-Side’s community project for the next two years Who Do We Think We Are?’

How the Isle of Portland chose us You would be mistaken in supporting charities, brought Richard thinking on first sight that helping non-artists become Winterburn to Portland.

Carol Cruickshank’s artists. Carol was He joined in 1957 training beautiful art is painting – persuaded by the group to on HMS Ganges. Portland but it is actually created exhibit her for the first was the place you then with textiles. Corfe Castle, time. came to be put through Portland Lighthouse, wild In 2012 for the Olympics, your paces on your new creatures, all in tiny fragments of stitched fabric.

Carol and husband Neil, also an artist, have been married for 46 years and have lived on Portland for 17.

Both teachers, they wanted to live near the sea and found jobs on the isle.

Carol was a science teacher with a degree in biochemistry, choosing science over art at school. While still living in Essex, she ISLAND HOME: Carol Cruickshank and Rick Winterburn joined a textile art course run by Sharon Blackman and Carol and fellow Artwey ship – failing meant the created a beach hut member Olivia Nurrish ship had to stay out at sea picture. Then after moving organised workshops and you had to do it all to the isle she took up art throughout the community, again. and the solitary beach hut creating the only local Once in harbour, Rick she began with developed official cultural project would walk up the hill into rows of huts.

The Giant Wall, using they called ‘Post Office In 2009 a group of six small pieces of calico to hill’ to explore the island artists set up Artwey, make a ‘portrait of your which he found which Carol joined, hero’ using many different fascinating. becoming chairman for a techniques. This now Leaving the Navy in 1969, time. As a non-profit hangs in the community Rick trained as a PT community interest centre in Three Yards instructor at Wormwood company, the group of Close, Fortuneswell.

Scrubs prison. Achieving more than 100 volunteers You can see Carol’s work promotion, he was asked if aims to promote art and at carolcruickshank.com he would like to go and artists in the local where you can buy look at the Borstal on community, putting on originals, prints and Portland and see if he exhibitions, events, going merchandise. liked the look of it. Rick to schools, colleges, It was the Navy that first replied that he didn’t need

to go and look, he would take the job. The work was a lot more challenging but he enjoyed it and found living on the isle a big change from London.

After leaving the prison service he ran the Islanders club for young people for 12 years. Rick made it his mission to stop foul language and promote good behaviour and kindness. He had great times in the club and still helps out with the odd job.

He was also the chair of the Chernobyl Committee, bringing 200 children over from contaminated Belarus.

As an ex Dr Barnados child, Rick decided to take a DNA test and was surprised to find that he and his siblings did not share the same father and that he was 52% Scandinavian, 1% Maasai and the rest British.

Rick is now the St George’s Church graveyard tour man. He volunteers at the church, which is now redundant and cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and a band of committed island volunteers. Whilst strimming, Rick found himself fascinated by the headstones and then researching them. He

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

67

Culture

Dramatic £9k windfall welcomed by stage club A drama club is set to receive a welcome makeover thanks to a £9,000 cash injection.

Weymouth Drama Club members are celebrating after the group was awarded £5,000 in National Lottery Funding and £4,000 from Dorset Council’s Youth Fund.

Club leaders said the money will be used to support the work of the club’s youth section and to refurbish their town centre warehouse theatre to make it feel “more welcoming and inclusive”.

Club chair Simon Raynes said: “We’re delighted the National Lottery Community Fund and

Dorset Council’s Youth Fund have recognised our work in this way. Now thanks to these grants we will be able to deliver more high-quality drama for the community and welcome more members.

“We accept anyone who has an interest in theatre from seven to 70 plus, you don’t have to act, and you don’t have to audition unless you would like a part in one of our plays.”

The group’s next production will be Dracula, performed over five nights in October and November in the warehouse theatre.

Further information at weymouthdramaclub.com

Are you looking for something fun, local and inclusive?

Are you interested in expanding your social network, improving your memory and well-being, and generally feeling good?

THEN COME ALONG & MEET OUR FRIENDLY SINGERS WITH BRIDPORT CHORAL SOCIETY

et

or

y

Christmas may seem a long way off but we are looking forward to December!!

Rehearsals for the new season start on Monday 9th September at 7.30pm.

Ch

gleaned so much building. There is some information he was then hope for it now as it’s asked if he wouldn’t considered a ‘community mind doing tours in aid asset’ and three Portland of church funds. The £5 organisations have come tours last about an hour together with hopes to and can be booked by raise the money needed emailing tours.stgeorges to buy it. If it was rechurch@gmail.com purposed, possibly as an Hazel Murray was born education centre with in Bath but grew up in St accommodation and Day near Redruth, cafe/restaurant, it would Cornwall. She moved be a real asset to the back to a village just island. The whole area outside around the Bath to pub is a raise her designated family but Site of when all Scientific but one of Interest with her four rare flora children and fauna, had all left ancient field home, she systems, was unique yearning Mesolithic for the sea. archaeology, Her dad fascinating said to her geology as before he well as the passed more SWIMMER: Hazel Murray away: extreme “Promise sports that me you’ll move back to go on at the Bill. Hazel the sea – it’s your happy says the best thing about place.” working at The Pulpit She first looked at Poole was running straight and then a friend asked across the grass after her if she had ever been work in the summer and to Portland. The friend jumping off the rocks drove her to the island into the sea. She still and she says as soon as swims several times a she crossed the beach week but not till July and road she felt as if she had she now prefers come home – it’s been Castletown beach. said that Portland Her next job was at The ‘chooses people’. She Royal Exchange pub applied for a house swap which her daughter runs. and moved within six Hazel now works at the weeks.

Sugar Loaf Café.

Hazel worked at The If you would like to Pulpit Inn. It saddened know how you can help her hearing about the save The Pulpit, please possible demolition, she email amanda@bthinks it’s a great side.org.uk

a l - S o ci

Established circa 1900

We welcome everyone without auditions - your enthusiasm and commitment are more important! So join us in the Bridport United Church Hall in East Street, and sing with us for 2 weeks free to see if it's for you.

Please ask any questions by phoning Bob on 01308 425987, check out the website or find us on Facebook.

bridportchoral.wordpress.com facebook.com/BridportChoralSociety

68

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Culture Dorchester author Anna M Biley’s second novel, The Brontës, My Mother and Me: Forgetful Wanderings of Love and Loss offers a unique lens to view the experience of caring for a loved one with memory loss.

The novel blends a love of Brontë and Hardy country to consider how the landscapes and roots of home define who we are and brings to life a mother’s imagination and love of Brontë literature.

Sharing a passion for Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, Anna weaves a tale of life in a close-knit northern community and young Nell’s rite of passage to womanhood, guided by her mother’s amusing, quirky, Brontë loving ways.

Anna writes a tender story of mother-daughter love and gets to the heart of our closest human relationships drawing upon her nursing background and as a carer for her husband and parents.

CARING FOR LOVED ONES: Anna M Biley and her new book The Brontës, My Mother and Me: Forgetful Wanderings of Love and Loss

Brontë and Hardy combine in tale of family relationship She said: “As a nurse, wife and daughter I understand the harrowing experience of being with our nearest and dearest as the end of

life beckons.

“How do we get it right?

How do we have those difficult conversations?

How do we grieve and let

go? My mother often said that ‘the Brontës had been there before us, and they knew what it was to have a hard life’.

“How right she was.

Woven into the story, The Brontës, My Mother and Me offers an empathic understanding of how the bereft Brontë children saw their world, how it influenced them as writers and why this matters today.”

The Brontës, My Mother and Me is available through all book sellers.

