May 2021 Forum Focus Issue No.110 The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area Est: 2012 A day of decision

RESIDENTS have their opportu- nity on Thursday May 6 to vote for their new Police Crime Commissioner following the retirement of Martyn Underhill, who has been in post since 2012 (see page 6). People living in Blandford, Blandford St Mary and Bryanston also have an opportunity to vote on the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan. If made statutory with a 50 per cent vote Bright spring sunshine greeted in support, it will be used along- the full reopening of Blandford’s side the Dorset Council Local Thursday market on April 15. Plan to decide planning applica- tions for development in the area over the next 22 years. Turn to pages 16 and 17 for details of the plan and why it is important for it to be in place. Polling stations will be open from Back in business 7am to 10pm. Electors should wear face coverings (unless exempt), take a pen or pencil to THE return of a full and colourful Thursday market Crown Hotel, which opened its outdoor area to mark their ballot paper, and have on April 15 was symbolic of the unlocking of retail bookings for food and drinks on Wednesday April until 5pm that day to apply for a activity after the long shutdown since the New Year. 14. Booking was also recommended for The replacement for spoilt or lost As market manager Andy Reynolds had hoped, all Greyhound in Greyhound Yard. postal votes or make emergency the regulars returned to join fishmonger Paul But others have chosen to wait until full reopening is proxy applications. Williamson, who for the last few months has usually possible later this month. been the sole trader. Stallholder Dave Dart reported Nelson's announced that, all going according to plan a roaring trade in the sale of watch batteries which with the government roadmap, they would be had given up the ghost during the lockdown. reopening on Tuesday May 18, and the Non-essential retail outlets, services and activities Constitutional Club, Royal British Legion Club and had busied themselves in the days and weeks Stour Inn at Blandford St Mary also said they would beforehand, ready for the official reopening day on be reopening this month. April 12, with only a handful waiting until the follow- The True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston, which ing week. reopened on April 12 for outdoor table service until Blandford became busy again with shoppers ventur- May 16, has also organised a grand pumpkin com- ing out to make purchases in person, get back into petition in support of Parkinsons and Macmillan, the charity shops and, where queuing was an with seeds on sale from the pub to be planted and option, get themselves a long-overdue haircut. grown ready for a grand weigh-in and raffle at the In town, a number of pubs and clubs were able to end of October. open in the week beginning April 12 offering outdoor The Milton Arms at Winterborne Whitechurch and A fond farewell to table service, including the Kings Arms, who The Greyhound at Winterborne Kingston have both the Duke: Page 12 announced they were also taking on staff, and the reopened with outside seating areas.

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Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus Where to Covid test site cancelled find Forum Focus after staff threatened FOR the duration of the Covid- 19 emergency the number of A CORONAVIRUS testing site still access Covid tests through a beginning of April that rapid flow Forum Focus pick-up points has due to open in Blandford was number of other testing sites and testing sessions run by Public reduced due to the closure of cancelled after members of staff via home testing kits by booking Health Dorset for those without many premises. faced threats of violence from on the government website at symptoms would start at the However we hope it will again members of the public. gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or Marsh and Ham car park on be in re-opened village pubs It was announced in March that calling 119. Tuesday and Friday mornings as and venues, in addition to pub- mobile testing units would be Dorset Council announced at the from Tuesday April 13. lishing on our website and distri- available for those with Covid-19 bution through social media and symptoms booking PCR tests email. that month at the Stour Meadows Currently confirmed pickup car park from Sunday to Two landmark points are: Wednesday each week. Drivers Blandford and Blandford St were asked to find alternative Mary: Tesco and Homebase, parking in the area. Blandford St Mary; Lidl and homes on market But on Easter Sunday, April 4, Bartletts in Shaftesbury Lane; police were called to the site next Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; TWO of Blandford's premier list- to have been built in 1735 for M&S, Langton Road; the Spar to a busy skate park after staff faced threats from a group of ed buildings are currently on the the infamous fraudster John Shop in the Market Place; market through estate agents abusive young people and their Ayliffe, its walled garden with for- Chaffers and Iceland in Salisbury Symonds & Sampson. mal box hedging and specimen Street; James Newsagents in parents. The Grade II Stour House in trees features a Grade II* listed The Plocks; The Post Office in The testing unit which was sup- East Street is back on the mar- brick summerhouse. the Tabernacle; The 3Cs in posed to operate that day was ket with a guide price of Damory Street; The Co-op, closed and those planned for £1,350,000 and dates from Damory Garage and One Stop in Easter Monday and the following about 1735. It has been thor- Salisbury Road; Blandford Wednesday cancelled. Hospital in Milldown Road; oughly renovated and restyled A spokesman for the Department by its current owners, with Central Shop in Heddington for Health and Social Care Drive. accommodation over three (DHSC) who run the testing floors, including four reception Sturminster Newton: The units, said: "This kind of unwar- rooms and five bedrooms, cellar Emporium and shops in Market ranted behaviour towards NHS Square, The Exchange. storage and outbuildings. Test and Trace staff is abhorrent. In the garden is a two-storey for- In the villages: Bryanston - "They are performing work that is mer coach house for which plan- Bryanston Club; Child Okeford - crucial to stop the spread of The Cross Stores; Iwerne Minster ning permission was given Covid-19 and helping us all - the Post Office; Langton Long - recently for conversion to a stu- return to a more normal way of Abbots Nursery; Pimperne - dio/gym. The garden leads down life." phone box and church; to the River Stour where a Shillingstone - Garage and Co- The DHSC said options were bridge leads across to the part of op; Spetisbury - Village Hall and being assessed "for further an island in the river belonging Clapcotts Farm; Stourpaine - The deployment in the area" but have to the property. White Horse Inn; Tarrant so far been unable to say Also on the market with a guide Keyneston - St Richard Close whether an alternative has been price of £975,000 is the six-bed- bus stop; Tarrant Launceston and found. roomed Grade II* listed Eastway Gunville Farm Shops. Those in the Blandford area can House in East Street. Believed May 2021 3 Kate’s delight as art studio project wins approval

BLANDFORD's Free Expression underway, together with construc- Arts Festival director Kate Seeger tion of the planned pergola, and is excited to have at last been people may have seen Kate work- given permission to go ahead with ing away in the garden either side her plans for an art studio at the of the footpath between Langton back of Nightingale Court. car park and East Street. She is Her application for planning per- always happy to talk about her mission for the project was initially future ideas and her aim to have rejected by Dorset Council, but workshops running by the school following re-application with the summer holidays. Kate Seeger, right, with her daughter Lani, left, and son Fyn at the Art Hub in support of hundreds of residents But the hub will be for everyone in Nightingale Court. and Blandford Town Council, it all age groups. has now been approved. She said: "There are some really She said: "It was a long hard bat- creative people in Blandford and I Local plan changes urged tle but the Blandford Art Hub did it. think it is so important for so We have permission for the next many reasons to have an outlet DETAILED responses have been submitted by groups and individuals three years, subject to conditions, for the arts. The hub will not only to the draft Dorset Local Plan consultation which closed in March. including the need to reapply by give people a space for their cre- Blandford Town Council's submission runs to ten pages, in which they September 2024 to continue. ativity but will serve as a warm have asked for modifications to a raft of Dorset Council's suggestions, "But we have the opportunity to and welcoming base from where including consideration of Blandford as part of the South East Dorset not only create the art hub, but to signpost people to other arts area rather than the North, and to the amount of extra housing devel- also to show how you can get taking place. opment proposed without adequate infrastructure. creative with a couple of old "There may be no Arts Festival They have also suggested that a strong case could be made for a fur- sheds. If it's a success there is no this year, and we hope to return in ther education facility locally, and the need to consider adapting the reason for them not to issue per- 2022, but we will still be bringing role of the town centre. manent planning permission," she the arts to the town through the said. Blandford Art Hub. It's all very She thanked all those who had exciting, and I am really looking offered help, either with money, forward to the future of the arts in advice, moral support, signing the Blandford." 200-signature petition submitted To find out more or offer to volun- with the application, or simply teer, get in touch with Kate on coming up to ask how the project 01258 451954, email at freeex- was going. [email protected] or The renovation of the sheds is see free-expression.com. Go-ahead for town hospital unit to open

