The BV, July 22

NEVER PRINTED - YOUR GREEN CHOICE

July ‘22

ISSN 2634-8810

From the heart of the Blackmore Vale

The BV magazine - July ‘22

IN THIS ISSUE Exciting finds at Hinton St Mary dig – p.4 A second mosaic has been uncovered in Hinton St Mary – at the same site as the worldfamous Roman mosaic discovered in the 60s. Roger Guttridge spoke to the team debunking what we thought we knew about it.

All rise in Wimborne’s bread shed – p.16

Tracie Beardsley spoke to Wimborne’s artisan baker who commands a queue before he opens his doors, and sells 250 sourdough loaves every Saturday.

Emsie Sharp - p.46 The Venetian art of glassblowing is little changed in 800 years. Edwina Baines visited Emsie Sharp’s studio to interview the Muranotrained artisan glassmaker Maggie Ollerenshaw takes on the Random 19 - p.24

Reader’s Photography p.52 This month’s stunning front cover was submitted by Darren Price. As always, the rest of the Reader’s Photography is a beautiful gallery of local images.

British actress Maggie, most famous for roles in sitcoms Last of the Summer Wine and Open All Hours, lives in Stalbridge Cheese and onion is her crisps flavour of choice, she’s a HUGE Man City fan, and she really doesn’t like golfers. Oh, and she has quite a thing for Idris Elba.

Front cover: Through The Reeds by Darren Price

INDEX

We know, it’s a HUGE magazine. So we make it easy for you - just like grabbing the sections you like best from the Sunday papers, you can click the number to jump straight to the section you want. Or, y’know, just make yourself a coffee and read from the beginning ...

A Country Living - David Mirus

114

Announcements

Art

Book corner

102

Business news

Community

Dorset island discs - Philip Coward

Equestrian

111

Family Law

Farming

Food & Drink

107

Health

116

Jobs

Letters to the Editor

Local history

News

Out of doors

Politics

Puzzles

Random 19 - Maggie Ollerenshaw

Reader's photography

Rural Matters - CPRE

100

School news

Take a hike

What's on

Wildlife

Contact the BV Team: Editor: Laura Hitchcock editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk Advertising: Courtenay Hitchcock advertising@theblackmorevale.co.uk Sub-editors: Gay Pirrie-Weir Fanny Charles Everything else: Try Courtenay, he’s the organised one ...

This month, having avoided it for two and a half years, we finally succumbed to Covid, thankfully enduring just 24 hours of awfulness, followed by a few foggy, drained days. A week later we’re mostly back to normal – and so glad we managed to catch a ‘mild’ strain. We’re not alone – every person we’ve told has responded that either they, or someone they know, has Covid currently. It’s still out there, despite the lack of masks and distancing. Wash your hands! Once we stopped pathetically whimpering and comparing (competing) symptoms, the overturning of the Roe v Wade ruling in the US has been the hot topic of conversation. We have a 15-year-old daughter who wants to talk about the ramifications for her American friends, the power of governments and a woman’s rights over her own body. Our sons are equally as well-informed, opinionated and passionate. All of us are fearful over what may come next for America – there are already signs that rolling back abortion rights could prove a stepping stone for the Supreme Court to overturn a whole range of human rights in the US, starting with gay marriage and contraception. We perhaps have more of a personal interest than some; we have an American daughter-inlaw, and at some time (I am assured in the far far distant future!) there will be grandchildren. A granddaughter, perhaps, who will grow up in a country which will not allow her to abort an ectopic pregnancy which may kill her. We know that criminalising abortion does not stop abortions; it just makes them less safe. Anti-abortion groups in the UK work closely with their counterparts in the US, receiving funding and training. There is a concern that a perceived ‘victory’ for anti-choice groups in America will lead to an escalation in clinic protests here. “The most important thing people in the UK can do to support abortion rights is to be loudly, unashamedly pro-choice,” the Abortion Support Network founder Mara Clarke told the Independent. “The anti-abortion population is less than 10 per cent of the UK. We are the prochoice majority, and we should speak often about not only abortion but all reproductive health issues.” So this is me. Saying loudly – I am pro-choice.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

Re-writing Hinton’s history Archaeologists are poised to pen a new narrative after the latest dig at Hinton St Mary’s famous Roman mosaic site. Roger Guttridge reports

Cardiff Uni students Richard Berry and Tierney Tudor work on the new mosaic during what they call the ‘archaeological opportunity of a lifetime’ All images: Roger Guttridge

Archaeologists are expecting to we understood is actually re-write the story surrounding wrong,” he said. Hinton St Mary’s iconic Roman “We need to start re-thinking mosaic pavement almost six what was happening in this quiet decades after the original part of Dorset 1,700 years ago. discovery. “We would like to explain to After just two weeks back people in Hinton St Mary, at the site, archaeologists Sturminster Newton and North commissioned by the British Dorset what this place may have Museum have uncovered looked like and how the mosaic parts of a second mosaic, plus might have been used. thousands of other “One of the “We need to finds ranging from interesting things is pottery to oyster that it is very late. re-think what shells. was happening The Romans were And dig co-director in Britain for 350 in this quiet Peter Guest said years and the Roman part of Dorset the traditional period ended about view that this was 1,700 years ago” 400 AD. a Romano British “Everything we are villa may have to change. finding suggests that up until “We still have a few questions to about 350 AD the site was open answer but we’re beginning to fields. show that the story we thought “But about 350 somebody – or 4

some people – decided to build some elaborate buildings here. “They had the finest mosaics that money could buy and decorated walls around them too. “But it was only used for about 50 years before the Roman occupation ended.” The earliest Roman Christ The original mosaic was discovered in 1963 behind the then blacksmith’s forge, now owned by equestrian artist Katie Scorgie. The discovery was big news not just in Dorset but in the wider archaeological world, not least because of its central panel – a depiction of a man that is thought could be the earliest representation of Jesus Christ in the entire Roman empire. The mosaic pavement also

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

included depictions of dogs, deer, trees and pomegranates. “It is a unique piece of evidence for the spread of Christianity in late Roman Britain,” said Peter, a freelance archaeologist trading as Vianova Archaeology, contracted by the British Museum to lead the latest dig.

Jonathon Joyner (Cardiff Uni) and Elizabeth Guest (York Uni) with trays of mosaic cubes, oysters, animal bones and pottery. The original site is in the background

There never was a villa “It’s thought that it may represent Jesus Christ. If it’s not Jesus, it might be one of the first Christian emperors but [either way] it’s important. “We now know there wasn’t a Roman villa here. There were Roman buildings but they weren’t part of a big farmhouse or manor. “Clearly it was a place of importance, perhaps religiously. there would have been stables It could have been a shrine or and agricultural buildings.” the focus of an early Christian The current four-week dig community, perhaps a monastic follows a trial excavation last one. But it was only an important year and a third season is place for a maximum of 50 to planned for 2023. 100 years.” It is doubling as a training dig Peter believes there was ‘almost for 15 university students, certainly’ no overlap into the with pupils of Anglo-Saxon era for Sturminster’s The dig has also Yewstock School the Hinton site. The evidence that unearthed a also involved. the Hinton buildings New finds include second mosaic were not a villa black burnished includes the fact ware pottery from the shores of that the eight-by-5 metre double Poole harbour and colour-coated room that housed the original ware; low-value coins from the mosaic flooring was not part of a early 300s; an enamel object much bigger building. that may have been a decorated “It was part of a complex of little stud; part of a ring with a stone buildings,” said Peter. “We think inside; two lead weights; kiln-

Co-director Peter Guest (third left) briefs students at the Hinton site

fired bricks and stone roof tiles; animal bones, probably of pigs and cattle; and oyster shells. “Oysters were a popular snack for the Romans,” said finds officer Christine Waite. A second mosaic Most excitingly – but frustratingly – the dig has also unearthed a second mosaic, once housed in a second building 10 or 15 yards southwest of the original. “It’s of the same date and must have formed part of the same complex,” said Peter. “Unfortunately we only have fragments. The rest was destroyed when this field was ploughed, probably 1,000 years ago. “I have a suspicion that in its time it was as nice, if not nicer, than the famous one.” Surviving parts include a blackand-white border section, black triangles and a few smaller black, white and red cubes which hint at a more elaborate decoration. The high quality cubes in both mosaics are thought to have been made at Dorchester. 5

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS “The colours were quite intense when we dug it but they quickly became dull and that’s why we were cleaning it,” he says. “After that I think they covered it with glue and paper, rolled it up and took it to the British Museum.”

Sturminster School children at the site of the 1963 dig

Jamie recalls 1963 dig One of the first to work on the Hinton St Mary dig 59 years ago vividly recalls the excitement generated as the site’s archaeological importance became evident. Retired art college lecturer Jamie Hobson, 72, personally helped to uncover the central roundel that turned out to be unique in the Roman empire. “There was a lot of excitement and I remember being filmed by the BBC,” says Jamie, who now lives at Salisbury. “It was a real quality find. Nothing like it had been discovered before.” Jamie was a 13-year-old at Sturminster Newton Secondary School in 1963 and remembers headmaster Stan Tozer approaching him in the corridor.

“Hobson, you’re interested in archaeology. Walk up to Hinton. Somebody has found something.” There he met Dorset Museum curator Roger Peers and a second archaeologist he remembers as being ‘old school’. “I seem to recall being up there for weeks and not doing anything at school but that may be just my memory,” he says. “I loved every minute of it. I and another boy, Colin Lawrence, uncovered part of the roundel. I went home to Shillingstone but came back next morning. We were beginning to discuss what it was. “Someone suggested it might be the head of Christ.” Jamie’s last memory of the dig is from a wet Saturday when they were using water and sand to clean the mosaic and bring up the colours. Archaeological artist David Neal (foreground) pictured at the 1963 dig. Image courtesy of Sturminster history teacher Pat Moody, and the British Museum Magazine

A new home for the Hinton mosaic? Could Hinton St Mary’s famous Roman mosaic be on its way back to Dorset after almost 60 years? Since the British Museum’s millennium revamp more than 20 years ago, only the central roundel has been on display in London, with the rest of the pavement in storage. But the digital BV understands that discussions are at an advanced stage with a view to bringing the important Roman artefact to the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester or another site. “Wherever it goes, we would like to be able to better explain it to the public,” said dig co-director Peter Guest. “It is iconic and not just in Britain. Whether it depicts Jesus Christ or a Christian emperor, it’s unique in a Roman world that included the Holy land.” • The dig site will be open to visitors this Sunday 3rd July, from 2 to 5pm.

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

New reserve is a tribute to Angela Hughes A group on the new Angela Hughes Nature Reserve All images: Alan Wicks

The Countryside Regeneration Trust is keeping alive the legacy of a pioneering Dorset farmer and conservationist, reports Fanny Charles A new reserve at Bere Marsh Farm, which is owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), has been officially opened in memory of the farmer and conservationist Angela Hughes, who died in 2009. A dairy farmer with a passion for protecting and conserving the natural world, Angela championed wildlife-friendly Nesting woodpeckers

farming. She owned East Farm at Hammoon on the Stour, and bought the nearby Bere Marsh Farm in 1971. She was particularly inspired by its rich diversity of wildlife. The Angela Hughes Nature Reserve was formally opened by her daughter, Fiona Gerardin. The Stour runs alongside the farm, which is home to barn owls, deer, otters, badgers, hares, bats and butterflies. The North Dorset Trailway, on the former Somerset & Dorset railway line, crosses the land. Fiona said: “This is the perfect way of reflecting my mum’s lifetime of work. She absolutely loved the area where the reserve has been created and talked so much of the plans that she had for it. “I am so pleased that the CRT bought the farm because they are sensitively reflecting all that she believed in and worked hard to achieve. It holds so many memories for me that it is reassuring to know the place is in good hands.”

An inspiring pioneer Angela’s many achievements included co-founding Dorset Wildlife Trust. She was responsible for introducing or reintroducing a number of species to the area, including otters to the Stour, and founded Ham Down Woodland Burial Ground. In 1982 she was awarded the OBE for her services to conservation and nature. Danielle Dewe, chief executive of the CRT, who was unable to travel to Dorset for the opening, described the new Angela Hughes Reserve as “our way of honouring her and all the magnificent work she did in demonstrating, all those years ago, how farming and wildlife could holistically work together. She was both a pioneer and an inspiration, so we hope that the reserve is a fitting tribute to her wonderful memory.” Angela was particularly inspired by Bere Marsh Farm’s rich diversity of wildlife – in part created by the man-made railway embankments and cuttings.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS At the official opening, attended by trustees and staff of the CRT and some of the many volunteers and supporters of Bere Marsh Farm, Fiona cut the ribbon to a tree-lined corridor rich in birdsong, wild flowers, bees and small mammals, all testament to her mother’s foresight and conservation commitment. The CRT, which added the 92-acre farm to its nationwide portfolio of properties in June 2020, is committed to keeping alive Angela’s legacy. The creation of the nature reserve at Bere Marsh Farm recognises the work she did to achieve her vision of farming and wildlife living in harmony. Regenerating the CRT Founded in 1993 by artist Gordon Beningfield and farmer and writer Robin Page, the CRT was originally called the Countryside Restoration Trust. In April this year, it became the Countryside Regeneration Trust. A spokesman explains: “Our regeneration goes much deeper than a name, a new logo and brand colours. These are important to reflect what our charity is all about to the outside world, but this goes to the very root of how we deliver our mission.” Across its 19 farms and properties, the trust is empowering its tenant farmers “to run successful businesses that produce vital food for the nation, while using farming practices that reverse the decline in biodiversity and play their part in storing carbon to tackle climate change.” The trust has a clear view of the vital role of the countryside: “Wildlife, food production, employment, economics and development are all essential. We believe that our future food security, human over-population and the biodiversity crisis must be addressed. “We believe that nature is integral to good farming. That philosophy is put into practice on more than

One of the Bere Marsh barn owls 2,000 acres of working farms, small-holdings and woodland across the country, where, alongside our tenant farmers, we are demonstrating how regenerative farming increases biodiversity and maintains sustainable food production for every one of us.” Look out for ... • Otters were reintroduced to the Stour by Angela Hughes in 1990. You might be lucky enough to see one of these magnificent, elusive creatures. • Barn owls have their home in an old barn near the trailway. The CRT restored the dilapidated building to ensure the beautiful birds have a safe place to breed. See the story, along with more remarkable photography by Alan, in The BV, Sep 21, here. • Butterflies abound – you might see a Speckled Wood butterfly in the new Angela Hughes Nature Reserve. • The little egret, the most elegant of water birds, is often seen in or by the river, as are grey herons, which have a heronry in the woods.

Courses at Bere Marsh There is a series of courses at Bere Marsh Farm this summer, starting on Saturday 16th July with the first of two creative writing sessions with Dr Susanna Curtin (also Wednesday 27th July, 10am to 3pm both days). On Sunday 17th July, the resident photographer Alan Wicks, whose beautiful images illustrate this article, leads the first of two photography workshops (and Thursday 21st July, 10am to 3pm both days). Artist Deb Chisman leads drawing workshops on Saturday 6th August and Saturday 13th, 10am to 3pm both days. This is an opportunity to enjoy sketching with charcoal and pencil, to capture some of the wildlife and surroundings of Bere Marsh Farm. To book for one of the courses, visit theCRT. co.uk/events and for more information on the work of the trust, visit theCRT.co.uk 9

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

North Dorset housing estate becomes top holiday destination Residents on a new housing development in Okeford Fitzpaine are working together to create a welcome for their African guests, reports Rachael Rowe If you walk into the Old Dairy estate in Okeford Fitzpaine, you’ll need to watch what is above your head. Thanks to a sterling effort by local residents, this new-build estate has become a magnet for increasingly rare house martins. At the last count, there were at least 36 nests full of healthy

chicks among the 35 houses on the estate. It’s clearly a homefrom-home for the birds – but how did the human residents help? Why house martin conservation is important House martins nest in colonies

Tina and Mike Crimes started encouraging house martins in 2017 10

and can raise up to three broods of chicks in one season, often through to September. Raising more than one brood each year increases their chances of survival. From late August onwards, the birds will begin their winter migration, returning the following spring to breed. However, house martins were placed on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) in December 2021 after a 72 per cent decline in population over the last 50 years. The reasons behind this are uncertain but thought to be a consequence of climate change. It is clear they need a little help. Holiday homes in Dorset Resident Tina Crimes moved into her home in 2017 and noticed a pair of house martins. She set up nest cups and soon had

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

a pair nesting on her roof. The birds may have been in the area before, but as it was previously a chicken production factory, it was probably not an attractive place for any bird to settle. What did attract the birds’ attention was the mud and clay soil left by the builders – the house martins found plenty of material to build their homes. When Tina discovered that house martins were a protected species on the endangered list, she stepped up efforts to attract them. “I placed a dish of mud outside the house. They love clay-based mud, so I kept it topped up. I also used a call signal downloaded from the UK and Ireland House Martin Conservation site. The charity was formed to protect housemartins and they sent me some leaflets which I posted through my neighbours’ doors.” The leaflets helped inform the neighbours on the estate about the birds so they wouldn’t knock down nests and would understand they are a protected species. Tina says: “Most of us love them, though one or two struggle with them, especially if the nest is above a door. But no one has removed a nest. One house has six nests!” The birds are high up in the apex of roofs on brick houses but are not as attracted to render or thatch. Although some residents placed nesting cups on roof

House martins nesting in Okeford Fitzpaine All images: Rachael Rowe

areas, some birds nested on top of them instead of inside. However, that’s expected; the birds breed more than once in a season and move the bigger chicks “downstairs” so they can accommodate new babies upstairs. Watch your head! Naturally, with a plethora of nests and cute chicks, there’s a different hazard around the houses, with bird mess inevitably landing on paths, cars – or

The Old Dairy estate in Okeford Fitzpaine is welcoming its new African visitors

people. The birds also clean out muck from nests and are generally very untidy house guests. But, as Tina points out, it is easily cleaned away with a hose or brush. Residents have also taken to placing plant pots underneath the nests to catch droppings, and some houses have mats on window ledges. Vigilance is required when leaving the house – you never quite know what might land! Tina is proud of the way the community has come together. “We have come from all over the country to live here, many from urban environments and unused to anything like this – and yet we have all accepted these wonderful birds into our homes.” Watching the house martins swoop around their homes is mesmerising and has been uplifting for the residents. It is an excellent example of how humans and nature can live side by side in harmony and how new housing developments can be adapted to attract wildlife.

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

The Round Barrow – an ancient way becomes a new choice

The entrance to the Round Barrow

In the quiet hills of West Dorset, a modern round barrow has been constructed with the most ancient of purposes – Rachael Rowe reports The panoramic view across the Dorset countryside catches me unaware, stretching to the horizon. There is only the sound of the wind rushing through the trees and birds singing. High Ground Meadow, just outside Corscombe, is a special place for many people, with its natural burial ground and, more recently, a round barrow. Nowadays there are more cremations and more options available to commemorate loved ones, in addition to the traditional grave. One of the newest is the round barrow – yet it is also one of the oldest. What is a barrow? You are correct if you thought barrows were earth mounds where ancient peoples buried their dead. Neolithic communities built long barrows from 4,000 to 2,000 BC, while round barrows date from the Bronze Age, around 2,000 BC. 14

They were also used by Anglo Saxons and Romans, many aligned to sunrise at the solstice. Today, barrows are once again being built, with niches to house urns following cremation.

