The New Blackmore Vale Magazine by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Edition 17

Friday, May 14, 2021

w e n he

Blackmore Vale

Fortnightly

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MAKING A STAND Opposition grows to giant solar power farm set to be built in Hardy’s Vale n FULL STORY: SEE PAGES 20-21

SOLAR SCHEME: Terence Scott of Boywood Farm at the site of the planned solar power farm

Picture: LEN COPLAND

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What’s inside this week Announcements Arts & Entertainments Antiques & Collectibles Business Church Education Equestrian Farming Field And Stream Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Gardens Items For Sale Letters Local Services Motoring MPs’ Round-Up Pets

35-38 62-68 44-45 80-85 74-75 42-43 96 97-103 95-96 31-33 58-61 44-50 30 39-41 51-57 n Museums ready to re-open after 14 months of closure: P6-8 n Poet Luke Wright touring pubs with murderous ballads: P62-68 n Beetlemania making a comeback: P95 75-79 72-73 Property 104-111 Recruitment 86-89 70-71, 96 Sport 90-94 69 Puzzles

Meet the Team Miranda Robertson

Lloyd Armishaw

Lorraine Drake

Editor

Publisher

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

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Contact Us Advertising: adverts@blackmorevale.net Editorial: newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Postal enquiries to: 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net,

Karen Bate

Ellie Rose

News editor

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karen.bate@ blackmorevale.net

classified@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

01963 400186 or online at blackmorevale.net Sport stories: sport@blackmorevale.net

DEADLINES The deadlines for advertising and editorial is the Friday before publication.However every effort will be made to include death announcements until the Tuesday.

Steve Keenan

Reporter sport@blackmorevale.net Tel: 07940 143223 Sue Kennington

Account manager sue.kennington@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289403

Ruth Armishaw

Commercial manager newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Ex-mayor faces up to online criticism By Steve keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A former Shaftesbury Mayor has been criticised for refusing to show his face at online meetings of the Town Council. Piers Brown, 26, has declined requests from fellow councillors Jeanne Loader and Karen Tippins, saying that he was within rights not to do so. In one recent meeting, he was also challenged by former councillor Richard Thomas asking why he could be heard but not seen. “Is it not courteous to onlookers to do that (show face)?” he asked. When Cllr Brown demurred, Mr Thomas described his actions as “poor and immature”. Cllr Brown was the youngest Mayor of Shaftesbury in his 2018-19 term of office. He is on three council committees,

HEARD BUT NOT SEEN: Former Shaftesbury mayor Piers Brown

including being chair of the General Management Committee. He is also a member of Dorset Council for Cranborne Chase. In committees and full town council meetings, Cllr Brown deflects criticism of his stance, saying that he is within the letter and spirit of the law. The law he refers to is a government regulation introduced in March 2020 which allowed local

authorities to hold meetings online. The relevant sections say that councillors should be heard “and where practicable, be seen by (other councillors) and any other members of the public during the meeting”. Despite requests for a comment, Cllr Brown has declined to explain whether he has issues with broadband or supply any other explanation as to why it is not practicable for him to be seen. Shaftesbury Town Council is continuing to hold meetings online until June 21, when all restrictions of meetings are scheduled to be lifted. n The chair of Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Edwyn-Jones, has been elected as a town councillor. An independent, she fills a vacant seat in the town’s West Ward.

Repair café opens The Marnhull Hub, Repair & Recycle Café is reopening on Saturday, May 22 from 10am-12pm at the village hall in Burton Street. Go along for coffee, tea and cakes and bring clocks or wooden items for repair. They will also soon be repairing bikes and PCs. Organiser Sioban Boyce said: “We already have volunteers who can repair furniture, upholstery, clocks, bicycles, miscellaneous mechanical items and soft or wooden toys but unfortunately not mainspowered electrical items. If anyone would like to volunteer their services to help out in that respect, we’d be delighted to hear from them!” Search for Marnhull Hub and Repair Café on Facebook or go to marnhullhub.org.uk.

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Gillingham Car Link restarts Gillingham Car Link will resume in June. Initially, volunteers will only be able to take clients to medical, dental or optical appointments. Drivers have had both jabs and there will be full PPE protection. To book a journey call 07599 311443. Volunteers are needed to offer journeys to hairdressers, shops and social events. To learn more email robertwellen@btinternet.com or ring 01747 825231.

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School welcomes laptop donation Asda Gillingham Community Champion Emma Sleeth arranged a surprise delivery of ten laptops to Gillingham Primary School as part of the supermarket’s initiative to provide over 7,000 laptops to schools to help tackle digital exclusion. The Asda Store on Station Road welcomed the laptops, each of which comes with a tech bundle to support ongoing home learning activities. Asda launched this initiative to support schools struggling with

digital exclusion. According to Ofcom, around 9% of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. Each laptop comes with a headset and a mobile internet dongle with a data allowance of 20gb from Asda’s network partner Vodafone. Emma said: “I’ve a really close relationship with Gillingham Primary School and I know what a massive difference this is going to make.”

Home managers’ safety fears for site By Nicci Brown The inability of Dorset planners to refuse an application for redevelopment of the Euromaster site in Shaftesbury on access grounds has distressed managers of its near neighbour, the Abbeyfield Home. The highway authority’s insistence that the proposal was compliant with policy requirements and would not result in severe highway aspects meant that the Northern Planning Committee could not offer inadequacy of the access as a reason for refusal. Officers had recommended approval, subject to a legal agreement requiring a total of £125,206.70 towards the provision of offsite play facilities, outdoor space and education, saying that safe access would be made to serve the development in a sustainable location, and that it would 4

enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would not cause significant harm to neighbouring residential amenity. The committee disagreed on the impact on the conservation area, but despite a high number of objections citing the inadequacy of the proposed vehicular access onto the privately owned Kings Hill opposite the care home was unable to contradict highway planner Steve Savage who said that development should only be prevented or refused on transport grounds if impacts were severe. They were warned that they needed to make decisions that were defendable at appeal. Barbara Yoxall, chairwoman of Abbeyfield Blackmore Vale Society, the charity managing the Abbeyfield home, said: “We were, of course, very relieved to hear of Dorset Council Northern Planning Committee’s decision

to reject the revised planning application for 18 family homes on the site directly opposite our Abbeyfield House. “However, the reason given – because of the look of the development, rather than the safety and welfare of our elderly and vulnerable residents – is very disappointing for us and leaves us still with an uncertain future regarding what will eventually be built a few feet opposite our building. “Our biggest concern has always been the proposed access for the site. Anyone who knows Kings Hill knows that it is an extremely narrow and short access leading to a cul-de-sac. It is the only vehicular access to our building and car park and where emergency and delivery vehicles need to stop.” She said a report suggesting that the proposal could generate nine to ten vehicle movements during peak hour period seemed a gross

under-estimate of the traffic to and from 18 dwellings. “It also ignores those who will be walking, some of whom could be disabled. Crossing Bleke Street is an undertaking even those of us with good ears, eyesight and mobility find daunting. “We have been living opposite a overgrown wasteland (currently being used as a parking lot and dumping ground) for several years now. “We can only hope that the developer and the council will take our concerns seriously when looking at any future development. “How refreshing it would be if those who make these plans and decisions would come and talk to us, who are the most affected and who have provided a service, run by volunteers, to Shaftesbury and its surrounding community for the past 45 years.”

Joan and Jackie’s new store ‘fills void’ By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The closure in December of the much-loved charity shop Brainwave in Stalbridge left such ‘a void’ in the town for so many people that two former volunteers have put their heart and souls into opening a community shop in its place. Joan Theodore was inspired to open the Stalbridge Community Shop not only to give the town an outlet to recycle household goods and clothes to raise money for super-local good causes, but to give the town a focal spot and meeting place. Joined by Jackie Pitman, the pair have been working so hard over the last few months to secure the shop and ready it in time for their planned opening on Saturday, June 26. Jackie said: “After

people and put the world to rights. It was a friendly community. “The aim is not only to support an outlet for goods to be recycled, but a focal spot in the town in which the community will feel comfortable to visit, browse and meet with others. A place where those, especially ones who cannot drive, WORKING HARD: Joan and Jackie at their could volunteer Stalbridge Community Shop their time for the benefit of the Brainwave closed, there was community and to meet likea void left in the town, not minded people, at the same only for all the people who used to come into Brainwave time generating funds for various organisations in regularly for new stock, but Stalbridge. also for the volunteers. The “The shop will keep waste shop was a place where out of landfills and at the people would bump into old same time put profits back friends and like-minded

into the community.” Brainwave formed part of the fabric of Stalbridge for almost 20 years and Joan and Jackie are hoping to emulate its popularity. However, there is still much work to do before the shop can be opened and Jackie is appealing for volunteers to lend a hand, particularly with shelving. She said: “The planned opening is Saturday, June 26 and there is still quite a bit of work needed to be done to be able to get the shop ready for the date. We would be so delighted if anyone who may be able to help, to come forward and lend a hand, particularly DIYers and volunteers to help in the shop.” n If anyone is able to help Stalbridge Community Shop open in time for June 26, please ring Jackie on 01963 364068

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It’s been a long 14 months, but here’s Christmas Raffle online which provided much needed funds. Lime Tree House is owned by the Museum so there are no other overheads to pay. It has been nail-biting but ultimately not disastrous! nOPENS MAY 17: The museum and tea rooms are open on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am4pm.

By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Museums across the Blackmore Vale are getting ready to re-open doors from Monday for the first time since coronavirus effectively shut them down 14 months ago. It’s been a testing time for museums which primarily depend on visitors for income – but it’s also been a period to reflect, evaluate and plan for the future. Gillingham and Sherborne museums have both worked on new websites and created town trails available to download, while several museums have worked hard to make archives more accessible for public use. Necessity has also encouraged invention. Shaftesbury Abbey has completely redeveloped its museum look and layout, while the return in lockdown to regular milling at Sturminster Newton Mill has encouraged plans to sell flour to visitors on milling weekends. Meanwhile, new projects are underway at Blandford Town Museum and fresh exhibitions opening at the town’s Fashion Museum and at Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury. Not all will re-open on May 17, for differing reasons. Ian Kellett, Honorary Secretary of The Shaftesbury and District Historical Society at Gold Hill Museum, says new video screens and a touchscreen till will require training. “We are an all-volunteer organisation and rely on so many willing parts contributing to the whole that we are not rushing to reopen,” he said. And Zilla Brown, secretary of Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust, gave another 6

Gillingham Museum

SENSE OF HISTORY: Shaftesbury Abbey and Museum and, above, Blandford Fashion Museum’s Betty dress

practical reason for delaying until May 29. “The vast majority of our volunteers will have had their second jab and will be safer.” But all being well, all will be open over the summer and will welcome your support – a good time to rediscover your local heritage and get involved with projects and volunteering! Blandford Fashion Museum

It is the museum’s 25th anniversary this month and is celebrating the founder of the current collection, Betty Penny MBE, with a special display prepared and mounted by our curator and

her costume team, writes Carole Fornachon. The dress worn by Betty at all of her “Cavalcade of Costumes” catwalk performances will be on show together with a reproduction of the 1996 Tea Room! We have been fortunate in receiving grants from the Government and managed to cope with the loss of revenue and footfall. So far our volunteers are all keen to return and we have gathered even more in the interim. Essential renovation work has been carried out which has been beneficial and other grant applications made in the quiet of closure. We were able to hold our

The museum has used its time in lockdown to redesign and relaunch the website writes David Lloyd, chairman of Gillingham Local History Society. A history of Gillingham soldiers in the First World War has been added to the site (any extra information or photos of the soldiers is welcome), while you can obtain walking guides to the Museum and a Town Trail, together with information packs on buildings around the town – all downloadable as PDFs. Sign up for news and events at gillingham museum.co.uk. n OPENS MAY 17: Hours of opening are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10am to 12.30pm. Shaftesbury Abbey

The Abbey welcomes back visitors to its completely redeveloped museum and gardens with free entry for everyone this summer, writes chairman Pete Ryley. The museum takes you on a journey through time, with spectacular evidence found during 2019’s archaeological excavations bringing to life the people of the Abbey – from powerful abbesses to the gentlest of nuns, in new displays and information panels describing: n The Abbey’s founding by Alfred the Great in AD888;

when your museums are reopening n Its national importance as a site of pilgrimage and royal visits for prayer at the tomb of (Saxon) St. Edward, King and Martyr, n Its destruction in a few years after Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. The gardens retain their air of peace and calm; a place to breathe and revive the spirit while investigating new displays of medieval herbs and plants … and Dorset ice-cream! nOPENS MAY 17: The Abbey grounds and Museum are open daily, from 10am – 4pm. More info: shaftesburyabbey.org.uk. Blandford Town Museum

Two exciting new projects are underway at the museum. A Young Archaeologist Club has been launched with the help of Darcy Bragg, a

eum.org.uk or go to blandfordtown museum.org.uk. nOPENS MAY 18: Open daily 10am – 4pm (Sunday: 11am-3pm). Closed Wednesdays. Sturminster Newton Museum IN THE PIPELINE: This seven-bowl pipe is at Sherborne Museum and, right, Mr Toad’s abandoned caravan at Gold Hill Museum at Shaftesbury

student at The Blandford School who has become a Museum Youth advisor. Want to be involved? Look for more information on the website. Memories Captured is one of 20 projects in the Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme. This one records individual stories of how the land was managed, how wildlife patterns have changed and the craftsmanship and skills used such as charcoal

making, coppicing and hurdle making. Museum director Sylvia Hixson-Andrews, who is overseeing the project, said: “So much of our past is contained in the memories of the people who lived it, and we have the technology to capture those memories and make the past real for future generations.” To take part in these projects or volunteer, call 01258 450388, email contact@blandfordtownmus

The lockdown gave us an opportunity to reassess what the museum offers. The hours have been extended and a new research facility is being established. An extensive photographic archive, census records and other local records will be available for research. Current exhibitions celebrate the Town’s literary heritage. Thomas Hardy, Robert Young and William Barnes are all featured along with some relevant artefacts on loan from Dorchester Museum. There is a tribute exhibition for Sturminster’s renowned n CONT ON PAGE 8

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Town Crier, it explores the history of the role and features explanation of his hand made costume. Stur is famous for the Hinton St Mary mosaic, The British Museum hopes to do a thorough excavation of the site this year. A museum exhibition relates to the Romano British villa sites in the area and will potentially be an active link with the dig. nOPENS May 29: Open Monday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10.12.30. More info: sturminsternewtonmuseum.co.uk or call 01258 473178 Sturminster Newton Mill and Museum

The lockdown was a period of intense activity at the Mill. Behind closed doors, millers were producing flour for local business and dealing with visits from national and international media. The Mill opens again with all the traditional machinery working. Regular milling weekends will produce flour but this time for visitors to buy. Visitors can follow a covid-19 safe route and see the centuries old, unchanged process of flour production as well as learn about the other mill! The building once included a Fulling Mill which produced ‘swanskin fabric’ and was part of the historic Newfoundland/ Dorset link, intriguing! The Mill is situated in a unique, tranquil environment offering local history, beautiful scenery and nature all at its best. The location is the ideal location to just relax with a tea, coffee or ice cream all available at the Mill. n OPENS MAY 29: Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday from 11am-5pm. More info at: sturminsternewtonmuseum.co.uk/mill/or call 01258 473178 8

NO TROUBLE AT MILL: Sturminster Newton Mill and Museum is set to open on May 29 Gold Hill Museum, Shaftesbury

Mr Toad’s Abandoned Caravan, one of the entries for the Lockdown on-line Amazing Spaces Challenge, will be on show on re-opening, courtesy of creator Elizabeth Hazelwood, together with magnificent Doll’s Houses built by the late Tryphena Orchard. They form part of a new temporary exhibition on the theme of Childhood. Held over from last year is a display of memorabilia from the advertising agency responsible for the classic Hovis ad, which will be running on one of several brand-new digital screens acquired with the assistance of a Dorset Museums Association small grant. The DMA has also helped to fund improved storage and conservation of our archives which will be made more accessible to the community as a result of months of cataloguing by an expanded team of volunteers. And do take a look at our new promotional video which we had filmed professionally in February – it’s on the home page of our website: goldhillmuseum.org.uk n OPENS MAY 31: Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm until October 31.

Sherborne Museum

The museum is a vibrant community hub, run entirely by volunteers, writes curator Elisabeth Bletsoe. Since its opening in 1968, its mission has been to tell the history of the town and its surrounding villages in a variety of

inspirational ways. While we have been closed, we have taken the opportunity to really focus on our wonderful collections in terms of their care, and also researching the incredible stories that can be drawn out of them. We’ve been working on a new website and Flickr platform so that these stories can be more accessible to the wider public. Our Duke of Edinburgh Award student is busy preparing a downloadable town trail for varying levels of ability. During this time, new volunteers have been coming forward, keen to find something different to do when lockdown is lifted. Due to the quirky nature of our building, we are delaying opening – but we think we’re worth waiting for and admission will still be free! nOPENS JULY/AUGUST: More details at sherbornemuseum.co.uk

Blandford Fashion Museum

Are pleased to announce our Re-Opening on Monday 17th May at 10am, and from then on we will open our doors every Monday, Thursday and Saturday 10am to 4pm. As before, we will be complying with COVID secure measures and hope to see you there. The Costume Museum, Tea Shop and Shop will all be open. If there are any Government announcements which might alter this intention beyond our control please check on our website or Facebook page. Find us at: Lime Tree House, The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7AA

01258453006

Charity Number (Cavalcade of Costume Ltd): 1052471 Entry Charges: Adults – £5.50, Seniors (60+) – £4.50, Students (16+) – £3, Children under 16 – Free, Friends of the Museum – Free Please note that under 16s must be accompanied by a fee paying adult. If there are any of you out there who would like to join us volunteers, especially in the Tea Room, please get in touch as above or ring