HEALTH chiefs have con- recognised that a booked firmed that smaller minor appointments system offered injuries units which closed at multiple benefits and improve- the start of the Covid pandem- ments. ic, including that at Blandford Telephone triage ensured Community Hospital, should patients were seen at the most reopen as the government appropriate place, reduced the roadmap for coming out of number of people sitting in a lockdown continues - but with room full of patients with no retention of the booked idea how long they would be appointments system which waiting, and managed the has been offered for the last spread of potential illness, not 12 months. only Covid-19, but also flu, A report from the Service respiratory illness and gas- Director, Integrated troenteritis, ensuring safety Community Services, NHS particularly for vulnerable Dorset Healthcare University, groups. to Dorset Council's People The committee was told the and Health Scrutiny commit- arrangements had been con- tee in April said there has sidered and endorsed by the been considerable learning, System Urgent and both nationally and locally, Emergency Care Board in over the past year, and it was March. 4 May 2021 Sadness greets start of Nordon demolition work

THE start of work on the demoli- development director at Aster, tion of Nordon in Salisbury Road, said: "We're delighted to be work- Blandford, the former headquar- ing with Drew Smith of Vistry ters of North Dorset District Partnerships to deliver 40 new Council, prompted an outcry on homes for shared ownership and social media from local people social rent. expressing their dismay and ask- "The development will provide ing whether anything could be much-needed affordable housing done to prevent the development. for families who may otherwise Dorset Council announced at the have been priced out of the area. end of March the completion of "We've listened to feedback to the sale of the site to Aster ensure our plans for the develop- Communities Ltd. ment are in keeping with the local Neighbours of the site were architecture and we'll be incorpo- advised by Dorset Council build- rating features from an existing ing control of work by C G building on the site. Comley & Sons, starting on "Many of the mature trees will March 30, to carry out preparato- also be integrated into the ry work before the demolition scheme which will include a local could begin. play area. We hope to start on The demolition site of Nordon in Salisbury Road. Nearly 130 people engaged in a site soon and we're looking for- debate on Blandford Public ward to seeing the first families "We are delighted that the sale tence in 2019 for the demolition Forum Facebook page, with com- moving into their new homes has now completed on this site. of the Edwardian villa, originally ments ranging from their disgust early in 2022." The council has received over built as the home of Blandford St at the decision to appealing to Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council £2m that will go back into funding Mary brewery boss George Aster to revise their proposals. portfolio holder for economic important services for Dorset." Woodhouse at the turn of the last But Amanda Williams, group growth, assets and property, said: Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, portfolio century, and redevelopment of holder for housing and communi- the wooded site with an estate of ty safety, said: "Affordable hous- 50 properties. ing is so important to Dorset. Bids to have the building listed by Delivering affordable housing is a Historic England, who had key ambition of our Dorset opposed the application and to Council Plan and this is a huge have the decision reversed by the milestone in delivering that ambi- Secretary of State failed, and the tion, underpinning our commit- continued objection from ment to help make Dorset a great Blandford Town Council and a place to live, work and visit." petition signed by nearly 2,500 Town councillor Roger Carter, people, failed to prevent the grant who fought the application with of detailed permission by Dorset the town's two county councillors, Council's northern planning com- Byron Quayle and Nocturin Lacey mittee. Clarke, and others, said: "Believe The development will be a mix of me, we tried and fought tooth and social rent and shared ownership nail. Dorset Council wouldn't homes, consisting of one-bed- change their minds. room maisonettes alongside two-, "It would be great for someone to three- and four bedroom-houses. create an almighty stink about it but, apart from DC planning hav- ing their collective feet held to the fire, the end result would be the same. It rates as the worst plan- ning decision that the old NDDC took. "I would love to think that we could put a stop to it but, very sadly, apart from expressing our Features of the Nordon building anger, outrage and frustration, I which may or not be retained in the don't think there's anything else redevelopment. we can do." The former North Dorset District Council agreed in May 2017 to sell and a contract was exchanged with Aster in August 2018, conditional on them obtain- ing planning permission. Outline planning permission was granted to Aster by the district council in its last week of exis- May 2021 5 Steve’s a man for all seasons

THE Yellow Bicycle café in Salisbury Street, appreciated the availability of local foods from Blandford, has become the first restaurant in the Dorset's wonderful farmers, farm shops and produc- country to join Seasonarians, a national organisa- ers. tion promoting local, seasonal produce. "This spring, as we prepare to reopen the café, we Café owner and chef Steve Bell, who throughout the will be increasing our focus on local fruit, vegetables pandemic has continued to produce dishes in a and seasonings, and adopting the Seasonarians takeaway service, said: "We are absolutely thrilled 'traffic light system' on the menu and in the deli, to be the first to join their ever-increasing list of helping customers know exactly where their food growers, dairies, farms and producers who believe came from." in the benefits of this approach to the environment, The Yellow Bicycle won the South West England animal welfare and the local economy. Tourism Awards Café of the Year in 2020 and the "Their aims fit exactly with ours, to make sure our Dorset Tourism Awards Café of the Year in 2019. customers know exactly where their food comes Steve, who won National Breakfast Chef of the Year from and to help them eat more seasonal, local pro- in 2018 and now serves on the judging panel, is Steve Bell preparing his winning duce. busy creating new dishes to make imaginative use breakfast in 2018 "Throughout the pandemic, so many people have of the best Dorset has to offer. Pedestrian area trial planned

PLANS are being progressed for on how they feel the trial might the day and in the evenings dur- nesses and the total 1,000 a trial pedestrianisation of part of impact on them, together with the ing the trial. respondents favoured a more the car parking area in front of gathering of evidence of how the A discussion on social media at pedestrian-friendly markets area Blandford Corn Exchange later Market Place parking spaces are the beginning of April resulted in and 70 per cent favoured more this summer. used. general support for some sort of seating and planting. But the timing of the trial could be In the 12 months to the end of pedestrianisation, so that the mar- But a number resisted a sugges- impacted by proposals for the March they brought in over £9,700 ket area could be used on other tion that the through road should long-awaited replacement of the to Dorset Council in parking days by people socialising. be closed or for buses and deliv- paving slabs in the town centre, charges, but are estimated by the It confirmed the results of the town ery lorries only, considering it due to start within the next few working group to bring in £3,200 a centre survey carried out last year impractical in the absence of an months. month in a normal year for which in which over 60 per cent of busi- alternative. Members of the working group set Dorset Council will need to be up by the Town Council and Town compensated. Team have been considering how Monitoring of the use of other best to use funding allocated to paid-for car parks during the trial town centre enhancement, which is planned to establish whether includes the £70,000 given by they are used more, reducing the North Dorset District Council and loss of car parking revenue. other developer funding. There has also been an appeal for As the lockdown lifts, consultation people to get involved in hosting is planned with local businesses and taking part in activities during Review started into parking fee policy

A FULL review of car parking formed, we inherited a number of charges across the Dorset different charging strategies. Council area is now underway "As a result, we currently have 76 following revisions which came different permits in circulation, into force on April 1, including with varying rules and prices that, Sunday charging in Blandford. when compared, are not fair. Discussions have started with Charges range from being free to local communities across the £9 for all-day parking. council area to review the "Our proposal will centre on a changes being brought in through three-level strategy that differenti- the first phase of the parking ates between the diverse and transformation project, which was unique areas that Dorset enjoys - agreed by councillors in rural, coastal and town. December. "We're also looking at a permit Stakeholder groups including res- that is only available for Dorset idents, businesses and town and Council residents, which will offer parish council are discussing the reduced parking charges. We challenges faced by residents at want a pricing strategy that works a local level. for as many people as possible." Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset A proposal was due to be pre- Council portfolio holder for high- sented to the stakeholder groups ways, travel and environment, in April allowing a four-week peri- said: "When Dorset Council was od of comment. 6 May 2021 Five-way fight for top policing job

NOMINATIONS closed on April 9 to reveal five can- didates for the role of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner for the next three years. Voters go to the polls on Thursday May 6.