Wartime mystery explored in writer’s new book Novelist Mark Allen is launching his new book The Bridge at Locri at Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester on Wednesday, September 25 at 6pm.

Mark will be introduced by his friend, poet and author Jim Potts, followed by a talk by Mark and readings from his book.

Attendance at the book launch is free, but the author would be grateful if people would confirm by emailing katina.toumba @markallengroup.com The new tale follows a

NEW BOOK: Mark Allen and The Bridge at Locri

group of young pacifists who, in 1963, join a workcamp in Locri, a small town on the Ionian coast of Calabria in southern Italy, to build a bridge across a

valley. Their ideals are tested in arguments about collective good and the rights of the individual.

Then one of the volunteers, beautiful heiress Isabella,

from Rome, who has been having affairs with two members of the group, mysteriously disappears.

Her magnetic presence affects everyone in the group for different reasons.

The Bridge at Locri is a fluctuating mystery novel and a social history charting 60 years of change.

Mr Allen, who spent some of his formative years in Dorset, now lives in Wiltshire. His novel is available at markallenauthor.com

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

69

Church

We must look after our wonderful planet We live in a beautiful place, and living here perhaps we can sometimes feel a little immune to the fearfulness of climate emergency.

On days when the air seems so clean and fresh, the seas look so blue, the skies are filled with birdsong, and the summer days are long and we have enjoyed the sun on our skin throughout August and even into September…

But what if you live in Pakistan? In Haiti?

In Kenya? Afghanistan?

China or Mexico?

What if you are living in cities in Britian where the poor air quality affects the health of children with asthma?

Closer to home, what about when we hear about raw sewage released into the

sea at West Bay and Lyme Regis?

When we notice how seldom we see hedgehogs anymore, that we worry about the bees or lament the variety of birds we once enjoyed seems to be lost to us?

Jesus said: “You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky…why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

I wonder if you have heard about the concept of climate grief?

The idea that we suffer to see God’s creation scarred, even if we are not personally living through terrible floods in Pakistan, even if we are not suffering personally because of soil erosion and failed crops in sub-Saharan Africa.

All of us call this created

order our home, and all are threatened by the undeniable consequences of human-caused global warming.

Letting ourselves hear this and rest for long enough in the weight of its truth is the first step to another way forward.

And yet we must go forward with hope.

Many churches keep these next few weeks as a time to reflect on the need for each of us to care for this planet we call home.

As we move into this season of Creation, we are called to act with creation in hope – by the choices we make, and in opening our eyes and hearts to what is happening to our world.

Hope is given to us by God as a protection and guard against futility. Only

through hope may we realise the gift of freedom in fullness.

Freedom and responsibility enable us to make the world a better place.

Jesus’ words challenge us to look at the world we are in – and see what is going on, and not to close our eyes and our hearts, but to listen, to feel and to connect our choices and actions to their impact on others and the planet.

God put us in a sacred relationship with the earth, how can we commit ourselves, even in small ways, to be faithful?

Canon DEB SMITH

Creation story in exhibition of textiles at abbey

By Karen Bate

One of the largest textile exhibitions ever to be created by one artist is being showcased at Sherborne Abbey until October 6.

Artist Jacqui Parkinson has spent three years making the spectacular sequence of 12 huge and vibrant textile panels, each one is 8ft high and 13ft wide, to form the breathtaking Threads through Creation exhibition.

Through layers of silk, hand-dyed materials, metallic leathers and gold leaf plus miles of thread and eight million stitches Jacqui uses a vibrant variety of colour, shape

CREATION: Jacqui Parkinson with some of her panels on show at Sherborne Abbey

and pattern featuring lots of creatures to retell the Creation story from the book of Genesis.

“It’s a pleasure to have the exhibition in Sherborne Abbey, such a lovely gem of a building,” said Jacqui.

“And the creation story is a lovely gem in the bible. I hope the panels will add a sparkle to everyone’s visit

here. My aim is to capture the wonderful extravagance of the Creation story and to delight people who view it.

Despite Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, it remains a story of love and promise, something we can all do with these days.”

The exhibition follows Jacqui’s Threads through

Revelation exhibition, her first exhibition which visited 14 cathedrals between 2016 and 2018, attracting more than 500,000 visitors.

Admission to the exhibition is free but donations for the upkeep and maintenance of Sherborne Abbey are welcome.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

RECORDS, CDS, UKULELES, DRUMS, GUITARS, STRINGS, TAPES ETC FOR SALE

BRIDPORT MUSIC CENTRE: 01308 455660

Crossword

Arrow words 1

ET’s ship (inits)

Seen

Zones

Seat

Cab

Admission coupons, informally

Restraint strap

Breadlike pastry

2

4

3

5

6

7

Brow

8

Cloak

Relating to parody

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Want

Wander

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12 14

Lessen

Speak

Senior

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Vex

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Leg joint

18 Depend

Not on

Append

Nigh

Irish singer, Doonican

19

‘Do __ _ favour’ (2,1)

Egg cell

20 21

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Completely erase

Tiny, parasitic insect

Wordsearch Ice Cream Flavours

M H R E T T U B T U N A E P C L C H A T I U D O C A R Y I L T M I A N T I I C L B R L H N W R T A N O L E M A R A C C C F B L A C K F O R E S T W C R A A W T S O N A B I O C A O F H N T C N D O W T C C I L H B S A O F R I A K S T A N L C N U N T S R R M R I T I N I T T L A B U T T E R P E C A N N A L N L S O T W E E E D M A I O E N S B T P A F A P I O V M U F B E U Y C F N E N P N U B S U C B C H O C O L A T E T G E F M O D T A C A H B L F P O H ALMOND BANANA BLACK FOREST BUTTER PECAN BUTTERSCOTCH CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CINNAMON

COOKIE DOUGH MINT CHOC-CHIP PEACH PEANUT BUTTER PEPPERMINT STRAWBERRY TOFFEE VANILLA

24

25

Across 1 Table handkerchief (6) 4 Flowed out (6) 8 As well (3) 9 Humouring (9) 11 Professional cook (4) 12 Viewpoints (8) 15 Forfeit (9) 18 Suffering delusions of fear (8) 19 Simple aquatic plant (4) 21 Incredibly (9) 23 Common wine flavourer (3) 24 Hazy and polluted (6) 25 Toxin (6)

Killer Sudoku Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage.

For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

18×

Down 1 Observe (6) 2 Food blender (9) 3 Bird often seen in hieroglyphics (4) 5 Magnificent (8) 6 Place of higher education (3) 7 Compendium (6) 10 Keeping back (9) 13 Has an aerial view of (9) 14 Looking quickly but not thoroughly (8) 16 Squirts (6) 17 Small non-speaking part (4-2) 20 Stabilizing device (4) 22 Back in time (3)