There was a huge demand for the first modern round barrow, created in Wiltshire in 2014. The round barrow at High Ground Meadow was developed in 2018, two years before the first set

The passage within the Round Barrow All images: Rachael Rowe

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS of ashes found its Corscombe resting place. Like a clock The entrance to the West Dorset barrow is carpeted with wildflowers and blends naturally into the landscape. Undertaker Tom Vassie takes me into the open doorway, pausing at the time circle just inside the entrance. It’s a circular structure with a floral wreath. “This area is always open, so people can be close to the ashes,” says Tom. “it can also be used for small services as the ashes are interred, or for people to sit and reflect.” We continue through to the domed central area, and Tom explains the structure. “The barrow is shaped like a clock. At each ‘hour’, a passageway leads off from the central chamber. Other chambers are at three, six and nine o’clock. So we have a theme of time here, and the standing stones outside represent the seven days of the week. Although the barrow is not aligned for a solstice, it is directly aligned with Glastonbury Tor.” An extraordinary place As I walk around the circular structure, there is a profound feeling of peace and calm. The time circle inside the Round Barrow

Niches – with display urns – in the round barrow Tiny candles flicker among the urns and stone niches. It feels mystical – spiritual, in a way – and somewhere contemplative but quite extraordinary to be. On a ledge is Tim’s Stone: when Tom went to the first barrow in Wiltshire, the owner (Tim) donated one of his stones to this new barrow in Dorset. The barrow is a tranquil and serene setting for someone’s final resting place. The urns are made locally; the blue pots come from Mosterton and the earthcoloured ones from Upwey. They are designed to blend into the setting without being garish or out of place. It is an alternative to ashes being scattered in a garden of remembrance – or perhaps somewhere they should not be placed. People still scatter ashes in inappropriate areas, apparently. Undertakers not directors Niches can hold a surprising number of urns. For example, most niches can take a pair of urns, but some of the larger ones hold up to nine, so a family can be together. You can also choose your niche within the barrow. There’s a cost, of course, but compared with a graveyard plot, they are less expensive, especially if there are several urns in one niche. I ask about the choices funeral directors give to people when a

loved one dies and am instantly corrected by Tom’s mother, Jo. “We’re undertakers, not funeral directors. The family directs the funeral. We are there to help and support them.” Tom continues: “Some families carry the coffin and lower it in the burial ground. They often say they didn’t know they could do that. We enjoy helping the families shape the service with favourite music and other personal touches.” For example, people can choose to have a ceremonial walk to the barrow to place the urn, or they can simply take the urn into the chamber. A place to remember Today, 70 per cent of people who die in England are cremated. However, since the pandemic, more people have been thinking about how they want to be remembered when they die. A round barrow is an option for people who wish to be cremated but would also prefer a final resting place. With views of rural Dorset in such a tranquil setting, the round barrow feels spiritually connected to the past, and yet is very much in the present as a final resting place. Higher Ground Meadow, Corscombe highergroundmeadow.co.uk theroundbarrow.co.uk 15

The BV magazine, July ‘22 A COUNTRY LIVING

David Mirus spends Tuesdays prepping in the bread shed. All Images: Courtenay Hitchcock

Early rise in the bread shed 16

The BV magazine, July ‘22 A COUNTRY LIVING

It’s a baker’s dozen of working hours for David Mirus, perfecting his sourdough before Wimborne awakes. Tracie Beardsley reports in A Country Living As a self-confessed insomniac, ridiculously early starts and a punishing work regime don’t bother David Mirus. His alarm goes off at 12.30am in the week and midnight at weekends. He works through the night to make dough and prepare pastry for delicious bakewell tarts, scones and quiches. At 5am his wife Ann joins him to start on the fillings and the bakery opens at 9am. Before most of us have even got to work, David has already clocked up an eighthour day – and doesn’t finish until 2pm. Despite the 13-hour shifts, he has finally found his vocation at the age of 55. “This is what I was supposed to be doing all my life,” says the man who arrived from Australia as a 23-year-old with nothing more than a backpack. A former film and TV cameraman – his claim to fame is that two films he crewed on were voted the worst ever by film critic Barry Norman – he’s worked as a linen porter for the NHS (where he met his wife) and as a chef in numerous restaurants, pubs and clubs in Australia and London. He also has a degree in art. To the bread shed David now owns his artisan bakery – a family affair along with Ann and son Stefan. It’s tucked away down Mill Lane in Wimborne Minster, in a 260-year-old building that has seen many incarnations, from a mechanic’s garage to a furniture restorer’s workshop. With its roaring open wood oven, it’s now nicknamed the ‘bread shed’, and I defy anyone to walk past without being tempted to indulge.

Artisan baker David Mirus

Its success in just three years has been phenomenal. Starting as a pop-up shop during the Wimborne Folk Festival, The Old Malthouse Bakery now has queues snaking around the block for its superb sourdough (250 loaves sold every Saturday) and renowned jam doughnuts – 120 sold daily, some partly responsible for my expanding waistline! “The alarm going off doesn’t bother me,” says David. “I go to bed about six in the evening but often still can’t sleep. I do get bad nights and if the bread suffers then I have to start again from scratch. Pastry is a devil – it will punish you if you try and make it when you’re in a bad mood. You’ve got to relax and be in the right mind-set for baking.”

Music helps, and David makes pastry to loud German punk or the more mellow Elbow. The World Service is often his night-time companion. Having a Ukrainian father, he still has relations in Lviv so the news is of huge importance to him, as is the Ukrainian flag flying outside his bakery. A family business “Food has always been a big part of our family life,” David recalls. “My dad was a real foodie. Being Ukrainian, he’d come home with such delights as pig’s trotters and smoked eel for us to eat!” David’s 27-year-old son, Stefan, is responsible for breakfast baps, cinnamon rolls, teacakes and those legendary jam doughnuts. Natasha, his 17

The BV magazine, July ‘22 A COUNTRY LIVING

youngest daughter, is also a talented baker but has chosen other paths. His other daughter Bryony didn’t seem to get the baking gene but she lived in Japan for two years and has come home with new cooking skills to share. With such a foodie-focused family, is there any watershed hour at home to stop talking about business? David says: “No, we’ve always talked about food so it never feels like we’re really talking about the business. I’ve been banned from eating my bread though. I’ve got a niece getting married this month so I’ve got to get into my wedding suit!” It’s only 8.30am when I finish the interview, time for David to lay out his array of delicious temptations as a queue already begins. I leave with a doughnut – be rude not to – and glad that I don’t have a wedding coming up myself! The Malthouse Bakery, Mill Lane, Wimborne Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 2pm Facebook: The Old Malthouse Bakery – Wimborne

David Mirus starts his working day at midnight

David uses a wood-fired oven in conjunction with standard industrial ovens 18

The BV magazine, July ‘22 A COUNTRY LIVING The family bakery started as a pop-up shop during the Wimborne Folk Festival

Quick-fire questions with David: A-list dinner party guests past or present? My dad - he died at 89 about eight years ago. I’d love him to see how well the bakery is going and chat to him about it. And my Uncle Boris from Lviv – he died of Covid before I had the chance to meet him. Given what’s going on in that country, it would’ve been fascinating to get to know him. He also loved food! Books on your bedside? I’ve got one about coffee at the moment as we’ve just starting selling takeaway coffees – the proper stuff from Honduras. Before that, I was reading a book about sourdough. I guess I never really switch off from baking.

David sells 250 sourdough loaves every Saturday Image: David Mirus 19

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

Building communities in community buildings Not every village has a close social life – Adrian Fisher describes how one Dorset village is successfully strengthening its sense of community. One of the wonderful things about the recent jubilee was that local activities and celebrations continued for four days. It was a once-in-athousand years event, and it was incredibly special. Seeing some of the same local people day after day at various events nudged relationships up a notch or several. It is often said there is more direct social interaction in villages than in cities or their sprawling suburbs. Part of the reason is the open land around each village. It makes every person in every household more relevant, just because they are there. So we look out for them a bit more – if we don’t there is always the risk that no-one outside the village will. What really helps in a village is to gather, regularly and frequently. A pub is one way, but because it’s open all hours, all week, there is not quite the same sense of gathering everyone together at one time, regardless of who they are. Something like a darts night is

St Nick’s Cafe

great, but only if you are keen on darts! A regular meeting The ratio of village halls to houses in Dorset villages is remarkable. There’s a village hall in most villages, sometimes in a village with as few as 166 houses. Village halls are a great social resource, but they can tend to feel more institutional than a homely pub run by a keen landlord. Nevertheless, when there’s no pub in the village, some village hall committees have started

St Nicholas’ in Durweston is serving a new community purpose outside regular services 20

holding a monthly Pub Night, which helps create a mustattend sense of occasion. And of course there’s another building nearly every village has – the church. Churches have character and attitude in spades; and as one of the oldest buildings in the village they are typically very central. A Sunday church service can lead to a social gathering place over coffee afterwards. But with falling attendances and often only monthly services, these occasions may be less regular now that clergy can be stretched to cover anything from a four-parish benefice to as many as eight churches. A new way However in Durweston every Thursday from 8.30 till noon, St Nicholas’ church is transformed into ‘St Nick’s Cafe’, with up to 60 people dropping in during the morning. About 150 people went along on the Thursday of the Jubilee weekend. The cafe was a instant hit and has become a sustained success. Parents come in before or after dropping off their children

The BV magazine, July ‘22

at the school (next to the Thursday morning he visited, churchyard); others come in at he was utterly bowled over by much the same time each week. what he found. Smiles were Ideas arise, are discussed and everywhere; longstanding the extra people needed are fellow villagers were greeting roped in. New events and each other with warmth and activities joy. Someone began Villagers were singing in the kitchen. are planned and carried greeting each He said he had never through. come across anything like other with The original this before, and is now warmth and idea for the eagerly seeking to find a joy. Someone house locally. Blandford Film began singing Nights, run by the Blandford in the kitchen New communities too Welcome Refugee Ukrainian Group, was proposed to families also gather at St Nick’s, Duncan Kenworthy and the late finding a place to speak to Roger Graef in September 2021 others in their own language, at the St Nicholas Church parish and to discuss their shared fete. More than 200 people had refugee situation. Vira, a turned out, and again it was a Ukrainian teacher of the English great success. language at high school and One newcomer, Alan, is college level, told me that the seeking to move from the warmth of welcome and desire Home Counties to Dorset. He at a personal level to help had had heard of the community been immensely impressive. activities in Durweston. On the But at the government level,

NEWS

less so. The one recurring theme among Ukrainians is the difficulty of finding work. After all they have been through, it is crushing not to be able to do something useful. For Vira, the prospect of having to spend years replicating her qualifications before doing what she is immensely proficient at doing, teaching English to Ukrainians, is soul-destroying. It’s not as if we don’t have lots of Ukrainians all around us, who desperately need to master English before they can get a job (as Irina, a proficient beautician, discovered when seeking work at beautician businesses in Blandford). St Nick’s Cafe is a remarkable success story, which has already transformed the life and spirit of Durweston. Let us hope that other villages can do something similar and build on the strengths that village life can offer.

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

Why do we CARE?

At Wells Cathedral School and Little Wellies Nursery, we think that even with our smallest pupils, we need to remember to focus on the bigger picture. Our school values of Creativity, Aspiration, Responsibility and Endeavour are at the heart of all that we do. These four values which appropriately also spell the word “CARE” - inspire us as teachers to nurture and develop these qualities in our pupils, with the aim of assisting them in becoming amazing young people that leave school with huge potential for life’s successes. Why do we put such emphasis on these values? Simply put, it is these qualities alongside our Learning Powers of resilience, motivation, curiosity, careful thinking and resourcefulness - that are so often the strong predictors of success in life. These are skills that run through every year of our educational journey from Nursery all the way up to eighteen. They grow and develop, and increase in complexity and maturity as the children work their way through school and then into their adult lives. When our children are faced with challenges or things get tough - as has been the case for so many of us in recent years - it is these qualities that will get them through. Reach for the Stars At our school assemblies, we delve into what these, for a little child, rather big words mean! It is our job in Pre-Prep to turn these large, somewhat generic words into things that really mean something to our 22

children. A recent focus for us has been ‘Aspiration’. We started assembly by playing the song ‘Reach for the Stars’, and explaining to the children that this means to believe in oneself and reach high. Children need to be shown how high they can reach. Having established this idea, we couldn’t think of any better way to show this than to let our Nursery and Pre-Prep children observe the older children in the School. We chose to focus on the performing arts, and let our children enjoy a whole host of opportunities, devised and delivered by pupils from our Junior School and Senior School. One particularly memorable occasion was when our Senior School musicians put on an inspiring workshop, playing popular Disney songs on a whole host of instruments. This inspired the children in PrePrep to come back exclaiming that they want to play every instrument under the sun! More recently, our Pre-Prep children also had the wonderful experience of watching a dress

rehearsal for our Junior School production of Shrek, featuring pupils from Year 3 to Year 6. Our youngest children could not have been more inspired. They could not believe that underneath those costumes and all that make-up were some of the older children that they actually know! These opportunities make our children feel like anything is possible if they work for it. Our children are of course incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such inspiring role models, and we as teachers feel just as fortunate to work with them. So while we aim to inspire them, they also amaze, delight and inspire us, creating a cycle of aspiration where we’re all helping each other achieve our own personal success. We’re all reaching for the stars together! John Fosbrook Director of Admissions

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 Interview by Laura Hitchcock

Maggie Ollerenshaw, the acclaimed British actress, takes on the Random 19 questions Maggie Ollerenshaw, a proud Mancunian now resident in Stalbridge, is perhaps most famous for playing comedic Northerners, particularly in the sitcoms Last of the Summer Wine and Open All Hours (and Still Open All Hours). She has also appeared in various other television roles such as Holby City, Doctors, Heartbeat and Midsomer Murders, but off-screen has demonstrated a versatile ability, playing intense American leads in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and A Streetcar Named Desire, as well as Shakespearean roles in The Merry Wives and King John. In addition, she has toured internationally in her own show Sincerely Yours, a tribute to singing legend Vera Lynn. 1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the North Dorset area, not us!)? It all began with my husband (actor Geoff Leesley) and his son, Sam, who is autistic. When we got together in the early 2000s, Sam was at the Forum School in Shillingstone. Geoff lived in Sussex, I was in London, and we were looking for a home together. We instinctively headed west and first of all we came across Frome. We bought a house there in 2002, but we couldn’t find the house we really wanted. In 2016 we finally found the house of our dreams – and moved to lovely April Cottage in Stalbridge, opposite the church. It’s so quintessentially English! 2. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car? It was (Make me an) Angel from Montgomery – it’s a country song. Bonny Raitt is the singer most associated with it – she didn’t write it but was a great friend of John Prine, who did. My musical taste is quite eclectic – I certainly wouldn’t call myself a Country and Western girl. But the lyrics to this are just fantastic. It’s like a play. The character is a middle-aged woman who feels older than she is, and she wants to get away from her life and where she lives, which is Montgomery, Alabama. It’s wonderful. I discovered it when BBC4 ran a repeat of an old concert from the 80s when Bonny Raitt was over here doing a tour. It was at the 24

Actress Maggie Ollerenshaw takes on the Random 19

Shepherd’s Bush Empire, I think. This was one of the songs she played, and I just thought ‘that’s amazing!’ 3. What was the last movie you watched? Would you recommend it? It was a film called Cyrano, based on Cyrano de Bergerac. It stars Peter Dinklage, the small actor people will know from Game of Thrones. The original story is that Cyrano has this enormous nose – he’s in love

with a beautiful woman but it’s all hopeless, and instead she falls in love with a very handsome man. Cyrano has a wonderful way with words, however, and he ends up writing the handsome man’s love letters to Roxanne. Brilliantly, instead of using Cyrano’s enormous ugly nose, the film uses Peter’s height. So clever! It’s sumptuous to look at, too. It’s a musical, but I would hesitate to describe it as one because the song interludes are so integrated into the narrative

The BV magazine, July ‘22 THE RANDOM 19 QUESTIONS

you almost don’t notice. The other thing I love is the message – especially in this age of celebrity. The story emphasises that it isn’t what you look like that’s important. It’s really not. And it’s a message that needs saying over and over.

Yentob’s Imagine series, in which he interviewed her. I didn’t know anything about her at all, but she sounded such an interesting woman, and this book in particular. I absolutely loved it. It just gave me a totally different perspective on my own country.

4. Your favourite quote? Movie, book or inspirational? We won’t judge, but would like to know why. It’s by John Guare, the American playwright. He was once asked to go to his old college to talk to leaving students. He said (I’m paraphrasing) “the world doesn’t need more lawyers and bankers, we need dreamers, we need people with imagination. Please don’t get up in the morning and hate your life and hate what you do.”

10. Favourite crisps flavour? Cheese and onion (swift and unhesitating!)

5. It’s Friday night – you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do? Okay, I’m going to cook myself something. Some veggie pasta, maybe. Have a nice glass of red wine. And watch a Bette Davis movie. Or maybe Joan Crawford. But something black and white, certainly. 6. What is your comfort meal? Egg and chips. DOUBLE egg and chips. With a little Heinz ketchup. 7. What would you like to tell 15-year-old you? Life will get better. 8. What shop can you never pass by? No such shop exists! 9. What book did you read last year that stayed with you? What made you love it? Small Island by Andrea Levy. I was made aware of the book by watching an episode of Alan

11. And the best biscuit for dunking? Well. I don’t dunk. Why spoil a good biscuit, and why spoil a good cup of tea? 12. Cats or dogs? Dogs. Proper dogs. Big dogs. Not handbags. We can’t have one due to our lifestyle, and our place in London is three floors up with no outside space. But we always invite our friend’s dogs to stay – we’re very dog-friendly! 13. What are your top three most-visited, favourite websites (excluding social media and BBC News!)? 1. Guardian 2. IMDB 3. Manchester City! I’m a BIG football fan. I come from Manchester and have supported them since I was yay high. 14. What’s your most annoying trait? Well, I say it’s interrupting people. My husband says it’s impatience. I guess it’s probably the same thing! 15. Who’s your celebrity crush? Idris Elba. I was at a busy function at the BBC once and he entered the room. It was quite a large room, he came in on the far side, and suddenly you saw virtually

everybody notice him. He’s one of those people who just has an aura. The only other person I saw with the same effect was George Clooney. I wasn’t even that close to him – it was a Q&A after a film, in a big cinema in the West End, and he was right down on the stage and I was way up in the circle. But again even from up there I could feel it. So charismatic ... 16. What was the last gift you gave someone? It’s a slight cheat – it’s for my husband’s birthday next week, so it’s not been given yet, but I know it’ll be perfect! There’s a wonderful traditional barbers in Curzon Street in London. I’m sending him for one of those superior shaves with hot towels – the full works 17. How would you like to be remembered? Well. I should probably say ‘as a really good friend, someone you could rely on, having had a useful life’ but that all sounds terribly worthy. I think I’d actually just like to be remembered as someone who was good fun to be with! 18. What in life is frankly a mystery to you? I have two answers – am I allowed to be political? My instinctive response is simply people who voted for Brexit and/ or the Tories. But if you prefer, my nonpolitical answer is golf. Is that any less controversial?! 19. You have the power to pass one law tomorrow, uncontested. What would you do? Universal income. It would solve so many problems at a stroke. And obviously would save money. Isn’t it crazy that it’s just not happening? 25

The BV magazine, July ‘22 POLITICS

A personal reckoning

The Tory byelection defeat had everything to do with Mr Johnson, says North Dorset Green Party’s Ken Huggins Boris Johnson has just claimed that his government’s record is ‘exceptional’. He has never spoken a truer word. He blames the crushing Tory defeats in the Wakefield and Tiverton/Honiton by-elections on the media, for focussing more on his personal conduct than on his policies. That he considers his personal conduct to be of no consequence says it all. There has been plenty of media focus on his policies, many of which do not stand up to close scrutiny. And whilst Government spokespeople take every opportunity to remind us of the speed of the vaccine rollout, they deliberately ignore the massive failings elsewhere in dealing with the covid pandemic. For example, the Government claim

that a ‘protective ring’ had been thrown around care homes. Not true. My mother caught covid in Yeovil hospital, but was promptly discharged right back into her care home. Tens of thousands of vulnerable care home residents caught covid and died. Then there was the debacle of PPE procurement, with eye watering profits, commissions being paid without proper scrutiny and billions spent on unusable items. Wasted taxpayers’ money that could have been profitably used to increase supplies of renewable energy, and reduce energy consumption by insulating homes. For us to have such a Prime Minister at this time is more than just an embarrassment, it’s a

disaster. With the enormity and urgency of the environmental crisis ever more apparent, now more than ever we need strong, compassionate and caring leadership, with recognition that we are all in the same boat. Accepting that everyone has to be taken care of, regardless of which school they went to, or how wealthy they may be. For any conservatives pondering their next steps, as an ex Conservative voter myself I can confirm the warm welcome that awaits in the Green Party.