tem to reduce re-offending and agement experience spans pub- encouraging rehabilitation. "The lic and private sector roles, response is stronger if we sup- including service in the HM port each other. Co-operation, Forces as a soldier, as a community and partnership will Metropolitan police officer, as MD be the key themes of my admin- of the National Business Crime istration." Solution and Head of Risk at Claire Seymour (Green) is an Patrick Canavan (Labour & Co- G4S, a global integrated security operative), a law graduate who Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) company. Service Manager for a large hous- has been a Parliamentary and His pledges are: making you Dorset PCC election candidate, ing provider, offering solutions and safer - increased police numbers, guidance to resolve complex ASB is a former trade union officer improved public visibility and bet- who has spent much of his work- cases and deliver community safe- ter 'police partner' relations; ty strategies on a local and nation- ing life acting as an advocate on changing for the better - an behalf of others, and undertaken al scale. A volunteer with Victim effective policing plan with a sus- Support for 15 years, as a Police a number of voluntary cases, tainable budget, allowing police dealt with various organisations Special Constable for five years, to work efficiently, free from polit- and with Dorset Police and BCP and brought about organisational ical influence; bringing everyone change. He wants to see: a Council, she sits on a Dorset PCC together - collaboration to reduce Scrutiny Panel, a Safeguarding greater focus on crime preven- crime and the fear of crime; and tion through a multi-agency Adults Board and two domestic supporting victims and reducing abuse forums. "My working experi- approach to tackling antisocial re-offending - a strong victim behaviour and drug trafficking; ence is dedicated to public service, support system and a focus on with a BSc Honours in public serv- increased support for victims and preventative activity and educa- Dan Hardy (Independent) urges ice providing the skills to ensure action in cases of domestic vio- tion. lence, abuse and hate crime; a vote for experience, not poli- strong governance and manage- work in the criminal justice sys- tics. His 25 year of crime man- ment. I want to use my knowledge of Dorset, housing and policing to support the community and drive forward improvements to keep our area a safe place to live."

Mark Robson (LibDem), a BCP Councillor with a law degree and David Sidwick (Con) is a fourth 26 years in the Royal Marines generation Dorset resident who and Special Forces, specialising has lived here all his life and in counter-terrorism response, says he has demonstrated has an insight, from an external award-winning leadership with and independent perspective, strategic skills handling signifi- into police working and pres- cant budgets in his senior execu- sures faced. tive career and has run his own His focus is to put more business. He has spent years in resources into reducing the first- preparation with other PCCs and time offender rate, dealing with making a full-time commitment to root causes and helping recently understanding Dorset and Dorset released prisoners stay out of police across all communities to trouble through restorative jus- give a platform for change. "I tice. He wants Dorset Police to understand accountability and remain leaders in best practice will work for you as your champi- and effective management, on - not the police or any other strengthen trust and move interests. I will bring back pre- towards greener, more sustain- vention with robust visible com- able working methods; to protect munity policing and put victims neighbourhood policing and set and communities first. I will be priorities for coastal, urban and tough on violence, drugs, hidden rural areas; and increase neigh- harms and also tackle rural bourhood policing teams and crime. The mission is to cut build confidence using the expe- crime and ASB and make our rience of local organisations. police crime fighters again. May 2021 7 Climate fears fuel opposition to new housing project

PLANS have been submitted by ration between the rural parish Hallam Land Management for up and the town. to 150 more homes on fields just The scheme, which includes open down the road next to the Bellway space and landscaping, play Homes development being built areas and cycle and pedestrian at St Mary's Hill, Blandford St connections incorporating the Mary, on the outskirts of North Dorset Trailway, will also Blandford. mean another vehicular access Blandford Town councillors have off the A350. objected to the outline application Comments on the application on the grounds that it is not in the closed on April 21. Richard Brown Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan, of the Dorset AONB said the which goes to public vote in a ref- impact on the AONB was unlikely erendum taking place on to be significant since the site Thursday May 6. was lower in the landscape than But the site next to Ward's Drove the Bellway Homes development. is included as an option in the But Blandford & District Civic draft Dorset Local Plan, which is Society have objected, saying it is currently being consulted upon. both speculative and premature, At April's town council planning adding to the ribbon development meeting Councillor Steve along the A350 and impact on the Hitchings said: "We should be character of Blandford St Mary objecting." caused by the already approved Councillor Roger Carter, chairman 350 houses at St Mary's Hill. of the NP steering group, said: "It "Since their approval, Dorset is only two fields away from the Council has declared a climate proposal for 70 houses in emergency. Further development Charlton Marshall which was without adequate public transport refused on the grounds of lack of and significant employment nearby facilities with unattractive opportunities mean residents hav- pedestrian links to shops and ing to travel to find work, so services, and harm to the charac- increasing the carbon footprint. ter of the area. "Development in neighbouring "This won't come with a surgery Charlton Marshall, towards which or primary schools, when all the this development is creeping, was existing schools are bursting at refused on the grounds that it the seams and has to be contrary would result in unsustainable trav- to the Dorset climate agenda el patterns, and so too will this." because of the increasing num- Keith Yarwood, for the Open ber of car journeys that will be Spaces Society, has objected on made." similar grounds, together with the He said it was immediately oppo- loss of good-quality farmland and site Lower Blandford St Mary and loss of rural aspect to the North would remove the sense of sepa- Dorset Trailway. Fire crews in action

A LARGE hedge fire on Lynch Lane, Child Okeford, was extin- guished by firefighters from Sturminster Newton, who damped down the surrounding area to prevent further spread. Two weeks later firefighters from Sturminster Newton and Blandford attended a 200m by 200m heathland fire at Whitesheet Plantation, near Wimborne. More than 60 firefighters from nine stations, with two pumps, a support crew and the Unimog, fought the blaze for over five hours. Crews remained on scene overnight to prevent any re- occurrence. Blandford firefighters were again in attendance with multiple fire crews at Longmead Industrial Estate in Shaftesbury, togeth- er with a support unit from Hamworthy and an aerial ladder platform from Yeovil. Roads were closed to ensure the safety of members of the public. 8 May 2021 Happy memories of life on the road

Carole Fornachon continues the celebrations of Blandford Fashion Museum's 25th anniversary month with some of Betty Penny's Travelling Adventures of the Cavalcade of Costume recalled for the grand opening on May 5, 1996

DRESSING rooms - some were we resisted the temptation! big, some small, some you could- It was all unloaded again on n't even swing a cat in; barns, reaching the house, for setting A fashion show in Blandford Corn Exchange. sheds, caravans, hot, cold; once up, ironing, sorting and allocating it was a large tent just outside a dresses and all the relevant village hall on a very blustery accessories, and after doing a autumnal evening. three-hour show, we had to do Going to the other extremes, the whole lot again in reverse. I there were the luxurious apart- think everyone slept very soundly ments of St James Palace, the that night. Cygnet Library in Edinburgh, the Toilets - were sometimes virtually Inns of Court and the Manor on non-existent. Picture the expres- Brownsea Island, to name but a sions on the faces of some of the few. local populace on seeing a group Imagine the rigmarole of loading of people in period costumes the coach in Blandford with all rushing down the main street and the crates, hampers, hat boxes, disappearing into the public toilets! hanging rails, stretchers, fan Refreshments - could be a deli- cases, parasols, music equip- cious banquet or very sparse: ment and over 100 hanging cos- 'Fish and chips on the way home tumes, with all the underwear tonight, girls?' Sipping cham- Either side of Betty Penny are two items, crinoline cages, etc, arriv- pagne from plastic cups whilst sisters - on the right is Kathryn Reed, Terri Weller's daughter Rebecca in ing at Poole Quay. sitting in the coach parked along now museum administrator. costume with the Cavalcade. Next unloading and transporting the Embankment in London was them onto the ferry, scudding very memorable. across the slightly choppy bay, Travelling could be very tiring, hoping nobody suffered from mal- but with lots of laughter tinged de-mer, landing at the jetty on the with a few tears and tiffs, it really island, unloading and stacking was a wonderful life. What is everything onto a tractor. really heart-warming is the The tractor then proceeded shak- amount of support the Cavalcade ily up to the big house, brushing has received over the years, and against some very low-hanging all in the aid of charity. Nearly branches - the team following £500,000 has gone to various behind ready to pick up anything charities all over England, and that became dislodged. The song the fact that everyone on the 'My Old Man Said Follow the Van' Cavalcade team did it with love, immediately sprang to mind, but voluntarily."