12+

3÷

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1

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11+

56×

216×

168×

2

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1

280×

1

3×

2

21+

15×

3

63×

1÷

11+

5

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4

1

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

WE BUY: QUALITY USED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, RECORDS, CDS, SINGLE ITEMS OR COLLECTIONS

VISIT OUR SHOP: 33A SOUTH STREET, BRIDPORT, T-SHIRTS, DAY OF THE DEAD, WAVING CATS ETC

Cryptic Crossword 1

2

Jumbo 3D Sudoku 4

3

8

5

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1 8

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Sudoku

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26

Across Down 1 Stile damaged in small offshore place (5) 2 South American greeting food from another 4 Rebuke severely part of course with backing continent (5) of number (4,2) 3 Version of Gaelic to follow English that’s 10 Ignore inspector with right to probe poor mournful (7) grades (9) 5 A French pop singer spurning love is 11 Motorway and river backed as border (3) ruined (5) 12 Starts to radiate energy inspiring knowledge 6 Old man and artist given almost single in Japanese therapy (5) protection against the sun (7) 13 Most senior director in steel for 7 Insensitive point about money (4) manufacture (6) 8 Decorate a party before service (5) 14 Pair with feat I term close to extraordinary in a 9 Rash society that’s tampered with medical virtual sense (11) record (4,7) 18 Amateur with ride in race has size (6) 15 High-spirited invective about a politician (7) 20 Delicious bit of yoghurt put by stomach first 16 How one might briefly describe the UN for off (5) someone? (7) 23 Spring devoid of quiet in meadow (3) 17 First person’s detective? Nonsense! (2,3) 24 Articles of bric-a-brac around middle of our 19 Awkward clue ending in disfavour? It makes large yard oddly (9) one sore (5) 25 Complete set of holy books in EU country (6) 21 Subatomic particle in this way comprehended 26 Carnivorous type longing to enter hot area (5) by chaps (5) 22 Depressed athlete at university (4)

6

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24

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7 1 5 4 8 6

2 9 1

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9 8 1 8 4 1 7 5 3 2

3 6

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Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

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Brain chain (Hard version) 48

+59

-76

×3

+87

÷5

RESULT

Brain chain (Easy version) 8

+1

×1/3

×6

+40

-19

RESULT

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

For the solutions turn to page 74

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Vittles (food & drink) Karen Broad lives in Burton Bradstock, with her husband and two mad dogs. She ran The Mousetrap in Dorchester, has lived in France and loves discovering new food producers.

As you know, I believe in simple, non-processed foods, resulting in the perfect balance and diet and great flavours. I mentioned last month the ‘five-ingredient rule’, which sounds a bit brutal, but it’s very simple. Let me explain...

When I say five ingredients, I mean ‘main ingredients’ discounting seasonings; for example, a bechamel sauce would count as one ingredient. It’s not always possible and, let’s face it, some recipes like a beef bourguignon can call for more than 14 ingredients. For everyday meals, keep it simple, keep it healthy. We need to be more aware of what we are putting into our bodies.

The five-ingredient rule gives you a simple guideline, you know what you are eating.

In the supermarket the other day I was reading the long list of ingredients in a vegetarian sausage. I have no issues with vegan or vegetarianism, in fact I followed a vegetarian diet when I was pregnant. I love

Keeping it simple, keeping it healthy nothing more than a seasonal ratatouille or a plate of wholesome vegetables. I just don’t get ‘meat lookalikes.

Horrified, I read the long list of nauseating ingredients which contained things called stabilisers, gelling agents, functional binders, (whatever they are), pea protein and something called sodium sulphite which is a preservative. Do we really need to be feeding our bodies such junk? If you want a vegetarian sausage, why not make some Glamorgan sausages using breadcrumbs, leeks, cheese, herbs, mustard and eggs? They are simple to

make; we will look at the recipe next month:Delicious with a homemade chutney made with some of the wonderful seasonal produce at this time of year.

This month’s recipe is a delightful light cake I made as a dinner party dessert, which went down well. Its light and refreshing and is easy to make. Its five main ingredients are flour, ricotta, eggs, butter and sugar, the rest are flavours – lemon, raspberries and vanilla.

Ricotta Cake Ingredients 220g plain flour with1 tbsp baking powder and 1

tsp salt 365g ricotta 275g caster sugar 3 large free-range eggs ½ tsp vanilla 1 lemon zested 115g unsalted butter, melted 450g Raspberries Icing sugar Method Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

Grease and line 9” sponge tin Mix the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk the ricotta, sugar, eggs and vanilla and citrus zest until smooth.

Gently fold this into the flour mixture until just blended.

Fold in the melted butter and half the raspberries Transfer the mixture to the cake tin and scatter the remaining raspberries over the top.

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. Leave to cool for at least 20 minutes before removing from the tin.

Mix icing sugar with a little water and drizzle over the top of the cake.

Mum’s Kitchen...

Apple and Oat Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce Serves 6 September is apple time again, and we are always looking for new ways to use them.

This pudding is one of the nicest apple recipes I have ever made. It would also work well with pears.

Ingredients: 3 or 4 apples, depending on size, peeled, cored and cut into rings 200g butter 200g light brown soft sugar 80g porridge oats 100g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 75ml milk 2 eggs, beaten

Method: Preheat the oven to 180c, fan 160c.

Put the sliced apples into a baking dish measuring around 20cm diameter and 6 cm deep (or a 17cm x 21cm rectangular dish.

Put 70g butter and 70g sugar in a pan and heat gently to melt.

Increase the heat and bubble for1-2 minutes until it becomes a sticky

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

73

Vittles (food & drink) Lizzie Crow – AKA Lizzie Baking Bird – is a self taught baker and has recently moved into her own bakery. She also has a stall outside The Old Ship Inn in Upwey each Saturday. See her scrumptious eats at lizziebakingbird.co.uk or find lizzibakingbird on Instagram.

These cookies really do take the biscuit Make these as a perfect introduction to autumn. soft, chewy and sweet, these cookies are topped with a cheesecake cream laced with warming spice.

Spiced Sweet Potato Cookies Makes: 12 Preparation time: 30 mins (plus two hours chilling in the fridge) Cooking time: 25 mins For the cookies 110g soft brown sugar 80g caster sugar 60g soft butter 85g cooked and mashed sweet potato 1 medium egg 250g flour 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt For the filling 75g cream cheese 1 tbsp icing sugar 75g double cream 1 medium egg 1 tsp cinnamon To make the cookies, mix the sugars and the butter together in a bowl. Stir in

THE FUTURE’S ORANGE: Spiced Sweet Potato Cookies

the sweet potato and egg.

Add the flour, baking powder and salt.

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

Place on a baking tray lined with parchment and chill in the fridge for twohours, or overnight.

When ready to cook, heat the oven to 180°C/ gas 4.

To make the filling, mix the cream cheese and icing sugar together in a medium-sized bowl.

Add the double cream, egg and cinnamon and whisk until smooth.

Take each dough ball and

press your thumbs into the centre to create a little cup big enough to hold about a tablespoon of the filling.

Spoon the filling into the cookie cups and bake for 20-25 mins or until lightly browned at the edges.

Leave to cool on the baking tray.

with Diana Holman sauce. Pour over the apples and set aside.

Save the empty pan too.

Put 70g porridge oats in a food processor and whizz until coarsely ground. Add the flour and baking powder and pulse to combine. Put the remaining 130g butter and 130g sugar in the pan

used earlier together with milk and melt and combine over a medium heat. Add to the processor with the eggs and whizz briefly to combine.

Tip the oat sponge mixture over the apples, then scatter over the remaining 10g oats.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 40-50minutes. You may need to cover it after 30 minutes if it is browning too quickly. Test with a skewer just through the sponge.

Serve with cream, clotted cream or ice-cream.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Vittles (food & drink)

Now pier-less, but Al Molo is certainly peerless FOOD REVIEW Al Molo, Dorchester

By John Clements, chef at The Olive Tree, Bridport Piers. I love a good pier. It’s a great way of going to sea.

Cheaper and safer than a boat. Dryer and warmer than a swim. Way more scenic than a tunnel. Al Molo used to live by Weymouth pier, hence the name, but, fairly recently, moved to a completely pier-less Dorchester. Not even a humble jetty here.

Specialising in seafood, this Italian restaurant now resides in historic Tudor

PHENOMINAL VALUE: Al Molo in Dorchester

surroundings, formerly used as Judge Jeffrey’s chambers during the brutal, bloody assizes. Piers to peers, then.