07752 145812

Remembrance garden being restored By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Sarah Goodman from Templecombe has been ‘rallying the troops’ to bring a Remembrance Garden at Elroi Manor in Wincanton, neglected during the pandemic, back to a blaze of glory. Sarah and her former landscape gardener business partner, the late John Redward, built the Remembrance Garden in 2016 as a ‘thank you’ for the exceptional care Sarah’s father Robin Goodman was receiving RALLYING THE TROOPS: The team at Elroi Manor Gardens and, below, how the gardens at the dementia care home. looked before Sarah and her team started work Sarah also wanted to give the Focus Roofing & Property Ltd, gesture of kindness. important things going on in families of loved ones at Elroi Wincanton and many other “The garden will once again the world. Manor the opportunity to plant “One of the things that upset people have made ‘promises’ to become somewhere beautiful a rosebush in the tranquil support the vision. and peaceful for the residents me the most was the two surroundings of the West Hill and families or, just as wooden benches and planters I Sarah added: “The Explorers garden, to give loved ones the have very kindly offered to reimportant, families of past had donated, had been stolen. perfect place to spend time visit once a month just to check residents to come, sit, reflect “I was absolutely heartbroken alone with their thoughts. on progress and ‘do a spot of and enjoy the beauty and scent by the look of the garden so, Sarah said: “Elroi Manor is in a decided to ‘rally the troops’ in weeding’ which is an amazing of the roses.” beautiful setting of fields and the shape of Templecombe’s very little else apart from Explorers, the oldest section of birdsong and the odd sheep or the Cubs and Scouts, where pig!” both of my sons had been both The Remembrance Garden Cubs and Scouts.” became a labour of love for In a wonderful act of kindness, Sarah and after much hard the Explorers, the stalwart of work from a merry band of Templecombe Scouts Geoff volunteers and a flurry of Crab and the owner of Elroi donations from companies Manor Bis Oozageer are now including Bradfords, CRS, putting in place a plan to bring Stalbridge Building Supplies, the Remembrance Garden David Austen Roses and back to its former beauty. Andrew Hopkin amounting to Sarah said: “With much effort some £15,000, the stunning and sterling work along with tranquil space was officially their leaders Geoff Crabb and opened on December 12, 2016. Jason Coles, the Explorers will Sadly John died in November revitalise the garden by some 2018 and Sarah ceased their ‘heavy duty’ weeding, putting gardening business. down permeable membrane, Sarah visited Elroi Manor a covering with chipping, refew weeks ago and said: “Due pointing the paving and to covid, the garden has painting the surrounding fence remained sadly neglected and what is left of the garden because, there were far more furniture – two chairs! Plus, they will install a new gate and plant some new rosebushes. This should bring it back to its former glory.” The chipping for the garden is being very kindly donated by Alan Carey of 9

Weekly allotment group praised for boosting mental health By Miranda Robertson A pensioner has praised a Blandford allotment scheme which boosts her wellbeing. Margaret Fowler, 82, has been part of the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)’s allotment group for older people for nearly four years. The group supports those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and dementia. Supported by volunteers, the team runs a weekly allotment group to boost motivation, confidence and self-esteem. Margaret said: “I suffer with high anxiety and the allotment sessions make me feel relaxed and able to focus while socialising in a peaceful setting. “Every time I visit the allotment I learn something new and get a sense of achievement from planting seeds, seeing them grow and knowing the produce will benefit someone else.” Occupational therapists Rachel

Skeats and Rachel Webster organise the group. Rachel Skeats said: “The allotment not only allows patients to get out in the fresh air and connect with nature but it gives them an opportunity of learning new skills and a sense of purpose. It also gives a feeling of achievement, as the produce grown is sold to Blandford Hospital staff and visitors.” Rachel Webster said: “The allotment tasks meet individual needs to ensure every patient can get involved and have that full sensory experience. It also gives people a sense of belonging, a way to connect with others and feel part of the community.” Dorset HealthCare is encouraging people to embrace nature during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10-16) to benefit their wellbeing. During the week Dorset HealthCare will be sharing top tips, places to visit and suggestions of things to do. Another initiative run by the

Patient Margaret with OT Rachel Webster

trust is the ‘Trust in Trees’ project. Last year cherry, apple, pear and plum trees were delivered to the Dorset HealthCare-run community hospitals including Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne. Ali Lowe, matron at Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital, said: “The value of a garden and being surrounded by nature is very

much underrated. For me, it gives you time to immerse yourself in your surroundings and forget about your worries.” For more information on the mental health services and support provided by Dorset HealthCare, as well as ideas on how to embrace nature during Mental Health Awareness Week, visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ MHAW21

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Brothers’ £20k for MNDA A pair of brothers have raised nearly £20,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after their mum was struck by the disease. Kit Swann, 25, and brother Archie, 23, were shaken when mum Charlotte, now 57, from Charminster, was diagnosed last summer. She has since lost her speech. Kit said: “Along with the emotional and physical toll that comes with MND, there are financial burdens involved. The equipment essential for supporting sufferers – including chair lifts, breathing apparatus, and wheelchairs — are extremely costly. “This month, my family are raising money for MND to ensure that other families (many of whom will be less financially stable than ours) can receive the economic support they need and deserve.

AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT: Kit and Archie Swann with mum Charlotte

“On May 22, my younger brother and I will complete the Jurassic Coast Challenge — walking 100km from Purbeck to Bridport in 24 hours. So far we have raised £19,242 for Motor Neurones Disease Association, and we

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are extremely close to our target of £20k! “We would love your support. If you feel moved donate and help our cause, please go to justgiving.com/fundraising/a rchie-and-kit.”

A close shave At the start of the first lockdown in March last year, Karen Pollard from Buckhorn Weston decided to grow her thick, blonde hair in order to shave it off a year later to raise money for the cancer care unit in Poole Hospital. True to her word, Karen’s husband Ivor took the clippers and a BIC razor to her locks – leaving Karen completely bald. And while she has been a little bit chilly in what was one of the coldest Aprils on record, Karen Braved the Shave and raised £1,013 for cancer, in memory of her beloved eldest brother Tony and younger brother Kevin, who both died of brain tumours. She is also donating her thick, blonde hair to The Princess Trust. Karen said: “I wanted to do something in memory of my brothers. It has been hard but especially for my mum Margaret, who is a brave lady. She has lost three sons, two from brain tumours and I wanted to do something to raise money for the cancer unit in Dorset.”

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Piddle Path gets backing from Sheriff The High Sheriff of Dorset Michael Dooley visited Piddle Valley First School last week during a Bikeability event to show his support for The Piddle Path Improvement Plan – which aims to create a safe route to school. Most Piddle Valley pupils come to school by car. The road is dangerously busy and most parents don’t feel it is safe for their children to cycle or walk to school. Piddle Valley residents have come together to try and create a safe route to school along a muddy bridleway, dubbed The Piddle Path, that runs the length of the valley. The aim is to make the bridleway passable throughout the year for all users. Mr Dooley said: “The proposed Piddle Path would not only allow children to safely walk or cycle to

ON YOUR BIKES: Children at Piddle Valley First School and, right, High Sheriff Michael Dooley

school, it will also encourage them to connect with nature. This is a wonderful example of creating harmony in the community and what we can do together.” The arrival of the High

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Sheriff, dressed in the traditional 500-year-old costume complete with sword, caused great excitement among the school’s pupils. In an interactive session, Michael

challenged the children to spend time on the Piddle Path recording birdsong and photographing different birds – and promised to return in the summer with a prize for the best entry.

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Orchard chairman’s gratitude for support The chairman of a community orchard has thanked supporters who helped the project weather the covid crisis. Jenny Whitelock steers Burton’s community orchard committee in Shillingstone. She said: “I would like to thank the parish council for their donation and all the village residents who have become friends of the orchard and made it possible for it to remain open through these trying times. As it has not been possible for us to do any fundraising for the last 18 months and we were down to our last few pounds and we needed to pay the insurance to keep it open. Thank you for coming to our aid in a time of crisis and helping to make sure the orchard will be around for many years to come.” We can save you time and money if you need Probate and help you avoid the stress and liability of administering an estate. Probate is not always needed, so if you’re not sure, please ask us. We can also help with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Fixed Fees and Free initial enquiry, so you don’t have to worry. Get in touch on 01308 424 808 Email: christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk www.winterbornelegal.com

Community to benefit as new shop is opened As the sun shone on Sherborne, a little shop on Cheap Street was officially opened as The Pod by mayor Jon Andrews, to offer the church community and townsfolk some spiritual satisfaction. The shop at 54 Cheap Street is owned by Cheap Street Church and has been lying empty as the coronavirus restrictions have been taking their toll. However, this moment of pause gave church members the chance to reflect on a long-term ambition – to put the premises to good use for the community. A proposal was put forward by Lynn Heaton and the Pod project was born. She said: “Our ambition is to work together with other churches and community members, creating more awareness of community support groups and linking people together, as well as giving people

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more access to the message of the Christian faith through displays, leaflets, books to borrow and free sticky church craft bags for children.” Already the Pod project is doing good deeds in Sherborne and beyond. It is encouraging people to drop off unwanted and broken jewellery to be sold to raise funds for a new breast cancer care unit. And their Knitting Appeal has meant many items have been given to The Women’s Refuge, the Special Care Baby Unit and the Dementia Ward at Dorchester Hospital. And the Cheap Street Church is working with ACTS 435 to help people with financial needs. At the official opening ceremony, mayor Jon Andrews cut the ribbon and gave his support to the project. Methodist Circuit Superintendent, the Rev Paul Arnold, spoke to the

Campaign on disposable barbecues Litter Free Dorset has launched a new campaign asking shops to stop selling disposable barbecues in the wake of a huge forest fire in Wareham in May last year, which razed an area of more than 200 football pitches caused by two disposable barbecues. In Dorset, there are some 400 outdoor grass related

fires on heathlands and forests every year. Fires on heathland destroy wildlife, are a risk to the surrounding community and contribute to climate change. Conversations have been held with local shops and supermarket chains. Some have already taken it upon themselves to stop selling disposable barbecues.

Art competition for young people A competition and exhibition has been launched for young people in the Blackmore Vale to compete and freely publicly exhibit their works of art. It is open to all 11 to 18year-olds. The Swans Yard Trust in Shaftesbury has joined forces with Cygnet Art Gallery to offer prizes and awards for 11-14-year-olds and 15-18year-olds. The Cygnet Gallery is home to a complete range of work

including painting, glasswork, woodwork, calligraphy, pottery, photography, fabric design and sculpture and an experienced range of local artists will judge all entries. Entrants can bring their material to the Cygnet Gallery between 10am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday by the end of June. Winners will be announced at the Swans Yard at the re-open day celebrations on Saturday, July 10.

Practice ruling on jabs The Blandford Group Practice will not be undertaking any further first dose Covid vaccinations to patients aged 49 and under. A notice on the surgery doors states: “If you have not yet had your first dose vaccine please do not contact the surgery. Providing vaccinations impacts on the practice’s capacity to do ‘the day job’. We have decided that now the time is right to re-focus on our core services.”

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HERE WE GO: The Pod is officially opened in Cheap Street, Sherborne

gathering crowd about the Pod project and its ambitions to reach out and help the community. Rev Arnold closed with a prayer, blessing the town, the project, the volunteers, and all who may benefit from it. The Pod shop will be staffed by volunteers and open Tuesday – Saturday between 10am and noon and 1pm and 3pm.

For information on The Pod contact Penny Gardner or Cath Adam on 07496 755 549 or email shares@thepodsherborne.co.uk. nThe first window display at the Pod has been given to the Royal Voluntary Service Sherborne. For more information ring Maria Jacobson, RVS Service Manager Dorset Home Library Service on 01305 236666.

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A special display has been installed in the phone box in Marnhull after the parish council bought the box from BT for the community. Village volunteers are displaying knitted animals to promote the RVS Home Library Service’s ZOO Challenge 2021. Maria Jacobson from the RVS said: “Our sincere thanks to everybody involved in knitting, decorating and organising this display, you are all incredible people! If you wish to help our Zoo

grow or would like to own one of our animals just get in touch. “All our activities are linked with our much-loved Home Library Service, which is delivered by a special team of volunteers from Sturminster Newton Library – if you love to read but find yourself unable to get to the library we can organise a free, regular delivery of books or talking books to your home.” Call 01305 236666, email maria.jacobson@royalvolunta ryservice.org.uk.

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By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The first pupils to return to St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury are planned to arrive next January. Dorset Council has confirmed that, following public consultation, the school it bought for £10m will be used for children with special educational needs and disabilities. A separate company will be created to run St Mary’s, and teaching recruitment will take place over the summer with the school opening in September. There will be room for 280 pupils, the first 60 of which will attend as day pupils in January. Boarding pupils are planned to be welcomed in September 2022. “We will start with a cohort of about 60 pupils and in the

FIRST PUPILS: St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury

Opening plans revealed at county £10m SEND school rolling academic years, we will increase those numbers,” said Cllr Andrew Parry, council cabinet member responsible for children and education. A thumping 92% of respondents to a council survey supported the principle of a SEND school that can keep eligible children closer to their family

homes in Dorset. There are 3,000 SEND children in the county but school places are so rare that 250 are sent to schools outside Dorset. While emotionally affecting the family, there is also a financial consideration: each child sent out of county costs the council £60,000 to support, compared with £22,000 for a child educated in Dorset. The costings form part of a wider-ranging, £37m council plan for SEND children in Dorset, which includes wider provision in existing special schools and new hubs in mainstream schools. The council is also pursuing the concept of a centre of

excellence, whereby education professionals share and learn best experience and practises at St Mary’s. The next few months will be spent evaluating how best to adapt and utilise the buildings and 54 acres, with some thought for the school also being given over to camping and woodland wellbeing activities in future summer holidays. It is unlikely, however, that the school’s swimming pool, tennis and all-weather courts will be available to the public in the first school year – although the principle is very much in consideration for the future.

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A community interest company supporting older people in meaningful, creative and fun, nature-based activities with other people is looking forward to hosting their outdoor Jolly Days and Step Outside groups again in Shaftesbury. In Jolly Good Company has been providing home based activities from knitting and seed growing to letter-writing and

delivering jolly good dinners from The Friendly Food Club during the coronavirus restrictions. But now the Jolly Crew are excited to host its outdoor group meetings again and will be starting a new gardening group in Blandford in June. Director and founder Sarah Rampton said: “We started the Jolly Postal Service in March 2020 to reach out to very isolated

people in Dorset who are not necessarily online yet. Over the course of the year, many firm friendships have been forged through this pen pal project. Huge thanks must go to our cracking team of Jolly Pen Pals and to local schoolchildren who contribute.” For more details ring Sarah on 07884 333117 or email injollygoodcompany@ gmail.com

MP’s animal cruelty Bill is made law By Karen Bate newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

MP for West Dorset Chris Loder has changed the law to increase the maximum penalty for certain animal offences with his Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021. Mr Loder’s Bill was signed into law by Her Majesty The Queen and increases the maximum penalty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, from six months up to five years and will come into force in June. Mr Loder said: “Those who are cruel to animals can now be sent to prison for five years. It has taken months, if not years, of hard work to realise this and I’m delighted that Her Majesty the Queen has signed my Bill into law. We are renowned as a nation of animal lovers and I believe that Britain can now take the lead on global standards for animal welfare.”

The MP has steered the Bill, which he introduced to Parliament in February 2020 through the disruption to Parliamentary business caused by Coronavirus. The Bill has been signed into law merely hours before the end of the Parliamentary Session when, if not having achieved Royal Assent, the Bill would have fallen. The MP, who is a fourthgeneration farmer’s son and an advocate of high animal welfare, says his own dog, Poppy, a Springer Spaniel, is his inspiration for the Bill. She was cruelly abandoned at the roadside in West Dorset in January 2019 but is now the Loder family’s much-loved farm dog. Poppy was in a very poorly condition when the MP found her on a stormy night and needed emergency veterinary care for long-term issues that the previous owner should have addressed.

n Voters in Wiltshire will have to go to the polls again to select a Police Crime & Commissioner after Tory winner Jonathan Seed was disbarred because of a drink driving conviction in 1993. The former hunt master won the election by 41,929 votes. Other PCC candidates are calling for Wiltshire Police to mount an investigation into Mr Seed’s nomination and decision to stand. Tax payers could have to pay up to £1.4 million for an election.

PROUD MOMENT: MP Chris Loder with his springer spaniel Poppy

n A specialist plant fair will be held at Yarlington House BA9 8DY, by kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis on Saturday, May 22 10am-4pm. The 19th fair will benefit St Mary’s Church, Yarlington and Yarlington Village Hall. Measures will be in place to keep people safe. The beautiful Italiante flower garden and walled kitchen garden are not normally open to the public. Tea, coffee and cake will be served all day.

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By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A black plastic square tube hanging in a wood near Sherborne sent shivers down the spines of some viewers of the post on Facebook. The tube was spotted by Graeme Ford in Holway Woods, on the road from Sherborne to Charlton Hawthorne. He posted this photo on a Sherborne FB group saying: “I saw a few of these fixed to trees. I thought they were ‘boxes’ but they’re completely open at both ends. Does anyone know what or who they’re for?” Alarm bells rang when one respondent replied: “They’re to monitor dormouse populations. “We’ve seen them near us too – the worry is that they’re often used as the first part of the planning process to identify any protected species on site.” There were some other wobbly responses to the idea

INTO THE WOODS: One of the DWT’s dormouse boxes in Holway Woods

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but this has been removed as we aren’t currently actively surveying this reserve’s dormouse population.” Phew, that’s all right then...

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Nest box donation to help hedgehogs Hedgehog nest boxes have been donated to Angus Wood in St Leonard’s Avenue by the Blandford Hedgehog Group as part of the Dorset Mammal Group’s Hedgehog Friendly Town initiative, raising the plight of the creatures which are now listed as vulnerable to extinction. The houses have been kindly made and donated by Julian Rideout, brother-in-law of joint Hedgehog Group co-ordinator Mary Barrett, and it is hoped that female hedgehogs will occupy them to raise a family. Joint group co-ordinator Denise Montague said: “Angus Wood, run by the team of volunteers from the Blandford Environmental Trust, is a fantastic setting for much wildlife with trees, shrubs, piles of logs and organic matter which will

LIFESAVERS: Mary Barrett and Denise Montague of the Blandford Hedgehog Group present a hedgehog nest box to Blandford Environmental Trust chairman Jenny Thompson in Angus Wood

attract birds, insects and hedgehogs. “We hope the presence of hedgehog nest boxes will help to enhance the environment.” Hedgehogs have been found in recent years wandering during the daytime in St Leonard’s Avenue, and other parts of Blandford, and people finding them can

contact the Blandford Group (via their Facebook page), our local vets or one of the DMG Hedgehog Rescue Centres for help and advice. The biggest problem seems to be dehydration and people are asked to provide one or two shallow sources of fresh water and holes under gates, fences, walls and any other boundaries so that hogs can

wander without having to cross many of our busy roads risking injury and death. DMG are holding a Hedgehog Conference on Saturday, September 18 in the Dorford Centre, Dorchester. Details can be found on the DMG website or by emailing hedgehogs@ dorsetmammalgroup.org.uk.

This month sees the launch of The Litter Free Dorset Challenge – a chance to get fit and clear the county of rubbish. Litter Free Dorset are asking people across Dorset to take part in a challenge to clean up the county. Residents have until Monday, May 17 to sign up to the challenge at dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/the-litter-free-dorset-challenge. Participants will be given a litter picker, Tshirt and weighing scales and will be expected to contribute litter data to Prevent Plastic Pollution’s citizen science project.

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Opposition grows to scheme for giant By Karen Bate newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

A bid to build one of Britain’s biggest solar power stations on 190 acres, the size of more than 17 Wembley Stadiums, on productive farmland in the heart of the Blackmore Vale has sparked a massive campaign opposing the ‘destruction and visual blight’ of Hardy’s Vale. North Dairy Farm Solar Limited (c/o British Solar Renewables) has applied to Dorset Council for planning permission to install groundmounted solar panels, a substation, inverter and transformer stations, security fencing, gates and CCTV along with vehicular access, internal access track, landscaping and ancillary infrastructure on 190 acres at North Dairy Farm in Pulham. Swathes of cherished countryside, which the famed Victorian author Thomas Hardy referred to as the ‘Vale of the Little Dairies’, would be buried under thousands of solar panels – covering one mile long and almost a mile wide. More than 80 per cent of the solar farm would fall in Mappowder parish.