Above left: Terri Weller, a friend and model for Betty; and above right: Terri’s daughter Rebecca. May 2021 9 Church repair programme Curate gets a £10k grant boost bows out BLANDFORD Parish Church has said farewell to the Rev THE team leading planning for Planning team leaders Anne Another £50,000 is needed to Karen Wilson, who led her the further restoration of Shire and Sara Loch said: "We make up the shortfall in funding. final services in the town and Blandford Parish Church of St are very grateful for this contribu- The trust announced grants to Langton Long on Easter Peter and St Paul is thrilled to tion to the latest phase of our help repair eight of the county's Sunday. have been awarded £10,000 by church restoration, the repair of beautiful church buildings With the final year of her the Dorset Historic Churches the roof and restoration of the totalling over £40,000 in the first curacy drawing to a close, Trust towards the £1.1 million original Georgian internal plaster- of three batches of grants to be she needed to complete her cost of repairs to the roof. work. made this year as a result of the time in her placement with annual sponsored Ride and Applications are in to 14 different "We have an application to the the Iwerne Valley Benefice. funders, with more yet to be National Lottery Heritage Fund Stride for churches last Her final week also saw her approached, but the DHCT con- pending from which we hope to September, which in total raised leading Easter services for tribution has been agreed quickly hear in June, but meanwhile we £112,528. Archbishop Wake and and can be used as leverage need additional funds and the The Archdeacon of Sherborne, Milldown schools. with larger national funds and grant from DHCT is a great con- the Ven Penny Sayer, said: "The trusts. tribution towards our goal." support of DHCT in helping to She said it had been wonder- cover the costs of maintaining ful to build upon the relation- Dorset's historically important ships that these schools Marianne’s prize story church buildings can be vital." have with the church and DHCT chairman John Stokoe would pray for them all while THE Blandford Literary Festival, currently operating online through its said: "We are very grateful to all a new interim minster was Facebook page and sharing story readings, and other online literary those who took part and who sought. events as well as hosting competitions, has staged a competition for sponsored them." Giving thanks for her time authors to submit a wartime-themed story. Last autumn the Trust gave and service with them and The winner announced on April 11 was Marianne Ashurst, with 'A £4,000 towards the replacement wishing her well, church Greater Sacrifice', and her prize was a copy of 'Blandford in the Great of corroded electrical trunking leaders said work continued War', a compilation with contemporary newspaper reports of how the and wiring at St Mary's church on creating a new parish pro- town coped during World War I. Tarrant Hinton, and £6,000 file to advertising for the next BLF commented: "We've had an assortment of stories, most based on towards major roof repairs at incumbent to succeed the true events and the lives of loved ones.” Wimborne St Giles. Rev Jonathan Triffitt. 10 May 2021 Plan vote could have a huge Anti-litter groups join impact on the area’s future the clean-up THE importance of approval of structure, and limited control over Neighbourhood Plan will be A BLANDFORD Love Your the Blandford+ Neighbourhood development in sensitive areas." Dorset Council policy too and will Street campaign has been Plan in the referendum on The draft Dorset Local Plan puts have impact as long as the launched by the combined Thursday May 6 has been forward options for more develop- Dorset Council Local Plan lasts." Blandford War on emphasised by members of the ment than the Neighbourhood Asked why the plan did not cover Waste/Cleanup Blandford steering group which has worked Plan, which is being brought for- Pimperne and Langton Long, Mr group in collaboration with for eight years to make it plan- ward before the countywide plan Carter said both parishes were Litter Free Dorset. ning law. is finalised. approached when the Blandford+ Posters and flyers giving infor- Carol Tompsett, chair of Steering group chairman Roger plan was first mooted but mation have been going up Bryanston Parish Council, said: Carter said: "The policies in it declined to be included. Pimperne around the town and were "Approval is vital for the future of should be adhered to by Dorset now has its own Neighbourhood handed out to people during a the Blandford+ area if we are to Council, regardless of the Plan. litter pick on Saturday April 17. stave off pockets of uncontrolled increase in the overall housing Only those within the parish All are welcome to join the and adventitious development in figures required for Dorset." boundaries covered by the plan group when it meets again at sensitive areas, and to deliver the He said that because it had not can vote - those in the Blandford+ 10am on Saturday May 15 by much-needed primary school and then been approved, it did not parishes could not vote in the the blue bridge next to the other essential infrastructure. carry enough weight to prevent Pimperne referendum. Marsh and Ham car park for "Without it, there could be a long the redevelopment of Nordon. But "Dorset Council, through a delay another two-hour litter pick. delay on the school, limited infra- once approved it could prevent in issuing a decision statement A schedule of activities is other proposals. until March 12, has pushed us planned for the coming year, He said the three councils for the hard in terms of publicity for the including a midsummer litter area it covers - Blandford, referendum." pick in June and a weekly lit- Blandford St Mary and Bryanston But he said every household ter pick in August. - would monitor the plan through should have received a copy of Full details are being posted regular meetings on the policies, the leaflet now printed on pages on social media and town planning applications and 16 and 17 of this issue of Forum websites. Further information changes in legislation. Focus, and an opportunity to view is available from by emailing @forumfocus "We will continue to work with the plan and Q&A section on the blandfordwaronwaste@gmail. Dorset Council planning as the Blandford+ website. com. May 2021 11 Shame of the senior officer Family in anti-bill who cheated the system protest SENIOR Army officer Major- School and the £22,500-a-year General Nick Welch has been Hanford School attended by their A FAMILY from Shillingstone staged a peaceful 'Kill the Bill' jailed for 21 months and stripped children. protest in Blandford Market of his rank after being found guilty Welch denied being dishonest and Place on April 3 to co-ordinate of dishonestly claiming £48,000 said his wife was living with him with national protests. for his children's education. for the majority of the time. The six Chapmans held plac- Welch, 57, who left the military in His barrister, Sarah Jones QC, ards to protest against certain 2018 and became Chief Operating said the CEA system and the 90- parts of the Police, Crime, Officer at Bournemouth Arts day rule were not strictly Sentencing and Courts Bill University, was convicted of fraud enforced, and a character refer- 2021, which is making its way by a panel of senior officers after a ence from the former Commander through Parliament. four-week trial at Bulford Military of Joint Forces Command, Tatiana Chapman said: "Why do Court. General Sir Richard Barrons, said Disgraced: Nick Welch. women have the vote in 2021? He is believed to be the most sen- Welch was of "unimpeachable Why do people of all races have ior officer court-martialled since During the four-week trial, the integrity". equal rights in UK law? The 1815. prosecution said Welch applied for But prosecutor Sarah Clarke QC answer to both of these ques- He has also been ordered to pay the allowance on the basis both said he had attempted to manipu- tions, and the reason for many back the money and has left his he and his wife would not be living late the figures regarding his fami- other rights which we now take post at the university. close to the children in Dorset, but ly's locations to cover up his dis- for granted, is through protest. The court heard that the in military accommodation in honesty. "While the bill contains many Continuity of Education Allowance London between December 2015 Following his conviction and sen- important and useful improve- (CEA) allows children to remain at and February 2017, when a neigh- tence, Judge Advocate General ments to the law, such as the the same schools to enable their bour alerted authorities about the Alan Large told him: "We have no introduction of a 'stalkers regis- serving parent to be accompanied Welch family's absence from the doubt you understand that your ter', it also has several propos- by their spouse as they are posted London home. rank of major-general and role as als which we believe would to different locations, but cannot It was claimed his wife Charlotte the assistant chief of general staff unacceptably limit our right to be claimed if a soldier's spouse is actually spent most of her time at are factors which aggravate the peacefully protest - a crucial away from the military home for a cottage near Blandford, close to offence and require recognition in part of any functioning democra- more than 90 days per year. the £37,000-a-year Clayesmore the sentence." cy." 12 May 2021 Town bids farewell to the Duke