Al Molo is a top-tier establishment and £20 for two courses, £24 for three on the lunch set-menu, is phenomenal value. An

atmosphere of calm and professionalism from the moment we arrived meant I could relax. (Rare for me in a restaurant). Crisp, white laundered linen tablecloths and napkins. Exquisite front of house service. Decor, Jacobean black and white.

We shared a starter of salty Tuscan ham, sweet, poached pears and lusciously sticky ripe figs with a crunchy, light, soft focaccia.

Fabulous. Mains. A sumptuous seafood risotto and radiant, rainbow tortellini with creamy burrata and sage butter. Both delicious and very good-

looking indeed. Dessert. A deconstructed lemon cheesecake with crumbled Oreo cookies surreptitiously hidden away in the nutty biscuit base. That’s just plain naughty.

In summing up, the verdict is in. We’re unanimously guilty of loving Al Molo. It transcends trend. Elegant.

Grown-up. Understated.

Refined but not stuffy.

Legitimately confident based on years of hard work.

Timeless. Unique. There’s no wonder it consistently garners excellent reviews on the various online foodie platforms.

From pages 70-71

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N A P K I N I S S U E D O R B P N I T O O I N D U L G I N G I C S E E E C H E F O P I N I O N S E S S R D V T S A C R I F I C E S O A V D R W P A R A N O I D A L G A R N N G O L A M A Z I N G L Y O A K Y G N R K O S M O G G Y P O I S O N

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C T E H E A D A X T I R I C I R E A X I R K K N E E Y D O V U M F F A C E F L E A

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Cryptic Crossword I S L E T J U M P O N A U L C N A U D I S R E G A R D R I M O H G S I A B R E I K I E L D E S T N A H O P R A C T I C A L L Y A S N M A M O U N T Y U M M Y B P L O B E E L E A C U R I O U S L Y U N E Y D O E E N T I R E H Y E N A

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

75

Vittles (food & drink) Sherryn Sanderson is a professional baker who gave up her business to sail the oceans with her husband and dog. Home base is usually Portland Marina, but they are currently circumnavigating the UK. Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram at September Moon Sailing.

hedy You just can’t beat a bit of Lammo...

It’s 32 degrees and it’s winter here in Sunny Coffs Harbour. I will be flying home next week now that dad is back on his feet and we will continue our sailing adventure around the UK. Somehow, I don’t think I’ll be greeted with the same kind of weather...

Continuing the Aussie theme, this month, I’m going to introduce you to the iconic Lamington – commonly referred to as a Lammo over here in the land of colloquialisms (it’s too hot to use full words).

However you choose to call it, this treat is a delicious super-soft sponge cake dipped in chocolate and coconut. It’s messy to make, it’s messy to eat but is worth every bit of messiness when you bite into it. Just make sure your hoover is close by.

History says a maid for Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901, accidently dropped cake into melted chocolate

Lamingtons Sponge: 4 large eggs 150g caster sugar 150g self-raising flour 40g cornflour 1tsp vanilla extract 25g soft cubed butter 80ml boiling water Icing: 500g icing sugar 50g cocoa 20g soft butter 150ml boiling water 270g desiccated coconut Method: Preheat oven to 170deg, prepare a baking tin (I use a 20cm x 30cm pan) by lining with baking paper

Beat eggs with an electric mixer until very pale.

Add the vanilla extract.

Gradually add sugar and beat for around 10 minutes until the mixture is thick and forms ribbons.

Sift the flours together three times.

Mix the butter and boiling water together in a small bowl.

Add the flour to the egg mixture with a large metal spoon and gently fold in the butter mixture.

Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden on top and springy to touch.

Leave in pan for 5 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack

and let cool. Cut cake into 15 squares.

Freeze cake for 1.5 hours (this is optional, but makes the next steps a lot easier).

Make icing by sifting the icing sugar and cocoa into a large heatproof bowl. Add the butter and boiling water and stir until the icing is smooth and syrupy. Place coconut into a shallow tray.

Using two forks, dip each sponge square into the icing to cover completely, drain off excess and then roll in coconut. (If icing becomes thick, add more boiling water.) Set on a wire rack. n To add a bit of poshness, cut Lamingtons in half and fill with jam and cream.

and the recipe was developed from this mistake.

It was originally called ‘Lady Lamington’s Chocolate-Coconut Cake’ but in true Aussie spirit, the name was quickly shortened.

I remember as a kid, the most popular fundraiser was a Lamington Drive. Mums’ groups would get together in

the school hall and bake, dip, roll and box all day and we would drop in when the final bell rang to collect our orders.

Our families were lucky if they made it home! One year, our Guide leader thought that selling Lamingtons would be a better idea than the

traditional Girl Guide cookies to raise money for an upcoming muster. Can you imagine a bunch of 14year-old girls let loose with cake, chocolate and coconut? What was she thinking?

Needless to say, we returned to the pre-packaged biscuits the following year.

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76

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Homes & Gardens

Time to sort your drains out for an autumn MOT DRAIN BRAINS

By Jak Norwood of Valley Drains

It’s that time of year again and autumn is approaching fast – it’s time to get all of those drains in order that can cause you issues throughout the winter months.

Storm drains are crucial for removing rainwater from around your property and need to be maintained and kept clear to work efficiently. Gullies, Aco

drains, downpipes and underground storm drains should be checked regularly to make sure they are doing their job as they should be. Valley Drains can help with all of these issues if needed.

Blocked gutters and downpipes can cause huge problems with damp and mould in your property if they are not kept clear and able to drain away rain water efficiently.

Valley Drains can help you keep these clear with our long reach

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gutter vac system and we can unblock downpipes with our high-pressure water jetting equipment.

Green slimy paths and decking, which are a huge hazard in wet conditions, should also be cleaned regularly to keep them safe to walk on. Valley Drains have a full package of hot and cold pressure washing systems that can help you keep all these areas safe and clean.

We recently carried out a large contract for a customer in

Dorchester and this is what they had to say about us: “We’re delighted to find this charming father and son, who obviously get on extremely well with occasional banter. Very easy to leave to get on with their work or join for a wee chat.”

We pride ourselves on excellence and quality workmanship and are very proud of the excellent business we have built. Contact us on 07958 335973 or email darren@valleydrains.co.uk

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

77

Homes & Gardens

Nature prepares for its finest hour Mike Burks is the MD of The Gardens Group, with garden centres in Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury. Mike is a former chairman of the Garden Centre Association and is a passionate advocate of eco-friendly gardening practices. thegardensgroup.co.uk The autumn is my favourite time of year.

There can be some glorious weather that seems a bit like additional or forgotten season. Nature is also starting its finest hour where the efforts of the whole year are now coming together.

With the soil still warm from the summer and moisture not too short it is a great time for planting too and indeed the traditional time. Root activity with the warm soil means that most things planted now will already be partly established by the time the winter appears.

Then, when spring finally returns such plants will have an advantage and will be able to romp away.

Some of the shrubs that I really enjoy are at the best at this time. Strangely there are a collection of blue flowered shrubs that are on top form in September and early October. These include what are commonly known as the Blue Spirea correctly known as Carypopteris.

There is now a huge range of varieties, but I still enjoy Heavenly Blue.

Other autumn blues include the Russian Sage Perovskia Blue Spire. It perhaps ought to be classed as an herbaceous plant really as it dies back over the winter and then throws up vigorous spikes up to 18 inches or two feet with clear blue flowers on the top. Wildlife such as butterflies and bees love it.