Picture: LEN COPLAND

SOLAR STORM: The planned solar power station will occupy a site of 190 acres in the heart of the Blackmore Vale

The proposal for North Dairy Farm, which lies between the protected Conservation Areas of Mappowder, Hazelbury Bryan, and the village of Pulham, has been met with widespread opposition and

ignited a community response, co-ordinated by Mappowder Parish Council chairman David Horrell, who formed the campaign group ‘Save Hardy’s Vale’ complete with website savehardysvale.com and

Facebook page facebook. com/savehardysvale. Already thousands of people in the Vale have joined the campaign to try to stop the scheme, which David says would ‘destroy parts of this famed and delicate

CPRE chief expresses concerns over development’s size Chairman of North Dorset CPRE Rupert Hardy told the New Blackmore Vale they accepted the need for solar energy, but the ‘industrial development of this size, which is over a mile long, is totally inappropriate’. He said: “We favour small community-led solar farms that can be well-screened from surrounding viewpoints. This is neither. “Our key concerns are first that the site is within the setting of the beautiful 20

FEARS: Rupert Hardy

northerly part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and will be visible

from several cherished viewpoints and much of the Wessex Ridgeway path. “Secondly there are many footpaths and bridleways close to or within the site. “This will impact on the amenity of the hundreds of local residents who live nearby, and visitors. “Adverse impact on heritage assets is likely with the Hazelbury Bryan Conservation Area nearby, while the damage to cultural heritage is incalculable

given the significance of this part of the Blackmore Vale to Thomas Hardy’s writing. “Other concerns include flooding, as the river Lydden flows close by, and access. “There will be more than 22 HGV lorry movements per day for many months on a narrow track bordered by protected oak trees, and it is inevitable that damage will occur. “There are ecological concerns too, with numerous protected species on site.”

solar farm to be built on Hardy’s Vale

MAKING A STAND: Terence Scott of Boywood Farm, North Dorset CPRE chairman Rupert Hardy and Mappowder Parish Council chairman David Horrell Picture: LEN COPLAND

landscape forever’. With the public consultation period set to close on May 31, David is urging readers to write or email planning case officer Simon McFarlane at Dorset Council. David said: “The application is to install ground-mounted solar panels, 9.5 kilometres of perimeter internal security fence and about 120, sixmetre-high camera posts, 33 inverter containers and an electricity substation. “If approved, the solar farm would cause visual harm to the surrounding highly valued local landscape and to the setting of the nationally protected Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural 20 Beauty (AONB) and two Conservation Areas peppered with significant heritage

ENERGY FROM THE SUN: More than 80 per cent of the site would be in the parish of Mappowder

assets. The numerous uninterrupted panoramic views from public roads, footpaths and bridleways

which run through the site and along the escarpments above the vale would suffer significant visual harm.

The industrial-sized electricity generation plant would cause visual harm to the setting of the nationally protected AONB, the Conservation Areas of Mappowder and Hazelbury Bryan and many listed buildings. “We should not be covering productive farmland or harming highly valued conservation areas and protected landscapes, especially in the astonishingly beautiful countryside of North Dorset, which a report commissioned by Dorset Council called ‘Dorset’s greatest economic asset’. “A highly valued rural scene would be replaced by an incongruous industrial one. “While many objectors recognise the need for renewable energy, it should not come at the cost of desecrating Hardy’s Vale.” David added: “We are very pleased that the Prime Minister announced on October 6, 2020 that offshore wind turbines will provide for the green energy needs of all homes in the country by 2030. “Thankfully, we do not need to desecrate Hardy’s Vale to combat climate change when we will get all the green wind energy we need – and at much lower carbon cost than solar, which is vital if climate change is to be reversed. And of course, solar is only available during daylight.” n See the plans at dorset foryou.com, number P/FUL/2021/01018. Email Simon McFarlane at planningteamd@dorsetcou ncil.gov.uk or write to him: Planning Team D, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1UZ. 21

Art celebrates RBL centenary The vice chairman of the Sherborne & District Branch of the Royal British Legion has celebrated the organisation’s centenary (May 15) with a stunning piece of art. Gail Felgate created the piece with more than 3,000 plastic bottle tops and displayed it on her garage in Oborne Road. It incorporates the new logo and a giant poppy. Gail had previously made a spring picture during lockdown to make people smile and ran a competition for locals to guess how many tops were used. Many people now leave bottle tops on the gate, porch and path for her. Sherborne RBL was started in June 1921 and was one of the first branches to be formed.

Litterpick scheme Two new litterpick stations have been installed, equipped with litterpickers and reusable bags for anyone to borrow and do their own #2minute clean up at countryside sites across South Somerset. Yeovil Country Park and Chard Reservoir have both recently had the litterpick stations installed, provided by CPRE Somerset. The stations aim to encourage people to pick up a litterpicker and take care of the sites they visit. Once you have completed your litter pick, you can return the equipment to the station and put the litter in a nearby bin and if you can, recycle any items. Chris Lewis, chairman of CPRE Somerset, said: “We have all come to cherish our local countryside more than ever during the last year and it is upsetting to see litter polluting our favourite places. By providing these litterpick stations with kit for people to borrow, we hope to empower people so that anyone can do their own #2minute litterpick.”

Eateries unveil post-lockdown menus

Eateries around the Vale are gearing up to reopen on Monday for dining in, including a new offering – the Gamespod, a board game cafe in the Old Yarn Mills in Sherborne. Fantastic coffee and tasty snacks are on offer along with a huge selection of board games and play activities. Other venues are looking forward to welcoming us all back. Margot Dimmer from Thyme After Time in Thornhill Rd, Stalbridge, said: “We have waded through the covid glue of the last year, kept working with the most incredible support from our loyal customers who just wanted us to be there at the other end. We’ve survived and now we are biting back and raring to go, with a whole host of new ideas to drive us into the future! There is no stopping us now!” Hayley Warren, manger of the restaurant at Orchard Park Garden Centre in Gillingham,

From left, afternoon tea at Thyme After Time, a superb looking dessert from Clubhouse 1896 and al fresco dining at Keynston Mill

said: “As you can imagine it has been an awfully difficult year, but we are so looking forward to getting back to it and welcoming back our loyal customers and new customers alike. “We made the decision not to open for outdoor dining due to lack of space, but the business has spent the time wisely and there’s been lots going on behind the scenes. Our chefs have been busy and we have a fresh new menu ready to launch.” Lee Bardsley runs Clubhouse WITCH REPORT: Residents Coralie Jackson and Shirley Thomson and companionship team member Debbie Easter re-enact Macbeth at Whitecliffe House

Much ado at care home for Bard’s birthday celebration Drama-loving care home residents held celebrations fit for a bard as they marked Shakespeare’s birthday with performances of plays, sonnets and poems. At Whitecliffe House in Blandford, residents and staff acted out scenes from Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Resident Sybil Fish, who played

Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, said: “Doing these performances has been most enjoyable and made us use our grey matter to remember lines. When I was in school plays I always had to play the man.” Ruth Horrocks made her ‘stage debut’ at the age of 88. After playing the part of Juliet, she said: “I feel quite proud of myself.”

1896 at The Ashley Wood Golf Club’s Clubhouse1896. He said: “We are going down a different route when we reopen – a British / American theme of breakfasts and low and slow smoked meats, barbecue, burgers and desserts.” Victoria Lombard of Keynston Mill said: “We have struggled through covid. However we have invested in a fantastic new awning and have made our bistro garden into a lovely place to enjoy al fresco dining. Chef Gary

has put together some tasty seasonal recipes and we will be offering lunch inside from May 17, along with workshops, outdoor cinema, private BBQs and cocktail evenings. Gemma & Monty from the Crown Inn at Marnhull are reopening with an all-new summer menus and a range of specials. During lockdown they’ve fully redecorated the pub, as well as much of their guest accommodation. They’ve also upgraded the outside areas.

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Improvement works are welcomed Ongoing works at the Nationwide Building Society at 5 Market Place, Blandford, have been welcomed by town councillors who at their April planning meeting unanimously supported a planning application for extensive repairs to the roof, masonry, window frames and sills and the fascia and timber boards, saying it would result in enormous improvement to the listed town centre building.

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Academy students are made up with lessons in make-up Local children learned specialist make-up skills at Blandford’s Artori Academy. West End performer and drag artist Alex Anstey visited Artori to teach the students how to transform themselves into elderly people using only the power of make-up. The students had a fantastic time, and finished off the lesson learning how to act, move and speak as though they had suddenly aged overnight. Visit theartoriacademy.com to find out more.

32,000 comment on Local Plan proposals By Steve Keenan newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Dorset Council has received 32,140 comments on its proposals for a Local Plan which will dominate planning decisions for 15 years. The bulging postbag is testament to the anger many communities felt about where the council suggests 39,000 homes can be located by 2038. That includes 12,000 homes in north and east Dorset, with the door opened by the council to building on green belt land. The plan also includes proposals for roads, job 24

creation and public services. A public consultation ended in mid-March, with the comments coming from 6,676 organisations or individuals. Now council officers and an Executive Advisory Panel are working their way through the feedback. The 12 members of the powerful EAP are not listed on the Dorset Council website. But a Freedom of Information request from The New Blackmore Vale has revealed their identities. They are councillors David Walsh, Ray Bryan, Spencer Flower, Peter Wharf, Carole Jones, Kelvin Clayton, Les Fry, Matt Hall, Kate Wheller,

Shane Bartlett and Belinda Ridout. The council response to the request said: “It is an informal group, the meetings are private and are not minuted. The group does not make decisions – decisions on the local plan come through Cabinet, and at the more formal stages, full council.” It may be advisory but a council positioning statement – published after the consultation ended – reveals that the EAP has already supported further work being done to investigate building new settlements or major development areas. The statement adds: “We will

be commissioning further work to invite landowners to propose potential new settlement/major development sites, and to assess their relative merits and requirements, alongside work on this plan.” All councillors are due to be briefed later this month, with a second version of the plan published for a further six weeks of public consultation in the summer. A ministerial statement has been sent to all local planning authorities stressing the need for all to have up to date local plans by the end of 2023, which will be the basis for planning decisions until 2038.

Major support for 20mph on minor roads By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

The chairman of Tarrant Hinton Parish Council is backing a campaign announced last month for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced on all Dorset’s minor roads. Mike Nathan says his parish council and that of Tarrant Gunville have spent thousands of pounds installing a SID (speed indicator unit) and PV Solar unit in Valley Road, in the hope of reducing speeds down the narrow valley lane, where there is currently a 30mph limit. “The unit is used for six weeks at a time, shared

between our villages, but only in one direction at present – we would like to be able to deploy the unit in another site nearer the entrance to our village, and in time hope to purchase another unit to function in the opposite direction. “But Highways, who allowed us to install the first unit without a survey as our villages had them installed temporarily, funded by the Great Dorset Steam Fair, in 2019 for the duration of the fair. “Now they insist we have a survey at further cost to our parish councils, as the proposed site (recommended by them) is in a different

location. If we fail to qualify, we expect another survey will be needed in a different location, presumably at further cost. “They will only allow these devices to be used where ‘they will make a difference’, and consider that perception of speed can be very different from the reality.” “We live in a very rural area with narrow roads, often with passing places and with no pedestrian pavements, and many used as rat runs. What we are attempting to do, and there is no ability with these devices to catch anyone, is to remind drivers to slow down.

Why make it so difficult for us to do this? We are funding it ourselves from a precept which is kept as low as possible, and for specific projects such as these we ask for donations. We are representing our parishes and they support it.” He said in rural France these SID devices are standard at the entrance of most villages, reminding drivers in both directions to slow down. “I am certain that most villages in North Dorset would welcome such a scheme and even be willing to raise the necessary funds, as we have. I fully support the objectives of the 20’s Plenty for Dorset.”

Love Your Street and get involved with litter campiagn A Blandford Love Your Street Campaign has been launched by the combined War on Waste/Cleanup Blandford group in collaboration with Litter Free Dorset. Posters and flyers giving information have been going up around the town, and were handed out to people during a litter pick on Saturday, April 17. All are welcome to join the group when it meets again at 10am on Saturday May 15 by the blue bridge next to the Marsh and Ham car park for another two-hour litter pick, and has planned a schedule of activity for the coming year, including a midsummer litter pick in June and a weekly litter pick in August. Full details are being posted on social media and town websites, and further information is available by emailing blandfordwaronwaste IT’S IN THE BAG: You can help keep Blandford tidy by taking part in the next litter pick @gmail.com.

Anyone for croquet? Play resumes as lockdown is eased Play has resumed on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club. From April 8 club members were able to enjoy their favourite sport as the

lockdown eased and spring weather came upon them. Membership is open and potential members may apply through the club website (wvcroquet.co.uk), or by emailing the club. Both the young and less young are invited to go along for a free

taster session (contact membership.wvcroquet@ gmail.com). Chair Tim Dennis said: “We encourage young players and comply with the safeguarding rules. “And we are delighted that play has now started for the

summer season. Following the latest lockdown changes we can now welcome new members, with coaching available. We look forward to encouraging others locally to take part in this skilful, fascinating, and social sport.” 25

Our Eric honoured by developers

One of the New Blackmore Vale magazine’s columnists has been honoured at a new development in Sherborne. Canon Woods Close has been unveiled in tribute to Canon Eric Woods (Our Loose Canon) in Sherborne. The road is part of developer Platinum Skies’ new over 55s independent-living village – a range of sharedownership townhouses, semi-detached and detached two-bedroom and threebedroom properties at the top of Horsecastles Road and the A30.

NFU’s donations

NFU Mutual Wessex has chosen two local charities – Salisbury Foodbank and Julia’s House Children’s Hospice – to each receive a donation of more than £6,400 from a national £2 million Agency Giving Fund. Steven Bartlett, Senior Partner at NFU Mutual Wessex, said “Salisbury Foodbank and Julia’s House have been making a wonderful difference to our community during these challenging times.”

Charity plant sale

WHERE THE STREET HAS MY NAME: Canon Woods Close in Sherborne and, inset, the man himself

The first 15 houses of 37 are now finished. A hotel and 83 luxury flats are also currently being built on the site. Canon Woods said: “Not long before I retired, the Town Clerk at Sherborne telephoned to ask if I would be happy to have a street

A grand charity plant sale is being held in Gillingham Town Meadow on Saturday, May 29. Stalls open from 10am-2pm, and there will be seven charities offering beautiful plants brought on by local gardeners. Charities include Read Easy, GANG, Dementia Care, Hipp!!Bones and St Mary’s Church.

named after me in the new development. Somewhat gobsmacked, I simply said “yes”. I will make a point of seeking out Canon Woods Close in due course. It might be rather fun to move there one day!” n Our Loose Canon: Page 28

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Debbie on the run in memory of Jackie By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

A close friend of the late Jackie Laws, who died in February after contracting cancer, is in training for a full 26.2-mile marathon raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Debbie Stafford intends to make the run on May 29 on a borrowed treadmill, on which she is currently training in the barn of another friend of the Laws family out in the country. She said: “It is for Jackie, and all the other friends we have lost to cancer. I will be on my own with my radio, looking out over the fields and thinking of Jackie and many others. How long it will take I don’t know, but I will get it done in one day!” Jackie’s husband Stuart Laws, proprietor of the Paddocks Bar in Salisbury Street, Blandford, and, with his late wife, the owner of the Milldown Stud in Tin Pot Lane, said his wife’s death had followed only five

KEEP ON RUNNING: Debbie Stafford on the treadmill and, inset, Jackie Laws

weeks after the death of her brother. “It was her wish to raise money for cancer research. “Her closest friend has committed to do this thing and is determined to raise as much as possible. Once the bars are allowed to open I

will be organising a night with all takings going to the charity. “This is the first time I have ever asked anyone for help to raise money, but there again I have never lost the most important person in my life before.”

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Within days of launching the appeal, over £2,500, including Gift Aid, had been raised online and offline on Debbie’s JustGiving page, Debbie Stafford 1, where she is giving a regular progress report on her training runs. By May 1, donations had exceeded £3,000 – three times her original target. Mr Laws said he hoped the final total would reach £10,000 takings on the opening date of the Paddocks Bar later this month will be donated to the cause.

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Pub granted licence after compromise By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Sales of alcohol from a facility in the garden of the Dolphin pub in Peacemarsh, Gillingham, have been allowed by Dorset Council’s licensing sub-committee after licensee Andy Dean accepted a compromise in the hours sought and no smoking condition to limit the amount of nuisance to his neighbours. He applied to vary the area that is currently licensed to include the car park, allowing an outside catering unit in a converted horsebox from which alcohol could be served and staff could more easily monitor

activities in the garden. He said he tried to control noise and behaviour outside because, like his neighbours who had a young daughter, he and his wife had a young child. But neighbours objected to what they feared would mean an increase in the number of customers in the garden after experiencing problems last year with noise, conversation and language from customers, and cigarette smoke entering their garden. One of the neighbours said that the issues were not during the daytime, when he and his wife were both now working from home, but in the evening, when they were

unable to open their windows at night. They wrote: “The garden was underused before Mr Dean took over, and it’s going to make it a real challenge for us. “We cut them some slack last year because we knew they were suffering. The problems aren’t so much now, but in June/July?” The existing licence allowed sale of alcohol on the premises to 1.30am on Monday to Sunday and indoor late-night refreshment and entertainment until 2am, and use of the outside area until 11pm. Mr Dean pointed out that there was evidence of the garden being much busier 15

postcards with inspirational messages, others explored maths challenges using the number 100 and some

exercised very hard to do 100 star jumps, skips, ball passes,100m races and the hardest challenge, a 100

years ago, and that the pub had been next door to the house since 1830. But he said he would be happy to compromise on an outdoor closing time of 10pm, closing the bar half an hour earlier. Licensing officer Aileen Powell said a no smoking area had to be provided with the new pavement licences now being issued, and the sub-committee, chaired by councillor Emma Parker, agreed to grant the variation with the condition that the use of the outside area for all activities should cease at 10pm, and that smoking would not be allowed at the tables indicated on the application plan.

Children are up to the Tom 100 challenge Children at St Nicholas Primary School in Child Okeford took part in Captain Tom 100 – a series of challenges to mark the late Captain Tom’s 101st birthday. In school each class took part in a variety of activities all involving the number 100. Some children constructed models using 100 pieces of Lego, some wrote messages of hope and made a 100cm chains of hope or designed 100

second silence. Each child was also given a packet of Seeds of Hope, kindly donated by Morrisons.

Time running out for assistance with EU Resettlement Scheme Only a handful of people from North Dorset have asked for help from Dorset Race Equality Council and Citizens Advice on the EU Resettlement Scheme. People have until June 30 to apply for permanent residency in the UK after Brexit, which would allow them to live and work here. Christine Brienne, EUSS & Community Development Officer at Dorset Race 28

Equality Council, said: “We currently have quite a number of EU nationals calling us for help with their last minute application, many from Weymouth and BCP, but only a few from the north of the county. We are concerned that some people may fall through the net, particularly those who think they do not need to apply because they have been living in the UK for a long time or they

already have a resident’s card (they still need to apply), or their passport is out of date and it is difficult to renew it at their embassy because of covid restrictions. This also applies to their non-British family members and children even if they are born in the UK.” For further details contact 07743 370459 or dorsetrec.org.uk.