THE Union flag flown from the Government guidance with Corn Exchange in Blandford was regard to social distancing, the lowered to half-mast following the Town Council will not be hosting announcement of the death of a Book of Condolence that would Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, ordinarily be located in the Corn on Friday April 9. Exchange, and instead direct The town council posted on its residents to the website royal.uk." Facebook page, after learning Anyone without the internet was the news, that their thoughts invited to take messages into the were with the Royal Family. Town Council office where they The notice stated: "The Prince could be uploaded by council demonstrated dedication and staff. commitment to duty throughout A single bell at local churches, decades of change, including Spetisbury and from the dark post-war Stourpaine, was tolled years through to the that afternoon 99 times new horizons of the to mark the Duke's age 21st century, providing at his death, as was that essential continuity for at Blandford Parish the nation alongside Church on the day of the HM The Queen." funeral. Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay, with (left) Col Jon Davies, Blandford On behalf of the peo- Dorset Council invited Garrison Commander, and (right) North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, observe the ple of Blandford, the people to book to leave minute's silence at the start of the Duke's funeral on Saturday April 17. Mayor, Councillor Lynn condolences using inter- Lindsay, wrote to net facilities at libraries, Buckingham Palace to as the nation began a express the town's period of mourning prior A loss felt deeply sorrow. The Union flag at half to the private funeral, She told residents: mast at the Royal held at St George's "This is a period of British Legion Club. Chapel, Windsor Castle, across the county public grief, during an on April 17, along with a unprecedented period, when national one-minute silence. people would normally come In Blandford, the silence was ON the day of the Duke's death, together to mourn a national fig- observed at 3pm after a busy Cllr Val Pothecary, Chairman of ure who has been consistent market day morning by Cllr Dorset Council, said: "Our throughout our lives and for Lindsay, North Dorset MP Simon thoughts and prayers are with whom we have collective affec- Hoare and Blandford Camp the Queen and the Royal family tion, despite not knowing him Garrison Commander Col Jon as we mourn the loss of the personally. Davies, in front of the Corn Duke of Edinburgh, and I would "However, to follow the Exchange. like to offer them our heartfelt condolences. We give thanks for his wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of The Bryanston visit the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He has been an inspiration to us all." THE Duke may have rarely mised service and integrity, and Angus Campbell, Lord set foot in Blandford, but hun- so many young people have Lieutenant of Dorset, who lives dreds of local state and inde- benefited from his Award in Iwerne Minster, said: "It is pendent school pupils, scouts, Scheme. Our chaplain will be with deep sadness that we in Spetisbury Parish Church, guides and cadets have bene- preparing a Service of heard of the passing of the where everyone attending was fited from taking part in the Thanksgiving next term for his Duke of Edinburgh. invited to light a candle in mem- award scheme which he life." ory of others who have died. founded, with the help of "The country, and the county, are now in deep mourning in Prayers were said for them too. teachers, leaders and volun- remembrance of an extraordi- The Rev Carolyn Couzens said: teers running the schemes. nary man. "This was especially appropriate In 1966, the Duke visited "The Duke has been a remark- on behalf of those whose funer- Bryanston School to open the able pillar of strength to Her als we couldn't attend because newly built Coade Hall: both Majesty, who herself has been of Covid restrictions." he and former headmaster an extraordinarily strong and The church bells were tolled Thorold Coade were friends of constant foundation of love, half-muffled for an hour on the Kurt Hahn, the German edu- strength and hope for the United day of the Duke's funeral. cator who founded Kingdom and the Common- Gordonstoun and Outward There was also a service in wealth of Nations.” Bound, and were heavily influ- commemoration at St Nicholas enced by him. A special service of Church, Durweston on the Remembrance was held at St Friday evening. The school, on behalf of Mary's Church, Iwerne Minster, everyone at Bryanston, Many churches were open for on Thursday April 15, led by the private prayer, without books for offered their deepest condo- Prince Philip is pictured next to vicar, the Rev David J John. Condolences, but some set lences to the Royal family and Geoffrey Udall, chair of governors There was also a short service aside places in their church- to the Queen. of Bryanston School, when Coade to commemorate the life of yards for the laying of floral trib- "The Duke of Edinburgh epito- Hall was officially opened in 1966. Prince Philip on Friday April 16 utes. May 2021 13 Complaint after council grave New centre to provide error prompts rules review support RULES for the installation of memorials in the but does not change the regulations which were set A NEW activities hub for newest section of Blandford cemetery were being by the council to try to make maintenance of the adults with learning disabili- reconsidered by town councillors at their meeting on new sections easier. ties was planned for opening April 26. "I understand that when they applied for a kerb set this month, dependent on It came after a family were told they could not have they were told by funeral directors about the regula- government guidelines, at the kerbstones around the grave of a woman who died tions, but then visited the grave and saw the kerb village hall in Sixpenny in December last year, despite their existence set on the other grave." Handley. around another grave nearby. He said a letter of complaint received on March 26 Accredited by Dorset Council The woman's parents and son, who died aged 23, had been replied to on the same day, offering to put Adult Commissioning for the all had graves with kerbstones protecting the plots the issue on the agenda of the next town council provision of day opportunities in the older part of the cemetery, and her wish was meeting for reconsideration. for adults requiring support to be buried in the same way. "No response was received, but the decision was but not personal care, the Operations manager Jon Goodenough said: "The taken to put it on the agenda anyway to try to avoid Creative Skills Hub, opening kerb set in the new section of the cemetery was future issues or confusions." Tuesdays to Thursdays from installed there due to an administrative error and The regulations for the cemetery extension were 9.30am to 3.30pm, will offer a since it was our error it was not right for us to ask approved in January 2018, and last amended in range of workshops, includ- for it to be removed. 2020 to further control the amount of decoration ing pottery, woodwork and "It was confusing and upsetting for the other family permitted on graves. arts & crafts. It also offers independent liv- ing skills programmes, includ- Online help can combat stress ing healthy eating, exercise and yoga classes to empower AS part of Stress Awareness The past year has been especial- A study conducted by the Stress individuals with different abili- Month in April, Dorset Healthcare, ly difficult due to the Covid pan- Management Society reported ties. which runs mental health servic- demic, with new challenges from that 65 per cent of 2,000 adults in All staff are highly qualified es in the county, put together a lockdown fatigue and fears over the UK have felt more stressed and experienced. For further new webpage - dorsethealth- job security to balancing working since the restrictions began in information contact Jon White- care.nhs.uk/takeastep - signpost- from home with child care March 2020, with key causes of head on 07769 853794, email ing a wide range of support serv- responsibilities - all while trying to concern being feelings of discon- thecreativeskillshub@out- ices available for people strug- avoid catching or spreading the nection, uncertainty and a worry- look.com or see the website gling to cope or feeling in crisis. virus. ing loss of control. at thecreativeskillshub.com. 14 May 2021 Please write to Forum Focus if there is some- Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford thing you'd like to comment on or share with DT11 7HD. other readers. Please mark your letter 'for publication' and Email your letter, which should be as brief as remember to include your address, which will possible, to: [email protected]. not be used in full. Forum Focus reserves the Readers’ letters Alternatively, you can call 01258 459346 or right to shorten or edit letters in the interests of deliver your letter to: Forum Focus, c/o Colin's clarity, brevity and style.