The world of trade unions has changed Workplaces have moved on from archaic trade union power, forging a more productive way to work together, says North Dorset Lib Dems’ Mike Chapman

The second amendment to the US Constitution dates from 1791. It was about preventing central government wielding excessive power: people might bear arms to be equipped to stop those in authority from exceeding themselves. Fortunately, we have developed the more modern approach – with less collateral damage – of the ballot box plus a wholly independent judiciary. This government is over-reaching, over-reacting and bullying. What mandate is there for tearing up the Northern Ireland protocol? The migrant export deal with Rwanda? For acknowledging the European Court of Human Rights only when convenient, and for their mission to dumb down and commercialise the BBC? What is to be done with a government whose response to the crisis on the railways has been a resounding “bring it on, if you are hard enough”? It is earnestly to be hoped that our education

system, the very essence – and already undervalued - of our future prosperity, does not end up in a similar stand-off. These strikes are ridiculous and wholly contrary to individual, corporate and societal best interests. The best performing enterprises work as partnerships; together, for mutual benefit. Us v Them, Theory X (more stick than carrot) and other such confrontational practices went out with the ark. Trade Union membership has become a marginal factor outside the public sector. Employee share-ownership is growing strongly. Today, modern organisational imperatives and internal cultures are directed towards balancing the interests of all stakeholders; boards are supported by non-executives specifically there to find balanced positions; employee engagement in continuous improvement is becoming the norm. I note our campaign in Tiverton and

Honiton was dubbed the coming of the ‘The Yellow Peril’. If that means old orders, old school ties and outdated, self-centred attitudes, left and right, are under threat from people with the passion, standards, experience and up-to-date understanding to make a better fist of it, then caveat Boris. Let Boris and all who ride with him beware. Now is a good time to join in, to bring your own understanding to bear, to make your own positive, constructive voice be heard. Thank goodness we don’t have the 2nd Amendment here.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 POLITICS

We noisily protest

The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of liberal democracy, says Labour’s Pat Osborne Last month I wrote about the inadequacy of the government’s response to a cost-of-living crisis caused largely by 12 years of Tory economic policy – designed to deliver super-profits for millionaires at the expense of ordinary working people. On the 18 June I joined tens of thousands of trade unionists from up and down the country at the TUC’s march and rally in London to demand better. Despite a justifiable underlying anger towards a Government that is clearly letting us down, the protest was conducted peacefully and in a carnival-like atmosphere. Protestors showed their solidarity with other working people devastated by the cost-of-living crisis by adding to

a soundscape of drums, whistles, music and chants as we marched two miles from Portland Place to Parliament Square. Just 10 days later, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act came into effect, effectively banning ‘noisy protest’. Within 10 hours, anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray was the Act’s first scalp when police swooped to confiscate his speakers. Whether or not we agree with Mr Bray’s King Canute-like position on Brexit is beside the point. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of any liberal democracy and Mr Bray should have the right to engage in it. It is worrying therefore – though entirely foreseeable – that the police should move so quickly

to enforce Priti Patel’s hard line anti-protest laws in such a heavyhanded way. With the promise of a summer of discontent ahead of us, it is likely that these draconian powers and other anti-trade union instruments will be exercised repeatedly in order to mute a growing choir of dissenting voices. By Autumn this could reveal a country with more in common with Putin’s autocratic Russia than the liberal democracies of Western Europe.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

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The BV magazine, July ‘22

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The BV magazine, July ‘22

by Gay Pirrie-Weir, Fine Times Recorder

WHAT’S ON

Rudes stage an Orwellian take on life Don’t miss one of the finest shows of summer 2022 as Artsreach brings the Rude Mechanicals to North Dorset ONE of the most inventive, imaginative and colourful of the summer open-air touring companies, the Rude Mechanicals are coming to North Dorset with a thoroughly entertaining and wildly original take on how we live, social media, reality television and the meaning of love. Gods and Dogs, by the Rudes’ director and founder Pete Talbot, is a brilliantly witty new satire, set in 2084 on the island of Abatina. It’s a century on from Orwell’s classic dystopian fantasy, and our heroine and fellow residents are under the all-seeing eye of the president, Big Al – all fake tan and a floppy quiff, he’s a cross between The Great Oz and Big Brother (and you-know-who across the pond). The celebrity-obsessed residents, policed by the fawning dogs of the state, live for a word of praise from their president, who is beamed into their homes and workplaces by sophisticated technological gizmos. Their dismal lives are brightened by a weekly fix of Marriage Maker, a reality show in which one lucky girl is chosen (out of three) to marry a superstar and have three days of hedonistic luxury and sex, before a divorce.

Each eight-episode series mean the star gets to marry eight people over two months. Gods and Dogs follows what happens when one of the hopefuls falls for the footballer she “wins”, while her friend, who is already sceptical about the whole set-up, is properly courted by a charming young man with a flash car, who is at war with his own background. Mocking insight As always with the versatile Rudes, the style is commedia dell’arte, the faces painted

in white-mask, the singing, dancing, musicianship and talent enormous. The Eastbournebased company has built up an eager following around the areas they have regularly toured since 1999. always bringing an original show to their “open air’ audiences. This year’s company includes regulars, returners and newcomers, as Tom Blake, Georgina Field, Max Gallagher, Evie James, Rowan Talbot, Ed Thorpe and Lia Todd bring 22 characters (and the voice of Big Al) to vivid life. You won’t see a more inventive look at modern society on stage this year. It never takes itself too seriously, but drives its revelations home with a sparkling little hammer.

The tour has four Artsreachpromoted Dorset dates, at East Farm, Tarrant Monkton, on Wednesday 20th July, Stourpaine on 21st, Mill Farm at Bradford Abbas on 22nd and Child Okeford on Saturday 23rd July. 31

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ADVERTORIAL

All roads lead to Clayesmore

Expect to see floods of super bright supercars and classic beauties driving through glorious Dorset this August, as Clayesmore, in association with Southwest Supercar Club, present a Classic & Supercar Sunday Event on Sunday 14 August. Set in 70 acres of glorious grounds, with a sweeping driveway to the main house, Clayesmore couldn’t be more of a stunning backdrop to display exotic and heritage cars. The event is a collaboration with

a student, Zander Miller, who started the supercar club as a hobby during lockdown. It has swiftly snowballed into a who’s who of supercar owners in the South West. “The response to us hosting this event has been phenomenal” says Rhiannon Harris, Head of Commercial, Clayesmore. “We are excited to announce that Hendy Group, the South Coast’s premier automotive retailer, will be partnering with the event and will wow the crowds with a stunning display of their prestige

cars on the day. “Hendy really loved Zander’s entrepreneurial spirit and the idea of bringing this event to Clayesmore. We are delighted to have them on board.” Like to exhibit? Clayesmore are keen to exhibit the best of the best of local owner’s cars, so if you would like to register to exhibit, please do register here https://bit.ly/ classicandsupercarsunday Book your tickets now! Clayesmore are excited for this to be a real community event for all the family, with gourmet street food, fizz and entertainment. Tickets for the event are on sale now; book yours today classicandsupercarsunday. eventbrite.com

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

The BV magazine, July ‘22 WHAT’S ON

See how a brush is made at historic factory To celebrate 100 years in business, Hillbrush is hosting a charity day on Wednesday 6th July for the public to see behind the scenes of its working brush manufacturing factory at Mere in Wiltshire. Hillbrush staff will provide insight into the history of the business, machinery and brush making while visitors will get a chance to see and follow the production of the company’s brushes, many of which are used in the Royal households, from start to finish. All proceeds from the day will be donated to The Royal Warrant Holders Charity Fund (RWHCF). The RWHCF was established in 1902 to support the charitable activities of Royal Warrant Holders. Hillbrush has been a Royal Warrant Holder, supplying brushes to the Royal Households since 1981. The Fund donates to small local charities in which Warrant-holding companies or their employees are actively involved. Tours will take place every hour from 12 noon, with the last tour at 6pm and ending at the company’s visitor centre Visit Hillbrush. Hillbrush guarantees that visitors will never look at a brush the same way again! Book a place here.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 WHAT’S ON

The traditional Piddlehinton church fete

The lovely English country garden of West Lodge, Piddlehinton will be the setting of this year’s Annual Church Fete. Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon out for the whole family with children’s races, coconut shy, bowling alley, ‘welly whanging’, pony rides and duck races on the River Piddle. There’s even a dog show with classes for everyone! All this and the chance to buy from many well stocked stalls including plants, cakes, preserves, books and white elephant. And of course, the Silent Auction and Raffle with wonderful prizes on offer. Relax and enjoy a wide range of refreshments - Hog Roast, Afternoon Teas, Ice Creams and Pimm’s stall with live entertainment from Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club. Set in the beautiful Piddle Valley, just 5 miles north of Dorchester, DT2 7TD, everyone is welcome to come and spend time in our lovely village - we look forward to seeing you! Free car parking, and all Profits to Charity

THE PIDDLEHINTON FETE SATURDAY 16th JULY starts at 1pm duck

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Quinfest is back! Quinfest is a family-friendly charity festival, dedicated to the memory of Amy Quin. Created in 2019 as a fundraiser for Brain Tumour Support, who had supported Amy throug her battle with a brain tumour in 2016. Sadly Amy died in 2020, but the festival carries on in memory of her and to raise money for cancer charities. This year Quinfest is on ther wekend of the 8th and 9th July, this year raising much needed funds for the Poole Hospital Charity and Marie Curie. The fun will start at 11.30am. There will be music throughout the day from bands and solo artists, with dancing. It will be a safe place for children who will have plenty to do and see, and acres to run and play in. And for their mums and dads there will be traders and food and drink stalls. Camping will also be available for those who wish to make a weekend away from Friday night to Sunday morning. Tickets for Saturday only: £15 Adult |£7.50 1217 yrs | Under 12s free. See full details of the line up and book your tickets on the Quinfest website here . Tickets to be collected on the day. Friday Camping from 3pm, entertainment from 7pm. Saturday - 11:30am until midnight.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 WHAT’S ON

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 WHAT’S ON

The BV magazine, July ‘22 DORSET ISLAND DISCS

“The best guitarist that I have ever seen live” - Dorset Island Discs Philip Coward is chairman of Hillbrush, sits on the Royal Warrant Holders Association executive committee and has been a Mere councillor for 46 years I grew up in Mere, right across the road from our family’s brushmaking business which was started by my grandfather and great-uncle in 1922. I always had an interest in building things and in anything mechanical. My father was an engineer and I followed in his footsteps, gaining a degree in mechanical engineering from Brunel University in 1974. I married Pammy just after graduating and joined the family company a few months later – after failing to obtain a permit to work in the USA. I managed the production at Hillbrush (then the Hill Brush Company) for several years before taking over the management of the company. Five years ago we built a new factory on the western side of Mere, which enabled the company to address sustainability issues and be far more efficient. I handed over the running of the company to my son Charlie and nephew Andy, and I am now chairman. This year the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary which is a testimony to the amazing employees past and present. Over the years I have been involved in our industry manufacturer associations and I’m still a board member of the European Brush Manufacturers Federation, based in the Netherlands. Our company has held a Royal Warrant to HM the Queen for more than 40 years, and last year I became Honorary Treasurer of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. I sit on the Executive Committee, and I am a trustee of its charity fund. 40

I have always been interested in the town where our business is located, and I am now in my 46th year as a Mere town councillor, which may be a record! Since passing on the day-today running of the company, I naturally have more time to devote to my interests outside of brushmaking, including maintaining the farm where we live, boating in Poole Harbour and travelling. As well as Charlie, we have a daughter, Clare, who lives not far away, and four grandchildren, who we obviously love seeing regularly.

And so to Philip’s eight music choices, along with how and why they stuck in his life:

We Can Work It Out The Beatles I had to have a Beatles song! They were so influential during my schooldays and their songs

still stand the test of time. Who would have thought that Paul McCartney would have headlined at Glastonbury at the age of 80! All Along the Watchtower Jimi Hendrix I am a great Hendrix fan – I think he was the best guitarist that I have ever seen live. I just wish that I could have played as well as him! A Whiter Shade of Pale Procul Harum This has to be one of the most amazing pop records ever produced and brings back so many memories of my later school days. 25 or 6 to 4 Chicago Just a great record, released when I was at university.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 DORSET ISLAND DISCS

Laudate Dominum Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ... but specifically performed by the Sherborne Chamber Choir with my wife Pammy as soloist. If I had this on my desert island, I could listen to her amazing voice and it would make me determined to escape! Symphony No 2 in D. Op 43 – I Allegretto Sibelius Quite simply, this is a magical piece of music and I love Sibelius. Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor. Op 18 – III Allegro Scherzando Rachmaninov This is such a moving piece of music, and one which I would never tire of on the island. If you could see me now The Script This record would make me dance around the island! And if the waves were to wash all your records away but you had time to save just one, which would it be? It would have to be the Laudate Dominum My Book I would be bored re-reading any of my favourite novels, and instead I would like the Complete DIY manual by Readers Digest. Although I am very practical, there is always another skill to learn which might help me to escape from the island. Luxury For my luxury, I would like to have a toolbox, but I suspect that’s not allowed (No! - Ed). So I would like to ask for my choice of pillows, so that could at least have a good night’s sleep. 41

The BV magazine, July ‘22 THEN AND NOW

Blandford Hospital and the Case of the Sozzled Servant

In this month’s Then and Now, Roger Guttridge finds the cottage origins still within Blandford’s hospital and discovers the very first patients

An impromptu cricket match, with Blandford Cottage Hospital in the background. Picture from Lost Dorset: The Towns, by David Burnett, from Barry Cuff’s postcard collection Working out exactly what’s what in these ancient and modern pictures of Blandford Hospital takes a bit of doing, so much has changed in 130 years or so. The hospital’s history dates back to 1883, when the Hon. Miss Portman paid for the construction of a cottage hospital adjoining the Corner Coffee House near the junction of Salisbury Street and Whitecliff Mill Street. The first patient was reputedly a man injured in a wagon accident at Tarrant Hinton in March 1883. It became known as the Nurse House, but only catered for outpatients; the more seriously ill or injured being sent to bigger

hospitals at Dorchester, Weymouth, institution of the kind within easy Bournemouth or Bath. reach of them. Such patients are The Portmans of admitted free of Bryanston House charge.’ ... one of the then financed In her diary, Julietta servants ‘spent and Forrester, wife of the present hospital, which Lord Portman’s agent, drank’ her money, was officially noted that one of went upstairs opened on the the first patients was to bed but then 15th December, a Iwerne Minster 1888. decided she needed woman whose ‘This hospital,’ incapacity occurred another drop declared in ‘rather laughable Viscountess circumstances.’ Portman and the Hon. L E Portman, In his will, the squire of Iwerne, ‘is principally intended for the Lord Wolverton, left instructions for necessitous poor of Blandford everyone in his service to receive a and those parishes in the year’s wages. neighbourhood which have no Julietta believed this sweeping

With Blandford Bowling Club in the foreground, a modern extension now obscures the original hospital. Image: Roger Guttridge 42

The BV magazine, July ‘22 THEN AND NOW bequest was a ‘clerical error’ by Lord Wolverton’s legal people, which cost his estate the then princely sum of £8,000. Apparently one of the servants ‘spent and drank’ some of her money, went upstairs to bed but then decided she needed another drop. ‘She stumbled, and, falling from the top of the stairs to the bottom, broke her leg,’ says Julietta. The mishap earned the sozzled servant the dubious honour of being one of the first two patients at the new Blandford Cottage Hospital. The other ‘first patient’ was a man: complaint unknown. The Portmans continued to pay the wages of the matron and nurses for many years. No longer a cottage The late Victorian photos are taken from somewhere close to the junction of Whitecliff Mill Street, Milldown Road and Park Road and show the original Cottage Hospital when it really was a cottage of sorts (opposite page). The location was known as Picket Close and the impromptu cricket match in the foreground is being played on what is now the home of Blandford Bowling Club. Fortuitously, the club was in full match mode when I arrived to take the ‘now’ picture (opposite, below)! The building in the background of the bowls match is one of many modern extensions that have seen the present-day Community Hospital grow to many times its original size. However you can just make out one of the original gables

A similar view of the Cottage Hospital showing the junction of Milldown Road and Park Road. Picture from A Blandford Forum Camera, by Terence Sackett peeping above the roof line. The other Victorian picture (above) shows a rural-looking Milldown Road stretching away into the distance while the sweep into Park Road appears to follow a different line much closer to the original hospital than the present road – or

perhaps there’s a foreshortening effect in the old photo? The aerial shot below shows how the original building is still there, but has been entirely consumed on all sides by later extensions, with just one gable and two chimneys showing where it still sits.

The aerial view shows how the original cottage hospital has been consumed by more modern extensions. Image by kind permission of Mark Hume, Skyfast Media in Blandford

Has the sweep into Park Road moved further from the hospital since the original photograph? Image: Roger Guttridge 43

The BV magazine, July ‘22 LOOKING BACK

A Right Religious Rackett (pt. 2) From the ‘fat old woman at the toll-bridge’ to coins of ancient Dorset, the Thomas Rackett Papers have them all – Roger Guttridge reports Have you heard the one about the ‘fat old woman at the tollbridge’? Not my words but those of Mrs E Pulteney when describing the impact of a major storm which swept across southern England in March 1818. Writing from Lymington to Miss Dorothea Rackett, daughter of the Rector of Spetisbury and Charlton Marshall, Mrs Pulteney speaks of the ‘late tremendous weather’ and complains that ‘our house has been partly blown down, though without any serious injury to the inhabitants’. She then tells the comical tale of ‘the fat old woman at the toll-bridge’, who found herself knee-deep in flood water and unable to walk to safety. The woman’s son tried to carry her to a neighbour’s house but when the task proved too challenging, he ‘set her down in the water to get assistance’. It appears the ‘fat old woman’ survived but was not the only one in trouble. ‘They had six pigs in the house, which in the darkness they could not attempt to rescue,’

Spetisbury Rectory

Mrs Pulteney adds, ‘But in the morning, great was their surprise in finding them all alive and floating in the water.’

letters range from Dorset land and grain prices to the freezing winter of 1829“Great 30, from an 1833 was their flu epidemic at surprise in Blandford and Irreplaceable fire loss finding them Charlton Marshall Mrs Pulteney’s letter to – perhaps all alive and most curiously is among more than floating in – a ‘terrible 50 years’ worth of the water” depreciation’ correspondence in the Thomas Rackett Papers, in the value of first published by the Dorset books in 1830 and the related Record Society in 1965 and now sale of many private libraries. reprinted, with additions, in In 1808, the Rev Thomas hardback. Rackett wrote to a friend Other topics referred to in the describing a disastrous fire at John Nichols’ Fleet Street Spetisbury Church as drawn by Thomas Rackett for the second printing office and warehouses edition of Hutchings’ History of Dorset which destroyed, among other things, the proofs for most of the second edition of Hutchins’ History of Dorset as well as ‘the whole impression’ of Nichols’ own four-volume History of Leicestershire. Nichols was only insured for a small amount so his loss was ‘very considerable’. A Roman Road Many letters reflect Rackett’s

The BV magazine, July ‘22 LOOKING BACK

lifelong passions for all things historical and scientific. In 1815-16, Stourhead owner Sir Richard Hoare kept Rackett informed on his charting of ancient sites in Dorset and south Wiltshire. In one letter he announced his plans to ‘trace the Roman road’ from Sarum to Woodyates and thence to Badbury Rings, where he intended to ‘examine the camp to see if our survey is correct’. At Badbury Rings, he saw ‘two diverging causeways’, one heading for Dorchester, the other appearing to head towards Wareham. This puzzled him as there was no evidence of a Roman road reaching Wareham. He also noted a ‘great portion of another via’ leading from Hamworthy towards Vindogladia (by which he probably meant Wimborne or Badbury Rings) and on to Gussage Cow Down. Thomas Rackett and Tiberius Cavallo’s drawing showing the Sir Richard was on the money bearings of objects found at Badbury Rings with this speculation. We now know that the Romans built a road from their port Hambledon Hill, Hod Hill, Syracuse, Neapolis etc’. at Hamworthy to Lake Gates, Maiden Castle and other sites. Rackett also refers to 70 to 80 Wimborne, where they set up He described Hambledon – silver coins found at Okeford their 40-acre base camp for which he called ‘Hamilton’ Fitzpaine some years earlier. the conquest of South West – as ‘one of the grandest In a report to Henry Ellis, England. earthworks I ever secretary of the Society of Another road beheld’. Antiquities, he says coins ...more than 100 led from In 1832, a plus the glass beads and gold coins from the kings Lake Gates ornaments found in Dorset of ‘Syria, Macedon, parishioner’s to Badbury discovery of barrows suggested ‘commercial Bythinia, Syrmium Rings, where ancient Greek intercourse’ between the local and Egypt’ it split into coins in a field at Britons and people from the three routes, Charlton Marshall East, and perhaps even that ‘a one leading to Dorchester [the prompted Rackett to make colony was formed in this part Roman Durnovaria], another further inquiries in the general of the Island’. into North Dorset and a third area. Copies of the Thomas Rackett to Old Sarum. Within six months he had Papers are available by post collected more than 100 from the Hon General Secretary, Coins of kings coins from the kings of ‘Syria, Dorset History Centre, Being a wealthy antiquarian, Macedon, Bythinia, Syrmium Dorchester DT1 1RP (£14.95 + £2 Sir Richard employed his own and Egypt’ and from ‘states and p&p – cheques only) or in person surveyor, Mr Crocker, to record colonies of Antioch, Carthage, from the Dorset History Centre. details of Badbury Rings, Cos, Mamertini, Rhegium, Roger welcomes questions and comments - roger.guttridge@btinternet.com

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ART

The alchemy of the glassblower

The Venetian art of glassblowing is little changed in 800 years. Edwina Baines visited Emsie Sharp’s studio to interview the Murano-trained artisan

Artisan glassblower Emsie Sharp and her ‘servente’, Anne All images: Edwina Baines

At her studio in a converted cowshed at Gold Hill Farm, Child Okeford, Emsie Sharp pursues the art of glassblowing. Invented by Syrian craftsmen in first century BC, blown vessels for everyday use were produced and exported to all parts of the Roman Empire. By the Middle Ages, Venice had become a major centre for glass making – and, for fear of fire in the city, production moved to the island of Murano. Venetian glassmakers developed secret recipes and methods for making glass and at one time the craftsmen were not allowed to leave the island in the Venetian lagoon for fear their methods would be lost. Revealing their trade secrets was punishable by death. Thankfully, no such “I don’t want all rules apply now in Emsie’s studio! my pieces to be She was happy to the same ... I want demonstrate the people to feel techniques which the craft in each have remained basically the same piece” to the present day. Following a degree in glass from Farnham Art College, Emsie moved to London to work with both Adam Aaronson Designs and Columbia Glassworks. Three years later she left to work on Murano, the ‘Mecca of the glassblowing world’. The Maestro (or Gaffer) was the chief glassblower and Emsie was the only woman apprentice under his tutelage. Initially 46

she spoke no Italian and had to learn Venetian (a separate language from Italian: “They use different words. It’s like learning English, then hearing Geordie!”). Glassblowing takes years of practice and dedication to the Maestro, as well as specialised tools and equipment, and a Maestro’s two assistants were known as the servente and serventino. Emsie learnt her trade as the latter: “I would call it ‘the slave’! “There were long days of tiring, repetitive work” said Emsie. “In Italy they are very traditional, very Venetian. They work on a high level of accuracy. Items have to match perfectly. But I don’t want all my pieces to be the same. In Murano the glass is made for show, something you would put on display in a cabinet. I want mine to be functional. Useful. I want people to feel the craft in each piece.” It starts with cullet Today, even on a cool morning, the studio is hot. Each piece starts life as molten glass in the furnace at around 1100ºC. With the price of gas rising all the time, keeping the furnace at this constant temperature is a considerable and increasing cost. The furnace is fed with 24 per cent lead crystal cullet (excess or broken crystal from the previous week’s production) purchased from Dartington Glass in Devon. “It’s a form of recycling” was how Emsie termed it.