Young farmers make up for lost time with busy programme Young farmers in Dorset are eagerly anticipating the return of outdoor group meetings and have a packed programme of planned events. A Pallet Competition at Deverel Farm in Milborne St Andrew, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Martin, will start at 10am on Saturday, May 15 and on Sunday May 23, a handicraft and cookery competition is

being held at Salway Ash Village Hall. Sherborne YFC has organised an online stock judging competition on Saturday, May 29. Despite coronavirus restrictions, young farmers from across the county have been keeping busy. Sherborne’s young farmers did particularly well in the South West

Area rounds for Debating and Public Speaking organised by Brainstrust, the brain tumour charity, on Zoom. In the Junior Reading category Henrietta Love, Abbey Robinson and Annie Sprake came second and fourth in the Public Speaking category. Trophies and certificates will be awarded at the DYC presentation celebration afternoon on August 1.

MAY QUEEN; Alice Morgan is crowned by MC Mark Lloyd, being held aloft by her parents, and, right, with Mark Lloyd

Alice in wonderland after being crowned village’s May Queen Ten-year-old Alice Morgan has been crowned Ansty’s May Queen. The village’s normal May Day celebrations had to be altered due to covid, however the ceremony went

ahead with some changes. Mark Lloyd acted at Master of Ceremonies and crowned Alice, who has been dancing the maypole since she was four. Alice’s family did their best

to keep traditions alive, lifting her in the air, as the Morris Men would usually do after the crowning. Her brother George, a former May King himself, also joined her in a dance

around the pole. Villagers made their own pilgrimage to the May Pole throughout the day. Ansty hopes that next year its celebrations will once again be open to all.

Society offers a walk through history By Nicci Brown newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Starting this month is the series of guided heritage walks organised by Blandford & District Civic Society, which regardless of covid restrictions, can safely go ahead in the open air with social distancing. Town Guide Clare Lowes said: “It’s lovely to show visitors round our town, but even more rewarding when local residents join our walks to learn things they never knew about the town’s history.” The first was on Sunday, May 9. It focused on the town centre and history up to the Great Fire of 1731 and the town’s rebuilding as what

has been described as the ‘best Georgian ensemble outside London’. The second, on Sunday, May 23, features more recent development in Victorian and Edwardian times on the perimeter. All walks start at 11am, the town centre walk from the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham car park, and the perimeter walk from outside Scrivens (Durdens Corner) in the Market Place. In most years, the society offers guided walks free of charge as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week in September, but sadly this event has again been cancelled this year due to anticipated covid difficulties.

The society held its AGM by Zoom on March 25, when many of the committee members and trustees were re-elected, but some have stood down, including the chairman for the last five years, Terence Dear, who remains committed to work on projects underway and who said: “At this time of renewal and opportunity as we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic, the civic society movement as a whole and ‘civic involvement’ is as important as ever, and it is sad to see some societies fold due to apparent lack of interest from members of the community. “Here in Blandford we were

unable to celebrate our 50th anniversary last April due to the pandemic, and we would hate to see the society, in its 51st year, follow in their footsteps. People are quick to comment on social media when they see something impacting negatively on their neighbourhood and are fascinated by the history they see around them. It is a great shame that they do not engage with and join us to take up the challenge to defend and celebrate our environment and heritage.” For information on the walks and the society see their Facebook page – The Blandford & District Civic Society – or call 01258 459346. 29

Great expectations of a better world Our Loose Canon...

with Canon Eric Woods DL

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” So begins A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, first published in 1859. The comparison of the best of times and the worst of times is between the city of London and the city of Paris, when the latter passing through the horrors of the French Revolution seventy

years earlier. I suspect the lines I have quoted will come to be an epitaph for the coronavirus pandemic when at last it is conquered – which we hope will be soon, as “unlocking” continues on Monday. The best of times? Yes, when the heroic service of so many is evaluated: NHS staff, of course, but also those working in countless other areas, from care homes to supermarkets, who look after our basic needs and those of family and friends. Then there’s the greeting in the streets between complete strangers – how un-English! – which has come to mean so much to so many. The worst of times? I’m afraid so, for those who have lost those they love, those suffering from long-covid, and children and young people robbed of what should be their carefree years and their years of

learning how to socially-relate – and simply how to learn. The age of wisdom? Yes, with scientists going into overdrive to give us vaccines, and others working out the logistics of delivering them. Teachers having to work on two fronts: teaching those in school and providing on-line learning for those at home. Ordinary people like me working out (it’s not rocket science) that the wise thing is always to err on the side of caution: social distancing, obeying the rules, staying safe. And the age of foolishness? Sadly, yes: people flouting the rules, crowding into protests and parks or onto beaches in a kind of defiant death wish: “I’m young. I’m fit. It won’t touch me” – and then taking the virus back to parents and grandparents, whilst leaving vast mountains of litter behind them.

I could carry on exploring the relevance today of Dickens’s contrasts from that opening sentence. Instead I invite you to do it for yourself. Personally, I believe that the positives outweigh the negatives. But then, as a Christian, I am bound to look at things from the right side of Easter. Resurrection, new life, fresh hope – these are my stock-intrade. More than that – they are the graces which make me confident that the forces of foolishness, incredulity, darkness and despair will never have the last laugh. Wisdom, belief, light and hope will triumph. Dickens went on to say, “we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”. How vital it is that we believe that we have everything before us – and work together to achieve it.

coffee table 2ftx2ft vgc £15 01258 818078. Modern fictional paperback tray of 30. James Patterson Lee Childs etc £8 01258818075 Garage/yard Sale, Factory Hill, Bourton SP8 5AY, May 1, 2 and 3, Please follow signs in village Terracotta pots, plants, vintage galvanised. From £5 01460 55105. 2 folding bikes with shimano gears, rear rack, ideal for camping, excellent condition £100 the pair 01747 824455. Double bed frame and headboard, black vinyl, used only in guest room. £45. 01935 814856. Large gilt framed bevelled mirror 74 x 104cm new condition £20 Tel 01935 872217.. 4ft Roll heavy guage aviary wire £25 01258 268810. Rabbit & guinea pig hutch on legs as new £25. Duck house suit 4-5 ducks, new £35 01258268810. Double sofa bed modern, good quality, comfortable, clean, hardly used. £100ono. 01963 220538. Wine making kit, bottles and equipment 01747 228845 £10 Kampa XL travel Pod with all fittings suitable caravan, motorhome in excellent condition £75. Caravan accessories 40ft Aqua roll with pump, carpets, breathable 10' x 10' 25m extension lead £50 01747 861941. Two filing cabinets, metal, four door, VGC, £30 each, collection only. 01258 459179,

Recliner armchair, electric. Chestnut brown, lovely condition, unmarked. H99cm, D97cm, W91cm. Collection only Sherborne. £80. 07767 863177. Ladies’ bike, brand new, never used, excellent condition, £100 07717 758854. Fridge freezer 1500mm high £45. upright Hoover extra lightweight 1800w vacuum cleaner £35 Bosh electric strimmer £25 01747 824240. Hitachi 24" TV £70, JVC digital radio/CD player £40. Bosch 2in1 rechargeable vacuum cleaner £70, all used very little. 2 x prints of Padstow 26" x 16" modern light colour frames £10 each. 07966 053208 Outdoor goldfish free to good homes. Must be kept in an outdoor pond, not a tank. 07942 133269. Double Beech Framed Bed with Mattress, as new, hardly used. £155 Tel 07894 988388 Wooden 4 door (2 with mirrors) wardrobe with 2 drawers underneath. £125. 07894 988388. Nathan Teak circular pedestal dining table. Seats 6 when extended. 4 matching teak dining chairs. Stone coloured fabric seats. V.G.C. £120. Ono. Buyer collects. 01747 812262. Westinghouse 44" Halley Hugger ceiling fan integral light, suitable workshop or office. Original price £143 asking £55. 01963 364597. Touring caravan for sale. Bailey

Senator 5000. 5 berth 1996 model. Nice condition. £2,250. 01935 850631. Flymo XL500, petrol hover mower, as new only 4 hours work, 50cm cut width. £200 ono 01929 471783. Kitchen furniture - including integrated fridge/freezer, worktop, sink & 19 floor/wall units. VGC £350 ono. 01747 835846 Mobility scooter unused.Cost £1,550 Will accept £1200 ONO. Tel 01747 824974/07850 687287. Fischer bathroom heater as new 1 year old £200. 07858 232967. Lightweight folding wheelchair with cushion £65. 07960 374366. Giant ladies 24spd mountain bike. VGC, £250. 01963 202931. Double Zanussi oven, black. £150 as new 01747 830852.

Items for Sale Weaners. Large white cross. Ready now in Baltonsborough. £45. 07740 029993. Fender Champion guitar amp 40 Watt used but excellent condition £95 01747 825501 Panasonic plasma 42"TV TH42PX60B NEW £2,399, good condition collect Mudford £100 01935 851076. Wooden doll’s house (1960-70) with furniture & dolls. 28"L X 17"H x13"W £35 01935 851076. Trailer 8ft x 4ft, with light board and brake, made from caravan chassis, needs tidying £55 ONO 01935 425220. Cast iron parasol base £20 01258 451507. Old hand seed drill on two c/steel wheels £45 Collection of small pocket knives, also collection of beer mats (350) offers. Walking sticks 5 very nice silver top in good condition £75. Sheepskin coats, ladies and gents good condition £50 the pair. Wahl electric hair clippers two in case, new £25. Book "the bounding spring" history of Teffont £10. 01722 711456. Records, 25 assorted in carry case £15, TV stand, black/chrome. 24"x17", shelf under. Perfect £15. Decorator’s folding table £5, Porter style workman trolley, excellent 01935 812328. Aluminium 10 rung extending/folding ladder £25,

APPLE IMAC RETINA 4K 21.5inch 2017 3.4 GHz 8Gb Very good condition OS Big Sur £495 01258 830618 STERLING MOBILITY SCOOTER heavy duty three wheeled,range up to 25 miles. VGC. £375.tel 07901 063859 LANBER 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN, O/U, G/C, £180. 01258 456228

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Mrs Simkins

Cheese and Ale Here’s another toasty cheesy snack for you to try: as I mentioned a few weeks ago, comforting cheesy morsels on toast have enjoyed a bit of a revival in recent times although for some of us, they never went out of style! First recorded in medieval times, early toasted cheese was simply toast soaked in wine (known as sops, bread soaked in any kind of liquid was big in the Middle Ages) with melted cheese poured on top. Later, ale was also used, adding a welcome bitterness to the rich cheese. This delicious version, further enhanced by fiery mustard, has been made in Gloucestershire for centuries and was often served at posting inns to revive weary travellers as a savoury between courses. Tips For best results, use a white two or three-day-old farmhouse-style loaf, cut

fairly thinly: thinner, crisper toast complements the cheesy topping perfectly. Fabulous served with a fresh green salad and tomatoes – and the rest of the ale. Per person Thin slices of Double Gloucester cheese, enough to cover the toast Made English mustard for spreading on the cheese

2-3 tablespoons strong ale 2 slices of bread Butter for spreading on the toast Preheat oven to 200C (180C fan oven) gas mark 6 or equivalent. You will need a lightly buttered shallow oven proof dish. Spread the cheese with the mustard sparingly and evenly. Lay the slices,

Mum’s Kitchen... Ultimate Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients: 225g (8oz) pitted dates 75g (3oz) softened butter 200g (7oz) demerara sugar 225g (8oz) self raising flour 2 medium eggs 2 tablespoons golden syrup 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda For the toffee sauce: 75g (3oz) butter 75g (3oz) dark brown muscovado sugar 250ml (9 fl oz) double cream 2 tablespoon golden syrup Method Preheat oven to 180C (160C) fan. Grease and line the base and sides of an 18 x25.5cm (7in x 10in) roasting tin with baking parchment. Put the dates

mustard side up, in the dish and cover with the ale: you may not need all the suggested amount, depending on the width of your dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until melted, golden and bubbling. Meanwhile, toast the bread, cool slightly and let the steam escape before buttering thinly, taking the butter right to the edges. Scoop the melted cheese out of the ale still remaining in the dish and spread immediately over the toast. You can eat it straightaway but for best results pop it under the grill for the toast to become hot again and the cheese to bronze further. Double Gloucester Double Gloucester cheese was traditionally made from the full cream milk of Old Gloucester cattle, from both morning and evening milkings. MrsSimkins.co.uk twitter.com/MrsSimkinsCooks info@MrsSimkins.co.uk

with Diana Holman

into a food processor and pour in 300ml (1/2 pint) just-boiled water. Leave to soak for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat together butter, demerara sugar, flour, eggs and golden syrup until smooth. Whiz the date mixture to a puree, then pulse in bicarbonate of soda. Fold date puree into batter until well combined. Transfer to the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce: melt the butter in a medium sized pan. Add sugar, double cream and golden syrup. Bring to the boil, stirring often, and simmer 3-5 minutes until thickened. Serve pudding warm, drizzled generously with sauce, and serve with cream or ice-cream. 31

Something Stirs in Kings Stag! In the quiet village of Kings Stag, just near the deer park between Sturminster Newton and Sherborne, you will 昀nd the brand new Kings Stag Coffee House. This has been developed during the most recent lockdown using some redundant parts of the Green Man pub. The Coffee House design gives a light and airy feel making the room feel far more spacious that was thought possible. Added to the large patio and garden out front, the Coffee House boasts a surprising amount of space, however this is also a result of it being a diversi昀cation project of the Green Man Pub meaning the two share the outdoor area. ‘When you have a space but no clear use for it, its time to think outside of the box’, said owner Jack Langmead. ‘We bought the (Green Man) pub a couple of years ago as part of our farm diversi昀cation and there had always been a plan to use this part of the pub for something, Lockdown 3.0 gave me the motivation to just get the job done and so here we are! The idea for a Coffee house was really my father’s brain child and when we looked into

it we saw an opportunity that we had to take. It now means that between the new Coffee House and the Pub we can be serving customers from 7.30am to 11.00pm at night!’. It is obvious that they are using local supplies where possible with Reads Coffee of Sherborne suppling the coffee beans and Dorset Tea being the choice for the non-coffee drinkers. Even the pub itself is suppling the cakes and treats that are on display. The addition of the Coffee shop adds another feather to the Kings Stag cap

and helps put the village back on the map (that reference will make much more sense when you visit!). With the new bicycle stands installed outside and puncture repairs kits on sale inside, this new Coffee House could be music to the ears of cyclists in our area. The Coffee house is open from 7:30am Monday to Saturday and from 8:30 on a Sunday. For more information visit www.greenmankingsstag.co.uk /coffee-shop

Mm, mm, mmmm! Coffee and cake at The Kings Stag Coffee House

Food & Drink

If you’ve never cooked lettuce before, let me convert you!

Rebecca Vincent is a Wincanton nutritionist

As the weather has taken a chill turn but salad season is just getting started, I thought a warm salad would be just right for this fortnight’s column. I have to admit before looking into this recipe I had never considered cooking lettuce, but I was more than pleasantly surprised with the results and I think you will be too. Lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, B1 and B2, folic acid, manganese, chromium, and chlorophyll, and the darker the leaves the

higher the nutrient level. Lettuces have a high water content so can aid hydration on top of our fluid intake, but where they are mostly water they offer little in the way of macronutrients. Spring onions, members of the allium family alongside leeks, chives, and garlic, are great sources of vitamins A, C, B2, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, as well as antioxidants including flavonoids and polyphenols. Spring onions also have a high water content, but unlike lettuces they also contain good levels of prebiotic fibres, a boon for our gut microbes! Braised spring onions and lettuce (serves 2-4) 2 gem or romaine lettuces 1 pack of spring

onions (approx. 8 spring onions) ¼ of a stock cube 1 garlic clove (finely grated) juice ¼ of lemon drizzle of olive oil pinch of black pepper Cut the lettuces in quarters lengthways and trim the tops and tails from the spring onions. In a large frying pan (big enough to fit everything in a single layer) gently heat the olive oil and garlic on a medium heat for 1-2 minutes without colouring. Dissolve the stock cube in approximately 50ml of boiling water. Add the spring onions to the pan and cook for about two minutes, until starting to soften but not colour. Add the stock and lettuce cooking for about 1 minute

before turning the lettuce over, and cooking for a further minute. Lastly drizzle over the lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper. Lovely served with roast chicken or fish and new potatoes, or as part of a bigger salad. Rebecca Vincent BSc BANT registered nutritionist rebeccavincent nutrition.co.uk

ENFORD FARM SHOP Home reared Lamb along with locally produced meat, veg, fruit, deli and game. Follow us on Facebook for all of our latest deals and offers including weekly meat pack deals

HALF PIG APPROXIMATELY £100 (depending on weight) Open all day, everyday outside shop Fri, Sat Farm shop open 8.30am-5pm Also Arts disiplay Durweston, near Blandford.

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Delicious way to spend day David Warburton MP enjoyed a fantastic day at Eat Festival in Castle Cary. He is pictured with festival oganisers Bev and Sarah Milner-Simonds. He said: “Given the past year we’ve all had, the Eat Festival wasn’t just a celebration of Somerset’s fabulous food and drink. There was also a real buzz in the air as people came together as a community to enjoy the company of others. Thanks to the efforts of Beverly and Sarah, Castle Cary heaved not only with the best of local West Country produce, but with people enjoying every minute and every mouthful.”

PIZZA NIGHTS ARE BACK FOR SUMMER 2021 Starting Friday 21st May and every Friday from 6.30pm (Booking essential) Authentic wood fired pizzas using homemade dough for a little taste of Italy. It’s the perfect way to wind down the week and kickstart the weekend. The Farm Shop is open daily from Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm serving Breakfast / Light Lunches / Cakes Afternoon Teas / Takeaways Large outdoor seating area and marquee Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, DT11 8JW TEL: 01258 830 083 for bookings and reservations Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for all the latest news & updates.