GOT THE BLUES: Blue Spirea (Carypopteris)

Also dying back to “not much” are the hardy Plumbagos known as Ceratostigma. There are a number of varieties, but these plants look absolutely nothing at the start of the year but end up as a really wonderful show of flower later on. These low growers prefer a sheltered spot and will even lean up against a warm fence or wall. I like the newer variety Ceratostigma willmotianum Forest Blue that has electric blue flowers.

If you are a fan of autumn colours, then the Oak Leafed Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake) is worth looking out for. As the name suggests, it has large oak shape leaves which colour beautifully in the autumn in red and orange hues before falling as the cold night temperatures arrive. In the summer the shrub will have large white hydrangea flowers and it will eventually reach a height of perhaps six feet or more with a similar spread. It prefers slightly more acidic conditions than

clusters of pink in bud opening to white flowers which arrive in midsummer and in the right spot continue well into the autumn. The evergreen foliage also colours strongly in the autumn giving interest throughout the year and as it is a small shrub is useful in most gardens.

So, get out there, enjoy nature’s best season and get planting to make it even better in your own garden.

most but as long as you are aware and keep them well fed with an ericaceous fertilizer with plenty of humus-rich mulch All aspects of tree around then they surgery covered should do well in a Hedge cutting sheltered spot in our Landscaping and fencing local gardens.

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78

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Sport Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club hosted a squash exhibition match for the first time in more than 20 years, with two highly-ranked players from Birmingham University competing against each other to celebrate squash being accepted into the Olympic Games for the first time.

England’s Toby Ponting, three-time south region junior champion, and former World junior competition finalist Campbell Wells from Switzerland kicked off proceedings by offering some coaching and challenge matches for club members. Dorchester team members Callum Watts, Ros Godfree and Marcus White were all on the top of their games, but found it tough going to take more than a few points off the professionals.

The exhibition match itself was then played at the club’s glass-backed court where ranked seating had been set up for the event. A crowd of 50 people were entertained to a breathtaking display of competitive squash played over four sets. The stroke play was superb, with precision drop shots dead in the corner, and the side boasts extraordinary. Both players showed a mastery of all shots and fizzed around the court demonstrating astonishing positioning, fitness and

sponsored by Clocktower Records, Bridport

STAR TURN: England's Toby Ponting, left, takes on Swiss opponent Campbell Wells in front of a packed viewing gallery at the squash club

Day to remember at squash club as stars hold court recovery in the rallies.

While Campbell was the master of the drop shot and teased Toby with sequences of drops and drives, Toby was incredibly nimble and well-controlled

CLOCKTOWER RECORDS: Visit Clocktower Records in Bridport's Art & Vintage Quarter Vinyl records bought & sold

and seemingly able to retrieve almost any ball. At one point, the Englishman launched himself across court in a full body dive, somehow retrieving a ball nestling in a far corner

before going on to win the point with a pin-sharp forehand drive – to the utter delight of the crowd.

After a tumultuous battle lasting almost an hour, Toby’s consistency edged out Campbell’s front court skill.

The evening was rounded off with a healthy buffet and an opportunity for the audience to mingle with the players.

Giles Watts, chair of the club’s squash and racketball section, said: “It is not often in Dorchester that we are witness to live sport played at professional level. This evening, we were truly entertained by two exciting young talents who are continuing to improve and climb the rankings. Now that squash has been accepted into the Olympics in 2028, we may even get to see them competing in Los Angeles in four years time.

“The Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club hopes people have been inspired by the exhibition match to come and play more racket sports. We have excellent facilities in Dorchester for tennis, squash and racketball; and are looking to introduce padel, which is the world’s fastest growing racket sport, in the near future.” n New members are always welcome, please see the club website for details: dtsc.org.uk

OPEN MON TO SAT 10AM-4.30PM thecrew@clocktowerrecords.co.uk St Michael's Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR

01308 458077

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

79

Sport

sponsored by Clocktower Records, Bridport

Alfie’s impressive haul wins junior open trophy Fifteen members and pollock. turned out to fish for Lille-Rose the Stokes Family Clarke and Trophy and the Chelsea Pearce Wyvern Junior both started Open, with the strongly in the winner of both Stokes Family CHAMP: Ben matches to be match, landing Stokes, Michael determined by total Stokes, Alfie Jeans, a number of Norman Stokes and fish between weight. Straight Emma Stokes from the off, fish them and were being caught, which putting themselves in good mainly consisted of pout positions to land the and shannies, with other trophy, however Alfie species landed being sand Jeans managed to hook a smelt, corkwring wrasse, lovely thin-lipped mullet, ballan wrasse, tompot which propelled him into blenny, thin-lipped mullet pole position. Alfie’s

mullet tipped the scales at 2kg 126g, giving Alfie a total weight of 2kg 331g, which was enough to bag the Stokes Family Trophy and ensure he came first out of 22 entrants in the Wyvern Junior Open.

The club would like to thank The Stokes Family for the extra prizes on the day and also The Angling Centre West Bay for supplying the ragworm, Devon Baits for the frozen bait, and Norman Stokes and Tom Marley for all their help.

Wyvern Junior Open Overall Winner: Alfie Jeans, West Bay SAC 2331gms. 2: Lillie-Rose Clark, West Bay & Honiton SAC 538gms. 3: Chelsea Pearce, West Bay SAC 435gms Best Over 10yrs old not winning an overall prize: 1:Albert Loizou, West Bay SAC 233gms. 2: Kaiden Amor, 79gms.

Best Under 10s not winning an overall prize: 1:George PenistonBird, West Bay & Honiton SAC 287gms. 2:Ben Stokes, West Bay SAC 219gms Other Prizes Wooden Spoon: Noah Brown First fish: Chelsea Pearce 12g pout Smallest fish: Ben Stokes 7g pout Most fish: Lille-Rose Clarke 23 fish Heaviest round fish – Alfie Jeans 2126gms thin-lipped mullet Heaviest flat fish – none caught, prize to roll over

Keeper Gerry, 92, back at the wicket A former Weymouth cricketer was thrilled to be reunited with his beloved former club, thanks to the kind support of his care home team. Gerry Coleman, 92, a resident of Buxton House Care Home in Radipole Lane, was invited to watch the home match between Weymouth Cricket Club and Portland Red Triangle at Redlands Community Sports Hub. Gerry started playing as a wicket-keeper for the Weymouth club in the late 1950s, and was delighted with the invitation to return 45 years after hanging up his gloves.

Before the match started, Gerry got to meet the team

GLOVE STORY: Gerry with the Buxton House care home team and Weymouth Cricket Club

from Weymouth Cricket Club, put on some wicketkeeper’s gloves and was presented with a cap emblazoned with his initials. The team also listed Gerry as their honorary twelfth man in the match programme.

Gerry said: “I would never dream that I would get to do this. I’ve had a lovely

CLOCKTOWER RECORDS: Visit Clocktower Records in Bridport's Art & Vintage Quarter Vinyl records bought & sold

time. I want to come back here every week.”

Andy Anderson, former captain of Weymouth Cricket Club and now a member of the committee team, said: “It was a real honour and a privilege for us to welcome Gerry to meet the team and for our captain, Lloyd Beals, to present him with a cap.

You could tell that he loved being around people who love cricket as much as he does.

Lauren Taylor, Home Manager at Buxton House, said: “Gerry was very emotional when he received the cap from the captain, as it reminded him of playing cricket with his brother in his younger years.

“At Care South, we love helping the residents to enjoy activities that they used to do but no longer feel able to do it without some assistance. Gerry beamed all afternoon as he watched the cricket match and has been talking about it ever since.”