Contact Edwina with art news and events on edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

The BV magazine, July ‘22

Even a wine glass is a two-person task 47

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ART

I watched Emsie and her assistant Anne making several glasses which were part of a larger commission of wine glasses, decanters and candle holders. The molten glass is ‘gathered’ on the end of a hollow tube/blowing iron and inflated with a bubble. The vessel is shaped and formed by rolling on a smooth surface often consisting of pads of damp newspaper or an applewood block. The block is a wooden tool used to smooth and shape the molten glass into a spherical shape. The blocks are kept soaked in water before use, creating a layer of steam as the glass is shaped. Emsie may also swing the iron and use gravity to make a longer shape if required. The stems and ‘spun’ foot are each attached separately, with Anne helping to apply a separate ‘fetch’ or bit of molten glass each time. A paddle is used to squeeze the foot between two apple wood boards so that it is even. A ‘punty’ or small metal rod is then attached to the bottom of the glass so that the other end can be fashioned. This leaves a small mark on the bottom of the glass which demonstrates that the item has been handmade.

Emsie Sharp is curently working on a series of bowls representing sea urchins

Tools of the trade The tools of the glassblower are many and varied, each with specific names. Callipers are used to measure each glass for uniformity; a soffietta (a metal tube attached to a conical nozzle) is used to cool the glass before the next process. After the vessel has been removed from the blowpipe, the cone can be placed into the opening and used to further inflate it. Many of the tools originate from Venice; Emsie said hers “will last a lifetime.” It was fascinating to watch the

two women working together, in a seemingly effortless dance of adding, shaping, cutting and moulding. Emsie also makes decanters, exciting sculptures and lamp bases. She says: “I don’t plan things out completely. I have an idea of the colours and shapes but I like the excitement of not knowing what’s going to happen. All the colours behave in different ways. In around 40 seconds, even though it’s still around 800ºC, the glass will cool down so much that you can’t work with it. The longer you let

Emsie Sharp in her studio The Cowshed on Goldhill Organic Farm in Child Okeford

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ART

it cool, the longer it will take to heat back up.” Cracks appear The traditional process does not always go to plan and sometimes a crack appears when the article is removed from the rod. Often this can be removed when re-heated in a second furnace (called the ’glory hole’) where the rod is supported on a ‘yoke’ – but sometimes the glass shatters and all is lost. If all goes well, a final furnace or ‘annealer’ is used to cool the glass slowly, which keeps it from cracking. It was with a sense of satisfaction that I

saw the beautiful finished article placed in the annealer and we all heaved a sigh of relief. Emsie said: “I absolutely love what I do. Although it’s been a tough journey and I’m not going to be rich, I feel very privileged to be able to do it. I would like to pass on my knowledge to the next generation. There are technical skills which need to be taught. “I want my work to be both useful and functional; I want people to feel the craft in each piece. The process is like alchemy – or an intricate dance.” Hand-blown glass is generally

thought to be more graceful than machine-made glass. This is preferable when drinking wine, not only for the way the glass balances in your hand - but because the glass enhances the wine, especially at the rim or lip. A thin, smooth edge where your lips meet the glass is best while taking a sip. Seems like a good enough reason to keep this ancient art alive! You can see Emsie’s work on www.sharpglass.co.uk – she is open for commissions, and has items for sale on her website.

Emsie’s coloured tumblers are £26 each 49

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ART

Sherborne’s 90-year-old Open Art Exhibition returns this month After a three year pause, Sherborne’s Open Art Exhibition is happening again this July. Founded by Sherborne Art Club in 1931, this highly-regarded annual show for fine art was last run in 2018. The exhibition is open to all to submit entries, and is known as one of the best quality, most prestigious open exhibitions in the region, exhibiting the work of many top artists as well as entries from accomplished amateurs, and attracting visitors from far afield. Up to 400 pictures and sculptures will be exhibited, and there will be unframed folio browsers for sale. Selection for the exhibition is by an independent judging panel who are looking not only for

excellence but also for diversity of style, medium and subject to create a balanced and attractive exhibition. Visitors will certainly find something to like and, with prices over a large range and hidden bargains in the browsers, there will certainly be something for all those looking to buy. A team effort The organisers are very grateful to local solicitors Mogers Drewett who have sponsored the exhibition (including a £200 prize for the Judges’ Choice Award) and to those other businesses providing prizes and additional sponsorship. Castle Gardens and Old Barn Framing Gallery, previously linked to the show, have donated prizes for oils and watercolours

respectively, with other prizes from Charterhouse Auctioneers (dry media), The Eastbury Hotel (second and third in Judges’ Choice), estate agents Knight Frank (acrylic and mixed media) and Sherborne Arts (for the work voted favourite by show visitors). The organisers also thank those many people who volunteered to help with hanging, stewarding and other tasks to make this popular event happen again. Sherborne Open Art Exhibition 23rd to 31st July 10am-5pm The Digby Hall, Sherborne If you’d like to submit, full details can be found here Hand in days: Friday 15th July 1pm-6pm Saturday 16th July 10am-1pm

Sherborne Art Club & are pleased to announce the return of the

Sherborne Open Art Exhibition 2022 at the Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne DT9 3AA Sat 23rd - Sun 31st July 10am-5pm (closes 2pm on 31st)

FREE ADMISSION

With thanks to our main sponsor

www.sherbornearts.org Kim Pragnell - Bend in the river

BOOK CORNER

NEWS

Here comes summer! On Monday 11th July, at 3pm, we are lucky to be welcoming bestselling author (and former Sherborne schoolgirl) Santa Montefiore back to Sherborne for an afternoon tea at the beautiful Butterfly Rooms in Castle Gardens, where she will be talking about her new book. Give us a call on 01935 816128 to buy tickets. Wayne

An Italian Girl in Brooklyn by Santa Montefiore New York, 1979. It is Thanksgiving and Evelina has her close family and beloved friends gathered around, her heart weighted with gratitude for what she has and regret for what she has given up. She has lived in America for more than 30 years, but she is still Italian in her soul. Northern Italy, 1934. Evelina leads a sheltered life with her parents and siblings in a villa of fading grandeur. When her elder sister Benedetta marries a banker, to suit her father’s wishes rather than her own, Evelina swears that she will never marry out of duty. She knows nothing of romantic love, but when she meets Ezra, son of the local dressmaker, her heart recognises it like an old friend. Evelina wants these carefree days to last forever. She wants to bask in sunshine, beauty and love and pay no heed to the grey clouds gathering on the horizon. But nothing lasts forever. The shadows of war are darkening over Europe and precious lives are under threat … Meanwhile, in the shop, we have the launch of our Summer Reading promotion. There’s a great selection of books for your summer, whether you’re on the beach, in the garden or just waiting at the airport! In 2022 Winstone’s celebrates ten years as Sherborne’s independent bookseller. Winstone’s has won the British Book Awards South West Bookseller of the Year four times and was winner of the Independent Bookseller of the Year national award in 2016. Owner Wayne Winstone was previously one of the three judges for the Costa Prize for Fiction, and in 2018 Wayne was selected as one of the top 100 people in the Bookseller’s Most Influential Figures listing.

5 READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Nut thief Marilyn Peddle

Lazing on a sunny afternoon Warren Port

52 READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

We welcome photography submissions from readers - the only rule is that they must have been taken locally in the last month. Our cover shot is usually selected from our submissions pile. If you’d like to join in, please do one of the following: • use #BVPhoto and tag us on Instagram (@theblackmorevale), • share it in the BV community Facebook Group • or simply email it to photos@ theblackmorevale.co.uk.

Gorgeous swollen-thighed beetle on the Ox Drove Angela Hardingham Sparrow shimmy Neil Randell

The BV magazine, July ‘22 READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The avenue at Moor Crichel Cenk

Baby boldness at the kitchen door Vicky Rehbein 54

The BV magazine, July ‘22 READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The red arrows were in town. For a few seconds. Kyrien Hamilton

Food fight Jean Bartlett

The BV magazine, July ‘22 EQUESTRIAN

Is this the ultimate pony? Is the Connemara simply the best pony? Local breeder Kate Walters explains their appeal and introduces a couple of Connemara superstars

The Connemara is a breed of native pony originating from the wild and rugged region of the same name in County Galway, Ireland. Prized for their hardiness, agility, extraordinary jumping ability and not least for their temperament, Connemaras are understandably popular with children and adults alike. The British Connemara Pony Society’s breed description is ‘a well-balanced riding type with good depth and substance and good heart room, standing on short legs, covering a lot of ground.’ The height specification for a Connemara pony is 12.2hh to 14.2hh but the overheight Connemara is probably everyone’s ideal first horse! They have a gentle disposition, are deeply inquisitive and love human affection, making 56

them very easy to handle. The Connemara pony is a safe and sensible breed, which makes them a fantastic choice for all ages and stages of riding. Working roots Traditionally, Connemaras were bred to be the backbone of small farms, where they lived as part of the family. They worked from dawn to dusk doing whatever task was asked of them; ploughing, pulling carts of turf, rocks and seaweed, and of course, on Sundays they were the mode of transport carrying the family to Mass ... Not to mention hunting, racing and local shows. They have a natural jumping ability, with a rectangular frame which also makes them suitable for dressage. Their natural athleticism and

versatility allows them to excel in all disciplines and makes great all-rounder ponies. In fact, the Connemara pony can be seen competing in all rings – showjumping, eventing, dressage, driving, working hunter, showing, hunting, side saddle ... They make fantastic competition ponies and are completely safe riding ponies for children. Many of today’s Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) showjumping and eventing pony teams, representing most of the European countries, are made up of Connemaras and partbred Connemaras. Connemara ponies have long been crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce the ultimate competition horse, with a couple of noteable showstoppers:

The BV magazine, July ‘22 EQUESTRIAN

Stroller Marion Mould’s Stroller was the only pony to compete at the Olympics in showjumping. He was just 14.1 hh (but clearly absolutely believed he was a horse). A bay gelding with a star on his forehead, he was a Thoroughbred cross Connemara and was owned and ridden by New Forest-born Marion (nee Coakes). She is very well known in riding circles across the New Forest and Dorset. Representing Britain, they competed in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, and despite Stroller suffering with a tooth infection they won the silver individual medal and achieved one of only two clear rounds at the Olympics. At Olympia that same year, Stroller cleared a puissance wall of 6’ 10”.

Marion Mould with Stroller, the only pony to compete at the Olympics in Showjumping

Tommy Wade on Irish Connemara showjumper Dundrum

Dundrum Tommy Wade’s Connemara gelding Dundrum was supreme champion at the 1961 Wembley Horse of the Year Show, where he set a puissance record of 7’ 2”. Dundrum was 15.1 hh - 61 inches tall at the withers. A 7’2” puissance wall is 86 inches high – more than two feet higher than the horse. And Dundrum was carrying a rider and a saddle. In 1961, Dundrum and Wade won a total of five major competitions and a Sports Star of the Year award. Connemara societies around the world frequently refer to Dundrum as the best Connemara that ever lived. But he was simply one of the world’s all-time great jumpers, beating the best of every breed. Kate Walters runs Holnest Connemaras, near Sherborne, where she breeds competition, showing and hunting ponies. 57

Summertime, and the living is easy for the TGS residents in the meadow Image: Lindsay Swalwell

The vet’s story and cuddles with Trevor Last month one curious foal stole our hearts with her naughty leap inside a small pen after a ruptured bladder operation – Lucy shares the story Last month we told readers about how, during foaling, one of our foals suffered a bladder rupture which required medical stabilisation and surgical repair at an equine hospital. The vets at Western Counties Equine Hospital, our closest surgical facility, have since used the case on their website and have given permission for us to adapt their transcript for our readers this month, so we hope you find this interesting. The vet’s view Clinical signs of bladder ruptures which have occurred during foaling are typically seen in oneto-three-day-old foals; they become lethargic, may appear bloated, show mild colic signs and can sometimes be seen straining unproductively to urinate. These cases are medical emergencies, as the electrolyte disturbances can cause heart rhythm irregularities – and ultimately cardiac arrest. First urination should normally occur around six hours for colts, and 11 hours for fillies. An average sized Thoroughbred foal should produce around 7.5 litres of urine a day, which equates to a good 58

stream roughly every two hours after nursing. If a foal is straining unproductively, a meconium impaction (blocked colon) is far more common. However, a ruptured bladder should always be considered. Observing urination doesn’t necessarily rule out a ruptured bladder, as the most common site of

Vet Eefje preps the foal for surgery Image: Western Counties Equine Hospital

The BV magazine, July ‘22 EQUESTRIAN

rupture is the top of the bladder – therefore a foal may appear to urinate normally, even while urine is leaking into the abdomen. Studies have shown that the condition is more prevalent in colts than fillies, but it is observed in both. ‘Uroperitoneum’ describes urine in the abdominal cavity – this build-up of urine causes electrolyte disturbances, the most critical of which is high potassium. A high blood potassium concentration can cause heart irregularities and cardiac arrest. A foal with this condition is stabilised with intravenous fluids, the abdomen is drained, and the foal’s blood parameters are carefully monitored. Once the condition is stabilised, the anaesthetic risk is reduced, and the foal can then undergo surgical repair of the bladder under general anaesthesia. Happy endings Hospital vet Eefje, who has a post-graduate certificate in medicine, stabilised the foal and can be seen in the photo (bottom, opposite) administering and monitoring the anaesthetic, ready for the surgeon, Nic, to repair the bladder. These cases are a team effort, with lots of intensive nursing care and monitoring, before and after surgery. As long as the foal presents with no other conditions, the prognosis for a ruptured bladder is favourable, with an 80 to 90 per cent survival rate. And happily, our foal, after post-surgery weeks in a small turn-out pen as readers will remember from last month, is now enjoying life with the rest of the gang of younger foals, stretching her legs to the full while galloping around in a large field.

Last month’s sick foal is now out in the field with her gang Image: Lindsay Swalwell

Trevor is his groom Holly’s favourite in the yard Image: Holly Chaston

News of Trevor We always track the racing progress of horses we have bred and sold on, but it is extra special to either see them in the flesh at a race meeting or to hear from an owner or groom. So it was lovely to have been contacted recently by the groom of Triple Trade, a six-year-old Norse Dancer gelding out of Doubly Guest, bred here at TGS and sold at the sales as a three-year old store. Now in training with the Tizzards near Milborne Port, he has won one race and been placed several times last season. His groom Holly sent us several lovely photos, including this one (bottom right) of him having a cuddle in the stable. Holly told us how Trevor is such a big, kind horse and is very much her yard favourite. We hope that he and all our other TGS-bred offspring get many more cuddles like this. 59

The BV magazine, July ‘22

The BV magazine, July ‘22 EQUESTRIAN

Two big competitions for Team Bartlett, with lessons learned

New boy Equador MW showed his Aston Martin tendencies but Freebie slowed to miss out on his second International win, says Toots Bartlett Team Bartlett had a quieter month of competitions, but it still turned out to be an exciting few weeks. After a couple of months of getting to learn the do’s and don’ts with Equador MW, the newest member of the team, we travelled to Aston Le Walls for our first event together in the UK. It was also Equador’s first event for a couple of years due to the Covid lockdown in New Zealand, where he has recently come from. We had a truly fabulous day and I was thrilled with the way he behaved and performed. He posted a 29 dressage score, and followed that up with a lovely double clear in the showjumping. Being a little too speedy around the cross country course – he’s the equivalent of an Aston Martin on four legs – we picked up some ‘too fast’ time faults which cost him the win. However, I hadn’t been sure that I could form a partnership with him this quickly, so I was thrilled that there’s every sign a good relationship will develop. We now look forward to taking him to Somerford Park CCI2* at the beginning of July. So close Freestyle R gave us a fantastic weekend at Nunney International Horse Trials near Frome. Nunney is a local event which we always try to support, and we are hugely grateful for all the wonderful volunteers who tirelessly to assist the organisers to keep it on the International circuit. Freebie finished the CCI3*S dressage on a top score of 27.4, and after leading the two days of dressage, I did start to wonder whether the showjumping phase – historically our weakest together – would let us down. But he produced a lovely double clear, which was absolutely thrilling.

Toots Bartlett celebrates with Freestyle R

My main aim for the competition was to gain my MER (minimum eligibility requirement) to enable us to move up to CCI4* together, rather than winning, so this did take a lot of pressure off me, and we were able to produce a solid clear round showjumping. I am fortunate that through my training on World Class, and having played nationally in several different sports, I have learned to try and utilise nerves effectively. I always try and turn them into excitement, to show what wonderful horses I have and how our training is being productive and beneficial. Unfortunately some ‘too slow’ time penalties on the cross country stopped Freebie from gaining his second International win, but he still claimed a very exciting fifth place. Homework for me is to get him a bit fitter and do some hill work. If you have prepared properly at home, then all that is left at competition is to try your best, safe in the knowledge that you have given your horses every opportunity you can to show what they can do. We definitely learn the most from the days we don’t get the results we want rather than from the days of success. 61

The BV magazine, July ‘22 RESCUE ANIMALS

Tucker

Rusty

Chenoa

I’m an almost 10 month old male lurcher who is full of energy and fun. I’m looking for a very active home with a family who will be happy to continue my training as I’m still very much a youngster who can get very excited. I would be able to live with another dog, but need to find a home without cats and can live with older children who are used to bouncy dogs.

I am a one year old male Dachshund. I am looking for a very experienced adult only home without children or visiting children. I am looking for a family that have the time to dedicate to the training I have started, as I can be quite unsure and worried in certain situations. I enjoy meeting other dogs, but I am looking to be the only pet in the household.

I am a beautiful female eight year old Husky X. I am very overweight and I am looking for a new family who will help me shift it! This will also help the pain in my hips and back currently which require pain relief. I will need my exercise managed currently whilst I’m getting trim. I love being around my human companions, but would like to eb the only pet. I am a really sweet girl.

Save the Date! Registered charity number: 1167990

Our Country Dog Show will be returning to our Church Knowle Centre, Wareham, BH20 5NQ on Sunday 7th August. There will be plenty of dog show classes for your four-legged friends to take part in, including Waggiest Tail, Golden Oldie and Most Appealing Eyes. You will also be able to enjoy many other exciting activities and attractions, as well as delicious refreshments and stalls from local traders. Gates open at 11am and entry will be £4 for adults and £2.50 for children up to 12 years old. All money raised from the event will go towards the rescue animals in our care.