Public Notices & Announcements Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence STALBRIDGE HTQ Limited trading as "Exclusive" of Unit9a, ROYAL BRITISH Butts Pond Ind Est, Sturminster Newton, DT10 LEGION CLUB 1AZ is applying for a licence to use Unit9a, LTD Butts Pond Ind Est, Sturminster Newton, DT10 AGM and SGM (to 1AZ and Unit9b, Butts Pond Ind Est, adopt New Club Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AZ as an operating Rules 2019) centre for 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers Monday 24th Owners or occupiers of land (including March, 2021 buildings) near the operating centre(s) who 7.30pm for an 8pm believe that their use or enjoyment of that land Start. would be affected, should make written For the Members representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner's office. Notice is hereby given that Jayanath Poominathan has applied in respect of NEW LITTLE BUDDHA FOOD & NEWS LTD of Station Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4PY for a New Premises Licence under the Licencing Act 2003 to allow for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday - Sunday between 5.30am and 11pm. Representations to this application must be made in writing by 4 June 2021 to the Licensing Authority, Po Box 9148, Christchurch BH23 9JQ email: licensingteam@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk, Tel: 01202 228989 where applications can be inspected during office hours. It is an offence liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £5000 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application. THE FRIENDS OF BLANDFORD COMMUNITY HOSPITAL will be holding their 64th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At 6.30pm on Wednesday 7th July 2021 at Blandford Community Hospital, Milldown Road, Blandford Forum ALL ARE WELCOME Elections 2021 Nominations for elections to the Council must be received by the Hon. Secretary at the Friends’ office by Friday 21st May 2021. All nominees shall have agreed to stand for election and shall have been duly proposed and seconded by members. Rule 9b states ‘no person shall be appointed to the Council who is not an individual subscribing member of The Friends’. Nomination forms are available on our website riendsofblandford.org.uk

SHILLINGSTONE GARDEN CLUB open air plant sale. At Shillingstone Church Centre on Sunday 23rd May from 2pm - 4:30pm

STALBRIDGE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB LTD AGM and SGM (to adopt New Club Rules 2019) Monday 24th March, 2021 7.30pm for an 8pm Start. For the Members

BIRTHDAYS CELIA MUNDAY Congratulations Celia Munday on your belated 40th birthday. Love from mum, dad, Sharon and Elodie.

IN MEMORIAM WILSON HILDA EMMA 19/05/94 Wife, mum, nan and great nan. 27 years ago you fell asleep, The love for you we will always keep. Such a sweet lady, there could only be one. I will always be proud to call her my mum. From your ever loving daughter, Sandra, Rob and family xx

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Jonathan Aldridge Evelegh trading as Orator Sound Systems of Unit 9 Luccombe Business Centre, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0BD is applying to change an existing licence as follows: to add an operating centre to keep 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers at Unit 25F Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8ST. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

DEATHS JACK HAYWARD On 30th April 2021 died peacefully at the Cedars Nursing Home, Shaftesbury aged 92 years (formerly of Cherry Orchard). Will be sadly missed by all family and friends. Private funeral service. Enquiries to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

ROSE MARGARET GEAL (BETTY / SHEP) On 26th April 2021 peacefully at home aged 87 years of Manston (formerly of The Red Rose Restaurant, and the heart and soul of Sturminster Newton Market). Loving wife to Gordon, mum to Paul, grandma to Adam and Kathryn and great grandma to Henry. Greatly missed and always remembered by all family and friends. Private family service. Donations if desired to St Nicholas Church, Manston (please make cheques payable to Child Okeford with Manston PCC) may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Announcements GLADYS DOROTHY JOAN WELLEN It is with deep sadness, that the family of Joan must announce that she passed away peacefully at Dorchester Hospital on 26 April. She is now with her beloved Sid, who passed away last July. They spent 74 years of loving marriage together and after this short period apart are now reunited. She was much loved and is sorely missed by her daughters, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Donations if desired in memory of Joan are being invited for Royal National Institute of Blind People, c/o Colin Close Funeral Directors.

HANDLEY TREVOR GORDON (TREV) Aged 69 years of Wincanton. On 26th April 2021, peacefully at his home. A much loved husband, dad, step dad, grandad, brother, uncle and friend. Private cremation. Donations in memory of Trevor are being invited for St Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367.

RON COOPER ANN DICK Passed away on 26th March, after a short illness, aged 85 years. Wife of the late Eric Dick, beloved mother, grandma and greatgrandma. She was a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. A private funeral has taken place, due to the covid-19 restrictions. Donations, if desired, cheques made payable to The Royal Air Forces Association Sturminster Newton Branch, and sent to RAF Association Headquarters, Atlas House, 41 Wembley Road, Leicester LE13 1UT or online at rafa.co.uk

JEANIE MOULD (NEE BURT] Sadly passed away at home on April 22nd. She will be sadly missed by all family and friends and everyone who knew her. Funeral to take place at St John’s, Tisbury on Monday, May 17 at 2.30pm. Due to covid restrictions family flowers only please. Jeans Funeral will pass down Tisbury High Street on route to the church if anybody wishes to pay their respects, any donations to Marie Curie Cancer Care via Chris White Funerals 12 South St. Wilton, SP2.

GILLIAN MARY PEARCE Formerly of Trent - Passed away peacefully on April 28th aged 89 after a short illness. Loving wife to the late Michael Pearce, mother to Sally and John and grandmother to Hannah – loved by many friends and will be missed by all.

Passed away peacefully at home on 24th April, aged 97 years of Winterborne Whitechurch, previously of East Devon, Caernarfon and Shooters Hill, London. Loving husband and father, dear brother and a treasured grandad and great grandad. He will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends. A private funeral service will be held at Poole Crematorium on the 20th May. Family flowers welcome or donations if desired to Macular Society c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/ronald-cooper

BRIDGET JUPP On 8th February 2021 peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 74 years of Tisbury. A thanksgiving service takes place at St John's Church, Tisbury on Wednesday, May 19 at 11.30am, adhering to social distance regulations. All enquiries to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

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MARGUERITE BREMNER/ HALL Passed away peacefully on 4th May 2021 aged 99 years old. Much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She will be very sadly missed by all of her family and friends. The funeral service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium on 2nd June 2021. Please note, attendance of funeral services has been restricted, if you wish to attend, please confirm with the family before attending. Please do not send flowers. If desired, donations can be made at Greyhound Trust and Royal British Legion. All enquiries to Co-operative Funeralcare, 2 High Stress, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QT. Telephone 01747 824738.

ANTHONY MERVYN PHILLIPS (TONY) Passed away peacefully in Blandford Community Hospital on 23rd April 2021, aged 83. Donations to chosen charities and tributes can be left via Colin J Close Funeral Service at closefuneral.co.uk

Announcements DEATHS

COOPER MARY VIOLET

Q&A

VERA TAYLOR On the 7th May 2021, peacefully in Yeovil District Hospital. Vera aged 94 years of Marnhull. Much loved and missed by all her family. Funeral service at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Wednesday, 26th May at 12 noon. Family flowers only please, Donations if desired for Dementia UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

PARFITT MICHAEL WILLIAM Aged 78 years of Wincanton. On 5th May 2021, peacefully at Wincanton Community Hospital. A much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Private funeral. Donations in memory of Michael are being invited for St Margaret’s Hospice, Yeovil. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367.

WILLIAM GEORGE MARKLEW On the 6th May 2021, peacefully at home. Bill aged 82 years of Gillingham. A dearly loved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather & brother who will be sadly missed. Private funeral service. Donations if desired for Diabetes UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757.

Peacefully on 26th April 2021 at The Old Vicarage Care Home in Leigh, Sherborne, aged 88 years of Marnhull. Beloved wife of the late Roy. Much loved sister, auntie and friend. Private interment due to restrictions. All enquiries to Bracher Brothers, Gillingham. Tel. 01747 822494

BELGIN PHYLLIS CAROL ANN (FORMERLY MILLIGAN) Peacefully at home on 29th April 2021, with family by her side, aged 80 years, of Gillingham. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Private cremation due to restrictions. Donations, if desired in memory of Phyllis, may be sent directly to: Parkinson's UK, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V 1EJ

ELIZABETH TIMMS Passed away on 29th April 2021 in Riverside Nursing Home, Sherborne aged 79 years of Melbury Abbas. Mum to Karen and Kev and Nan to Dan, J and Em. Much loved and sadly missed. Private funeral service but donations if desired to The Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Funeral celebrant Juli Moran of Soulshine Ceremonies Why did you become a funeral celebrant? It was a friend’s idea. She encouraged me and I’m glad I listened to her. How long have you been a celebrant? 9 years What is the best part of your job?

ELIZABETH HUDSON Passed peacefully away on the 3rd May 2021, with her son Nicholas at her side. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Templecombe on Monday, 17th May at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for PCC Templecombe. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

WALKER ERNEST JAMES (JOHN) aged 104 years, died 30th April peacefully at Hill House Care Home. Beloved husband of the late Stella, father of Tony, Roger and Richard & Lynne, Dearly loved grandpa of Katherine, Christopher, Patrick, Antonia, & Daniel Walker; Stephen Walker, Lindsay Poole; Charlotte Coleman, Brenna & Alika Price-Walker; Funeral enquiries to Matthews Independent Funeral Directors, 01666822216, Enquiries@matthewsofmalmesbury.com

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Announcements DEATHS MILEHAM SYLVIA HEATHER Passed away peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on the 17th April, aged 80 years. Much loved wife of the late Charles Mileham, mother to David and Dianne, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Donations in memory of Sylvia for Yeovil Hospital Charity, may be sent c/o Clive Wakely A.J. Wakely & Sons 16 Newland Sherborne DT9 3JQ.

HEALEY CYNTHIA DOROTHY Passed away peacefully at home on 2nd May 2021, aged 98 years. Much loved Mum of Mark and Jane and Mother in Law of Denise and Tony. Loving Nanny of Maggi, Jo, Claire, Adam, Sophie and Ellie. Loving Great Nanny of Beth, Abbie, Megan, Jessica, Evie, Lottie and Poppy. She will be very sadly missed by all of her family and many friends. The private funeral service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium. Mark, Denise and family would like to thank the doctors and district nurses at The Blackmore Vale Partnership and the emergency ambulance crews who all helped take care of Mum. Please do not send flowers. If desired, donations in memory of Cynthia can be made at funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations or by cheque made payable to: Alzheimer’s Society c/o The Co-operative Funeralcare, Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8BS

MUGGLETON MARJORY ALICE Beloved wife of late Peter who sadly passed away on 26th April aged 98 years. Donations, if desired, in Marjory's memory via mariecurie.org.uk All enquiries c/o Bracher Brothers Tel: 01935 813479

DREWETT JOHN Aged 92 years of Castle Cary. On 30th April 2021, peacefully at his home. A much loved father and grandfather. Private funeral. Donations in memory of John are being invited for Children’s Society. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Directors, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367.

Bob lived life to the full OBITUARY A Marnhull optometrist who represented Britain at the Commonwealth Games has died aged 76. Robert Frith’s family has paid tribute to ‘A wonderful family man and successful businessman, a man of great humour, integrity and loyalty’, after ‘his sudden and untimely death’. They added: “Robert had an enormous passion for life and lived life to the full until his last breath.” Robert was born in Whitton, Middlesex when the first doodlebugs fell in June 1944. With his parents George and Doris and older brothers, Brian and Michael, he grew up in Twickenham, attending Chiswick Grammar School and studying Optometry at City University, London. At an early age, Robert (or Bob as he was known), demonstrated a prowess on the athletics track. He became an active member of Kingston ‘Poly’ Harriers and went on to represent his country in the 100-metre sprint and relay at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. His many accolades included a 60m silver medal at the 1968 European Games in Madrid and the Bronze in 1969 in Belgrade. He held the world record for 50m and was four times National AAA champion over 60m. While at university he met Christine, a nurse. They lived in Twickenham, where he opened his first independent optical practice with mum Doris as receptionist. While in Twickenham Robert and Christine’s three children were born, Adam, Zara and Abigail. In 1977 the family relocated to Marnhull, and in 1981 Robert opened his practice at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. There are now 12 Frith Opticians. Robert was a man of many talents and interests. When visiting his daughter Abbi in South Africa, he started a hobby creating homemade wine then developed a guava orchard into a vineyard. He produced award-winning wine, with gold at The London International Wine

Fair and 5 stars in Platter’s South African Wine Guide. He spent much of his spare time in his garden, growing beautiful roses and plentiful fruit and veg. He was a renowned exhibitor at both the Marnhull and Shaftesbury and Gillingham Shows, with many cups and awards. Latterly he proudly supported the Shaftesbury and Gillingham Show as a wine judge. After his successful athletics career Robert dusted down his running shoes and from 2003 – 2005 he completed three marathons, two in London and New York, achieving a personal best in 4h 41 at the 2005 London marathon. His brilliant effort raised an incredible £20,000 for sight related charities. Robert lost Christine to cancer in 2009 after 40 years of happy marriage. He later found happiness again with his partner Sue. Robert is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren Sue and her daughter Sophia. His family said: “Robert will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him, professionally and personally. He was a force of life that will never be recovered. “Following his sudden death Robert’s wish to donate organs has been respected and, as was fitting for someone whose professional life was all about improving and aiding eyesight, his corneas have been donated so that someone else can see. A fitting tribute to a man who always did whatever he could to help and support others.” Robert’s funeral will be held at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Friday 21st May at midday. Anyone wishing to remember Robert is welcome to be present outside in the church grounds and locality. Family flowers only, donations to bit.ly/robertbench.

Letters

Never blindly trust computer data The tragic case shown in last week’s BMV of faulty software the results from which were misinterpreted by Post Office Ltd must rank amongst other misuses of computers which have taken place over a long time. About 50 years ago computers came into widespread use at university level when data quality, correct parameterisation, and the tedious process of working through the program by hand, in order to remove any bugs. When a computer program, especially a model, is used for prediction, rigorous testing must take place or else the risk of big errors cannot be ruled out. If a program produces a significant correlation coefficient careful experiments are needed to justify a cause effect relationship. However careful the worker may be misinterpretation of results is a common mistake. Having carried out nearly 50 years’ scientific research, and been a reviewer for nine scientific journals I now present a short list of scientific failures which have had serious consequences. First, in October 1987 a forecaster dismissed the question a viewer raised regarding an impending ‘hurricane’, only to find a few hours later, wholesale damage in much of southern England. Apparently, as an economy measure, a weather ship had been closed down and if operational would have greatly improved the forecast. Second, in 1990 it was predicted that the burning of oil wells in Kuwait would cause the Indian Monsoon to fail with disastrous results: in reality nothing happened. Third, in 1999 research at Imperial College London predicted that there would be about half a million deaths caused by BSE. In fact the value was fewer than 200, but the effect on the beef industry was catastrophic. Fourth, two years later work by the same people produced computer-based predictions of

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

how foot and mouth disease would spread across Britain: this resulted in the slaughter of about 8 million head of mainly healthy cattle. At least one farmer took DEFRA (then MAFF) to court in the hope of saving his herd: he won his case. Fifth, the tragic case of a family whose mother was sent to jail following two cot deaths was based on the joint probability theory being misapplied as prima facie evidence for a verdict of guilty. Such an approach assumes that there was no other possible cause, yet it is known that several other fatal genetic defects can occur in the same family. I could give other examples. Scientific research is difficult to do well, needing patience, determination, total objectivity, intuition, and a lot of hard work. Even that may not be enough because the resulting report must pass the peer review process, which can be far from objective. When a new result is produced and is at odds with an established one there can be both opposition and fear all at once. Computers have made possible difficult

and tedious calculations in a split second. Displayed on a screen the effect can be spellbinding. But how do we know what is being shown is right? The public understanding of science needs vast improvement. Practical studies in most subjects would be a good start, which would bring back the real meaning of design, measurement, size, shape, and application. This is a far cry from the fantasy world of the computer and television screen and might just avoid another computer-based tragedy in the future. Dr Colin Clark n It amazes me that otherwise intelligent people, such as those who run Post Office Ltd, should put such blind faith in computers. The Yetminster postmistress has had her life ruined by this, (NBV, April 30). She was innocent of the charges against her yet Post Office Ltd continued for years to defend its defective computer software. If this is the future it frightens me. Hilary Townsend Stalbridge

n On Apr 20 South Somerset district council approved a major development in Wincanton for housing and employment. Nothing strange in that. What was strange was the officer’s report, which stated that Wincanton was one of the few areas in the district that does not fall within the catchment area of the Somerset Levels. That was a pointless remark, as the sewage and drainage would have to flow uphill to join the levels catchments area. Rainwater, and the sewage works outfall go in to the River Cale, which flows down the Blackmore Vale and joins the River Stour catchments, or so I thought. Clearly we have Central Government control with outreach offices in Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, each with their area of control defined. This has all the appearance of a 1930s totalitarian government and the inevitable disastrous results. Nature is simple but all powerful and its reactions are brutal. We will only succeed if we work with nature, not against nature, and at a realistic level. International conferences do not solve environmental problems; they are solved by truthful work at street level, not box ticking at government level. We are at the tipping point in environment protection, and pointless comments and failure to face the actual pollution problem will not solve anything. Pollution of our rivers is real, and there for all to see, what is required is the commitment to solve the problem by all levels of government. The survival of future generations depends on how we react now, and how we solve a huge economic problem. It will only work with local knowledge, not the usual Westminster computer programme. Colin Winder, Wincanton Ward Member South Somerset District Council 39

Letters

So short-sighted to close Sherborne TIC Many of our town centres are unfortunately suffering the results of the pandemic and online shopping, Sherborne being one of them. We obviously need to be as creative as possible to keep the town centre as attractive as possible, even though there are empty shops. Why, then, has the Edinburgh Woollen Mill been boarded up? It’s a total eyesore! I have just witnessed another nail in the coffin for Sherborne: the closure of the Tourist Information Office. This facility was extremely well run and an asset to the town, now we all have to look on a website. I am sure I am not alone in saying that when purchasing tickets, asking about local events, etc, I prefer to talk to a person rather than negotiate my way around a website. Sherborne is a tourist town and with lots of holidaymakers taking a staycation this year, I would think Sherborne will be a place to visit. To me it seems extremely short sighted to close the TIC, I wonder what others might think? A bit of creativity, such as the shop window where the Teddy Bear shop was, would not go amiss. And, whilst writing, has anyone noticed the neglected, overgrown, weed-ridden, broken and rotting wooden tubs outside the police station? In fact, is anyone there these days? Perhaps our new PCC, whoever they are, might start their new role with a little gardening! M Buckingham Sherborne n I was surprised by the figures quoted by Councillor Jones on the costs to support children with special needs. I realise that this requires intensive inputs but the cost per individual equates to leading public school education. Indeed, the fees quoted for out of county care exceed these 40

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

levels. I should like to see a breakdown of the figure of £22,000 arrived at, which no doubt includes a portion of allocated budgeted cost of council executive pay and conditions. The eye-watering out-of-county cost of an additional £38,000 seems to be beyond belief. How can that be accounted for? Other than transport, I find it difficult to compute. Surely it cannot be an arbitrary amount of profit affixed by another authority. The question has still not been answered as to the decision to purchase St Mary’s, when apparently no decision had been, or still not made, as to the exact use to which the school would be put. Also, why councillors were not given a vote on a financial decision of this magnitude. Jeremy Bloomfield, Gillingham n We wonder if others are as dismayed as we are about public spending priorities? For example, over the next 4 years, the UK will spend 8 times more on the military than it will on tackling the climate crisis.

And globally, just 7 per cent of military spending could have vaccinated everyone on earth against covid-19. While the covid pandemic caused the global economy to shrink by 4.4 percent in 2020, world military spending increased by 2.6 per cent – the biggest margin since the economic crisis of 2009 - and now stands at almost $2 trillion. The UK is the world’s fifth highest military spender. At a time when thousands of UK citizens have lost their homes, jobs and businesses, the government has been spending billions to increase our nuclear warheads – in breach of international treaties – and expand our automated warfare capability. Such spending makes us ultimately less safe, and wastes vital resources in the name of Boris Johnson’s frankly embarrassing colonial nostalgia of ‘global Britain’. Mark Pennell Sherborne n I just wanted to say how pleased I was to see The New Blackmore Vale back on the shelf.