OPEN MON TO SAT 10AM-4.30PM thecrew@clocktowerrecords.co.uk St Michael's Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR

01308 458077

80

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Business Freelance copywriter ANDREW KNOWLES is based in Wyke Regis and has a keen interest in history. He is currently charting the histories of long-lived Dorset businesses.

Up the workers for the more than a century What would you look for in a clothes and shoe shop just across the road from one of England’s most popular holiday beaches? Maybe flip flops, a bucket hat or a Tshirt sporting bright pink flamingos?

If those are what you need, don’t go to Acutt’s in Weymouth. Despite being right by the beach, their speciality is serious clothing.

Heavy duty boots. Militarystyle pullovers. Chef’s checks. They keep workers clothed and shod, and they’ve been doing it for over one hundred years.

Weymouth has been a working port far longer than

WORKWEAR SPECIALISTS: Acutt’s in Bond Street

it’s been a seaside resort. A lot of this work is manual, all-weather activity on boats, on the quayside or in construction. Marching alongside this has been centuries of military activity, with soldiers and sailors a common sight in the area.

The workwear on sale at Acutt’s represents all these less-glamorous, but extremely practical, aspects of life in a coastal town.

The Acutt’s story begins in the years of the late Victorian era. William Walter Acutt, of Maiden Street in Weymouth, worked as manager of a boot and shoe warehouse in the early 1890s. There’s no record of who he worked for, but the 1880 edition of Kelly’s Directory of the Leather Trades, implies his boss may have been a female relative.

The directory lists a small number of ‘Boot and Shoemakers, Warehouses and Dealers’, most of whom were men. At the top of the list is Helen Acutt, in St Mary Street. Investigation into census returns reveals she’s descended from a Portland family of bakers.

Her sisters continued to run bakery and confectionery businesses, but she moved into footwear.

In the early 1900s William Walter, and his son William Walter Percival Acutt, were working together in a bootmaker’s shop. By 1910 William Walter was master

of his own business – which has become the Acutt’s still operating today.

In his own shop, William Walter broadened his wares to include military and naval clothing. While Weymouth was becoming more popular with holidaymakers, Acutt’s kept up a busy trade with the military stationed in the area.

It wasn’t only the British forces who visited the shop.

In 1940 Weymouth was one of the ports designated to receive French troops fleeing the German invasion of their nation. General De Gaulle, leader of the Free French, visited Weymouth. Keen to ensure his soldiers had access to military clothing and footwear, he visited Acutt’s to authorise supplies.

Nearly 115 years after it was founded, Acutt’s remains a family business. In recent years, as the military presence dwindled, the shop has diversified into a broader range of workwear.

Most visitors to Weymouth are drawn to the beach and the historic harbour. They don’t pay much attention to everyone working hard to keep the town’s hospitality running. Like the clean-up crews, the kitchen staff and so many others, Acutt’s operates quietly in the background, providing an unglamorous but essential service to so many. n If you know of a longestablished Dorset business that deserves to have its story told, get in touch.

Email andrew@ andrewknowles.co.uk

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Business

Dorset’s micro and small business outlook for 2025

By DUNCAN McKECHNIE Of Action Coach

Why planning now is crucial As we approach 2025, the future for micro and small businesses in Dorset looks both exciting and challenging. Opportunities are plentiful, but so are the obstacles. The secret to success in this fast-changing environment? Planning— starting now, not later.

The economic outlook for 2025 is promising, but it will come with increased competition, new technologies, and changing customer demands. For small businesses, staying ahead of these changes is essential. But how can you ensure your business is ready to face these

challenges?

The importance of planning A well-thought-out business plan for 2025 should be more than just a piece of paper; it should be a guide for your decisions and actions. Planning allows you to anticipate market changes, spot potential risks, and use your resources wisely. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive. If you wait until the last minute to think about your strategy, you might find yourself struggling while your competitors race ahead.

Spotting market trends Knowing where your market is headed is crucial.

Whether it’s changes in customer behaviour, new products, or updates to

regulations, staying on top of trends helps you adjust your services and operations. For example, the growing demand for ecofriendly products and services is something you can’t ignore. By planning now, you can include sustainable practices in your business model, giving you an edge over others.

Embracing digital tools Technology is advancing quickly, and it’s changing the way businesses operate.

From online marketing to using software that makes your work more efficient, small businesses that adopt these tools will be better prepared to meet customer needs. A forward-looking plan will include investing in digital tools that improve productivity and help you

connect with customers.

Managing finances wisely Finally, having a clear financial plan is essential.

Understanding your cash flow, profit margins, and potential investment needs will help you manage any economic surprises that may come your way. A wellplanned budget for 2025 will give you the confidence to make smart decisions and grab new opportunities.

In summary, the future for Dorset’s micro and small businesses in 2025 looks bright for those who are prepared. Start planning now to ensure your business not only survives but thrives. By staying on top of trends, using digital tools, and keeping your finances in check, you’ll be ready for whatever the future holds.

Nothe shows fortitude to scoop award Businesses in Weymouth were recognised at the fourth annual awards, with the Nothe Fort named overall business of the year.

The tourist attraction, which has won scores of awards, is primarily staffed by volunteers. At the Weymouth Business Awards, run by Marketing West, it scooped the Gold award for customer service, along with the overall Outstanding Business of the Year. Silver in the customer service section went to Nicetta and Purrfect Boarding Cattery.

The WDM’s Lizzie Baking Bird won Gold in the Selfemployed category.

Other winners were: Restaurant of the Year: Gold, Les Enfants Terrible

EVERYONE’S A WINNER: The top Weymouth businesses of 2024

and Oliveto Café, Pub, Casual Dining: Gold, The Dorset Burger Co. Silver, Suttons Coffee Shop Community: Gold, Weymouth Repair Café.

Silver, Weymouth Carnival CIC, Weymouth Foodbank and Nantes Solicitors.

Family Business: Gold,

Halls Kitchen, silver, Suttons Coffee Shop.

New Business: Gold, CJ Mortgage Hub. Silver, Waffilicious, Jurassic Oven & Domestic Cleaning.

My Favourite Business: Gold, Les Enfants Terrible and Floral Couture by Jay. Best Place to Work: UDL

Security.

Independent Business: Gold, Kitchen Craft. Silver, The Saddle Stop.

Young entrepreneur: Hayden Corney.

Small Business: Gold, Dorset Sea Salt. Silver, Wessex Trichology and Boss Miniatures & Gaming.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Down to earth

I can see myself writing about mirrors

PAGAN LIFE with JO BELASCO BA Hons History of Architecture and Design

It never sat well with me that mirrors found in Celtic burials in West Dorset were objects of vanity. In past features I have looked at West Dorset iron age mirrors and of course there is a similar mirror found over the border at Uplyme, Devon.

If these objects were not classed as vanity objects then they were dismissed as superstitious scrying glass or something to do with a fertility cult.

But logically, why would a healthy Celt need a fertility rite? It’s us moderns who have trouble in that area, not them.

ON REFLECTION: St Wite's shrine with the three oval holes and, left, the statue at St Wite's and, right, Uplyme bronze age mirror handle

What they would need though was knowledge and help in childbirth.

It’s not so much Mirror Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

But Mirror Mirror by the bed , quick – show mum the crowning head!

That moment when you are exhausted and begin to doubt the baby is ever coming out.

The midwife could angle the mirror so that you could see your baby entering this world.

Looking at the handle on each of the West Country

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.

Fungal parasites of other fungi abound in nature.

The most peculiar in this treacherous group is the Powdercap Strangler, a species that grows its own sporebearing cap from the stem of one of its close relatives, the Earthy Powdercap toadstool.

mirrors you can see three or four circles. I just followed a hunch and looked up about how many stages of labour there are and it’s three.