can to turn this into a success Blandford+ to help it decide plan- Allotments story for the children of this ning applications in the neigh- Care at a town? For me it has to be the lat- bourhood area?' ter and I will be voting 'yes' with It then explained how to apply for move is a this in mind. a vote, if you have not received tough time Whilst this is enough for me to your voting card. cast my 'yes' vote, there is The Blandford+ (Blandford I RECENTLY lost my Dad and in good trade another important issue to con- Forum Town Council, Blandford these strange times I was dread- sider. For those who have an St Mary and Bryanston parish ing the funeral. interest in planning, look up para- THIS is the flip side to the 'No to councils) website had reams of I rang the funeral directors graph 14 of the National Allotment Move' sign on the information about the history of Lesley Shand and booked an Planning Policy Framework and bypass and 'Allotment holders the plan, the parameters under appointment. I was afraid it was Dorset Council's existing five- dig in to oppose new site for which it was drawn up and the going to be all online and trying year housing land supply and plots' article in the April issue of Neighbourhood Plan itself to get other family members housing delivery test positions. Forum Focus. (although strangely it is a version involved was going to be difficult. For those who don't have an It is important to recognise and with tracked changes, which is But no, we had a face-to-face interest in planning, it is the dif- consider both sides before cast- not easy to read). appointment in a Covid-safe ference between handing Dorset ing a vote in the upcoming A lot of the information is dated area. From start to finish the Council a cannon or a peashoot- Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan 2019, so I was not sure how up whole of the arrangements were er in the battlefield of planning referendum on May 6. to date it is. done with empathy, respect and decisions against speculative If you have ever engaged with we felt very looked after at this planning applications. Hand them Nowhere did I find a discussion the planning system you might sad time. a cannon and vote YES in the of the implications of voting for or have noticed that there are usu- upcoming referendum. against the plan, whether it will Having a very small funeral is not ally trade-offs when it comes to be cast in stone until 2033 or what we expected but as it hap- Leani Haim development. The 'big ticket' why the Blandford+ group does pens it was actually more per- Resident of Blandford Forum trade-offs being made in the not include the parishes of sonal to us and felt very special. Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan Pimperne and Langton Long, We are lucky in Blandford to are moving the allotments and which are contiguous to the have such a great team at Lesley accepting 400-plus new homes Planning town? Shand and I personally can't in exchange for the freehold of I realise that it is difficult to thank them enough for making it land for allotments (it is currently organise hustings during lock- all such a straightforward leasehold), a community hub confusion down, but some well-advertised arrangement. and, most importantly, a new Zoom seminars would be very Name & address supplied. school where it is most needed - EARLY in April, I received my helpful. in the northern part of the town. voting card for the upcoming ref- Whilst there are, of course, other Perplexed of Blandford St erendum on the Blandford+ trade-offs and gains, the main Mary (Name supplied) Thank you Neighbourhood Plan. This is not driver of the Neighbourhood Plan a matter I have followed closely, JUST wanted to say thank you to project has always been to try Editor's note: The answers to a gentleman and a lady who and correct the social infrastruc- so I thought I should do some many of these questions went research online, to understand were very kind to me when I had ture deficiencies in the northern live on the Blandford+ website in a fall by Station Court. I got what I will be voting for. part of the town. Is it perfect? No, a Question & Answer link soon home safely and all is well. of course not. Is it realistic and The Blandford Town Council site after this letter was written, and Nothing broken. Thank you. had some basic information the right trade-off for this town? I in a leaflet delivered to every Name & address supplied believe it is. about the referendum, including household and printed here in Will we have to continue to live the question that will be on the Forum Focus, together with an with social infrastructure deficien- ballot slips: 'Do you want Dorset explanation of why the polling Please email your letters to cies in the northern part of the Council to use the cards were received before that [email protected] town or will we do everything we Neighbourhood Plan for information was available. May 2021 15 Villages unite in call for speeds to be lowered

THE chairman of Tarrant Hinton lage, and in time hope to pur- sider that perception of speed Parish Council, Mike Nathan, is chase another unit to function in can be very different from the LAST month's bird identification backing the campaign announced the opposite direction. reality." poser produced quite a number last month for a 20mph speed "The Highways Department Mr Nathan added: "We live in a of differing responses. limit to be introduced on all allowed us to install the first unit very rural area with narrow One reader from Charlton Dorset's minor roads. without a survey as our villages roads, often with passing places Marshall felt it might be a He says his parish council and had them installed temporarily, and with no pedestrian pave- goshawk, but another living in that of Tarrant Gunville have funded by the Great Dorset ments, and many used as rat Kings Road, where the bird was spent thousands of pounds Steam Fair, in 2019 for the dura- runs. What we are attempting to pictured, said a friend and col- installing a speed indicator unit tion of the fair. do, and there is no ability with league who was a keen bird- and PV solar unit in Valley Road, "Now they insist we have a sur- these devices to catch anyone, is watcher thought it a spar- in the hope of reducing speeds vey at further cost to our parish to remind drivers to slow down. rowhawk. down the narrow valley lane, councils, as the proposed site - "Why make it so difficult for us to Another Kings Road resident where there is currently a 30mph recommended by them - is in a do this? We are funding it our- identified it as a female of the limit. different location. If we fail to selves from a precept which is species - larger than the male "The unit is used for six weeks at qualify, we expect another survey kept as low as possible, and for with a red eye - and one of a pair a time, shared between our vil- will be needed in a different loca- specific projects such as these seen frequently in the area. But lages, but only in one direction at tion, presumably at further cost. we ask for donations. We are another suggested it was a male. present. We would like to be able "They will only allow these representing our parishes and This month's poser (pictured to deploy the unit in another site devices to be used where 'they they support it." above) will possibly be familiar nearer the entrance to our vil- to residents in Spetisbury where will make a difference' and con- He said in rural France these it was found. It is one of five devices are standard at the species of beetle which have entrance of most villages, suffered drastic declines due to reminding drivers in both direc- Were you the culprit? changes in the way the country- tions to slow down. side is managed - three other "I am certain that most villages in UK native species are thought North Dorset would welcome to be extinct. But does anyone such a scheme and even be will- know what it is? ing to raise the necessary funds, Answers to as we have. I fully support the [email protected] or by objectives of the '20's Plenty for phone to 01258 459346. Dorset'."

IN response to Joyce Wild's letter in the April issue concerning dog poo, Forum Focus was sent these disgusting pictures of one of the many abandoned and decomposing bags of poo seen by Janet Styles Tyson while walking in Blandford. It was found on a window ledge looking on to the snicket between Dorset Street and Orchard Street, and had begun to decay, such that maggots were crawling through the plastic; some were left on the ledge when she removed it and carried it to the doggie bin about 50 metres way. "I'd love to interview the person who left it there as a souvenir to find out what their brain was up to," she said.

ONGOING works at the Nationwide Building Society at 5 Market Place, Blandford, have been welcomed by town councillors. At their April planning meeting members unanimously supported a planning application for extensive repairs to the roof, masonry, window frames and sills and the fascia and timber boards, say- ing it would result in enormous improvement to the listed build- ing. They also supported the most recent application by Mr and Mrs M Powney, who for a number of years have sought to improve 67a Salisbury Street, a former industrial building attached to the listed 67 Salisbury Street, which has been falling into disrepair. A pitched roof is now planned to replace the flat roof, and part of the building converted to residential use. 16 May 2021 May 2021 17 18 May 2021 A local tale of love and laughter in lockdown