Please visit our website for more details: www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk 62

WILDLIFE

NEWS

This summer, discover our seaside superheroes Some of Dorset’s coastal creatures play an important national role in our coastal biodiversity, explains Hazel Ormrod from Dorset Wildlife Trust In Dorset we are lucky to have At Kimmeridge Bay, there will be the most astonishing marine the opportunity to join a dolphin wildlife, from secretive seahorses watching session on the cliff-top and delightful dolphins to look-out, explore underwater colour-changing cuttlefish and marine life on the snorkel trail or rock-licking limpets. The theme take part in eco-friendly crabbing of this year’s Marine Weeks, and rockpooling activities led by from 23rd July to 7th August, is our expert wardens. marine superheroes. Wildlife At the Wild Seas Centre, at Trusts across the UK are shining Kimmeridge, a state-of-thea light on the extraordinary art underwater camera will sea creatures and plants which broadcast live footage to a are helping to fight climate screen inside the centre showing change and Kimmeridge water pollution, Secretive seahorses, Bay beneath or have amazing delightful dolphins, the waves. All superpowers. without getting colour-changing Dorset is a wet! national hotspot cuttlefish and rock- The centre staff for many sea will be getting licking limpets creatures which the microscopes have evolved out on Plankton special talents to help them Day, when visitors can discover survive. One such creature is the amazing diversity of plankton the enigmatic seahorse, unique found in water samples collected because it is the father that gives from Kimmeridge Bay and also birth in a complete gender role learn about the vital role that reversal. In addition, seahorses these miniature organisms play have incredible camouflage skills in our oceans. and the ability to move each eye Over at Chesil Beach, there’s the independently. chance to join the Strandline Another common sight in Dorset Detectives walk, to hunt for waters is the cuttlefish, whose wildlife treasure washed in from greatest superpower is the ability the sea and to find out what lives to become practically invisible by in the deeper water. Or you can instantly changing its colour and take a trip on the glass-bottomed skin texture to blend in perfectly Fleet Explorer boat, which makes with its background. regular trips around part of the spectacular Fleet Lagoon, to Dorset’s marine events explore its incredible underwater To celebrate Marine Weeks, wildlife. Dorset Wildlife Trust has planned a series of special events to get To find out dates, details families and individuals involved and costs of all the events in exploring the seashore and in Dorset (and not just wider marine environment, to for Marine Weeks), go to discover some of the bounty that dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ these habitats have to offer. events.

A Dorset seahorse Image: Paul Naylor

The BV magazine, July ‘22 DORSET FORAGER

by Carl Mintern

One of the jewels in the mushroom foraging crown, the Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)

Fat hen, elderflower fritters and the most prized of finds Why did we stop eating the fat hen, wonders expert Carl Mintern, who is celebrating the season for finding the jewel in the mushroom-foraging crown July is here and we are in the full swing of summer, with the call of our gardens and the great outdoors as strong as ever. I find myself suggesting walks to my wife and children most evenings, exploring woodlands and footpaths, always with a glint of excitement at what I might find to bring home to use in the kitchen. Eat the fat hen One such exciting find to be on the lookout for at this time of year is fat hen (Chenopodium album), also known as wild spinach. This plant, both nutritious and prolific, was a staple food for thousands of years, used as a valuable food source dating back to prehistoric times. Like so many things today, it has fallen out of favour as a menu item simply by virtue of its accessibility – it grows 64

everywhere, and who wants to entertain guests by serving something that everyone has growing in their garden? Well, me, obviously. Amazingly, this plant which most people will never try has leaves that taste similar to those of spinach and can be treated the same way in the kitchen. Gardeners throughout the country will be picking it and throwing it to the compost, rather than saving the tender leaves and lightly steaming or tossing in butter. It also makes a fabulous base for soups. Fat hen has diamond-like, sometimes referred to as goose-foot-shaped leaves, with a coating of delicate white hairs covering them. You can find it masquerading as a garden weed, and on any footpath or waste ground. The fresh growth of leaves and flowers near the top are

the choicest pickings for the kitchen. Elderflowers Another July staple which we must all be passing every time we drive down a country lane is elderflowers, from the elder tree (Sambucus nigra). This plant is extremely important to the forager as we come to harvest from it three times throughout the year. First, in early summer for the flowers, which we use to make cordials and other surprisingly exciting treats, then later in the summer for elderberries to make pies and jellies. Finally we return in the depths of winter for a mushroom (the jelly ear – Auricularia auricula-judae) that is found almost exclusively on the elder’s branches. Early July is usually the end of the window for collecting elderflowers, so set to it

The BV magazine, July ‘22 DORSET FORAGER

before it is too late. Often used as a hedging plant, they adorn roadsides right across the Blackmore Vale. Since late May, collections of the tiny off-white flowers have been hanging in sprays the size of breakfast bowls, enriching my walks with their deliciously distinctive sweet smell. Many of us gather the flowers to make cordials by steeping them in water and adding sugar, but a lesserknown use is to batter them whole and fry them, making elderflower fritters as a showstopping accompaniment to your summer dining. It is worth remembering that Now considered a weed, fat hen was a staple food since prehistoric times

The elderflower heads won’t last long into July

every part of the elder is mildly toxic raw and should always be cooked before consumption. Of course, I frequently hear anecdotal stories of people who have nibbled on the raw berries since childhood, but the mild toxicity is a scientific fact and one this forager cannot ignore when sharing his knowledge and passion, either here or on a guided walk. Simply the best Finally, towards the end of this month we are hopeful we may find one of the jewels in the mushroom-foraging crown, the chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius). This bright yellow mushroom is one of the best looking, and tasting, mushrooms to hunt for full stop. Hopeful excursions for this mushroom can start now and continue right until the end of the year. With its distinctive funnel shape and apricot smell, this mushroom can be found in many diverse woodland habitats. The chanterelle’s preferred growing spot is on the sides of mossy banks

nestled into last autumn’s leaf litter. It is a firm mushroom that you can wash without fear of it becoming spongy. It can then can be used as you would any shop-bought mushroom – just with a far more satisfying feeling as you do so. Beware the false chanterelle, which appears similar. There are three simple differences and even novices can learn to distinguish them: When cut in half, the false chanterelle is all one colour, whereas the chanterelle hides white flesh beneath the striking yellow outer. On close inspection, the true chanterelle does not have gills, but instead its flesh forms folds which give the gill-like appearance. The false chanterelle does, indeed, have true gills. Finally there is that aroma of apricots associated only with the true chanterelle. If you tick these three boxes you are sure to have a safe foraging experience, and one that would make many jealous, knowing you have hunted down one of the most prized finds in the foraging calendar.

See details and availability of Carl’s local foraging courses on his website SelfSufficientHub.com

The BV magazine, July ‘22

Homeless, poisoned, starved ... and squashed

When was the last time you saw a toad in the garden? Writer Jane Adams raises the alarm call for our endearingly ugly, slug-loving splodges 66

The BV magazine, July ‘22 WILDLIFE The common toad Image: Vanessa Wright

As I drag out the recycling bin, a splodge the colour of pond water is looking up at me with coppercoloured eyes. A common toad. You rarely see them nowadays, but with their warty skin and bulging eyes, they’re an endearingly ugly and harmless creature. This one’s no bigger than a two-pence-piece and it’s winking at me.

disappears. If it keeps away from predators, it could survive ten to 12 years – longer than most people keep a car or live in one house. However, their numbers in the UK are declining (by 68 per cent just in the past 30 years) and in the last 100 years, thousands of the ponds they once used for spawning have been lost. Pesticides are killing slugs and other invertebrates Are they doomed? they rely on for food and they’re If you have an abundance of being run over on the way to the plants in your garden, with few remaining spawning ponds. maybe a few areas of longer Toadlets emerge from ponds in grass, the chances June and July, so if are you’re already you find one, think This ugly sharing it with frogs, yourself lucky. Prince newts and toads. Many This ugly Prince Charming amphibians spend their Charming could could be a lives away from water, be a long-term, only meeting at ponds pest-eradicating welcome to mate and spawn. The tenant if you pestrest of the time, they’re provide it with the eradicating surreptitiously chomping habitat it needs tenant their way through to survive. If you considered pests, like don’t, it and the slugs and snails. other amphibians we think of as My toadlet lollops under ‘common’ could be gone in the a hydrangea and instantly wink of a coppery eye.

Encourage and protect garden toads •

•

Don’t use pesticides. Let amphibians, birds and slow worms do the work for you. Provide them with a cool, dark, damp shelter. Let grass grow a little longer and pile up stones, logs and leaves in a shady area. Include water. A pond (of any size) is not only vital for amphibians but also for insects, birds and mammals. Be careful when you cut. Toads, slow worms and even hedgehogs are hard to spot – check before cutting longer grass. Drive carefully in areas near to spawning ponds – especially between January and March. Find lots more ways to help frogs and toads here 67

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS The routes we feature have always been created and walked recently by ourselves (See all previously published routes on the website here), so you know you can trust them - we aim for unpopulated routes with as little road and as many views as possible! You can see all our routes (including those not published) on Outdoor Active website here, and all include a downloadable gpx All images Laura Hitchcock

Take a Hike:

Round the Gussages and through the tumuli 9.5 miles A gorgeous route circling the back of the Gussages and enjoying an empty path around the ancient tumuli and barrows of the Cranborne Chase (unfortunately the app stopped recording after 2miles, so there’s only a few pictures of this utterly gorgeous route). We didn’t meet another person, the paths were easy to follow, and though the inclines look alarming on the app they are very gentle on the ground. We had a fabulous few hours taking this one at a gentle pace, stopping to enjoy the views at every turn. There’s a small car park at the start which is NOT where it is shown on the map, the farmer has moved it from the side of the field into the natural layby within the strip of woods. The only issue we had was as we left the tumuli on Wyke Down and approached the A354. The path runs between two fields, but it was entirely overgrown and impassable in June - instead we hopped the fence and walked the parallel edge of the neighbouring field. Apart from that, the route is clear, easy to follow and just gorgeous walking, taking in part of the ancient route along Ackling Dyke. 68

The BV magazine, July ‘22 CLICK THE MAP TO SEE THE ROUTE ON OUTDOOR ACTIVE, OR SCAN THE QR CODE

There’s nothing nicer than walking through waist high grasses

Beware the small bit of superbusy road walking ...

The paths are often straight for long stretches, allowing you to be free of map reading

The route winds around a number of ancient barrows and tumuli 69

The BV magazine, July ‘22 FLOWERS

No more oasis – and don’t say maybe

The 1950s green ‘wonder foam’ for flower arrangers is not actually green at all, says flower farmer Charlotte Tombs

Chemical flower foam crumbles as it ages, causing microplastic pollution

Oasis. No, not the 1990s Brit band but the green blocks of crumbly square foam much-loved by flower arrangers. This squeaky plastic monster was a revolutionary wonder-product back in the 1950s, when it replaced those metal spikey frogs our grannies all had under their sinks. Oasis is made from the reaction of phenol and formaldehydes which are turned into foam when air is passed through. This is then treated with detergents to give it the ability to soak up water. It’s a chemical nasty which just keeps on giving. As it ages it either breaks into tiny pieces which run down your plughole, or it goes in to landfill. And although it crumbles, floral foam doesn’t fully dissolve in water or degrade in landfill or soil. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller micro-plastics. These can take thousands of years to completely revert into natural elements and are a real menace for the environment by contaminating our marine life and food chains. Its horrors are now so widely accepted that The Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) banned the use of floral foam at all its shows from 2021. A ‘single use, non-biodegradable, micro plastic that can’t be recycled’ is frankly a sentence of expletives to any green gardener. The Church of England’s legislative body has also been asked to consider a ban on floral foam in their churches. Please ditch the foam As a flower farmer, I grow my flowers in the most sustainable way I can. I grow a huge variety in all different shapes and forms to try and cater for as many pollinators as possible. It feels so wrong, then, that a plant I grow would 70

be jabbed into such a toxic product. Luckily, a lot of florists have seen the light! There is an ever-growing array of great ideas for supporting cut flowers: in cucumbers, tightly packing moss into chicken wire (which can then be moulded into the shape that’s required), a grid made with compostable tape on top of the vase, filling the vase first with stiffer foliage ... All of these methods take time to get used to but are equally as effective as using floral foam. And as a bonus you can have that warm fuzzy feeling that you are doing the right thing. Obviously, before the 1950s and the invention of floral foam, flowers were arranged and displayed using all of these methods. Search Google for ‘ecofriendly flower arranging’ for a host of inspirations, and try charity shops, antique stores or eBay to find your own vintage options. Failing that, they even now make those vicious metal frogs in plastic. At least they are not single-use. How can I dispose of my own used floral foam properly? Oasis is hard to dispose of environmentally and can seriously contaminate compost, garden waste and water when its fragments end up in the wrong place. So here’s what you need to know about its disposal: • Don’t put it in the compost or garden • Water containing bits of foam should never be poured down sinks, toilets or drains: pour it through an old pillowcase, cloth or tea towel to capture as many of the fragments possible. Place the remnants in landfill-bound rubbish and pour the strained water into a hole in the garden.

Charlotte offers workshops throughout the year - please see northcombe.co.uk for further details.

One of Charlotte’s eco-friendly arrangements of her own flowers Image: Charlotte Tombs

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ADVERTORIAL

Summer’s shouting in the greenhouses Summer at Thorngrove has arrived with its usual riot of colour – and the never-ending task of watering, says Kelsi-Dean Buck Summer has officially arrived and oh boy have we felt it! Despite those odd spots of wind and rain, the heatwave really let us know that June was in full swing, and the summer season was upon us. What’s there to say? Stunning weather, BBQs, catching up with friends long into the evening … for many this is the best time of the year. At Thorngrove, it’s the little things that you often don’t think would be a big deal, that catch us. Just watering our plants during the hot periods is a gargantuan task. Some plants need a drink twice a day! When you think about the thousands of plants we have …yeah, that watering time really adds up! The glasshouse and nursery teams really do have their work cut out for them during a heatwave, but we’re pleased to say their care and hard work means the plants are looking more lush than ever. Remember to take care in your own gardens if you’re working in the heat – stay hydrated, invest in a good sun hat, take breaks, and don’t forget the sun cream. We 72

often put the care for the things we love ahead of ourselves, and no garden is worth heatstroke, trust us! Blowsy summer Wandering through the courtyard and glasshouses during the summer in particular really can take your breath away. It’s not that there’s a favourite time of year, but each season brings something different and summer is all about an abundance of colour with plants vying to be the centre of the attention. Last month we mentioned the roses, of course (click here for a little video!), but there’s all kinds of summer plants which are just begging to seen and stand out

from the rest. While we spend plenty of time trying to sell our beautiful plants to you, we wanted to take another moment to remind you that we now have a huge range of garden furniture available from Thorngrove. There’s still plenty of time to take advantage of the summer evenings, and if you’re having friends or family over, or are just seeking a new hanging chair for yourself, we’ve got you covered. High quality dining sets, loungers, fire pits and more. Your dream summer garden is something we’d love to help create, so please do visit our online shop, or pick up a brochure the next time you visit.

The Voice of the Allotment

Pigeon pestilence on the plot

Pigeons are presenting a real problem to the Brassicas – Barry Cuff shares his challenges, along with his monthly harvest and growing notes

We have a major problem with pigeons on our plots – this year has been the worst since we took on our allotment in 1989. Their main target food is brassicas. Spare plants in plug trays were destroyed overnight. These had been destined to fill gaps and to give to other plotholders. We’ve tried the usual deterrents of black cotton, CDs and glitter strips, but the pigeons soon become used to them. So the only protection is a physical barrier and initially we use net cloches that cover one row. When our Brussels sprout plants were uncovered, having grown too big for the cloches, they were attacked after a few days in the open. A barrier using fleece and posts was then erected to protect them. But when fully planted up with brassicas the area will be about 400 square feet, and this large area will need to be protected in some way. As we are surrounded by houses and industrial units we are not allowed to shoot the birds. Another problem that has never occurred before is honeydew, a sticky liquid secreted by aphids, on some of our gooseberries. A few of the bushes lie underneath a line of cob nuts which are infested with Hazel Aphid. These are specific to Corylus (hazel) and produce the honeydew. It means that we have to wash the gooseberries before use. Whether the aphids will lower the production of nuts in the autumn remains to be seen. Still sowing During the month we sowed more carrots, beetroot, snap peas and mangetout, and made our first

Barry’s thriving pea rows in front of the covered blackcurrants – threatened not by pigeons but by thieving blackbirds sowings of Witloof chicory and coriander. A further 20 Swift sweetcorn plants were added to the block, making a total of about 50 plants. Brassicas planted out from plug trays included Fargo, Cheesy and Cendis cauliflowers. Starting to harvest June was a very busy month on the plot, with weeding both by hoe and hand. We had enough rainfall to ensure good growth of vegetables, fruit ... and weeds. We picked our first broad beans (Witkiem Manita) on the 2nd and the last (Masterpiece Green Longpod) on the 26th. Our first lettuce was cut on the 1st – we sow lettuce every month from March to August in plug trays for transplanting when large enough. We only use one variety, Little Gem, as this is a quick-maturing variety with crisp, sweet hearts. The first carrots (Early Nantes) and beetroot (Crimson King) were pulled on the 22nd, which is a little later than usual. Both varieties of garlic were

harvested on the 16th, and once again a few plants were lost to white rot, a disease we have to live with despite a six year rotation. We have picked quite a few punnets of blackcurrants from mid month, and our strawberries did well despite being old plants. As the bed now has a bindweed problem a new bed will be created next year with new plants. Free skulkers We normally dig one or two early potatoes in June, but this year we had a good crop of skulkers. This is a Dorset word for volunteers – potatoes left in the ground when harvesting the previous year’s crop. The smallest tubers are easy to miss when digging the crop. Normally they are removed before they have produced anything worthwhile, but as we do not dig in the winter, these were allowed to grow until we needed the plot for brassica plants in June. Basically freebie potatoes! Half way through the year and the plot has done well despite a few problems.

Pete’s garden jobs for the month

It’s July – no more worrying about frosts! It’s a busy time for growing and Pete Harcom has your summer garden to-do list for the month Sowing and planting Many summer bedding plants can go straight in the ground now. We can also sow biennials (such as foxgloves, sweet William and wallflowers, honesty and forget-me-nots), ready to plant out in autumn for next spring. Simply sow them all into large seed trays in the greenhouse or a dedicated seed bed. Polyanthus and primulas can also be sown now in a cold frame or greenhouse to ensure warmth for germination (candelabra primulas are particularly spectacular in a shaded position) If you have already sown annuals then these can be thinned out, when large enough to handle, to ensure they are not overcrowded. Baskets should also be finalised with planting and can now be put up. Hungry hour Continue with the feeding of plants, especially ones that are in containers and baskets – use a high potash liquid tomato feed. Outdoor housekeeping Deadhead flower borders regularly to prolong flowering. This can apply to many plants – although do try to leave roses that produce attractive hips. Be sure to cut back delphiniums

and geraniums after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flowering period. Feed them after cutting them back. Divide clumps of bearded iris. Tender perennials such as fuchsia are best propagated from cuttings, and July is a great time for this as young plants root more easily. Dianthus can also be increased this way by taking cuttings from the tender new growth – try to avoid flowering shoots. Most perennial weeds are best dealt with in the summer, when the weeds are in active growth. Digging out is best – it’s good to avoid using chemical weedkillers. Mulch on borders can help

retain moisture and keep down the weeds – this will save a lot of work. A really thick layer of mulch (2-3in all over) works best. Watch out for aphids (greenfly and blackfly) and capsid bug damage on stems and leaves of young shoots. Leave your hedge alone Finally, as I said last month, avoid pruning your hedges until the end of August at the earliest. The main breeding time for garden birds is between March (and yes, some start even earlier!) and August, so leaving the hedges can give them time to rear their young. Our garden birds need all the help they can get!