Couldn’t it be that the mirror itself is a symbol of the womb and the handle are the stages of childbirth? You may think I am labouring the point – but wait for the punch line!

On past visits to the 12th century St Wite’s church in the Marshwood Vale I had been struck by the three oval shapes below

her shrine, where people placed their various body parts for healing. The three ovals reminded me very much of the three or four circlets of the mirrors handle. I had no idea at that time that an older version of the medieval story of St Wite’s existed.

Believe it or not, this sixth century saint was worshipped as a fertilitygiver.

The church of St Wite’s is built upon a Saxon site too, so that all adds up.

She was known as Gwen of the three breasts! My pagan view is that she helped teach women how to get through childbirth without either themselves or their baby dying rather than offered some kind of fertility blessing.

And then my friend Angela Latham sent me her photo of a statue at St Wite’s. Note the exaggerated index finger pointing to the swollen belly!

You really don’t want to

The latter can no longer produce its own cap and subsequent spores, but instead is doomed to support those of its parasite.

Find a photo online and look at the stem. You can see the join!

Much commoner, and one of the weirdest and most beautiful of all sights in an autumn forest is the Bolete Eater. It is usually seen as a toppled mushroom from the bolete group (mushroom-shaped but with

tubes underneath, not gills) that has mysteriously turned a brilliant golden yellow all over. It tends to look unwell, which it is: soft, brittle and smelly. The yellow colour is a powder belonging to the parasitic Bolete Eater that consumes its unfortunate host with invading mycelia. The yellow is one of three stages of spore production, other phases producing much duller colours. By the time the grey stage has been reached, the smell of rotting mushroom is

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Down to earth Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown-up sons and spotty rescue dog. She loves to photograph and write about the everyday wildlife she sees in her garden and on her daily dog walks. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle.

Don’t bee afraid, just let the ivy bees bee Last autumn, a tiny insect created quite a buzz in our village. Several people, often with some anxiety, noticed that hundreds of tiny bees were emerging from sunny banks or dry areas in their lawns. There were cries of ‘what do I do?’ and ‘how do I get rid of them?’ Fortunately, these questions are easy to answer, just ‘leave them bee’ as these bees, similar looking to honey bees but slightly smaller and with fox-coloured furry bodies, are harmless ivy bees.

They’ll only be flying for a few weeks as they have evolved to coincide their life cycle with the abundant ivy pollen available at this time of year.

Ivy bees are newcomers.

They were first recorded in Britain in Dorset in 2001 and are gradually spreading north, most likely because of warming

temperatures. As a colonising species there’s been much research on their effect on our native pollinators, but it seems that by emerging so late in the year they have found a good niche for themselves and don’t appear to threaten our native bees. Many other pollinators such as wasps, hoverflies, honey bees and butterflies also feed on ivy flowers but it seems there is plenty of nectar and pollen to go round.

Obviously part of the concern of suddenly seeing great numbers of bees in your garden is wondering if they’re going to sting. The sting is part of the female reproductive system so the male bees can’t sting at all and researchers found that female bees very rarely

sting, find it difficult to penetrate thick skin and if they do the pain is similar to that of a nettle sting.

It seems strange to say this if you’ve seen hundreds of them swarming over your

lawn, but ivy bees are solitary.

Each female builds her own burrow, deep into the ground, and in it she excavates brood chambers for her young. As a species of ‘plasterer bee’ she also waterproofs each chamber with a special secretion. She lays her eggs in the chambers and then collects millions of

grains of pollen for the larvae to feed on before they eventually pupate and leave the burrows as adult bees next autumn.

If I’m trying my best to encourage you to live in harmony with these wonderful bees, I’m going to go full out and try and convert you into liking the ivy too! According to the Woodland Trust it supports some 50 wildlife species with its flowers, berries and sheltered nesting and roosting sites and really doesn’t deserve its bad reputation for damaging trees and buildings.

We are always hearing on the news about the decline of our bees and other pollinators, so please if you are lucky enough to be hosting these amazing creatures this autumn, don’t panic, just leave them bee!

mess about with these. Just ask any coroner... overwhelming, and few specimens are invited back to the lab for further examination. I recently found a similar-looking species growing on an unidentifiable milkcap mushroom, but it was strikingly pink. Infuriatingly, no amount of research has discovered its name.

A related parasite grows on Saffron Milkcaps, a common edible fungus of pine woods that is conspicuously orange, then green, all over. The parasite, Hypomyces lateritium,

leaves the appearance of the host’s cap and stem unchanged, but where the orange gills should be there is just a slightly wrinkled, pale grey surface from which the parasite’s spores are released in place of those of the milkcap. Bizarrely, the whole milkcap becomes much more robust after infection; neither squidgy nor smelly.

A similarly robust relative, the Lobster Mushroom, is found in North America. The parasite here turns another species of milkcap the colour

of cooked lobster. The resultant inextricably conjoined fungi are highly prized as a gastronomic delicacy. I imagine that our own parasitised Saffron Milkcap is also edible, but I have yet to try it. Perhaps if you find one you could give it a go.

Do let me know what it tastes like – though obviously this will be contingent on your survival. Perhaps make notes?

The coroner can pass them on.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Down to earth KIM BERLIN – A newcomer to the Rock

We’re b-side ourselves with excitement It’s that time of year again and excitement on the Isle of Portland is mounting – because September means the b-side arts festival is back!

I love b-side. This annual arts festival has inspired and entertained people since its inception in 2008.

With viewings and events ranging from the beautiful to the esoteric and arcane, it never fails to surprise, inform and enliven.

This is no heavy exhibition in a cloistered hall. Instead the whole island becomes the gallery, with many exhibits being located in nature in remote parts of the island often unseen by any except the most adventurous. In quarries, on footpaths, beaches and buildings, the island is divided into zones with each area bringing together a cornucopia of exhibits.

Neither is this a sedentary arts festival. Audience participation is vital to the event with people becoming both creators and constituents in the arts.

I have abseiled halfway down a cliff at Freshwater Bay onto a platform to write poetry with a professional poet, wandered the clifftops at Westcliff to the music of instruments played by the wind and explored the High Angle Battery whilst listening to a guided tour of a cruel and dystopian city only to find out that I had,

in fact, been witness, in large part, to the real experience of Palestinians in the Middle East today. I even managed a role in the art myself when, interviewed for a podcast for b-side’s Common Lands theme, I became the central subject for the final

way to start. My quintessentially English father would have been amazed to find out that he was more Swedish and Danish than he was English. My wife, who didn’t know her birth father, found out that she is more than 50% Irish, from

part of the trilogy.

This year’s themes explore identity, migration and ancestry, something that touches us all and that is valuable and enriching, should we choose to embrace it. It is, of course, highly topical at the moment with the Bibby Stockholm barge located in our midst and men from the barge have created their own artworks that will be exhibited during the b-side fringe festival, but it does invite us to look inside ourselves to find who we really are, because each of us contains a story of migration.

DNA analysis is an easy

County Clare and that her journey would, in her late fifties, bring her four siblings that were previously unknown and a story of migration that we have traced from a village in the west of Ireland, through a Dublin tenement to London in the 1940s and onwards. It has been incredibly enriching.

DNA is one means, and whilst it is fascinating it can be a bit flat. b-side has pushed this boat out so much further.

Artists from around the world and local artists will bring us new ways to explore these themes within us. A reimagining of

the Union Flag, The New Union Flag, recreated with fabric designs from around the world, will explore the larger picture of migration to and from the UK while The Red Dress takes fabric artistry in another direction with pieces made and embroidered by nearly 400 women, men and children from 51 countries that have been made into one single red dress. Their designs tell their personal stories.