BISHOP Farthing is an amusing tale, just published, by Dorset author Paul Cosway, about how the people in the village of that name cope with the lockdown of 2020. Subtitled 'the funniest story ever written about a pandemic!', but where? Paul says the village, some- where between Blandford and Gillingham, is imaginary, made up of local hamlets, but its real identity may be recognisable. The people in it face the frustra- tions, fears and isolation of lock- down, and range from a local policeman who tries to keep his neighbours safe from infection by I am hoping to counter this by keeping strangers away, almost bringing some comic relief, preserve arresting the meter reader, to the some of it in print and be proud of teenager missing her friends who our ability to find humour in times Mary Barrett and Denise Montague of the Blandford Hedgehog Group present a sneaks to the woods to meet them of adversity." hedgehog nest box to Blandford Environmental Trust chairman Jenny with unfortunate results. Paul was an English specialist and Thompson in Angus Wood. Central to the story are Beth and education consultant who was Peter, two single 50-somethings, Senior County Inspector for who feel the loneliness of lockdown English for Essex before his retire- Hedgehog home and fall in love, without being ment and move to Dorset with his allowed to meet. It is a funny and wife Maureen. He has previously touching love story. written two thrillers, but this is his Paul says: "The pandemic is a first comic novel, available now comforts delivered unique time in our history that has from Amazon with an ebook price brought great sadness to many, but of £1.42 (paperback is £6.99). HEDGEHOG nest boxes have environment. been donated to Angus Wood in "Hedgehogs have been found in St Leonard's Avenue by the recent years wandering during Blandford Hedgehog Group as the daytime in St Leonard's part of the Dorset Mammal Avenue and other parts of Group's Hedgehog Friendly Town Blandford, and people finding initiative, raising the plight of the them can contact the Blandford creatures which are now listed as Group (via their Facebook vulnerable to extinction. page), our local vets or one of The houses have been made and the DMG Hedgehog Rescue donated by Julian Rideout, broth- Centres for help and advice. er-in-law of joint Hedgehog "But the biggest problem seems Group co-ordinator Mary Barrett, to be dehydration. People can and it is hoped that female provide one or two shallow hedgehogs will occupy them to sources of fresh water and holes raise a family. under gates, fences, walls and Joint group co-ordinator Denise any other boundaries so that Montague said: "Angus Wood, hogs can wander without having run by the team of volunteers to cross many of our busy roads from the Blandford Environmental risking injury and death." Trust, is a fantastic setting for DMG are holding a Hedgehog much wildlife with trees, shrubs, Conference on September 18 piles of logs and organic matter (Covid restrictions allowing) in which will attract birds, insects the Dorford Centre, Dorchester. and hedgehogs. We hope the Details can be found on the DMG presence of hedgehog nest website or by emailing hedge- boxes will help to enhance the [email protected]. Shoplifter faces court A WOMAN who stole meat worth £140.60 from the Damory Garage in Salisbury Road, Blandford, last December has been conditionally dis- charged for 18 months and ordered to pay £88.30 compensation. Shannon Marie Ridal, aged 26, of Samson Road, Hamworthy, admitted the offence, together with other thefts from Lidl in Blandford Road, Poole, on February 17, the Co-op in Ashley Road, Poole, on January 21, Tesco in New Road, West Parley, on December 29, and a further offence while subject to a conditional discharge order. May 2021 19 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Reduce your food waste, help combat climate change and save money

T a time when we're all trying to Potatoes should be kept in a breathable play our part in tackling climate bag/sack (not plastic packaging) and stored Achange, there's one easy action we in a cool, dark place. can take - and it will also save us money. • Get the best use out of fridge/freezer - The edible food we throw away contributes Setting your fridge down to 5 degrees will to climate change. We are wasting not only keep food fresher for longer. Freezing what the food but the valuable resources that have you won't eat is like pressing the pause but- ton. All kinds of foods can be frozen, right gone into creating it too - from fertilisers up to the use-by date, including milk and and water that was used for growing it, to bread. the greenhouse gases created from its pro- duction and transportation. For more hints and tips visit lovefoodhate- waste.com. Here are some handy tips on how to reduce Store your food correctly. Dorset Council Waste Team your food waste: • Get your portions right - It's very easy to cook too much pasta and rice. Obviously, appetites differ, but a quarter of a standard mug of uncooked rice or two generous handfuls of uncooked pasta per person are a good rule of thumb when estimating quanti- ties required. • Store food correctly - Food lasts longer if stored in the right places. Bread is best stored in its original packaging in a cup- board or in a bread bin, not the fridge. Make the most of what you have. Get your portions right. 20 May 2021 Fancy dress parade helps John fundraise

DEPRIVED of the usual opportu- going in fancy dress. nities to volunteer during the pan- After approaching several fancy demic lockdowns, John Dallinson, dress shops he was donated of Blandford St Mary - who nor- quite a few old and damaged cos- mally helps with the British tumes by one. He and his wife Legion, as a digital champion, Chrissie now have a lot more and and in promoting mental aware- have launched a crowdfunding ness and wellbeing - found only appeal on JustGiving (Stanley- limited demand as a Covid-19 dallinson) with an increased tar- volunteer since there was such a get of £3,000. high response from others. "We now have a lot more cos- So he decided to focus his efforts tumes and have been putting closer to home and has been photos on Facebook as the gyms fundraising for his grandson John Dallinson and his wife Chrissie dressed to impress at Tesco with staff were closed, and done walks in Stanley, who has cerebral palsy member Lee Bridle. fancy dress, been around our and is due to undergo SDR treat- local Tesco dressed as queen of ment with the need for expensive hearts and her knight templar, pre- and post-physiotherapy. and plan to continue with these Road closed for works He started with a target of raising activities, leading up to a big £1,000 by last Christmas, with fundraiser on May 29," he said. DORCHESTER Hill in Blandford St Mary was closed between Monday, sponsored walks and gym work- For more details see his April 19, and Friday, April 30, to allow for roadworks to be completed. outs, and in the last weeks before Facebook page, John William Dorset Council said the roadworks, which took place over two phases, the gyms shut down he started Dallinson. would allow Ford Civil Engineering to install ducting and a street light- ing cable. SCREWFIX on Glenmore Business Park off Shaftesbury Lane, The first phase closed a 100m section between Beckett Close and Blandford, have applied to enclose the yard next to their building so Esme Avenue, and the second a 70m section between Beckett Close that it can operate throughout the year providing shelter to goods and and Fair Mile Road, with different diversion routes signposted in each employees from poor weather. Town councillors had no objection to case. the extension, given that the site allocated originally for employment The order was made to be in force for 18 months, but the work was use already had permission for retail use, but asked for a condition to expected to be completed by April 30. restrict construction work to protect neighbouring residents. May 2021 21 Debbie’s marathon effort for her friend

A CLOSE friend of the late Jackie brother. Laws, who died from cancer in "It was her wish to raise money February, is in training for a 26.2- for cancer research. Her closest mile marathon to raise funds for friend has committed to do this Cancer Research UK. thing and is determined to raise Debbie Stafford intends to make as much as possible. Once the the run on May 29 on a borrowed bars are allowed to open I will be treadmill on which she is current- organising a night of all takings ly training in the barn of another going to the charity." friend of the Laws family. Within days of launching the "It is for Jackie and all the other appeal, over £2,500, including friends we have lost to cancer. I Gift Aid, had been raised online will be on my own with my radio, and offline on Debbie's Just looking out over the fields and Giving page, Debbie Stafford 1, thinking of Jackie and many oth- where she is giving a regular ers. How long it will take I don't progress report on her training know, but I will get it done in one runs. day!" By April 10, the date the picture Jackie's husband Stuart Laws, (right) was taken of her on a 1 proprietor of the Paddocks Bar in hour 43 minute 12-mile training Salisbury Street and, with his late run, donations were heading for wife, the owner of the Milldown £3,000 - three times her original Stud in Tinpot Lane, said his target. Mr Laws said he hoped wife's death had followed only the final total would reach five weeks after the death of her £10,000. Town heritage guided Debbie Stafford in training for her marathon run at the end of May. walks set to resume