My husband and I have never been great ones for magazines, and then we moved from London to Somerset and it all changed. I was working in Dorset, Shaftesbury and every week members of my team would fight to get the last of the Blackmore Vale magazines and I could never understand why, until I started to look through it myself. I then became as bad as the rest of the team, trying to get my BV before anyone else. I got my husband into it as well – so often I would pick one up at work and he would pick one up when out and about. We were both really sorry when we heard that it was being stopped. From a couple who never read magazines, we both really enjoyed the BV. And today, you made us both very happy. Doing our shopping and ‘lo and behold’ there you were, like an old friend. I don’t know how long you have been back in circulation, but it was the first time we had seen you. So just wanted to say Welcome Back. We missed you. Carmel & Dean Burr n I wish to bring it to your attention, even though we are not out of lockdown, our letting agent has requested a 2.5% increase in our rent. I am a community nurse and as you know NHS staff received just 1%. The gap continues to widen. My family and I would like to be able to buy a home, however, with rent prices increasing and no help for renters, this is very unlikely. It is hard to know how to sustain being a nurse in Dorset, let alone attract extra staff. Sarah Potts BSc RGN Community Nurse Shaftesbury n Anne Booth has got her wires crossed when writing about a planning application and roadside rubbish. On the

Letters matter of rubbish many of us don a high vis jacket and go out with a litter picker. We are making a difference and I advise people to adopt a stretch of road and clean it up as required. Planning for housing in the countryside is becoming very lax today. The sweep of land to which “dog walker” refers should remain just that. It used to be the need for persons to be on site for the welfare of the stock. This meant a house near the existing farm buildings. Another reason was that a conversion of an old farm building to housing would ensure its restoration. I note in North Dorset, in particular, that large Dutch barns of no architectural value are now being converted. It strikes me that the planning departments have lost their bearings. John Longley Tisbury n Further to your article about Benjamin Jesty, Blackmore Vale readers may be interested to know that just as we link diseases such as beriberi and scurvy to nutritional deficiency, and malaria to mosquitoes, smallpox is linked to bedbugs combined with vitamin C deficiency. In 1925, Dr Charles Campbell, a Scottish born physician of San Antonio, Texas, disagreed with the thinking that smallpox was “so easy catching, so infectious and so contagious that even touching the clothing or breathing the air in a room occupied by a person afflicted with the disease was equivalent to acquiring it” and “that the panic a case of smallpox occasions and the resultant quarantine are entirely unnecessary and uncalled for, as the disease, like malaria, is insect-borne and carried only by bedbugs.” Dr Campbell ran a ‘pest house’ for smallpox patients in San Antonio, where he tried hard to infect himself and others by ‘fomites’, (objects or materials

A huge well done to Patrick! An eight-year-old boy has raised £345 for his school after walking a mile a day for five days. Patrick Doyle, a pupil in year 3 at Archbishop Wake Primary School, decided to help raise money towards a multi-use games area (MUGA). The school has a huge playing field, however this is mostly unusable during autumn/winter months as the ground is too wet. A SO PROUD: Year 3 pupil MUGA would enable the Patrick Doyle children to use the space “We are all so proud of all year round. him. Such kindness at this A spokesman for the school, Anna Butler said: time touches us all!” deemed to carry infection such as clothes, utensils and furniture), and direct contact with infected people. He said that: “After numerous exposures, made in the ordinary manner, by going from house to house where the disease was...I have never conveyed this disease to my family, or to any patients or friends, although I did not disinfect myself or my clothes, not take any precautions whatever, except to be sure that no bedbugs got about my clothing.” Campbell treated smallpox by administering vitamin C: “Among the lower classes of people this particular acquitted perversion of nutrition is most prevalent, primarily on account of their poverty.... that is more prevalent in winter when the anti-scorbutics” (anti-scurvy) “are scarce and highly priced”. “A failure of the fruit crop in any particular large area is always followed the succeeding winter by the presence of smallpox.” His administration of vitamin C so mitigated “the virulence of this malady as positively to prevent the pitting or pocking of smallpox.” The British and American colonists used smallpox as a

weapon against the Native Americans by giving them blankets, thus spreading the bedbug to the New World. Jesty and Jenner showed

merely that cowpox is not contagious. However, the ‘arm to arm’ method of vaccination and accompanying ignorance of asepsis, led to serious aftereffects and injury to health. We have our knowledge of nutrition, clean water, sanitation, the vacuum cleaner and the washing machine with hot water to thank for the decline of smallpox. Alison Watson, Wincanton n What a wonderful article you published by John Humphrey’s regarding brother Graham. I moved here in 1983 when Graham was a weekly feature at Sherborne Market and often wondered what happened to Graham, who was so helpful, as is his successor. The new BV magazine certainly features some fascinating articles, thank you so much. Ann Bennett, Milborne Port

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Education

Girls find recipe for success with Leiths commendation The girls in the Upper Sixth at Bruton School have been cooking up a storm, having achieved the highest number of distinctions in the prestigious Professional Certificate in Food and Wine course awarded in the past 11 years. The girls’ outstanding results also included the highest number of merit grades and a commendation certificate from the Leiths School of Food and Wine for their professionalism in delivering canapés for a sixth form wine tasting event, and all within the guidelines of covid-19 restrictions. Individual boxes were served, with 12 different canapés, showing a wide range of skills. They also achieved Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety

SOMETHING’S COOKING: Pupils show off their Leiths certificates

certification, and they await the Level 2 catering qualification results which they completed concurrently with the Leiths Certificate, to be published in the summer along with

A-level results. Headmistress Jane Evans said: “I am immensely proud of the girls for achieving such incredible results, let alone during the year we all faced a

pandemic! I know that the skills they have all learnt throughout the course will stand them in good stead for life after they leave BSG. “Well done, girls.”

Tree-mendous effort at village school Children at Stower Provost Primary School in Gillingham have dug in and planted their very own tree in one more step towards their mission to become carbon neutral. According to scientists, planting billions of trees is one of the biggest and cheapest ways of taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. And following a successful bid by the Parent Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) to the Woodland Trust, some 345 mixed trees and hedgerow plants were donated to every pupil in the school. Weekend working parties and planting during school lunchtimes were organised so every child could take part in Stower Provost’s latest eco42

THE FORK THAT COUNTS: Children at Stower Provost Primary School plant their tree

project. With almost all of the school’s energy coming from renewable sources, including heating the swimming pool, this is another step in the

school’s goal to become carbon neutral. Headteacher James Stanford said: “The children are thrilled to have the

responsibility of ensuring their trees thrive and the school’s motto, ‘Together We Grow’ has never been more accurate!”

Education

School keeps pupils’ well-being in mind By Richard Hull deputy head at William Barnes School in Sturminster Newton

As the children have returned to school, the children’s wellbeing has been a renewed focus for all schools and at William Barnes Primary School in Sturminster Newton in particular. Following the period of partial school closure in January and February and as the country moved into another period of national lockdown, concerns about the mental health of all citizens, but children in particular have come to the fore. Separated from their friends, unable to mix and play with other children and dealing with the social pressure caused by home learning and home working in families with limited devices, it has been no wonder that all children have needed extra support and care on their return to school. At William Barnes, head teacher Karen Wrixon has recognised the need to increase the focus on the well-being of her staff and students and, accordingly the school has introduced a number of new initiatives. To help children understand and regulate their emotions and their behaviour, the teaching staff have been exploring a tried and tested approach to improve mental health and well-being called ‘emotion coaching’. Originally developed in the USA by psychologist Daniel Gottman, the approach is backed by decades of positive research studies, and has recently become regarded as best practice across the UK. At the heart of ‘emotion coaching’ is the attitude that an outburst of strong emotions is the ideal opportunity for a child to learn about their feelings. When difficult emotions are experienced, children are

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: William Barnes School pupils adopt their ‘calm me’ posture

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encouraged to explore them with an adult, before establishing clear boundaries. As soon as the child has calmed down, they are encouraged to seek solutions to any problems that the child might have created during the time when they were overwhelmed by the strong emotion. Finally, any consequences for their actions are agreed and put into place to complete the process. ‘Emotion coaching’ is being backed up across the school by a second tried and tested method known as ‘I Can Problem Solve’. Children to learn to find their own solutions to issues that naturally occur as they play, interact and learn within a school setting. It is designed to systematically develop children’s sensitivity and awareness of other children’s feelings before utilising their creativity to think of a variety of possible solutions to problems before then choosing their preferred solution. At first the program considers hypothetical scenarios which the children then naturally begin to apply to their day to day experience. To begin with, small groups of children

throughout the school are being given the opportunity to take part in ‘I Can Problem Solve’ using three, 15 to 20 minute sessions weekly. Each year group has a scheme of work designed to match the needs of the children as they progress through the school. Both these new developments integrate perfectly with the school’s long term advocacy for Mindfulness as a tool to improve well-being and selfawareness. Using a whole school approach called ‘Jigsaw’, the children from year R to year 6 have a weekly ‘calm me’ session and this enables them to develop an understanding of the importance of periods of quiet reflection during their busy lives. In year 5 in particular, Mr Hull, who has been practising mindfulness for over 25 years, has been starting every day straight after registration with a minute session that involves the children sitting in their chairs in a special super alert posture called their ‘calm me’ position. The children then complete a body scan moving from their toes to the crown of their head, before Mr Hull guides them

through the day’s practice. The children often enjoy guided visualisations where they embark on imaginary journeys including climbing rainbows, scaling magic mountains and visiting peaceful caves. On other days, the children learn breathing techniques that help them feel relaxed and peaceful. The children also use positive affirmations and thoughts to help them appreciate and enjoy each day. Mr Hull has been amazed by the imagination of the children during the visualisations and how they are now using the various Mindfulness tools they have tried to help them in their daily lives. He has also seen substantial improvements in their focus and concentration during lesson, and the quality of their relationships at play times. Head teacher Karen Wrixon expects that this three pronged approach of ‘Emotion Coaching, ‘I can problem solve’, and Mindfulness will continue to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the staff and children at the school for years to come, helping them to develop resilience in the face of the challenges of modern life. 43

Antiques & Collectible

CLARKE’S AUCTIONS Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques & Collectibles Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12 10am start Classic Vehicles & Automobilia Sale Sunday, June 13 at 10am

Strong results in paintings for Clarke’s Clarke’s Auctions at Semley saw their May sale of antiques and collectables held over two days with the first part of the sale held on the Friday and the remainder selling on the Saturday. They have found that with all the restrictions of the last year they are averaging an extra 200 plus lots per sale so will be WANTED, PARACHUTE REGIMENT DENISON SMOCK. Contact 07990 832472

An Art glass vase. Sold for £1,100

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holding their Antiques & Collectible sales over two days each month in future. There were strong results in the paintings section with two Lionel Edwards watercolour paintings selling well at £2,400 and £1,200. Edwards was a British artist specialising in

Showrooms open again in Mere Walton House Antiques in Mere are delighted to be throwing their doors open once again, and are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into their extensive showrooms. Once inside, one will find a huge amount of fresh items in stock, as the team at Walton House Antiques have been extremely busy during lockdown sourcing and restoring many unusual and exciting pieces. These include fine Georgian, Regency and country furniture, at least 30 recently arrived Victorian oil paintings, along with additions to the large selection of French clocks displayed by Richard Price of Antiques Roadshow. Paul Gafney, one of the partners, feels that although the antiques business has changed in recent years, particularly during lockdown, forcing customers to make their purchases online, there is no substituting the experience of visiting beautifully laid out showrooms, engaging with knowledgeable staff, and seeing

and touching pieces first hand. Although all of their stock is able to be viewed on their website – waltonhouseantiques.co.uk – Paul and his business partner Nicholas Arkell, with nearly 80 years in the trade combined, encourage customers to come to shop, examine and talk about pieces of interest. They can also be contacted on 01747 860050 to discuss anything.

Antiques & Collectibles sporting and hunting scenes and lived locally until his death in 1966. A charming oil painting attributed to Joseph Herbert Bentley RBA (18661934) ‘Portrait of Mrs Willis-Hudson’ also sold well at £1,100. They will be holding their next Antiques & Collectibles sale on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th and the salerooms are already filling up with period furniture to include a linen press, a two-door wardrobe, chest of drawers, dining tables & chairs and other furniture and in the collectables section a large private collection of Mauchline ware has also been entered. Mauchline ware is the name given to small wooden items, produced in the town of Mauchline near Kilmarnock in Scotland from about the 1820s by the firm of W & A Smith and were originally decorated with hand painted and hand drawn designs such as tartan, landscape and Scottish scenes

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES AUCTION

and ferns and then after about 1850 with transfer prints, which were coated with clear varnish. Their next Classic Vehicle & Automobilia auction is to be held on Sunday 13th of June and already consigned is a private collection of car mascots, badges, spanners, workshop tools, forecourt oil dispensers, oil cabinets and general automobilia spares and for any information regarding consigning items into this sale please contact Matt Whitney on the main office number. To arrange any home visits or to arrange valuations to value items for consignment into any of their future sales, or for any other valuation queries, please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9BU.

SHERBORNE

General Antiques & Collectables Auction FRIDAY 28th MAY Viewing Thursday 27th May 9am–5pm online through easyliveauction.com

We are now taking in for our 25th June Auction For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Two fast Fords on offer Two rare fast Fords are due to be sold by Charterhouse in their classic car auction on Wednesday, July 14 at the Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford. “The market for classic cars remains buoyant with strong bidding now we are out of lockdown,” said Richard Bromell. “A strong market combined with popular classic marques always ends up with great results and we have already had plenty of interest.” A 1992 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth has come from a serial car collector in Devon. It is not only fitted with 4WD but also a 2.0l engine with a Garret turbo. This understated looking 1990s saloon in non-Cosworth form was a favourite of sales reps. In Cosworth form it was capable of 150mph, making it one of the fastest production Fords. Today, many Cosworths have been through numerous owners and travelled intergalactic miles, but not the Charterhouse car. This has been treasured and cosseted and has covered sub-49,000 miles. Whilst this fast Ford is mint, the other fast Ford is a restoration project. The rare 1975 Ford Escort RS2000 was

one of the last Mark Is to roll off the production line. When the first RS2000 was produced it was capable of 108mph when most cars had a top speed of 80. The Ford Escort RS2000 Mark I is, like the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth a highly sought after car with both motors being estimated by Charterhouse at £20,000 each when they go under the Charterhouse hammer. Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of classic and vintage cars and for their auction of classic & vintage motorcycles, also at Haynes, on June 30. Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for entries at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 cars@charterhouseauction.com.

30th June

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June 30th Classic & Vintage Motorcycles July 14th Classic & Vintage Cars Further entries now being accepted The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com 45

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Home & Garden

Gardening...

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

Of silybums and sticky willies Plants can have some pretty strange and sometimes downright funny names capable of tying your tongue in knots. I’m referring to their scientific names often, but not always, derived from Latin. Scientific names are popular for those who take their plants seriously, they are also extremely useful for anybody wishing to purchase or find information about a specific plant. Scientific names are universally accepted. Therefore, using galium aparine instead of its vernacular name, sticky Willy, will enable you to locate that exact plant, whether you are in Dorset, Denmark, or China. Seeking sticky Willy on the other hand may not lead you to where you intended. Common names vary from place to place and can be confusing. The plant known as the bluebell in Scotland, for example, is what the English know as harebell. Some local names are restricted to very specific localities that reflect the rich and varied relationship generations have had with these plants. Bobby buttons, gollenweed, claggy meggies, cleavers, Robin-runthe-hedge, sticky Willy, stickleback, goosegrass, lau’r Offeiriad in Welsh, all refer to

the same plant mentioned above, Galium aparine. Scientific names have two main parts. The first is termed the genus, the second, the species. The genus is a bit like the equivalent to a make of car, for example Rosa (rose), is comparable to Ford. There are many species of Rosa that are closely related such as R. canina (dog rose), R. rubiginosa (sweet-briar, and R. rugosa (Japanese rose), these would be analogous to different types of Ford, such as Escort, Capri and Focus. Realising the importance of scientific names, how do you get to grips with pronouncing them and deciphering their meaning? Fortunately, there is a great little black book that solves this dilemma called ‘Plant Names Simplified, their pronunciation, derivation and meaning’. It’s worth its weight in gold. It covers most plants likely to be encountered in the garden and breaks their names down into easily digestible syllables to aid pronunciation. One of the commonest mispronounced plant names is cotoneaster, some pronounce it coton-easter with others saying (correctly) ko-toene-aster.

Some plants have scientific names that make you wonder whether their author is having a laugh on us, one delightful heather from South Africa is Erica canaliculata, the whitestemmed bramble from China is Rubus cockburnianus, which never fails to cause great amusement to students. Urtica dioica is easily remembered because it is the stinging nettle and touching it ‘urts you. Whereas forgetting the name of the blessed milkthistle, Silybum, might make you feel a … soilvalues.com WELL ROTTED MANURE £50 per transit load, phone Roger on 01202 826502 or 07885 826396 NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? Call Tim for a friendly and reliable service. 01747 835278/07825 006013.