There will be poetry, seaweed explorations in making art on the beach, Transylvanian folk dancing coupling stories of bat and human migrations, explorations of the legacy of workers and migration on the island itself, Somali song weaving and Persian calligraphy combined with European scientific illustration, wheelie tours, accessible bus tours, pop up events and a lot more, phew...

So, give yourself a treat and a day out at this most vibrant and enriching of local arts festivals and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful island. n b-side arts festival is from 5-8 September 2024 and the Fringe festival runs from August 31 to September 8.

Programmes are available online at b-side.org.uk or printed copies at the b-side HQ at 77 Fortuneswell and in many public spaces around Portland and Weymouth.

The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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Politics

Urgent need to address solar and farming issues As many of you know, before becoming an MP I worked in renewable energy. My background is in small-scale commercial rooftop solar, rather than the 50MW utilityscale type project being proposed for near Bradford Abbas. However many of the same fundamentals apply.

We lose 10% of energy generated (regardless of source) through transmission, so locating generation close to the point of consumption is better. Our ageing national grid means connecting new projects can be difficult, so locating near points with spare capacity is important.

The yield (amount of energy generated) is also affected by the location of the panels.

If we are to avoid the worst of the climate crisis, we need to rapidly decarbonise energy generation. That means more renewable energy in all forms.

For the UK to meet its solar targets we will need to

By EDWARD MORELLO MP for West Dorset

convert approximately 0.3% of the UK’s total land to solar – roughly half the amount currently used as golf courses.

People who say we should be using rooftops and carparks do not understand the economics of solar. Rooftop solar costs twice as much as groundmount, and carport double that. Until we reform the UK energy market and force energy companies to pay generators (whether companies or households) a meaningful sum for export utility-scale groundmount solar will be the only commercially viable model.

Unlock the commercial viability of rooftop and solar carports and private money will prioritise those projects over groundmount. They do not face the same lengthy and costly planning processes.

We must urgently invest in the national grid so projects can be anywhere. We cannot achieve decarbonisation targets without addressing the capacity problem.

We must ensure the drive to generate clean energy does not come at the cost of food production. Meeting our national solar target would need roughly 0.5% of the land currently farmed. At Wyke Solar Farm the land is mostly grade 3B and 4, theoretically less productive land, but the potential 430-acre site also contains parcels of Grade 1.

Taking any viable productive land out of food production is bad for UK food security.

I am yet to meet a farmer who got into farming hoping to grow solar panels. Making a living from food production is increasingly difficult. Nearly all farms have been forced into diversification. Some increasingly resemble a glamping site with a petting

zoo. Farmers who lease their land to renewable energy developers do so because the income represents a better future than farming. That is incredibly alarming. We must address how our farmers are paid for food they produce to secure their future and the future of the next generation.

If we make farming viable we will stop seeing land given over to solar.

Wyke Solar farm is in its preapp stage. That means no application has been made yet, however RWE have begun a consultation ahead of a planning application. People can email RWE or attend the in-person consultation in Bradford Abbas Village Hall at 4pm on September 16.

I will also be meeting personally with the developers to express my concerns. The council will have their opportunity to scrutinise the plans once an application has been made.

Pledge to tackle water company vandalism One of the joys of summer is making the most of our Jurassic Coast. Whether swimming at Mupe Bay, Greenhill and Newton’s Cove or enjoying a pint and the view at Portland’s Cove House Inn - I feel very fortunate to live on this beautiful stretch of coastline.

But we are also responsible for protecting the Jurassic Coast from harm. That’s why I am campaigning to stop toxic sewage spills on our doorstep.

It is now common knowledge that big water companies are responsible for this environmental vandalism. Their crumbling infrastructure and failing business model means that

By LLOYD HATTON MP for South Dorset

untreated sewage is often dumped along our coast and into our rivers. This sewage is often dumped illegally, and yet the big water companies are rarely held to account for rule breaking.

Our health, environment and local livelihoods are all put at risk by sewage spills. So the new Labour Government is tackling this scandal as a matter of urgency.

With my full support, this Labour Government will ban bonuses for the bosses of water firms that are

responsible for dumping sewage.

This practical measure will kickstart a much-needed culture change within water companies.

Next, I want to look at further tough measures to scrutinise water bosses if they are responsible for spills.

If these bosses oversee sewage dumping, rule breaking and widespread financial mismanagement, they should not then be able to disappear without being held to account. Corporate misbehaviour such as this cannot go unchallenged.

I am also supporting Labour’s plan to force water companies to hand back money to their customers if they fail to invest it

in improving infrastructure. Action here will put pressure on water firms to upgrade their infrastructure instead of simply focussing on making a quick buck. Water companies must put the environment ahead of profit.

It will take time to unpick the previous Conservative Government’s mishandling of the sewage spills scandal, but we are already taking the appropriate action to stop the spills. And I will be leading the local campaign to clean up Dorset’s beaches too.

That way we can continue to enjoy our cherished Jurassic Coast every summer.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

Health & Wellbeing

The ups and downs of hilly Allington ALLINGTON WALKING IN DORSET

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

I wonder if the map maker or sign writer misread or misheard the name, or had spent too much time in the Oddfellows Arms as logically the parish should be called Hillington!

This is a short walk of a little over three miles but has lots of ups and downs.

Start in Hospital Lane, which is close to the Oddfellows Arms and join a footpath, soon becoming a hollow way, heading south, steeply up the side of Allington Hill.

When the path has started to go down, turn right and continue uphill to the open area of access land at the top of the hill. Pause to appreciate the

POST WALK BEVVY? The Oddfellows Arms

wide views of all the other large hills in the area, then make your way down to the north west side of the hill to join the path leading east back to the road.

Now join a path heading north past the eastern side of the hospital. It soon becomes another hollow way leading uphill. When it levels out it

September resolutions September, not January, is the best time to break old habits and build new ones, claims a health support team for Dorset.

LiveWell Dorset says September is the perfect month to get into – or back into – a healthier lifestyle.

Rather than waiting till the dark days after new year, they say once the chaos of summer holidays is over, and everyone starts getting back to the normal rhythm of life at work and school, it feels like a fresh start: “It’s a good moment to think about a mini reboot,” said a spokesperson.

They added: “The New Year can feel pressurised with everyone leaping into resolutions. The days are short, the weather cold and good intentions can quickly

fizzle out.

“September is different.

The days are longer and the weather usually kinder.

Motivation for change is stronger, especially for those who have abandoned routines and are now looking to reclaim some lost ground.

“Without the pressure of sticking to New Year’s resolutions, you can quietly choose a goal and start to work towards it.”

LiveWell Dorset offers a range of help, to lose weight, quit smoking and cut down on alcohol. Their help is free and they offer free slimming group vouchers, activity plans, 12-1 coaching, and smoking quit kits, too. Call free on 0800 840 1628 or visit livewelldorset.co.uk

enters fields and continues along their boundary.

After passing some buildings, turn left as far as on old small barn which is the start of a path heading north to join the Monarch’s Way at Bilshay Lane, where you turn right and head east to the B3162, Dottery Road.

Cross the road and continue along the Monarch’s Way down and up for about half a mile as far as Middle Pymore Farm where you turn right and head south, down and up for half a mile until you meet a track at the edge of the Court Orchard housing estate.

Turn right and you’ll soon be back on the Dottery Road.

Turn left and use the pavement to get you back to Hospital Lane, your start point.

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The West Dorset Magazine, September 2024

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