Pete owns Sherton Abbas Gardening

The BV magazine, July ‘22 FARMING

The agricultural transition and the National Food Strategy The transition from the EU’s Basic Payment Scheme is likely to result in a big loss to the Dorset economy, says NFU county advisor Gemma Harvey According to Defra’s Agricultural A loss to the county Price Index, the cost of fertiliser Research commissioned by more than doubled between the Great South West Local March 2021 and March 2022, Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) with ‘red’ diesel used on farms and the NFU shows that Dorset going up by almost a half in the is due to lose tens of millions same period. of pounds as a result of this. In These rising costs and 2020 Dorset received £38.3m simultaneously reducing support in BPS payments. Payment payments mean the situation reductions will be incremental is growing increasingly difficult over the course of the transition for many farmers. But in order period (between 2021 and 2027). to deliver socially, economically By the end of 2027 the total and environmentally, Dorset’s BPS amount lost from the rural farms need to remain financially economy of the county will be resilient, profitable and £33.5m. productive. The rising costs are happening A suitable replacement against the backdrop of There is no single replacement agricultural transition, as we for these payments. Farmers develop our own will be able to apply policy after years for environmental By the end of being part of stewardship agreements, of 2027, the the EU’s Common the main one being the total lost from Sustainable Farming Agricultural Policy. A key part Dorset’s rural Incentive (SFI), due to of this transition open for applications economy will is a move away at the end of June be £33.5m from direct 2022. Many farmers payments, in and growers may also the form of the Basic Payment be eligible for some funding Scheme (BPS), towards a system towards productivity schemes. of payments for ‘public goods’, Although still being developed, such as environmental outcomes as things stand the SFI will fall and benefits. far short of replacing what is

lost by the phasing out of the BPS. The report suggests that SFI payments will only deliver 10 to 30 per cent of the lost BPS by 2028. UK food production The recent publication of the government food strategy, which follows the independent review of the food system carried out by Henry Dimbleby in 2021. The strategy sets out the government’s policy initiatives, taking into consideration the more recent challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy. The strategy issues a clear statement of governmental support for domestic food production, maintaining our productive capacity and growing more food in this country in order to address the mounting concerns around food security. The NFU believes that domestic food production and environmental delivery go hand in hand. We are proud that British farmers have an ambition to reach net zero by 2040, while still maintaining current levels of food production.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 FARMING

Combining at Rawston Farm in the 1960s

Looking at leys

Fifth generation farmer James Cossins says it’s time to explore new (old) ways to maintain cattle feed through the summer Over the last two months we have been busy harvesting our grass crops into silage clamps, silage bales and hay – all to be winter feed for our cattle. In Dorset it has been a dry season, and the showers we have experienced are more of a hindrance – especially when trying to make hay! It seems that every year at this time grass growth stops which means that some cattle have to be supplemented with additional forage. We are currently using last year’s silage bales to keep the milking cows performing. To counter this, we are looking at sowing some herbal leys – following the example of many organic farmers who find these leys productive in dry weather, and perform well without any additional inorganic fertiliser. The majority of modern productive grassland consists of less than five different plant species, and are often composed of just two – perennial ryegrass and white clover. A herbal ley has a combination of 15-40 different grass, legume, and herb species like clover, chicory, plantain, sainfoin and ryegrasses. They are left down for around five years before returning to arable for two or three years. In addition to providing forage, the leys also improve soil structure, add fertility and suppress weeds. This is all part of regenerative farming

– something we will hear a lot more about in the future.

right direction to eradicating this disease.

Looking towards harvest Our arable crops are beginning to ripen off now. Harvesting is likely to start by the middle of July, with the winter barley crop being the first to harvest followed by our oilseeds. The crops look promising but you can never be sure until they are in the barn! With prices all over they place the marketing of these crops will be a challenge, some can vary by £20 a day. We have marketed some crops already, taking advantage of what seemed like a good price on that day. With fuel prices nearly double last year’s levels, fertiliser still very expensive and general inflation rising, the financial outcome on this years harvest will be interesting.

In other news It is great to see the Agricultural shows back this year. In Dorset we have three great shows - the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, the County Show at Dorchester and the Melplash Show. Great days out for everyone. The picture below shows our retiring NFU County Adviser Louise Stratton with a painting of her current horse donated by Dorset farmers. Louise has been a regular writer for the BV but now moves to pastures new within the agriculture industry, and we welcome Gemma Harvey as her successor. As we move into July lets hope the weather is kind to for harvesting and everyone can stay safe in the fields and on the roads.

Tb clear finally Our recent Tb test gave us reason to celebrate; a second clear test after 18 months of testing every 60 days. We can now sell cattle to a wider market at sensible price levels. We will also not have to test for another six months which is a considerable relief. Lets’ hope we can continue to remain clear. Apparently the Tb vaccination programme may be rolled out in 2025, and although according to our vets it will not be 100% effective, at least it is a step in the

Louise Stratton with her leaving gift

The BV magazine, July ‘22 FARM TALES

Embracing FarmTok

The disconnect between consumers and the food on their plates has arguably never been wider – Andrew Livingston suggests that social media can help Twenty years ago, if someone had said that social media would be a vital tool for farmers, quite honestly, you would have thought they were mad. Farmer Giles down the road really wasn’t updating his Myspace or Bebo pages. Today, however, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are all useful and engaging platforms for farmers. I’m not saying your average farmer needs to know how to do an Instagram story to be a good stockman, or that a decent TikTok will help them know about their cereals. But it really does help in other ways. When I started at Westleaze Farm, I was quick to set up Facebook and Instagram pages for our farms in both Beaminster and Weymouth. I wouldn’t call myself an influencer, but social media has undoubtedly helped us engage and sell our produce to our local communities. It’s an education But the real reason that farmers need to be on the socials is education – people outside farming need to learn about what’s really happening on-farm. After LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Open Farm Sundays, social media is the best way to try to educate the public about the truth about farming – because they currently have no idea.

One of the free-range Westleaze hens. Image: Andrew Livingston Recently, in Weymouth, we had of where their food really comes new birds placed for our next flock from. of free range layer hens and, as The Facebook post was swiftly we always do, we put out a post deluged with comments, mostly promoting the girls. untrue and misinformed, as the With the post, we people of Weymouth published pictures decided to tell us Farming is inside the shed actually our more than just that (opposite) – a rare and birds weren’t freea methane moderately brave thing range – “These aren’t for a chicken farm to free-range then,” and statistic do, as it always opens “Poor hens locked you up for scrutiny from those inside.” who seem to have no conception One user did respond and put it perfectly: “I swear we’re so out of touch with where our food comes from ... You can drive past this particular farm and see the hens out in the field.” You can see the other side of that shed wall in the video below. Eco-aware generations I don’t blame the public for having no idea where their food comes from. Frankly, they have never been taught the truth. I wouldn’t advocate for agriculture and the environment being a compulsory subject in schools, but kids do

The BV magazine, July ‘22 FARM TALES Inside the hen shed Image: Andrew Livingston

need to be taught at a young age what has to happen for their turkey dinosaurs to reach their plate. Unfortunately, Countryfile and similar programmes don’t show what true farming is like – lambing season isn’t always in warm, perfectly lit barns. For smaller farms, it’s a case of chasing the lambing ewes in the middle of the night across open fields through sideways rain. Millennials, Gen Y and Gen Z are all growing up with a greater understanding of the environment and of their own carbon footprint.

Farmers need to fight to teach these eco-aware generations that farming is more than just a methane statistic. Apparently the mainstream news media isn’t interested in showing farming in a good light, but thankfully for us the new generations don’t watch old news media – they scroll on phones and watch silly dances. And with that comes the opportunity to get seen and teach them something new.

Where the hens spend their days Image: Andrew Livingston

Dip into FarmTok (farming videos on TikTok) here. Careful – it just might surprise you.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 FOOD & DRINK

Perfect summer baking – berry and vanilla cake We are right in the heart of our British summer, with Wimbledon season in full swing, and sparkling wine and strawberries as far as the eye can see. As I am writing this, the sun is shining, my twitter feed is glowing with the promise of high temperatures and my garden is ablaze with all kinds of colour … I really hope that is still the case come July! If you are looking for a bottle of English wine, Dorset hosts a number of sparkling wine producers, thanks mostly to our favourable weather, and I recommend seeking out a bottle of some of our finest. Not only can you visit places like Langham Wine Estate and Bride Valley for a vineyard tour, you can also stop in at your nearest wine shop for some local wisdom on the best tipple to match your occasion - like the award-winning Vineyards in Sherborne which recently celebrated their 17th birthday. Heather x

Image: Heather Brown

Ingredients

For the Cake • 8oz/225g butter • 8oz/225g soft brown sugar • 4 eggs • 8oz/225g self raising flour • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 punnet (usually 450g) of fresh

•

strawberries or raspberries strawberry or raspberry jam

For the icing • 4oz/110g softened butter • 10oz/285g icing sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions • • • • • • • • • •

•

Smear some butter around the base and sides of two eight inch round baking tins, then line the bottoms with greaseproof paper. Preheat the oven to GM 5 or 170º fan. Wash and dry your strawberries, remove the green stalks and cut into quarters. Either in a stand mixer, with an electric whisk or with a wooden spoon, beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla in a bowl really well. The mixture will change to be light and fluffy and the colour will turn pale. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well between each egg. If the mixture curdles slightly, you can add one spoonful of the flour and then beat well. Slowly stir in the flour. Take care not to beat hard and knock out all of the air that you have just worked into the mix. Using a spoon, gently fold half of the strawberries into the cake batter until just mixed. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared tins and gently level the tops so they are mostly flat. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The cakes will be done when they have come away slightly from the edges of the tins and the top is springy to the touch. Leave the cakes to cool. Remove the sponges from the baking tins. Make a simple buttercream icing by combining the butter with the icing sugar and vanilla extract in a stand mixer or bowl and beat well together. At this stage the mixture will be too stiff. Add a few of the remaining fresh berries in and keep mixing gently – the juice from the berries will loosen the icing. If the mixture becomes too soft you can just add some more icing sugar. Place one sponge onto a large plate. Spoon on some jam and smooth over. Then add a little of the buttercream and smooth over. Place the next sponge on top. Add the remaining buttercream onto the top of the cake and smooth over. Finish with the remaining fresh berries.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS Heather Brown is on the committee of the Guild of Food Writers; a home economist with a passion for Dorset’s brilliant foodie scene. She runs Dorset Foodie Feed, championing Dorset’s food and drink businesses, as well as working with her food industry clients.

Image: Heather Brown 81

The BV magazine, July ‘22 MEET YOUR LOCAL

Meet your local: Round Chimneys Farm This month Rachael Rowe visited the Rich family at their new farm shop and cafe at Round Chimneys, their historic farm at Glanville Wootton “A lot of people find us when they are lost,” says 27-year-old Alec Rich as he talks about the shop at Round Chimneys Farm. The farm, dating from 1590, has been home to a highwayman and the Churchill family and is tucked away in the Blackmore Vale countryside, just outside Glanvilles Wootton. The Rich family has farmed here since the 1960s, and a new farm shop and cafe have recently opened. How did you start? “The cafe and shop are new. We started just eight weeks ago! The way farming is going, we are always looking at ways of diversifying. We started with holiday lets 20 years ago. Then just before lockdown, we began selling our beef privately. Before that, it had simply gone straight to market. We got such good feedback from people saying they were the ‘best steaks they had ever had’, that we just started selling to the customer directly. It’s great to have a place 82

where people can buy from us. We also wanted a reason for people to come here, so we started the cafe too. “My grandfather bought the

farm in the 1960s, and it was originally a dairy farm. I grew up here. I went away to work and came back ten months ago, so I have brought back my Alec Rich and his mother Rachel Rich at Round Chimneys Farm Cafe Image: Rachael Rowe

The BV magazine, July ‘22 MEET YOUR LOCAL

experience to make a living here. It’s nice to be able to engage with the local community a bit more. We’re not in the village centre and people don’t know their neighbours like they used to. We also love meeting people who you wouldn’t normally meet. It’s a great stop for walkers too.” How many are in the team? Alec and his mother, Rachel, run the business and have a thriving holiday lets enterprise. They are helped by their other team member, Connie. The holiday lets allow them to show guests the farm and how farming works. “We love sharing our slice of Dorset with others,” says Alec. What’s flying out of the door at the moment? Alec laughs. “The coffee and cake. The brownies! All our cakes are homemade. Our coffee is roasted in Sherborne by Reads. Nine out of ten people will have a coffee here. Our meat is popular – especially burgers at A Round Chimneys week-old Aberdeen Angus calf Image: Rachael Rowe

Inside the Round Chimneys Farm Cafe Image: Rachael Rowe

this time of year. People often take them to try – and then return for more. Our pasties are made using our own beef. “We also like promoting the lesser-known cuts such as brisket. If you cook a brisket just right, you can’t beat it. People often ask for our advice on cooking. Guests in the holiday lets buy the cheeses, especially local ones. We stock as much Dorset produce as possible.” Tell us about local suppliers. We use Woodbridge Farm for supplies of Dorset Blue Vinny, and our bread comes from Oxfords in Alweston. And your Angus herd? (Two gorgeous twin calves born a week ago were grazing in a nearby field.) “The farm was originally dairy, and in 2007 we changed to beef. We have 100 suckler cows and calve twice a year. The herd is mainly Aberdeen Angus, but we have some British Blue. All our bulls are Angus. We also have 100 sheep and lamb early in December.” Tell us your biggest challenge? “At the moment, getting to grips with managing the cafe and shop – but I’m loving it. We’re working

to bring more people in, with advertising. Most people come off the back of someone telling them about it. We’re also juggling farm jobs with running the shop and cafe. Each day is a challenge, but that’s something we relish.” What are you most proud of? “I think the feedback we have had. They say the proof is in the pudding, and people keep coming back for more. That’s something we have seen in the past eight weeks.” What’s next for the business? We will continue to promote our meat and its quality. We’ll encourage people to try it and see where their food comes from. Our food mileage is minimal. We’re looking at introducing meat boxes as well. All our meat is sold frozen, so it stays as fresh as possible and cuts down on waste. And we can use all parts of the animal, either in the cafe or selling it.” Round Chimneys Farm, Glanvilles Wootton, Sherborne, DT9 5QQ roundchimneysfarm.co.uk Cafe and shop open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. 83

The BV magazine, July ‘22 RURAL MATTERS - the monthly column from the CPRE

Where now for Dorset’s small village shops? Village shops benefitted from the ‘stay local’ message during the pandemic, says Rupert Hardy, chair of North Dorset CPRE – but tougher times lay ahead

Dilip Odedra outside Robin Hill Stores For many years, Dorset CPRE sponsored the Best Dorset Village Shop class in the county’s Best Kept Village competition. I was one of the two judges. Sadly the competition is in abeyance currently as it needs a new major sponsor, but we can – and should – still write about the sector and applaud some of the better shops. We awarded prizes to many throughout Dorset, but I would especially mention Iwerne Minster Village Stores and Motcombe Community Shop in North Dorset. Oddly, Covid was kind to village shops, which had been under pressure for decades from the relentless onslaught of supermarkets. Government 84

advice to stay at home combined with fear of infection drove shoppers to avoid supermarkets, except for using their online delivery services if available. Village and farm shops, however, offered a friendly face to consumers who otherwise felt isolated, while they benefited from the trend to ‘shop local’ at a difficult time for all. Consumers increasingly wanted to buy higher quality sustainable food with lower food miles, and showed greater awareness of food provenance. Price was less of an issue. Things have changed Roll forward to 2022 and life is dramatically changing, with

shoppers facing a cruel cost-ofliving crisis. Village shops may still benefit from a long-term trend towards sustainability, but they also face much tighter purses. Price wars will intensify and we all know which supermarkets are winning: the discounters, Aldi and Lidl. The latter have been helped too by greater availability of new sites, thanks in part to the misfortunes of the hospitality industry under COVID, particularly pubs. There may have been less online shopping as the virus diminished, but it is still a clear long-term trend that the supermarkets can take advantage of and village shops find very hard to exploit. Another factor has been

The BV magazine, July ‘22 RURAL MATTERS the rapid decline in physical newspaper sales, previously these were major drivers of customer flow for the shops. What can they do? The bigger shops are in a much stronger position as they can offer a broader range of stock and also diversify if space allows by opening cafés, which bring extra footfall and generate higher margins. Village shops can sell more high quality, local, sustainable produce, which we applaud as we support local food and drink producers, of which Dorset has many. More shops are joining symbol groups, such as Spar, to help their buying power and provide marketing support. We ask readers to support village shops as much as they can, as they are vital community hubs. We hope to use our column to report back on some of the best local shops, supplementing the coverage already provided by the BV magazine in its ‘Meet your Local’ column. We start with Robin Hill Stores in historic Marnhull, the largest village in Dorset. Located in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, it features in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles as “Marlot”. Atul Odedra has run the successful shop and Post Office since 2014. He sells cards and other non-food items as well. The premises and the neighbouring

Audrey Hardy fills up her bottle at the Dorset Dairy Company milk station

shops were once the large Michael Harding’s Stores. The building was originally four separate cottages, thought to date from the late 1600s, which have been combined and added to over the years. Atul has made various changes after taking over the shop. He has brought in more local food and drink, including Mounters Gin, which is made in the village. He bought a bigger chiller so he can sell more fresh food, and he has now installed a fresh milk station, supplying milk from the Dorset Dairy Company. Best sellers are cakes and biscuits. He employs local part-time staff, and his brother Dilip is temporarily

Window display for Marnhull Fest, a community Jubilee event

helping out. Atul supports the Marnhull community in many ways, providing window displays for local businesses, advertising space for community events and ticket sales for community groups. Various village groups can take over the window displays and as I write there is a Marnhull Fest display. Locals report how Atul goes out of his way to order in special items for them. Legend has it that Atul walked from Bourton to Marnhull when the village was cut off by snow, bringing back fresh milk. That is dedication to the community! He admits that the shop benefited indirectly from Covid, but life this year has got much tougher with the cost-of-living crisis. He is finding more severe price competition from the supermarkets, but is trying to sell more local food which the supermarkets don’t stock. Looking to the future, Atul is thinking about converting an empty room into a café to improve footfall into the shop too. Reviews mention good stock, amazing service, friendly owners and a fine little Post Office.

The BV magazine, July ‘22

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Love Local Trust Local Awards are open now - have you entered?

Love Local, Trust Local Awards founder Barabara Cossins takes us back to the start of her journey, and reminds us all that local producers are so important For those who might be new to this column, it’s probably time to go back to the beginning and introduce both ourselves and Love Local Trust Local (LLTL). LLTL has two simple purposes: • Putting consumer trust back into buying local • Promoting products with genuine provenance and full traceability In creating LLTL, we have created a food label you can trust. The Cossins family are fifth generation farmers. We have our own butchery and farm shop (established in 2012), and we have been running the local village pub for the past 30 years. We really do know the importance of Farm To Fork, from every side of the table - and plate! Every third year we host Open Farm Sunday at Rawston Farm, and we take the opportunity to talk to as many local people as possible. Our visitors love knowing the story of their food, the miles it has travelled and always enjoy buying and eating genuinely local produce. We were frequently asked ‘how do we know that the food we buy really is what it says it is?’ During the 2018 Open Farm event it became clear the scare stories in the media had created real doubt in many people’s minds, so we finally decided to do something about it, and Love Local Trust Local, Dorset’s very own produce label was born. By farmers, for farmers - and more We created Love Local Trust Local to support Dorset producers, with a guiding ethos of education whilst promoting quality, honesty, and proximity. In the summer of 2020, despite the Covid pandemic, the inaugural Love Local Trust Local Awards were launched as a natural step on from the label. We were hesitant at first, and tempted to delay our plans. However, what better time than during a global health crisis to promote buying and consuming local food & drink with provenance you can trust? We are passionate about Dorset, advocates of British farming and love the collaboration of small local businesses. Whilst Dorset is leading the way, however, every county has its own flag. It is

important that consumers across the country start to recognise the county flags and know what is grown or produced on their own doorstep. Entries are open Awards are open now and FREE to enter. Remember, if you don’t tell other people about the amazing things you’re doing they won’t know. Put yourself out there! There are 15 categories to choose from in 2022 so if you’re a business that is growing, producing, rearing, brewing, crafting or cooking here in Dorset, and you source your ingredients within 30 miles of your home base then you should be entering. You can enter one product in each category, or multiple products into a single category, it’s totally up to you. The LLTL awards are fast becoming the food & farming family to be part of. They recognise the hard work and dedication of the people behind the food on our plates as they work hard to put Dorset producers on the map. To find out more, visit lovelocaltrustlocalawards.co.uk or call us for a friendly chat on 07831 184920. 87

The BV magazine, July ‘22 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@theblackmorevale.co.uk. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