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Home & Garden

The devastating facts of ash dieback By Simon Stranger of Vale Tree Surgeons Ltd Ash dieback will kill around 80 per cent of ash trees across the country, changing the landscape forever and threatening many species which rely on ash. Here are a few facts: Common names: ash dieback, chalara. Scientific name: Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Origin: originally from Asia, it arrived in the UK via Europe What does it look like?: Younger trees succumb to the disease quicker but in general, all will have these symptoms: Leaves develop dark patches in the summer. They then wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early. Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer. Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often diamondshaped and dark brown. Inner bark looks brownish-grey

under the lesions. New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk. This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress. What is it? Ash dieback is a fungus which originated in Asia. It doesn’t cause much damage on its native hosts of the Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and the Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis). However, its introduction to Europe about 30 years ago has devastated the European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) because our native ash did not evolve

with the fungus and has no defence. What happens to the tree? The fungus overwinters in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the atmosphere ,which can blow tens of miles away. They land on leaves, stick to and then penetrate into the leaf and beyond. The fungus then grows inside the tree, blocking water systems, causing it to die. The tree can fight back, but repeated infections will eventually kill it. The fungus wasn’t formally described until 2006, but it has been known of in Europe for about 30 years. It has had the most impact in the south-east, where it was first recorded in the UK in 2012. It is unknown how long the fungus was there before the symptoms showed, perhaps years. We are still at

the start of the epidemic, so we won’t know the full impact for a while. The slow progress of the disease exacerbates this, so we need to track sometimes subtle changes. How did ash dieback get here? Losing 80% of our ash trees is going to have a devastating impact on the landscape and the biodiversity of our woodlands, as well as a major loss in connections between habitats as we lose hedges and individual trees outside of woods. The predicted cost is high – clearing up dead and dying trees, the loss of its environmental services such as air purification. SHILLINGSTONE GARDEN CLUB open air plant sale. At Shillingstone Church Centre on Sunday 23rd May from 2pm - 4:30pm

www.stswithun.com A new property construction by us

enquiry@stswithun.com

Tel: 01747 832386

PERIOD & LISTED PROPERTY SPECIALISTS • Over 25 years experience in the care, maintenance, conservation & refurbishment of historic, listed & period properties of all sizes & construction • Sympathetic new construction & extension to period properties • Traditional carpentry, joinery, masonry & plastering • Decorating & interior finishing in all forms & styles • Kitchens, bathrooms & bespoke fittings • All work is accredited, insured & guaranteed 50

Local Services ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

B.LUCAS

Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

Our advice is always free www.bell-associates.co.uk

Quantity Surveying Estimating Surveying Building Dispute Resolution

Damp Control Timber Treatments Dry Rot Condensation Control 30-Year Bonded Guarantee

Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382 Mobile: 07881 504426 Email: maplepres@aol.com www.maplepreservation.co.uk

DORSET WOOD TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

Oak Timber Framing Bespoke Timber Building Traditional Building Specialist inc All Building WorkGAll aspects of Lime External and Internal Rendering/Plastering/Repointing Lime Crete Flooring Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing

www.dorsetwood.co.uk Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468

01749 813625

Robert Chalke Associates www.rca-qs.com Period and listed Property Specialists See our main advertisement in the Home and Garden section

www.stswithun.com enquiry@stswithun.com

Tel: 01747 832386

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS swbuildandrenovation @gmail.com All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786

djwelsh@btinternet.com

Davies & Sons – Builders All aspects of building works undertaken Over 20 years of experience FMB Registered since 2002 For a free no obligation quote Call Mark on 07525834551 or Email: davies.mark66@yahoo.com Find us at fmb.org.uk

Search for Davies and Sons or our postcode BA10 0DZ

To book your ad, call Debi on 07714 289409 or email debi.thorne@icloud.com

General builder

25 Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

Steve Guppy Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

ECR Services All types of building and electrical work undertaken Fully qualified New builds Extensions Maintenance Attic conversions including rendering, plastering, paving and tiling Free on site estimates No VAT No job too big or too small

01963 364553 07966 496299 www.ecrservices.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN: Small jobs to full rewires. Fusebox upgrades. testing & certification. Prompt, quality service at reasonable rates (no VAT). Call Alan 8am-8pm 07388696147. Email alanaac@me.com

APPLIANCES SALES, REPAIR & INSTALLATION DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens etc, Call Darren or Jason 07979 976514

CLEANING

Building trust with quality workmanship We provide end-to-end communication, budgeting, staffing, organisation and project management to produce a solid, high quality building, every time. Our commercial projects include new construction and repairs or restorations.

Maple Building & Developments We’ll get the job done

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc. Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com CLEANER Efficient and organised. Satisfaction guaranteed. Refs available. Andrew 07838 377788

Jeans Electrical

www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

Jeans of Mere, offer appliance repairs on most brands with fixed labour repair charges (parts on top)

Call 01747 860215

PROPER DOMESTICS • APPLIANCE REPAIRS

& INSTALLATION

01747 416059 www.properdomestics.com 51

Local Services HAIRDRESSING

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

MOBILE HAIRDRESSING Angela Joy, Galhampton. City and Guilds qualified. 07956 673324

FRIENDLY MOBILE HAIRDRESSING Shampoo & sets, perms, blow-dries, gentlemen & ladies. Rachel 07725 940611

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

FITTED WARDROBES made to measure (in white, other door colours available), from £200, free quotes. Bob Humphries 07885 286508

John Banham’s

Property Service REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Of昀ce: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131 email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

REFURBISH YOUR STAIRS AND JOINERY NO OBLIGATIOND SURVEY AN PRICING

INSTALLATION BY OUR OWN TEAM

New of refurbished stairs using our contemporary glass or quality stop chamfered/ traditional turned newels, spindles, handrails and mouldings. WE ALSO MANUFACTURE BESPOKE DOORS AND WINDOWS

01202 825 555

21 Black Moor Rd, Ebblake Ind Est, Verwood, BH31 6AX

www.briggs-products.co.uk

LES BENHAM Painting services Property maintenance Domestic/ commercial Inside or out Fully Insured/Free Quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo.co .uk / check a trade

DORSET LIME

SEMI RETIRED TRADESMAN, property maintenance, exterior painting, small contracts. North Dorset area. Please Phone Hugh 07813 864334 or 07716 959791

PAINTING & DECORATING

PHILIP STIRK PAINTING, DECORATING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE carpentry, wall tiling, guttering, general repairs. Free quotations / No VAT. Tel: 01747 825725 mobile: 07984524446. Email: philipstirk@btinternet.com

General building Extensions/Renovations Loft conversions Oak frame buildings Groundwork/Landscaping All your property needs Tel: 01747 851149 Mobile: 07979 527379 email: alanlewisaml@aol.com

ADVERTISE HERE: CALL 01963 400186

Specialists in all external and internal lime work. Lime crete flooring. All aspects of traditional building.

Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

Local, Quality Painter & Decorator 35 Years Experience Free Quotes • No VAT Call Richard on

Home: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825 512 627 ‘Your home in safe and capable hands’

Local Services HANDYMAN & GENERAL SERVICES

TAXIS

J & C Handyman Services Plumbing Painting & decorating Shed erecting & repairs Flat pack furniture Shelves & curtain rails

Door hanging & skirting boards Guttering and facia clearing and replacement Fencing Pointing etc...

No job too small Please call with your requirements 01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com AN EXPERIENCED & RELIABLE HANDYMAN call Chris 01258 860826 / 07413 678076

BOOK YOUR AD: 07714 289409 (DISPLAY) OR 01963 400186 (CLASSIFIEDS)

JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE 07495 922821 Comfortable, spacious and clean estate cars. For hospitals, airports, seaports and local work. Distance no object, day trips and special occasions. Lady driver available. For safe Covid-aware transport.

5 star Google rating. JUST ASK!

A & O Taxi

Gillingham | Mere | Shaftesbury

AOT... Always On Time Your local taxi service for Gillingham, Mere, Shaftesbury, Marnhull, Motcombe and surrounding areas. Short or long distance, airport transfers, school runs and more. Friendly, Punctual & Professional. Our taxi will be on time at the requested pickup point!

Call us on 07882 712431 www.aotaxi.com

www.jasminecarsdorset.co.uk jasmine.cars@btinternet.com We are back

Just Like the Old Days

PASTIMES of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and collectible toys. Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Air昀x kits etc. Those magical names; Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus Telephone; 01935 816072 Mobile; 07527 074343 Covid safe for house visits, please call to arrange an appointment

Local Services GARDENING & LANDSCAPING (see also Home & Garden)

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered

ESTABLISHED 1988

Sand Gravel Stone Cement Blocks etc Supplied Loose or in Big Bags

All aspects of Surfacing Roads Drives Footpaths Drop Kerbs Resin Bond Drives

Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

Now available... Rockery Stone

Competitive Rates 01747 853687 or 01747 855630 www.hardimanconcrete.co.uk

Call for a free quote 01747 820234 The Depot, Longcross, Warminster BA12 6LJ

info@cgtarmac.co.uk

www.cgtarmac.co.uk

ALL IRONWORK Handrails, gates, railings, repairs., restoration. 01258 880301 SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE, 01258 861647 T J HASKELL FENCING Domestic, agricultural, and industrial. Free estimates. 40 years’ experience. Blandford. 07751 001515

TREE & GARDEN SERVICES All aspects of garden work covered. Hedges and shrubs, trimmed, shaped, lowered or removed and more.... Fully Insured, Quality Service. For free quotes and advice call 07435 220238 - 01258 858888 R&W FENCING SERVICES All types of fencing, agriculture and domestic 01258 880892 07980 036250 FOOTINGS, driveways, drains, bulk excavation and farm tracks. call 07955 808983

For all your fencing and decking needs Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted. Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

D KING & SON Tree and Garden Services, 25 years experience, registered waste carrier, free estimates, all areas covered, no job to small, 07831 091239, david.king63@aol.co.uk

Crown Garden Care Lawn Service, Fencing, Hedges, Tree Work etc. All Garden Maintenance Services Domestic & Commercial. Fully Insured & Reliable.

Tel: 01747 821726 07904 355 921 Mullins Garden Services

Lawn Mowing Hedge Cutting Strimming Clearances Please enquire on (M) 07585334780 or (H) 01258473502 for a free quote Covering Sturminster Newton and surrounding areas.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Get connected. Stay connected. WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram Laptop Tablet Smartphone desktop PC

HARGRAVES LANDSCAPE & DEMOLITION Call us now for a free quotation on 07871 327962. DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123 COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, virus removal, new PC setup /installation, internet connection, upgrades, computer/ software tuition. Call Gregg on 01963 370713

Joseph Crocker Computers

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop, laptop and mobile device diagnosis and repair General computer and IT advice

Call me now on 07805 783147

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 01963 23669 or 07484 690824

COMPUTER REPAIR SERVICE. SturComputers 01258 817537 sturcom@mail.com

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

Local Services PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

LTD

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG MAINTENANCE GROUP •General Plumbing •Bathrooms Installations, •Landlord Certification servicing and •Solid Fuel Stove maintenance Installation and

Domestic & Commercial REPLACEMENT TANKS INSTALLATIONS RE-SITING TEMPORARY TANKS EMERGENCY PUMP OUTS BUNDED /SINGLE SKIN METAL TANKS/FUEL STATIONS ABOVE GROUND OR BELOW MOLING SERVICE FOR BELOW GROUND UTILITIES COMMERCIAL BOILER REMOVAL

New bunded tank installed for between £1300 and £1900 +VAT depending on size of tank. All areas. OFTEC Registered

Tel: 01963 363870 24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk Phoenix Chimneys

& Property Maintenance Clive Young carries out Chimney Sweeping Solid Fuel Stove Servicing & Repairs All Chimney Work Birdguards & Cowls Repointing & Leadwork

Call 01258 455947

mandy4phoenixchimneys@gmail.com

Servicing

HEATING AND PLUMBING

Bryan G Paulley Ltd FRANKS Oil Tank Services

D&T Plumbing and Heating Oil servicing and repairs, plus all other aspects of plumbing and heating carried out

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD accredited installers from the competent persons scheme for wood burners, multi fuel stoves, chimney liners and twin walled flues. Sweeping chimneys, birdguards & cowls. Fireplace alterations to your needs, chimney works including pointing. 01749 677440, 07921 074602 solidfuel3@aol.com solidfuelinstallations ltd.co.uk

E: office@bgp-oiltanks.co.uk www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors

• Natural Gas, LPG and Oil • Central Heating and Power Flushing

General Plumbing Oil/Natural Gas/LPG Installations Bathroom and Kitchen Installations New Boilers and Cylinders Underfloor Heating & Renewables Landlord Safety Certificates All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

• Condensing and

01258 446186 07973 183658

Combination Boilers • Landlord’s Certificates • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling • All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

www.quinnsheating.com

Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS Toilets Rodding High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No dig relining Septic tank and water treatment plant installation All repairs and renewals No call out charge

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & Vacuum A.P.I.C.S Registered 01963 370038 KDL PLUMBING AND HEATING. All work undertaken. Free estimates. No call out charges.07475 128249/ 01202 805650 / 01258 490265

Paul’s Oil and Gas Services

Sinks

01747 640188 07587 238563

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

Servicing, maintenance and call outs for domestic, commercial & catering natural gas, LPG and oil appliances. Very competitive rates 40 years experience 01747 850395 or 07502 044896 email: stuartchardstuartchard@live.co.uk

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools. 01935 428975

SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL Rodents, insects and all other pests humanely dealt with. Bees re-homed if possible. Quali昀ed and Experienced Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080 enquiries@spectrumpestcontrol.co.uk

PIANO TUNING, repairs, sales of reconditioned pianos. Julian Phillips BA CGLI. 01258 471194

20FT SELF STORE CONTAINERS available. £100 per month, minimum 3 months. Situated 11/2 miles from Podimore, off A303. Andrew 07932 657140

AERIALS & Satellite Direct Repairs & Installations - 7 days per week No VAT - Prompt & Friendly Service TOM MOSS Mob: 07931 727 961 Email: tommoss50@aol.com

Chimneys and Flues professionally swept. Extremely clean service. Keeping Dorset’s chimneys smokin’ nicely.

Tel: 01258 455251 Email: smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

COLIN THE CHIMNEY SWEEP Call anytime for a quote Certificates available upon request Fully insured. 01963 458199/07889 597741.

Local Services WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE

Clive Smith Ltd.

HOUSE CLEAR HOU CL ARAN ANCE CE Plus; Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

SKIP HIRE

SKIP HIRE ALL AREAS COVERED ALL SIZE OF SKIP AVAILABLE PLEASE RING

Tel: 01258 440838 Or: 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com

CLIVE SMITH ANYTIME

JACK'S HOUSE CLEARANCE Often without charge. Books also wanted for cash.07542 389447. And website jackshouseclearance.co.uk

01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

Rob’s Clearance

DY EE

01747 839751 or 07956 414896

STI

House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed Recycling carried out Good/interesting items bought for cash Friendly and reliable

All Size Skips Available PIN

AI G BRIT

HOUSE CLEARANCE PROFESSIONALS Including sheds, Lofts and Garages.

01202 855 349 - Discounts for saleable items -

Full muckaway service available, small or large loads inc grab lorries Tipping facilities at our premises Sand, gravel & top soil supplied Loose or in Bulk Bags

SK I

IR E

T F PLANT

Trade and DIY welcome Ring for enquiries

Gillingham 01747 826107

www.allcleanwaste.co.uk Registered with Dorset County Councils Trading Standards, licences with The Environment Agency.

Trusted family run business

REMOV ALS & STORAGE

Serving the West Country for 40 years SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING SERVICE The same team are still providing Pete White’s friendly service

ARMISHAWS SMALL MOVES Its not the size that matters it’s the way you move it! Armishaws operate a 昀eet of small removal vans throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wilshire catering for those clients who only need a small removal but still want the expertise provided by a larger removal company. With prices ranging from £300 for a local move our services are tailored to meet your needs. Blandford (01258) 453898

Dorchester (01305) 783795

Shaftesbury (01747) 828680

Wincanton (01963) 34065

01963 370924 email: orders@wessexwaste.co.uk

Local Services ROOFING

WINDOWS & DOORS

EPDM RUBBER ROOFING, The clean and easy way to renew or construct a 昀at roof. Available from stock at our depots in Yeovil and Dorchester. YEOVIL DEPOT 01935 700425

DORCHESTER DEPOT 01305 257828

sales@roo昀nggear.co.uk

dorchester@roo昀nggear.co.uk

www.roo昀nggear.co.uk

GRAHAM'S WINDOWS & DOORS • Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk

More than 15 years’ experience installing high quality UPVC windows and doors, conservatories, warm roofs & aluminium. We provide the very best products with a wide range of colours and designs.

Based in Wincanton

Tel: 07931 583614

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out. PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

01258-450879 | 07855-402799

We are a Yeovil-based, family-run business, covering Dorset, Somerset and the South West. Reasonable prices and friendly service!

Clangley12@aol.com

Tom the Roofer I cover all aspects of roofing work, gutter replacement, cleaning and repair work

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

Quantum Locksmiths •24 Hour Call Out •UPVC Repairs •Key Cutting •Lock Changes •DBS Checked •No VAT Call: 07900-196427 01258 721236 Email: info@quantumlocksmiths.co.uk Follow us on

See our reviews on Facebook: facebook.com/GrahamsWindows

grahamswindowsanddoors.co.uk

( 07530 693187

If Carlsberg did adverts... they’d do New Blackmore Vale adverts. Book yours on 07714 289409 (display) or 01963 400186 (classifieds)

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Into a sea of blue in search of adoxa I have yet to meet anyone who has not felt the healing effect of a walk in a bluebell wood. It is now mid-morning and I am standing in an ocean of dancing bells swaying amid the transient sunbeams that light the woodland floor. The last of the wind flowers, celandine, and primroses cling to tiny patches of ground, steadfastly competing with the abundance of blue, whilst small clumps of budding woodruff and stitchwort are waiting silently to add to the performance when their time is right. A blustery wind shudders through the trees stealing, not only the sweet scent of bells, but also the melodious tune of the territorial blackcaps. Shivering, I pull my coat closer and stop to admire a singular white bell; apparently an outcome of only

one in ten-thousand genetic chances. Bluebells belong to the hyacinth family and need undisturbed soils to grow. That is why they are most often associated with ancient woodlands. Their bulbs

start growing in autumn so that they are ready for the first warmth of spring, when their carpet of cobalt, sapphire and violet-blue bells can preside over the woodland floor before the canopy obscures the sun. Although they are a native species to northern Europe, Britain is home to over half of the world’s population, making them an iconic symbol of the British countryside. As a child, I recall gathering armfuls of bells for my grandmother, but now they are legally protected and so cannot be picked or uprooted. According to old English folklore, I was quite lucky to survive this theft as children who picked bluebells would be captured by the fairies and never seen again. On a wild day like today, I could believe that mischievous fairies

do indeed lie in wait, but probably the gloomy warning was because all parts of the plant are poisonous. Apart from the joy of seeing bluebells, there is another woodland friend I want to meet. That is the tiny, secretive, cuboid moschatel, adoxa moschatellina. She has four flowers at right angles and one on top, making her look just like a town hall clock. At the point of almost giving up, I eventually find a small patch of flowers that are not at all ‘without glory’ as the Greek etymology for Adoxa suggests. Feeling calmed and blessed by this beautiful woodland, I follow the path for home. Dr Susie Curtin curtin.susanna@gmail.com rewildingjourneys.com

Apprehension is natural as we move out of the lockdown As we emerge from the lockdowns, many are understandably feeling apprehension and trepidation. The last year has been very difficult for many and we’ve all been traumatised to some degree or other by the pandemic. Whether you’ve not been able to see loved ones, or go to work, got financial worries, cooped up with people for weeks and months, in constant fear of getting sick, putting yourself at risk just to survive or actually losing people near and dear to you – it’s all had an effect on our health. There’s been a underlying dread and we’ve all had to dig deep to maintain our sanity. It’s been incredible how just wearing masks has made us feel so isolated; let alone the absence of 58

touch and hugs. We’ve all been on ‘high alert’ and it’s really made us appreciate just how much a ‘hello,’ kind word or smile makes. We all need that feeling of belonging and connectedness; even if it’s only from a stranger sometimes. Human beings are social creatures and we don’t tend to do so well on our own or locked down – but we’re generally also incredibly resilient and even stubborn in a good way! We don’t like to be beaten and our ‘bounce back ability’ is impressive. After all, life goes on for most; so we have to be adaptable. I’ve been very impressed with how tolerant people have been; plus how there’s been a feeling of camaraderie and pulling together. However, many of my clients tell me they feel exhausted; mentally

and physically. Being almost continually on one’s guard and having high levels of anxiety is extremely tiring. For many, our levels of stress are still very high, and that coupled with the uncertainty of the future, doesn’t help – so the next few weeks and months needs to be a time we’re all mindful of our selfcare. Yes, we need to be careful as the virus is still around; but it also needs to be a time of healing and convalescence. We need to find things that sooth and pamper us, so that we can relax from the tension. It can be something small or large; but it needs to be enjoyable and pleasurable. Many just need to share their experiences of the past year; so we must make an effort to properly listen. We need to

unburden ourselves. I also believe it’s a time for trying new things. Interestingly, my case load of clients is predominantly filled with people who want to change themselves and their lives for the better. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that many have realised how precious life is and they want to be happier than

they were before the virus struck. I think we’ve all realised that life should be meaningful, interesting and rewarding – so maintaining good mental and physical health needs to be paramount. You really can’t have one without the other. n Psychotherapist David Stanton lives near Sherborne.