The case of the sea eagle The decision to close the investigation into the poisoned sea eagle by Dorset police, despite finding high levels of rat poison brodifacoum in the eagle, was described as ‘completely baffling‘ by the RSPB, who had been helping with the investigation. The decision also coincided with the Force’s award-winning wildlife crime officer Claire Dinsdale going on long-term sick leave with stress, a re-branding of the Force’s wildlife crime team to remove the word ‘wildlife’, and that astonishing outburst on Twitter by Chris Loder MP, who seemed to criticise Dorset Police for spending time and resources on the investigation and who argued that eagles ‘weren’t welcome’ in Dorset (as per my letter in the May issue of the BV). Now, after large criticism and a FOI request revealed correspondence between Mr Loder, and Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick. A specialist investigator has been brought in by police. But this investigator is from the same police force - is this not a case of marking their own homework? Perhaps Dorset Police can explain why the poisoned eagle investigation was dropped in the first place. And also share the status of the ongoing investigation into alleged raptor poisoning in 2021 on the very same estate where the poisoned white-tailed eagle was found. Obviously these investigations are not easy – but the public should be able to rely on the 88

police to conduct a thorough and complete investigation. Dr Charles Mathews, nr Sherborne *** On Simon Hoare I thought Mr Hoare’s answers in the Q&A (The BV, June issue) were surprising – I am not a Conservative voter, and yet I found myself agreeing with many of his points. In a party of liars, cheats, crooks and tricksters I appreciate that our own MP appears to be standing up for the right things, no matter who voted him in. Ian Downton Blandford I appreciated Simon Hoare’s honesty in the Q&A this month. However I felt an absence of his usual forthright and honest tone when discussing the state of NHS dentistry. Sorry Simon, but this isn’t just a simple lack of trained dentists - every practice is turning away from the NHS because it’s not viable to run their business with the funding they receive. I myself received very poor NHS treatment - basically because I needed a three-tooth bridge, and the NHS pays a flat fee (barely enough) for a bridge. The actual cost of having a three-tooth bridge made is double that of a two-tooth, but dentists are unable to recoup that cost back. So I received an unsuitable treatment which then required me to go private to get fixed correctly. Not the dentist’s fault - a simple lack of funding

prevented them from providing the best care. This is NOT how the NHS is supposed to work. By all means recruit more dentists, but take a long hard look at the very model under which they work too - and have a dentist do the review, not a civil servant! Marion Colly Sturminster Newton It was refreshing to read an MP being open and honest, and saying in a public forum that he ‘cannot defend the indefensible’ with reference to Johnson and ‘partygate’. Thank you Mr Hoare - you hold in your hands the last remaining shred of trust I have in the Conservative Party. It’s not much, but I suspect without decent MPs like you, our country would be in a far worse state. Jenny Baines Shaftesbury I particularly appreciated Wendy Darvitt’s question for Simon Hoare on the Nolan Principles. Almost thirty years since the Seven Principles of Public Life were drawn up and it seems like people no longer talk about them, and yet we’re in need of them more than ever. Just this week we hear that Mr Johnson attempted to use his position to get his then-mistress a job (Integrity? Objectivity?), had sex with her in a Ministerial office during normal office hours (Leadership? Plus it seems looking at sex in the House of Commons means you lose your job, but actually having it is fine ... ), and then used his influence to pull the independent journalism which had uncovered the fact. The shock is that we’re no longer shocked ... Roger Dorn Sherborne ***

The BV magazine, July ‘22 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Ukraine benefit Just to let you know that the Ukraine Benefit Concert we held at GMC last Friday evening was very successful. With your kind help we raised more than £2,600. This will be matched by Utility Warehouse to give a fantastic total of £5,200. For those that weren’t able to attend (or were there and want to see it again!), a video of the first half of the concert is now available on YouTube (see above right - Ed), with the second half to follow soon. Even if you have no wish to donate, I would urge you to follow the link and watch the video(s). The combination of Briggs, Hearnshaw, Honeybourne, Hope, SteelePerkins & Trotter playing organs, a piano and several trumpets is unprecedented for a concert in the UK – indeed anywhere in the world. The atmosphere was electric and putting the videos together has made me realise how very special it was! Gordon Amery Organist & Concert Organiser Gillingham

qualified pedant…but only over typography. Good typography is I believe a lost art. Paul Killinger by email I did reply to Paul to defend the BV’s style guide: “The lack of indents is fully intentional - every paragraph break is preceded by a subhead, so the indent is superfluous. Text alignment should in all cases (unless I’ve missed one, which is error, not design!) be

left, footer notes are italicised and right-align.” Typography, like all things, changes with the years; I’ll stand by mine. Thanks for the compliment on the content though Paul - that means FAR more! Ed *** By snail mail The letter below was received by email, courtesy of a kind Stalbridge resident who lives in the original BVM offices:

*** On your typography Thank you once again for the latest issue, full of interesting articles obviously not vetted by a Commercial Director. A magazine with an EDITOR and how it shows! Sadly as an ex-designer of magazines, local and national, your typography drives me to distraction. No para indents, wayward and irrational text alignment…I could go on and on….and on. I doubt that many of your readers even notice or care. Why [am I writing]? Because overall it is a great local asset. Around 70 to 80 ex-employees of mine have over the years realised that I am a fully 89

The BV magazine, July ‘22 PUZZLES

Crossword

Jigsaw

Simply click to complete on your tablet, computer or phone - or there’s a download option if you prefer pen and paper.

Sleeping bees on Win Green (sorry - they’re cute, but I’m assured this month’s is a stinker) Just click to complete. If you get stuck, there’s an icon at the top of the screen which reveals the completed picture for you to refresh your memory.

COMMUNITY

Scammers continue to target as the cost-of-living crisis bites New research by Citizen’s Advice Dorset has found that 76% of people in the South West have been targeted by a scammer this year. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, this number is expected to rise further, and the organisation is concerned. Rovarn Wickremasinghe, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice Bridport, said: “A shocking number of people in the South West have been targeted by a scammer so far this year. We know scammers prey on our worries and fears, and sadly, the cost-of-living crisis is no exception.” “Anyone can be targeted by a scam, and as the purse strings are tightened and financial pressures pile on, it’s important we work together to protect ourselves and each other.” The top five most common types of scams reported were: • Deliveries, portal and courier

services Government or HMRC scams Banking Rebates and refunds Investment or financial

unusual way – like by an iTunes vouchers 5. You’ve been asked to give away personal information such as passwords or PINs.

How to spot a scam Citizens Advice Dorset is sharing five top tips to help you guard against a potential scam:

What to do If you’ve been scammed, Citizens Advice Dorset advises you to talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment. Secondly, report the scam: • Offline scams – those using the telephone, post and coming to your door, can be reported to the Citizens Advice website or by calling 0808 223 1133. • online scams – report to the dedicated Scams Action service either online or on 0808 250 5050 • Text scams – report to your mobile phone provider by forwarding it to 7726

• • • •

1. It seems too good to be true – for example, scammers pretending to be energy companies to lure people into ‘too good to be true’ deals 2. You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company or a genuine person – take a moment to step back and double-check. ALWAYS check the email address from the sender 3. You’ve been pressured to transfer money quickly 4. You’ve been asked to pay in an

Clear. Approachable. And as individual as you are. Life doesn’t stand still. Some events you can predict, plot and carefully plan for. Others come out of the blue and send you reeling. Whatever you’re facing, we’re here to help. Call us on 01722 398137.

COMMUNITY

New Rural Crime Team Dorset has now tripled the size of its rural crime team, says Sgt Jane Moore On 20th June 2022 Dorset Police launched its Rural Crime Team Engagement Project at Kingston Maurward College, who kindly hosted the event. Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and Dorset Police’s Chief Constable, Scott Chilton attended the event with many of our partner agencies, including Dorset Council, the Environment Agency, Forestry England, Neighbourhood Watch, the National Farmers Union and Cornish Mutual. The Rural Crime Team aims to ensure we deliver exceptional local policing that is visible, connected, and trusted. Dorset Police is committed to responding to rural crime and will relentlessly pursue those involved. We will provide a professional response that always puts the victim of rural crime first. Dorset Police will create a hostile place for perpetrators 92

of rural crime and anti-social behaviour. The rural crime team across the county has now gone from three dedicated officers up to 10. “Policing rurally is a different beast” says Assistant Chief Constable Farrell “we have to face it in a different way, starting with providing more dedicated rural officers to tackle crimes like fly-tipping, poaching, hare coursing and machinery theft.” We work closely across all geographical areas, supporting local Neighbourhood Policing Teams. The aim of the rural crime team is to make all of Dorset a safe place to live and work, and less attractive to rural offenders. The Team support victims in rural communities and targets repeat offenders and organised crime groups. Within communities The Rural Crime Team works with local communities and partners

to ensure that the views and concerns of rural communities are listened to. This includes developing and delivering innovative new ideas such as the podcast series Country Cast that was delivered last year, and the team’s new Rural Crime engagement van. The Team believe it’s vitally important that we are accessible to the communities we police. We will attend many local events and meetings where you can speak with us face-to-face, as well as regularly updating our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) and arranging individual contact when required. Details of when and where the van will be can found here: • Facebook: @DorsetPoliceRuralCrimeTeam • Twitter: @RuralCrimeTeam • Insta: @dorsetpoliceruralcrimeteam

For details on your local team’s future engagements please refer to our website. As always, if you wish to contact us follow the links.

The BV magazine, July ‘22

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ADVERTORIAL

Doors Opening Soon at Space Inflaters! The old Legends Nightclub looks very different inside Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

The old Legends Nightclub in Gillingham is completing its makeover, ready to open this month as Dorset’s newest inflatable play centre With the summer holidays bottom, filled more than 15 rapidly approaching it’s always skips with rubbish and totally transformed the interior. Older great to have something new clubbers won’t recognise the and exciting to do with the modern, fun play area and kids – especially when that café bar. A new sound system something new is right on your doorstep here in the Blackmore has been installed alongside a revolutionary LED lighting system Vale. In April we created quite from Dextra Lighting. a stir when we announced a The new inflatable brings outer new indoor inflatable world space adventures would be opening Light reaction to kids of all ages, right here in with light reaction Gillingham. games, planet games, planet leaps, We had hundreds leaps, an an interstellar jump of entries into into the black hole, interstellar our competition the cosmic slide, alien jump into the to name our mountain and much space-themed black hole, the more. And it doesn’t inflatable zone. cosmic slide, stop there – alongside The old Legends alien mountain the inflatables for the nightclub site older kids we’ve created will be known as and much more a sensory and play zone Space Inflaters for younger members from now on! of the community too, where As you would expect we’ve they can explore friendship, cleaned the site from top to lights and sounds.

So when does all this come to the Blackmore Vale? We’re pleased to announce that the site will open its doors to the public on Saturday 23rd July – just in time for the traditional UK summer holiday! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some more updates on where we are as this brand new community venture nears its opening date, along with some of the fantastic events that are happening during the opening weekend. We can’t wait to welcome you through the doors of Space Inflaters! Get involved This has been a community project from the offset and is part of The Gillingham and Community Leisure Trust Limited, the same organisation that runs RiversMeet Leisure Centre. The Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust is currently looking for additional trustees; if you are interested in becoming part of this exciting local charity please get in contact with Paul Barber on paul.barber@ riversmeetgillingham.org.

uly

Opening Saturday 23rd J �am � 6pm

- Pre booking advised as numbers restricted to 2 hourly slots - Café / Bar - Outer space themed Soft play world / Under 3's play zone - Free parking

Off peak £5 a child, peak £6 a child

For more information please visit www.spaceinflaters.org Space �n�aters Unit 22, Brick�elds Business Park Gillingham Dorset SP84PX

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 COMMUNITY This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale ...

This month’s news from the team in Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton has had a busy month – Pauline Batstone has the round-up of what’s been going on in Stur

1855 Work is progressing on transforming the old NatWest building from a bank to a shopping destination with a steampunk theme. For the rest of us who had never heard of ‘steampunk’, the dictionary says “the essence of steampunk is an homage to vintage fashion with a modern, sassy twist”. What this means for 1855 is that we are taking the space back to its original features where possible, and reclaiming part of Stur’s history. At the same time we will be offering an exciting shopping experience, intended to draw more people into town. So far more than 20 entrepreneurs have expressed interest in trading from the building – phase one of the development is expected to open by the autumn. If you are interested in hiring customer-facing retail space for your own business then get in touch via 1855stur@gmail.com or drop a note with your details into The Emporium. The Dapper Chaps The men’s boutique sitting within The Emporium has everything for the well-dressed chap – and will also be offering retro fashion for those who long for the days of dressing up, as opposed to dressing down. The Emporium The new art gallery opened in June to display the wide range of paintings and pictures which the shop receives as donations. The art gallery makes use of the walls on the stairs, landing and also in the two meeting rooms. Do come in and have browse – you may find something just right for that space on your wall The Boutique The shop in Church Street currently has some glamorous gowns at knock-down prices for those special summer events, alongside the usual range of lovely, good quality clothes and accessories, all offering excellent value for money – a browse is always an opportunity for some new-to-you fun clothes without breaking the bank. The Car and Bike Enthusiasts The monthly car and bike meet continues to go from strength to strength. Meeting on the first Saturday

morning of each month, the last meet had over 80 vehicles, and more than 200 visitors. You can see the huge range of cars and bikes on Facebook here - there are no rules on what can be shown, so the meet attracts a wide variety of vehicles from quite a distance. The enthusiasts now gather at the Recreation Ground, Ricketts Lane (on the bridge side of the town), having outgrown the Station Road Car Park, and inspired some ‘parking rage’. Now shoppers and car nerds can park in comfort in Station Road and take a stroll through town to The Rec – picking up a coffee and bacon butty on the way! The Litfest Thank you to all those who supported the third Sturminster Newton Literary Festival this year – they get better each time, with a range of events for all interests and ages. The range of renowned and bestselling authors connected to Dorset which our small town managed to attract was very exciting, and the talks were always fascinating and entertaining. Highlights were Minette Walters talking about her latest historical novel set in Dorset during the civil war, Natasha Solomons in conversation about her latest novel I, Mona Lisa, and Dr Steph Alder and Professor Angelique Richardson introducing the University of Exeter’s Hardy’s Correspondents project. The festival culminated in a (free) Victorian Fair for families, and Queen Victoria even braved the chilly winds to grace the event with her presence. Keep the middle two weeks of June free in your diary for the Festival 2023. Any other business ... The Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society Ltd. is the body which runs The Emporium and The Boutique, and is behind 1855 – but that name is a bit of mouthful so in future it will be known simply as SturAction. The next Stur event will be SturBuzz (20th to 27th August). It’s to be an eco-event, making us more aware of our natural environment and how to sustain it, with activities and learning in and around Sturminster Newton. See sturbuzz.org.uk – more details coming soon!

The BV magazine, July ‘22 COMMUNITY

The BV magazine, July ‘22 CHARITY NEWS

Running up the hill. A lot. Two local men have been training to run up Everest – right here in Dorset. The challenge is set for August, and they hope you’ll support them The timing is almost perfect. Kate Bush’s 1980s hit ‘Running Up That Hill’ is back at number one in the charts, thanks to the latest season of ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix. And two local men will be running up that Hambledon Hill rather a lot in August. If someone told you they were climbing to the top of Mount Everest, right here in Dorset, you’d probably think they were a bit mad. But that’s exactly what Charlie Lickiss from Child Okeford and his friend Archie Parks have set themselves to do, in aid of the Young People’s Trust for the Environment. Dorset has its fair share of hills, but clearly nothing approaching Everest-height. Charlie explained: “we’re actually going to run the height of Everest in August. It will involve running Hambledon Hill, up and down, consecutively in one activity. A total distance of 102 miles and 8,848m in elevation. It should take us around 24 hours to complete.” Locals will know that at 192m it’s not a towering mountain, but it is a steep climb! The challenge is roughly four marathons in distance, and the equivalent of running up and down Snowdon eight times.

Why run the hill? The friends are veterans of endurance racing “We are both passionate about the environment and outdoor sports, so we wanted to take on a challenge that incorporated both of those things, “ said Charlie “The work Peter and the team do at the YPTE is amazing, so we wanted to show our support doing what we love! “We will need as much support as possible on the day, so feel free to come along and watch us attempt ‘Everest in Dorset’. Base camp is at the Shroton Cricket Club. If you can’t make the date but still want to show your support, you can donate to our ‘Everest Running Challenge 2022’ Go Fund Me here.” Charlie and Archie’s Hambledon Everest Challenge will start at 3pm on 6th August and is likely to last for around 24 hours.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 CHARITY NEWS

Local fundraisers are back in action, adding to their £100k for Julia’s House In April 2004, a group of local ladies decided to form a group with the aim of raising money for local charities and good causes. They chose the name ‘SERO’. It’s a Latin word, and one of its meanings is ’to join together’, reflecting their work to support Dorset children and their families. “Our chosen charity has always been Julia’s House, the Dorset Children’s Hospice, to which we have donated over £100,000.” explained Kate Partridge, one of the founder members of the group “Events have ranged from our ‘famous’ Christmas fair at The Exchange, posh dinners for ladies (and partners) that lunch, music and drama at Hinton St Mary and running a cafe and soft drinks stall at the cheese festival.” The aim of Julia’s House is to maximise and enrich the quality of life for Dorset children and young people who are unlikely to live beyond the age of 18. They provide support from diagnosis to death – and beyond – for the whole family, offering end of life care in the hospice building or in the family home.

Kate continued “Over the last couple of years of course we have not been able to pursue our usual fundraising activities, but in 2022 we are involved in various events and we hope your readers can come along and support us.” • On Saturday 9 July we will be hosting several stalls at Child Okeford’s Hey Day. They will be full of our usual goodies and gifts plus a few surprises. Make sure you visit us between 12-5! There will of course be much more

going on at Hey Day, a traditional village fete and a great day out for all the family. • Child Okeford Art Trail on the Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 26th August to Monday 29th August, 11-4). A variety of artists will be exhibiting in their homes, the community centre and the village hall. Free admission. Art trail leaflets will be available in local shops. SERO will be providing refreshments during the event, including light lunches, at the village hall (DT11 8EX). • Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, 10th and 11th September. SERO will be running the tea tent at the ever popular Cheese Festival. Home-made cakes, fresh sandwiches, scones etc. All at reasonable prices for all the family. If you would like to get involved and help at our events, or even just donate a cake, please do get in touch with Kate Partridge (info@coachcottage.co.uk or 07725245066) or Julie Little (julie.little5@gmail.com or 07749 486733) serocharity.org.uk 99

The BV magazine, July ‘22 SCHOOL NEWS

Bingo and singing in Sherborne As part of their inter-generational programme, the children at SCAPA in Sherborne Primary School took part in a remote bingo session with the residents of Trinity Manor Care Home. Everyone had a wonderful time, and prizes were kindly provided by Trinity Manor for the winners! On Tuesday 14th June, children from the school were invited to take part in a debate workshop at Sherborne Prep. They met and worked with children from the Prep, engaging in ideas about types of debates. The children then took part in a mini debate at the end of the session. Everyone enjoyed this opportunity – and the yummy

treats that followed! Lastly, Sherborne Primary School Choir performed at this year’s Sherborne Summer Festival.

They entertained the crowd with a 20 minute set and received great praise and feedback from the audience.

Gryphon Students win Environmental Youth Award Students at The Gryphon School have been presented with a prestigious Environmental Youth Award from the Royal Bath & West of England Society. The aim of the award is to promote a greater awareness and understanding of conservation and environmental matters by encouraging and recognising the contribution made by young people. The Gryphon students, all from years 7 to 9, had to make a video showcasing their environmental knowledge and the action they take at school. The other finalists were Ashlands School (Crewkerne, Somerset), Kiwi School (Tidworth, Wiltshire) and Longwell Green in Bristol. The judges felt that the school was a shining example of environmental awareness. Pupils have not only addressed the issues of plastics and nonsustainable use within the school, but have also examined and actioned their own re-wilding projects within the grounds. The students were presented with a plaque and certificate by 100

Student Flora, Lady Wills, Charlotte Cavallaro and Les Davis MBE Lady Wills and Les Davis MBE, Chairman of the Environmental Youth Awards. Mr Davies said “There has never been a more important time to encourage the next generation to protect and improve the environment; the youth of today will be the decision makers of tomorrow. My warmest congratulations go to the Gryphon School on their award, and on their highly

professional presentation.” Charlotte Cavallaro, a teacher at The Gryphon School who also leads their Eco Committee said “It makes me immensely proud of our students. Young people today don’t just demand that more environmental action is taken, they show us how to do it. The Gryphon students involved in winning this award are an inspiration to us all.”

The BV magazine, July ‘22 SCHOOL NEWS

Somerset U17 Rugby Squad Selections Congratulations to Wells Cathedral School pupils Christian Jennett-Butcher, Charles Rowley and Ben Mapleston who have been selected for the Somerset RFU U17 Rugby squad. Christian and Charles represented the side against Gloucestershire in May and then all three boys were added to the match day squads against Dorset and Wiltshire. This is a huge achievement for Christian, Charles and Ben after consistent hard work in the off-season. The School team can now boast the inclusion of three countystandard players!

Leweston team win National Title for third year running With eight team events and nine riders competing for individual honours, the Leweston group had a very busy three days at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead for the NSEA Eventers Challenge and National County Dressage and Showjumping Championships during half-term. The three days of competition started well with the dressage team coming a very close second with May S riding a beautiful test to earn 75% in her arena. With 44 teams and 222 competitors riding, the Leweston team was almost content to just get pipped to second in the Novice (80-85cm) Eventers Challenge Championships! It was a great achievement for the team of Poppy Y, Jessica W, Tara W and Hen J. Tara W riding Peasedown Toners Neo had a long overnight wait to see where she would eventually be placed Individually and again it was exciting to see a Leweston rider on the podium in the silver position at prizegiving. The younger squad riders did exceptionally well and brought a team fourth back to Dorset in the Mini (70-75cm) National County

Show Jumping. Leweston had one team and two individual riders competing in the mini (70-75cm) Eventers Challenge, the team came a creditable fifth against thirtytwo teams. Tara and Rosie rode lovely Individual rounds but just went a little too quick to get an individual placing. The Intermediate (90-95cm) Eventers Challenge proved to be a difficult and technical course which saw many riders eliminated, so both teams were happy to get ‘home’ in twelfth and fourteenth position. Congratulations to our four riders who rode great clear rounds over this challenging course.

The Open (1m-1.05m) Eventers Challenge was another formidable championship course and tested every rider. The team were just out of the placings, however, Madeline RS rode one of the best rounds of the whole Championships on her second horse Mickey to take a well earned second Individual placing. Crowning glory came on Day Three in the Intermediate (90-95cm) National County Showjumping Championships when the Leweston team held onto their top spot after the first round and rode thrilling jumpoff rounds to win the National County Showjumping title. Many congratulations to Molly C, May S, Jessica W and Poppy Y. 101

The BV magazine, July ‘22 BUSINESS NEWS

Is it ALL doom and gloom?

Crushing costs and a difficult labour market are potentially tempered by the positivity of busy order books, says Dorset Chamber CEO Ian Girling A really warm welcome to my column and I hope this finds you well. This month I’d like to reflect on the economy and talk about some of the challenges we are facing as consumers and businesses. Considering what we’ve been through with Brexit, Covid and now a war in Ukraine, it’s little wonder the economy has taken a hammering. We are all obviously concerned about rising costs and the resulting decrease in the standard of living. As consumers, we are facing increasing food costs (and indeed many supermarket shelves are often empty), the cost of running our cars is spiralling and heating costs are going through the roof. This all has a real impact on standards of living and unsurprisingly, many employers are facing upwards wage pressure from their staff.

already so squeezed. This then leads us into what feels like a never-ending downard spiral – reflected in the latest inflation figures and “... many comments from the businesses British Chambers are reporting of Commerce and record growth other business groups. despite the

The stress circle With a record number of vacancies, employers are having to do all they can to keep staff – with current It’s not all doom many consequently economic But interestingly, seeing wage bills the high number climate.” increase as they of vacancies is fight to retain their the complete opposite of the staff. This is on top of hugely nationwide unemployment increased transport and situation that was expected distribution costs, increasing after the pandemic. Many costs of raw materials employers are currently facing (especially steel, wood and real recruitment challenges and construction supplies) and, of it really is an employee market. course, escalating energy costs. Businesses are identifying this All of this is hugely eating at as a real barrier to growth at the margins, yet many businesses moment and this in turn is also are concerned at passing on pushing up wage costs, simply these costs in the form of price to recruit and retain talent. increases when consumers are 102

What may also be surprising is that many businesses are reporting strong demand for products and services and order books are busy – indeed, many businesses I speak to are reporting record growth despite the current economic climate. The need to plan As I say, given the last five years or so, it’s clearly going to take some time for the economy to settle and it’s fair to say we face a challenging time. However, it’s important for businesses to maintain a clear focus on their plans, look after their teams, invest in technology and, essentially, look after cash flow – the life blood of any business. Should you need any help or support, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Dorset Chamber. Until next time, Ian

The Hambledon Gallery is 60 Dorset’s original Lifestyle Shop celebrates sixty years

Blandford’s Jewel Established as an artists’ meeting place in 1962, then an art gallery run by the artist Katherine Church (Kitty West), The Hambledon Gallery has transformed over the last sixty years into a gem in the retail world.

Wendy Suffield Wendy Suffield became a partner with Kitty and made the important changes the shop needed for survival. Wendy officially retired from The Hambledon Gallery in 2015, but still has an interest in the shop which is now run by her youngest daughter Charlotte.

Birthday Party The Hambledon Gallery will be hosting a party for customers, friends, suppliers and supporters to celebrate on Friday 24th June from 6pm to 7.30pm in the Blandford shop. If you would like any more information about the shop, its history and the 1962 products please contact Charlotte Bentley 40-44 Salisbury Street, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 7PR 01258 452880 shop@hambledongallery.co.uk https://hambledongallery.co.uk

Celebrating Sixty Years For sixty years The Hambledon Gallery has been a much loved destination shop in the heart of Dorset, with loyal customers who travel miles to shop the beautifully curated mix of womenswear, children’s things and home and beauty products. Customers can visit the shop in the real Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am until 4pm and their newly redeveloped website can be shopped 24/7 with free gift wrapping and free standard delivery over £35.00

1962

To celebrate this important milestone, having been a part of the Blandford high street for sixty years, The Hambledon Gallery has launched their own home & beauty brand called 1962. A full range of scented candles, diﬀusers and room spray as well as bath & body wash, lotions and hand cream have been specially designed by Wendy Suﬃeld’s middle daughter Sandy and ethically produced in the West Country. You can view the full range on their website https://hambledongallery.co.uk/product-category/bath-body/ 1962/

The BV magazine, July ‘22 BUISNESS NEWS

The business of grazing tables

Redundancy led to a business launched in a week during the pandemic – and now Sarah McCombe has been featured on TOWIE. Rachael Rowe reports When I met Sarah McCombe, she had been in her new catering unit near West Orchard for just one week. Black Cat Catering was created in the early days of lockdown and continues to thrive with its colourful grazing tables and buffets. Sarah outlined how it all began. “I worked for a company in Sturminster Newton, but there was just no work during the lockdown, and after a few months, I was made redundant. I had always done food and cookery when living in Surrey, I had a small redundancy payout, so I thought, why not? We were born within the space of a week in August 2020.” It’s not every day you hear about a business setting up so quickly, but for Sarah, things moved rapidly. “I organised a stand at a one-day event organised by Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show and I had business cards by Friday. My friend Holly creates grazing tables in Surrey and suggested I do something similar in this area.” But where did the black cat idea come from? Sarah smiles. “We have a black cat called Oreo, and my son Toby suggested naming the business after it. I also wanted something that was a little bit different.” One of Sarah’s grazing platters

Sarah McCombe of Black Cat Catering Image: Rachael Rowe

The Grazing Tables Talking of different, one of the distinctive features of Black Cat Catering is the remarkable grazing tables. If you think a grazing table belongs in a barn or have never seen one, you’re in for a treat. Think enticing, creative displays of food, and in this case, piles of local Dorset produce. It’s the kind of display that literally makes you want to dive in and graze. Sarah explained: “It’s a colourful feast of colour and textures, and each one is unique. A grazing table is not a beige buffet! However, in North Dorset, we still do a lot of traditional buffets because grazing tables are less common here. I also like to add homemade food to the display. We Sarah also sells grazing boxes direct from her website

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 BUSINESS NEWS include selections from local producers such as The Real Cure, Dorset Blue Vinny, and clotted cream from Crook and Churn. Every table is different and depends on my mood on the day.” Successful collaborations One of the striking things about Sarah’s business is the collaborative working with other companies. Sarah loves going to country shows and talks to potential companies. “We’ll send pictures of our work and ask them if they want to be included. We’ll ask for a trial if it’s a new company.” She also works with glamping companies (her Firepit Graze boxes are popular) and events businesses. “I’ll give it a go, and if it works – great. I’m very much into celebration and creation.” Her business focus is very much on grazing tables and afternoon teas. But, incredibly, she had to learn to bake, having not done it before- you’d never believe it looking at some of the displays. Featured on TV An early opportunity for Sarah was being approached by the TOWIE production company to provide products for their shows - their 2021 season started off in Dorset. She had to swiftly work with other companies to collate the food for grazing tables and small platters, but that opened doors. “I went to Bournemouth to set up; the downside was having to take everything onto the beach! We also had to be with the cast, so there were many photo opportunities. And I met people there that I still work with in business.” With a business set up in such a short time, I’m curious about what she’s most proud of. “Simply having the guts to go ahead and do it – and in one of the toughest environments possible.” www.blackcatcatering.co.uk

The fruit platters served on the TOWIE beach set

And Sarah’s grazing platters taking centre screen in the TOWIE beach house

Quick fire questions for Sarah: What went well? “That first week. When you say go, you have a short time to do things. The first show at Gillingham and Shaftesbury, where we had a display, was brilliant because we connected with many other people.” What was not so good? “Right now – I’m still finding my feet. It’s a challenging environment at the moment, so it’s just keeping the business going.”

Afternoon tea for a recent local wedding

Best advice? “To have a clear vision of where you want to be. You also have to be thick-skinned and prepared to take a knockback. And do take time to know your clients in the first weeks. You also need to have the guts to stand by your instincts- if you have a USP, keep it. 105

The BV magazine, July ‘22

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 HEALTH

Taking on King Squat

Massage isn’t necessarily about scented candles, gentle pan pipe music and trying not to fall asleep, explains expert Mel Mitchell Regular readers will remember May’s articles in which I spoke about the fundamental movements we use in everyday life. This month I thought I would explore in greater depth what is often described as the king of all exercises – others known as The Squat! The squat is one of the most effective exercises anyone can do. Not only does it train every muscle in the lower body but it also works the upper back and core. Most of us don’t really think about ‘good squat form’ as we come up and down from a chair (which essentially is squatting!). But what does make a good squat? No rules Believe it or not there is no one best way to squat, and it should be tailored to the individual. If you watch a dozen people squat, you’ll see each of them will squat differently, particularly in terms of their stance. I often

adopt the penguin stance with my toes pointing outwards. Does this mean my squat is any less efficient? Absolutely not! Essentially, as long as your squat meets the following criteria, chances are you have good squat form. 1. Lower the crease of your hips to below your knees 2. Neutral spine

3. Weight evenly distributed between the ball and heel of the foot. When coaching squats, I often cue people to stand with feet shoulder-width apart, but even this may need to be adjusted depending on the individual’s natural stance. One of the most important things is that you keep your back straight with your chest up, keeping your spine in neutral. Squatting with rounded shoulders or having your chest down is not only less efficient but could lead to injury when squatting with added weight. Squatting with your chest down means your weight is going through your toes rather than your mid foot. There also might be a tendency to lift your heels as you go deeper into the squat. Try transferring your weight more towards your heels and you may find that not only does your chest lift, but you’ll feel more stable. 107

The BV magazine, July ‘22 by Karen Geary, a Registered Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify

Weight Loss – Just be good enough Successful, long-lasting weight loss is never about the ‘perfect’ diet, being hungry or weird food rules, says nutritional therapist Karen Geary If you are one of those ‘all or nothing’ types, especially when it comes to going on a diet, chances are that permanent weight loss has always eluded you. Add mid-life hormone challenges or other life stressors into the mix and it can become particularly disheartening. If you think you have to follow the ‘perfect’ diet (whatever that is), chances are that this very idea is holding you back from achieving your weight loss goal. Perfectionism generally backfires at some point as it is just not sustainable. The desire to be ‘perfect’ means that you didn’t do what you wanted to do simply because you couldn’t do it ‘perfectly’. Generally it goes like this; you decide you were not ‘perfect’ today so you resolve to start tomorrow/Monday/next week – and then you’ll do it ‘perfectly’. But it never happens – or if it does, it is unlikely to be for more than a week. Weight loss is a mind game – this means mental health you can sustain, day in, day is a priority when it comes out, for the rest of your life. It to losing weight, and placing is about being consistent. Yet unreasonable expectations on we can all fall into a diet trap, ourselves just creates added where we torture ourselves stress. Good mental health with weird food rules, subject also relies on hormone balance ourselves to yo-yo-ing blood and a healthy gut function – sugar, get so hungry we will eat nourishing yourself anything, possibly properly is therefore The ‘perfect’ accumulate absolutely essential. diet is the one nutritional you can sustain deficiencies – and It’s a trap What is the ‘perfect’ – day in, day out end up exactly back diet anyway? Is it – for the rest of where we started. The way out of some fad diet from your life. this is to recognise the Daily Mail? that there is no Eating superfoods? Intermittent quick fix. Instead you must give fasting? No. It is none of these. yourself time to discover what The ‘perfect’ diet is the one is right for you long term. It 108

Karen Geary sticks a daily post-it on her fridge with her day’s menu

means doing the best you can, using days to your advantage when you feel really motivated. And those days when things are not so great, to feel OK about having that chocolate biscuit, and that is ‘good enough’! Weight loss is not a ‘perfect’ road. Here’s the practical guide on being ‘good enough’ that I work on with my clients: Create a meal plan Decide what and when you are going to eat and try to stick to it 80% of the time. Meal planning stops you from torturing yourself with that conversation

The BV magazine, July ‘22 HEALTH

you have with yourself in your head about ‘what to eat’, and whilst you decide, you go and eat a few biscuits. Choose a time when you are not hungry to do this. I meal plan weekly because it keeps the shopping bills down. Daily, I write it on a post-it note and stick it on my fridge (see image opposite). It also tells my husband (and hungry teens! - Ed) what we are eating today as I’m the cook and it stops him from haunting the fridge. Plan your snacks too if you like to snack. Check your portions Using your hands is less stressful than counting calories/ points/syns. Include the following in every meal: • palm size – a portion of protein. • cupped hand – a portion of carbs (grains and fruit/veg). If it is just vegetables, double the size. • thumb – a portion of fat

Snacks should ideally be high in protein and fat – for example nut butter and apple, or Greek yogurt and fruit. Protein and fat is more satisfying and may help prevent your snack from becoming a full on fridge raid.

disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Measure yourself weekly.

Have a back up Know what you are going to do if you go off-track. Note what happened and why – but Sit down to eat do so without Stay off your phone ...conversation in judgement. Your and don’t watch your head about whole day is not the TV. Food is to ruined. Just carry ‘what to eat’ – be enjoyed and is on with what you and while you generally a sociable were planning to time with family decide, you eat a eat for the rest and friends. of the day, or go few biscuits again tomorrow. Get rid of the scales All your progress is not undone Whilst it has been proven that – you are simply human. people who weigh daily are consistently more successful at I have a plan achieving their weight loss goals, If you are the type of person for some a ‘bad’ number can who likes the inspiration of a trigger going off-plan. done-for-you meal plan, I have If that is you, then a tape put together a no-fuss Summer measure is your best friend. If Plan, so you can enjoy the best your waist measurement is half of the summer with minimal your height or less, you are in a kitchen time. You can download good place metabolically, with a it from my website here. lowered risk for cardiovascular

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HEALTH

Check in with your Five Ways to Wellbeing

With longer evenings and a quieter month, Izzy Anwell of Dorset Mind reminds us to do the five-step check-in with our own wellbeing The month of June was jampacked as everyone grappled with fitting their regular workload around an extended Jubilee bank holiday and half term. It’s safe to say that July is much quieter – and the longer days and shorter nights give us more time to focus on the things that are important to us, like spending time with family and friends, our hobbies and our interests. We suddenly have more brain space to consider our own wellbeing. It’s time to check in and re-apply the Five Ways to Wellbeing to our routines ... Take notice In an effort to ‘check in’ with ourselves, we need to take more notice of what our bodies and minds need. A study by BITC (Business in the Community) from 2020 showed that 41 per cent of employees reported having experienced mental health symptoms which were caused, or worsened, by work in 2020. With burnout levels still on the rise, it is time for us to become more vigilant in spotting the signs of stress and especially workplace stress. Making time for ourselves and our interests outside of work is a necessity when trying to build a healthy work/life balance. Next time you’ve had a stressful day at work, organise to see a friend or do something that makes you feel good. Getting active Incorporating even a low level of exercise into our routines 110

can help us to de-stress, as it regulates the body’s stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Regular exercise isn’t for everyone, but ‘getting active’ doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. Walking, for example, is a free, easy way to get active if you’re able to get out and about. It helps to build stamina and improve your heart’s health. And a long walk in the sunshine after work is a sure-fire way to blow away cobwebs and flat moods. Learn Learning something new – an activity or new hobby – improves brain health and create new neural pathways. It could also potentially introduce you to a new community of like-minded people. Connect We all probably feel as though we’ve been doing an awful lot of connecting during the month of June, whether that was at a Jubilee street party, a Pride march or a bank holiday barbecue, but it is important to consider whether we really took the time to check in with our loved ones and whether we know how they are actually doing. One in four people experiences a diagnosable mental health problem each year, which roughly equates to 16 million people across the UK. From this statistic it is clear that you’re likely to know someone suffering in silence and who could use your support. Simply asking the seemingly

insignificant question ‘Are you OK?’ really can make a difference. The power of this small gesture is often underestimated. It could be all that is needed to start an important conversation. However, others may need a second gentle push to get them talking, it is important to always ask twice. You’ll always get the truth the second time around. Give back The two most common reasons for volunteering were that people wanted to ‘improve things and help people’ or that ‘the cause was important’. Why not make your new hobby/activity fundraising or volunteering for us? Dorset Mind offers several volunteer positions across the charity and you can offer support to help local people’s mental health. When we feel overwhelmed it may feel like we have nothing more to offer. However, individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. When we ‘give back,’ we ‘get back’ in return. Find out more about the Five ways to look after your mind and body here. If you’d like to volunteer for Dorset Mind, head to the website here. Dorset Mind offers 1-2-1 and group support across Dorset that helps people with common mental health problems like anxiety, stress and depression. Find out more here.

The BV magazine, July ‘22 ADVERTORIAL

FAMILY LAW

How to avoid co-ownership disputes The issue of joint ownership usually arises when a property is owned by more than one person. Matt Collis, Associate in Blanchards Bailey’s Residential Property Team, looks at the two ways jointly held assets can be held. The first way in which property can be held is as beneficial joint tenants. This means that there are joint owners and there is no division of ownership between them; the owners will own the whole of the property as if they are one owner. This is the usual way that couples buy property together, especially where they have contributed to the purchase price equally. The arrangement has the advantage of simplicity and ensuring that, when an owner dies, ownership will pass automatically to the remaining owner or owners. An owner’s Will or intestacy (where a person dies without leaving a Will) will have no bearing on what happens to their ownership of the property when they die where there is a surviving owner or owners. Communication The second way in which property can be held is as beneficial tenants in common. This is where the owners have separate shares in the property. There could be an equal division of shares in the property or one owner can own a greater share than another owner/s. There could be a beneficial tenancy in common where the owners have put different sums of money towards the purchase of the property. The proportions of ownership in the property could reflect these different sums. Joint ownership disputes can arise due to a number of reasons, such as: 1. The relationship between joint owners may break down for whatever reason; 2. If one joint owner wants to sell their share of the property but the other does not; and, 3. If one joint owner dies and their executors want to sell their share of the property but the other joint owner does not. The key to avoiding any such dispute is to make sure joint owners communicate with each other. As with any dispute, it is easier to find a resolution if both joint owners are willing to negotiate and compromise. Put it in writing It is also prudent to have a written agreement in place between joint owners as to how they hold the property, also known as a declaration of trust. This document can detail how the sale proceeds are to be split upon the sale of the property.

This document can also deal with how the joint owners will contribute towards future outgoings on the property, for instance, mortgage payments and improvements, and whether one joint owner has the option to purchase the other’s interest in the property should one of them wish to sell their interest in the property. If it is not possible for the dispute to be resolved by mediation, joint owners may apply to the Courts in accordance with the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA), and the Courts can force a sale of the property. It is stressed that this option should only be considered as a last resort. Before buying or acquiring a property, joint owners should always consider how they would like to hold the property. Contact Matt or any member of our Residential Property Team for further advice. Alternatively, Blanchards Bailey’s Private Client Team can advise on the drafting of declarations of trusts, and our Litigation and Disputes Team on all matters relating to co-ownership disputes. For all enquiries please call 01258 459361. 111

The BV magazine, July ‘22

Life’s complicated - instructing a solicitor shouldn’t be

You can trust our team to give you the best advice how, where and when it suits you. Whether you need legal advice on commercial or personal matters, we’re here to help.

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 ANNOUNCEMENTS

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The BV magazine, July ‘22

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 JOBS

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 JOBS

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 JOBS

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

Sell your home from only £999

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*Fixed fee payable on instruction. Money back guarantee of fixed fee redeemable if no qualifying offer is made within 10 months. Any extras purchased and all legal fees are excluded. See Terms and conditions for full details of the offer at purplebricks.co.uk

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The BV magazine, July ‘22 NEWS

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The BV, July 22

Articles inside

Dorset island discs - Philip Coward

A Country Living - David Mirus

Politics

Book corner

Random 19 - Maggie Ollerenshaw

Local history

Dorset Forager

Equestrian