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP

Senior Psychotherapist/Counsellor. Trainer and Mental Health Consultant. Individual and Group face to face sessions; also via video on WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger and Zoom. Clinical Supervisor to other Health Care workers. Counselling for Individuals, Groups, Couples, Children, Adolescents and Families. 40+ years experience. Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Self Esteem, Relationship problems, Family Dynamics, Bereavement, Eating Disorders, Substance/Alcohol Abuse, Addictions. Isolation, Loneliness, PTSD, Bi-Polar, OCD, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Self Harming, Death Anxiety, Sex Issues. Lack of Meaning & Purpose, Anger, Phobias, Gender, Sexuality. Social Justice. Con昀ict Resolution. Crisis Management. Available for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Workshops, Retreats, Seminars, Training and Talks. Emotional Intelligence and Awareness Educator to all Education Establishments and Businesses.

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED Please contact through the websites www.tatvacenter.com www.edas-addictionservices.com or telephone - David 07 584 711 488

Health & Wellbeing

Stroke journey heartbreaking and hilarious May is Stroke Awareness Month and Gill Oliver from Sparkford has first-hand knowledge of the effects of this condition after her husband Terry suffered this life changing condition in 2013. Gill shares her story: When my husband Terry had a brain haemorrhage eight years ago, it came completely out of the blue. He counts his blessings that the business meeting that day had been postponed. How much worse would it have been if he’d been far from home, or actually on the road? There was another respect in which we were lucky, too. Unlike families in the covid crisis, I was able to visit him in hospital. Day by day, I grew accustomed to the changes in him, learnt a little of what was happening in his brain and his body; and from day one the brilliant staff trained me to notice the tiny improvements he was making. So by the time he was discharged, I knew he was on an upwards path. And how I could help. It’s often said that every stroke is different; the effects are many and various. But there is a wealth of information and support out there, and that’s why Stroke Awareness Month, championed

details of the support that the Stroke Association can offer, visit stroke.org.uk

WOULD LIKE TO MEET Tall guy, late 50s trim and solvent, G.S.O.H, seeks lady friend, maybe more. New to Blandford area, discretion assured, txt 07592 562602

by the Stroke Association, is so important. Whether through the internet or on the ground, the charities have never been more needed. Alongside practical help, MARTIN 63 meet lady 45-70 facts and figures, there are many at Swan, Sturminster Newton personal stories. You can read every Saturday in May ours too, on the website of Headway, the brain injury charity Hi I’m RICHARD, late 70s – with a cheery photo taken seeking ladies for outside Winstone’s Bookshop in relationships. Sherborne! 07811 589712 The professionals say you need two things to make a recovery from stroke: grit, and a sense of HEALTH & WELLBEING humour. Terry had these in spades. We clung to every positive and ADELE CLINCH, ZEN HOUSE grabbed any excuse BSC, HCPC, Life Coaching for a laugh. And registered Do you feel stuck and unable to achieve your potential? some daft things chiropodist/ Are you dreaming of a more fulfilling future? happened. Those podiatrist. 01935 I can help to support you to achieve three steps from sofa your best life on your own terms. 812231 to mantlepiece, the Contact Sarah Eustance on 01258 458340 visits in NW Home or 07743 418233, triumphal realisation Dorset Sherborne or email sarah@sarahjeustance.plus.com he did it Visit www.lifecoachingsolutionsdorset.co.uk

PODIATRY CLINIC ST EDMUNDS Burton Street, Marnhull DT10 1PS NEW CLINIC

automatically it without the Zimmer, the horrible realisation he had no means of getting back… That’s one exploit that did work its way into my second novel, Joe Faber and the Optimists. It was fuelled by the desire to reach out to others in our situation that I set out to write a book about stroke that would be both honest and funny. And while it features some completely made-up characters and situations – a fiddle-playing daughter with a wedding to plan – the stroke, and the ups and downs of those first months of recovery, is faithfully drawn from our own experience, which was heartbreaking and hilarious by turns. Joe Faber and the Optimists is available from independent bookshops, Bookshop.org and Amazon. More details about Gill at gilloliverauthor.com. For

Julie Anne Smith DPodM MCPod hcpc registered Podiatrist T. 01258 821297 E. stedmundspodiatry@gmail.com

sherbornepodiatry.com

FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE We have received funding from the National Community Fund to enable us to offer a telephone support line for anybody having trouble coping with these weird times that we are going through. What ever your problem, give us a call and our friendly counsellor will try to help.

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| www.acnorthdorset.org.uk 59

Health & Wellbeing

Hop to it and enjoy digestive, antiseptic and soothing plant For one of our assignments, we need to identify ten herbs that are growing wild. I have had great fun going round the garden and have found many more than ten. One of the herbs I have chosen is some wonderful hops growing in the hedge row. Most people think of hops and beer and that is what they are grown for commercially. As a result of this, hops have been studied comprehensively and they contain a huge amount of chemicals that are very beneficial to us including, vitamins, acids, phytooestrogens, volatile oils and bitters known as lupulin. In the herbal world, hops or Humulus lupulus are associated with promoting sleep. Being relaxing and antispasmodic, they ease tension, anxiety and irritability and help with insomnia. Their multi-action properties make them a very powerful herb to use as they have pain-relieving properties and are antimicrobial and antiseptic. Their bitter qualities

promote digestion (something that will often keep you awake if your gut is unhappy) and secretion of bile which protects the gall bladder. The phytooestrogens are chemicals in plants that mimic oestrogen in our bodies and can help regulate it. This makes hops an extremely good herb for women. They will help with period problems, pre-menstrual syndrome, the menopause and night sweats (another thing that keeps women awake) and can act as an aphrodisiac. This is NOT however the case for men – they may depress the male libido! They are also diuretic,

these problems are due to digestive issues, pain, an overactive thyroid, an unhappy liver, congestion in the lungs or nose or are neurological. Herbal medicine gets to the bottom of why people have the symptoms that they have and by addressing the root cause, seek to help the body to readjust and balance itself. The body and brain want to be healthy and if we give it the right tools, it is remarkable how it will respond. If you are interested in herbal medicine, please do get in touch. I am doing consultations through my college so you can see me, monitored by a fully qualified herbal practitioner, either in person in London or via Zoom for only £25. 07742 453285 pellyfiona@gmail.com

which beer drinkers will already know. They are however generally good for the respiratory system and can help with asthma, hayfever, coughs and chest infections – all of which can keep you awake. They can be put into creams to delay wrinkles and keep the skin soft and supple. Hops should, however, be avoided in cases of depression as they can exacerbate it. The herbal world has many plants that can Fiona Chapman is be used for studying naturopathy sedatives and and herbal medicine at to promote sleep but often the College of Naturopathic Medicine

Life coaching facts – true or false?

“You can’t coach me, I’m a friend.” False. Many clients are friends before they are clients. It’s a different relationship when we meet for coaching and that can be an advantage because the essential rapport is there already. Every coaching conversation is totally confidential, regardless of who it’s with. “You only coach women.” False. Most of my clients are 60

women but not all. I also work with teenagers, men and couples. “We’ll have to analyse my childhood.” False. Coaching is very much about looking forward. It’s not about analysing the past. In our initial session I need to build an overall picture of your story so far but your past won’t be the focus of our conversation. Clients come to me with a specific issue but we also talk about other issues. True. People come for coaching about a specific issue in their life but it is never an isolated thing. Our lives are not clean cut so our coaching conversations lead on naturally to other parts of your life that you want to discuss.

“You’ll think I’m silly but...” False. I will never, ever judge you and no subject is off limits. Coaching sessions will always be safe, confidential places where you can speak without judgement. “You will tell me exactly what to do.” False. I’m not going to give you the answers. But through my questions, you will be able to work out your own answers, with my support. “The issues I have are are topic specific so a life coach cannot help me.” False. Whatever the issues, we are still dealing with the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities that face every one of us. The way through the fog has

many common threads. If a client does need support from another source, I will help find that additional help. Coaching has to be goalorientated. True. And False. Some coaches focus specifically on moving towards a goal. I use goals when appropriate. They are often incredibly helpful but every client is different so there are no fixed rules. “I will need to book lots of sessions.” False. Some clients need just one session, many three or four. Some clients then come back periodically over the years. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne. 07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

A walk around... LEWESTON Leweston is a strange parish to explore as it has no public roads that link to a right of way. It’s about a mile and a half N-S and less than half a mile E-W. The voting population is 15, whereas the population of non-voters is several hundred, due to the pupils of Leweston School which has about 500 pupils, both boys and girls, including boarders. Park near the church of the adjacent parish, Lillington, beyond which is a bridleway leading eastwards across a field. At the top of the slope

the path leads you past a noisy rookery in a wood on your right. At the end of the wood you step over the boundary into Leweston parish. Carry on easterly across a field. You can see the school on your right. A Leweston School minibus parks opposite my house daily at 7am to pick up pupils. I wonder whether they eat their breakfast at home or in the school? At the far side of the field you’ll join the school drive, which is also a public footpath. Turn left, NE, for a short distance then, at the parish boundary, veer right

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

and walk through an orchard until you reach a road. Turn right and follow the road south for about a mile. Although you’re now in Longburton parish, you’ll soon be skirting the boundary with Leweston, an ancient ivy covered bank and ditch. At a junction of four parishes and three footpaths turn right

and retrace your route, heading north on the Leweston side of the border. After a couple of fields turn left, skirting a hedge, then right following the school boundary through another orchard. You’ll soon be back at the school drive and can retrace your footsteps back to the car.

Celebrated artists donate works for spinal injury gardens By Karen Bate Leading artists across the globe have donated works to be auctioned online in the inaugural Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Auction to raise funds to support people with spinal injury through therapeutic, beautiful, accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres, including the original garden at Salisbury District Hospital. The first garden was named after schoolboy Horatio Chapple, son of Salisbury spinal surgeon David. Horatio had carried out research into what patients wanted from a garden while volunteering at the spinal unit. Sadly he was killed by a polar bear while on an expedition. There are now five gardens and the charity wants to bring a stunning sanctuary to each of the 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK. Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Action will feature works by renowned British and international artists including Maggi Hambling, Tim Burton, Sean Henry, Vanessa Jackson and Rob and Nick Carter,

Mouth painting artist Keith Jansz

alongside some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists, including Christabel Blackburn, Patrick Morales-Lee, Dawn Beckles and Hitomi Hosono. Between May 15 and May 30 the Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Auction will include paintings, sculpture, ceramics and photography, ranging in price from £300 - £30,000. The Royal Patron of Horatio’s Garden, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie said: “I’m so grateful to all the artists donating works to the Horatio’s Garden Summer Art Auction. With their and the buyers’ support, the auction will help ensure the future of the charity’s stunning

gardens across the country and will enable work to continue to improve the lives of everyone affected by spinal injury.” Artist Maggi Hambling said: “Beautiful gardens, art and music are a heady combination. I trust the auction will help to make this feast for the spirit continue and thrive.” Mouth painting artist Keith Jansz, who was paralysed from his shoulders down following a car accident in 1995, has donated a painting that aptly depicts a summer garden scene, with the mass of gorgeous blooms reflecting his signature impressionist style. He said: “The last year has made

society acutely aware of the value of such simple pleasures as fresh air and nature. In the past, long term residents of spinal units have been denied this enjoyment and diversion. I clearly remember my first experience of being wheeled out into the sunshine, to hear the birds singing and to smell flowers – after months of confinement on the ward it was transformative. But that was before Horatio’s Garden took such experiences to another level. Providing privacy and distraction from the overwhelming reality of the ‘new normal’ following a spinal injury, the gardens are lifesaving. Following my spinal injury, I learnt to paint by holding a brush in my mouth. “The beauty of nature is a constant inspiration for my work. I’m delighted to be supporting Horatio’s Garden by donating this oil painting of sunflowers and delphiniums in my own garden in Oxfordshire to the Summer Art Auction”. Online bidding opens at 9am on Saturday, May 15. Go to: thesaleroom.com. 61

Arts & Entertainment

WELCOME RETURNS: Works by such artists as Sue Fawthrop, left ,and, Robert Woolner, right, are on display for Dorset Art Weeks

Studios open for Dorset Art Weeks The highly anticipated Open Studios event that sees hundreds of artists and makers welcome visits across the glorious county of Dorset will be taking place this month, albeit in a slightly altered format. Its return in a time of such uncertainty is surely good news to Dorset Art Weeks’ loyal followers. Dorset Art Weeks is working in partnership with Evolver, the popular Wessex Arts & Culture guide, who are producing a beautiful magazine featuring all venues taking part – in whatever form. Some online, others by appointment visits only and many open as instagram.com/dorsetartweeks normal with covid-safe facebook.com/DorsetArtWeeks measures in place. twitter.com/dorsetartweeks A new Dorset Art Weeks App has been launched featuring all #dorsetartweeks the artists and makers taking part. As well as this you can DORSET VISUAL ARTS browse through special online and covid-safe in person events via dorsetartweeks .co.uk To allow for a greater flexibility for all Where established and involved the opening new artists exhibit their work times and status of all venues is only

22 MAY – 6 JUNE 2021 dorsetartweeks.co.uk

CYGNET GALLERY

available on the website and App - make sure you check the day of your visit. However you choose to enjoy Dorset Art Weeks this year, there will be something for all tastes and price ranges. We can’t wait to bring all this fantastic work to visitors across the county, discover something wonderful on your doorstep! Please make sure all visits are conducted respectfully and you follow all covid guidelines in place, to keep both yourself and the artists and makers safe. Masks will have to be worn to visit venues inside. Follow us and stay up to date, via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @dorsetartweeks TREASURE HUNT Join us on 23rd May for an afternoon of family fun meandering through some Dorset’s little gems to find the treasure. Start from 2pm-5.30PM AFTERNOON TEA & CAKES TO FOLLOW 01258 830474

Open: 10.00am – 4.30pm

Cygnet Gallery Swans Yard, Shaftesbury SP7 8JQ www.thecygnet.org.uk VENUE 9 The Cygnet Gallery is a Swans Trust Project. Charity no. 1063757

DORSET RURAL MUSIC SCHOOL Lessons in all areas of music from from friendly professional teachers. All ages,all stages welcome. Covid guidelines observed; Skype/Zoom also available. 01258 452511

Arts & Entertainment

Sculptor makes a large point Sculptor Giles Penny WAY OUT: from Bruton was Giles inspired to create his Penny’s bronze Man Who Knows the Way bronze by the current situation. The man, who stands 60cm high, ‘is one of those people who assumes authority, is somewhat aloof but is well meaning’, says Giles. He added: “Some time ago I made the large Man on Bench sculpture which sits by the river in Bruton, and have had many public sculpture commissions including two at Canary Wharf, London – Two Men on a Bench and and printmaking, “started Man with Arms Open. making art at a young age Giles, who divides his time and have never stopped”. between sculpture, painting He went to The Heatherly

School of Fine Art, Chelsea, Bournemouth & Poole College of Art and Newport College of Art. He has been in Bruton for many years and has spent most of his life in the Blackmore Vale area. His large scale pieces can be seen in many public spaces including: Golden Square, London; Canary Wharf, London; Body Shop International; Fulham Reach, London; Liminster Church, Sussex; Wolverhampton city centre; Bruton, Somerset. This month he has a oneman show at the Jerram Gallery, Sherborne. n gilespenny.co.uk 01749 838808

County diversity for photo contest CPRE Somerset is looking for photos highlighting the range and diversity of people, places, events and activities that make our Somerset countryside so special. This year there are two prizes of £100 each – one for adults and one for under 18s. The judges are ideally looking for photos that include people working in the countryside, people enjoying the outdoors or close up details showing the intimate experience of being outside in nature. The theme is ‘My Somerset – at work, rest & play’. Entries should be emailed as an attachment to admin@cpresomerset.org.uk by midnight on August 31. Full terms can be found at cpresomerset.org.uk

CAROLYNE MORAN PAINTINGS DORSET ART WEEKS VENUE 35 Look for signage

22 MAY-6 JUNE OPEN 11AM TO 5PM Late opening until 8pm on 28 May SUBJECTS INCLUDE... Interiors, Garden Scenes, See Views and More... The Farmhouse, 12 Well Lane, Shaftesbury SP7 8LP Telephone 01747 631052 Mobile 07958 393152 Email carolyne@carolynemoran.com www.carolynemoran.com

Arts & Entertainment

Folk duo’s second book of county walks Hotfoot from appearances on BBC-TV’s Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row BBC award nominees Ninebarrow, widely recognised as one of the finest harmony duos in UK folk music, will follow up the release of their acclaimed fourth album A Pocket Full of Acorns, with another new creation – their second book. Dorset pair Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere, walking enthusiasts when not pursuing their burgeoning musical career, published their first book in spring 2019. Ninebarrow’s Dorset, a book of ten diverse ‘musical walks’ in their home county took readers on a magical journey through the landscape that has inspired their songs and played such a

BRANCHING OUT: Ninebarrow

huge part in the success of their music. On May 31 they will follow this up with the release of Ninebarrow’s Dorset – Volume Two – a beautifully designed book of another 10

graded walks on Dorset’s rolling hills and Jurassic coast (nine circular and one linear), featuring detailed instructions, hand-drawn maps and Jay’s own fine photographs. Jon said: “Two years after we published our first book it is now on its third print run and we’ve been overwhelmed by people’s reactions to it. So we got to thinking about all the other Dorset-inspired songs we’ve written and thought we’d turn things on their head. Where the first book had contained walks that had inspired songs, this second volume is a collection of walks created specifically for the songs, crafted with the song’s story

in mind.” In 2017 they were nominated in the coveted ‘Horizon’ category for ‘Best Emerging Artist’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards– only a few months after Jon gave up his job as a teacher and Jay as a GP in favour of a full-time music career - a leap of faith that has clearly paid dividends. Ninebarrow are also hosting a series of musical walking holidays – three days of walking, fine food and evening concerts. n For more info: ninebarrowwalking.co. uk/walk n Jon and Jay will be performing a live streamed gig on Saturday, May 29 at 7pm Tickets via ninebarrow.co. uk/live

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

TE SE NO PL E A

S MASTK BE MUS RN WO

SIMON EVANS:

The Work of the Devil

Wed 19th May, 8pm Tickets £16.00 (over 16s only)