STARTING this month is the when many of the committee series of guided heritage walks members and trustees were re- organised by Blandford & District elected, but some have stood Civic Society, which can safely go down, including the chairman for ahead in the open air with social the last five years, Terence Dear, distancing in line with Covid who remains committed to work advice. on projects underway. Town guide Clare Lowes said: "It's He said: "At this time of renewal lovely to show visitors round our and opportunity as we emerge town, but even more rewarding from the restrictions of the pan- when local residents join our demic, the civic society movement walks to learn things they never as a whole and 'civic involvement' knew about the town's history." is as important as ever and it is The first, on Sunday May 9, focus- sad to see some societies fold es on the town centre and history due to apparent lack of interest up to the Great Fire of 1731 and from members of the community. the town's rebuilding as what has "Here in Blandford we were been described as the 'best unable to celebrate our 50th Georgian ensemble outside anniversary last April due to the London'. The second, on Sunday pandemic and we would hate to May 23, features development in see the society, in its 51st year, Victorian and Edwardian times on follow in their footsteps. the perimeter. "People are quick to comment on All walks start at 11am, the town social media when they see centre walk from the flood wall in something impacting negatively the Marsh & Ham car park, and on their neighbourhood and are the perimeter walk from outside fascinated by the history they see Scrivens (Durdens Corner) in the around them. It is a great shame Market Place. that they do not engage with and In most years, the society offers join us to take up the challenge to guided walks free of charge as defend and celebrate our environ- part of Dorset Architectural ment and heritage." Heritage Week in September, but For information on the walks and this event has again been can- the society see their Facebook celled this year due to anticipated page - The Blandford & District Covid difficulties. Civic Society - or call 01258 The society held its AGM by Zoom 459346. 22 May 2021 provide a bit more grub. But the weather is not helping the grass The View or anything else to grow very much, soil temperatures are still very low and we are short of from moisture, though we will most likely be drowning by the time you read this. the The beans and barley have all germinated well and are making steady progress despite the cold Hill and dry. Early dry weather forces by George Hosford roots to go deeper in search of moisture, which helps stave off drought stress later in the sea- More from George on son. viewfromthehill.org.uk The tricky thing is to judge the right timing for fertiliser applica- UR outdoor cattle are tions. In a dry season it is better Cattle enjoying the last of the winter turnips. Omunching their way through to apply fertiliser early so it has a the last of the winter's turnips. better chance of being washed off to market. They are making sets of pipes to outlets at two We want them to get a move on down to the roots, but if it turns good money at the moment so possible positions. so we can sow the remainder of out to be a wet one and pours better not to continue to feed our spring cropping, but also like with rain straight after applica- them with no lambs to benefit Lambing is fast approaching - our them to stay there until the grass tion, there can be fast lush from. starts growing elsewhere, so it's growth, bringing a risk of the ewes are expected to start lamb- We found that we have more a bit of a Catch-22. crop lodging (leaning or falling ing in the first week of May fol- lambs than expected, and the lowing shearing at the end of The remaining turnips have start- over). Please pass the crystal number of triplets could almost ed growing again, with the ball. April. We hope the weather has be a problem. Lambing outside lengthening days, which helps Our sheep scanner bucked up a bit by then, other- there is little opportunity to Glyn Davies arrived wise they will get a bit chilly. even-up litter sizes, taking a in the last week of Many farmers have been lambing triplet lamb and 'twinning it on' March - not as you over the last six weeks or so and to a ewe with a single, so most might think by the most will be turning their ewes triplet lambs have to fight for name from Wales, and lambs out onto fresh pas- milk at the ewe's rather inade- but all the way from tures which have been rested quate two teats. Twins is obvi- Essex. He had cho- over winter. sen the one wet day ously best. Natural England has released a we had had in almost long-awaited refresh of the a month, but that did- Our new Sky direct drill finally Countryside Code, which can be n't stop him, tucked arrived on March 31 and was found at gov.uk/countryside-code. into his waterproof immediately put to work sowing But this is a polite reminder to tent. He extends his the first field of poppies. They please take great care around gloved arm under- have yet to emerge since it has sheep when walking in the coun- neath the ewe and been so cold and dry. We are tryside, especially with dog com- runs the scanner planning to put some of the panions. Sheep will spook and over the skin machine's special features to the take flight at the slightest provo- between the udder test very soon, by sowing a few cation, and sheep on the move and the woolly belly plots of mixed species. The theo- are a terrible temptation for even to see how many ry is that different species grow- the most well-behaved dogs. lambs each ewe is ing together benefit from the syn- Please keep dogs on leads, and carrying. ergistic effect of their different particularly on paths across pas- This year we are rooting characteristics, due to the tures remove dog poo, which can short of fodder with different range of soil organisms carry a deadly disease caused by too many mouths to supported by each plant species' a parasite called Neospora. It can feed, so need to roots. The drill can sow up to four make dogs ill, cause death in Naughty lambs playing in hayrack on farm where our identify the empty different types of seed at the puppies and is the most common daughter is helping with lambing. ewes and whisk them same time, through two different cause of abortion in cows. May 2021 23 Care home music lovers bridge the generation gap

RESIDENTS at Colten Care Vera Lynn song We'll Meet and saw the piano in the lounge. homes across the south contin- Again. She said: "I learned by ear when ued to Zoom in on creative com- This was also featured on the I was six and took lessons as I panionship to keep spirits up dur- Together with Music launch video got older. I always memorised ing lockdown with online experi- which can be viewed on the the music and remember being ences featuring music, songs, art YouTube channel told off by my teacher for not and poetry. youtube.com/coltencare. reading as I went. I've always played for fun and Whitecliffe has Violinist Sylvia Stokes, who lives Residents also took to the key- rekindled my interest." at Whitecliffe House in Blandford, board to show off their musical saw her solo version of Amazing skills on World Piano Day, March Also performing at Whitecliffe for World Piano Day were residents Maureen Smith, a resident at Grace highlighted at the celebra- 29 - the 88th day of the year, Lois Ramsden and Sylvia Drew. Whitecliffe House, plays on World tion launch of Together with chosen to reflect the number of Sylvia said: "We had a piano in Piano Day. Music, a national campaign to keys on a keyboard and founded our house when I was growing build links between care homes, in 2015 by the German pianist up but no-one knew how to play. schools, day centres and play- and composer Nils Frahm. I took on the challenge of a New groups. Maureen Smith, a Whitecliffe Year's resolution this year to The launch was watched by House resident, who has played learn to play Happy Birthday in more than 500 people, including the piano since she was six time for my own birthday cele- guests Professor Martin Green, years old, performed a series of brations in February." chief executive of Care England, classical favourites in a solo Caroline, a graduate of the and Baroness Diana Barran, recital, and was joined for sever- Guildhall School of Music and Minister for Civil Society. al duets by Companionship Team Drama, said: "Playing the piano In another initiative, Colten Care Member, pianist and cellist is a great opportunity to have fun residents participated in Caroline Pugh. while keeping your hands active sign2sing, organised by the deaf Maureen, from Sixpenny and your mind alert. It can be health charity SignHealth, and Handley, had got out of the habit calming and inspirational and it's enjoyed learning Makaton signs of playing until she moved to a real treat for fellow residents Violinist Sylvia Stokes, a Whitecliffe as they sang and signed the Whitecliffe more than a year ago and staff to hear." House resident, plays Amazing Grace. 24 May 2021 Outside help as school welcomes pupils back

CHILDREN at Durweston were "Every class had a trip to the for- delighted to be back at school in est and to the farm, with local April, not least because their farmer, George Hosford, collect- teachers made sure they had ing the children on his trailer. For lots of opportunities to be out- some children, this was the high- side. light of the trip, even better than Headteacher Nicola Brooke said: getting to see the new-born "Although getting back to class- calves." room routines is important, we The school also moved their wanted to make sure there were Easter celebrations outside, with Back to school on March 8. also lots of opportunities for the a week of assemblies. "Holding children to enjoy being with their these outside meant that we friends again. could gather as a whole school "We knew that some parents and for the first time since last March, children were anxious about which made them even more coming back to school, so plan- special," said Mrs Brooke. "The ning lots of outdoors activities format proved so successful, we helped alleviate some of these may always celebrate Easter this concerns. way."

The Sharks class in the forest.

Durweston School’s outdoor Easter service.

An outdoor gathering remembering The Last Supper. www.forumfocus.co.uk May 2021 25 A message from the NHS News from

IN an open letter from the • If you need urgent care, think the Surgery chief officers of NHS trusts NHS 111 first. We'll help you be and services across the coun- seen quickly and safely by a Following the new guidance ty, everyone has been suitable service. by the MHRA drugs regulator thanked for their continued • Accept the offer of a Covid-19 on April 7, under-30s who support for their local NHS. vaccine when it is offered to you have not yet received a first They say: to help support and protect dose Covid vaccine will be From the very beginning of the yourself and loved ones. offered an alternative to the Covid-19 pandemic, the NHS We know that one of the AstraZeneca jab. has been working flat out to biggest impacts of the pandemic This is a precautionary meas- treat patients as they become has been on people whose ure being taken 'out of the seriously unwell with the new ill- operations and other proce- utmost caution' rather than ness, whilst keeping other serv- dures have been postponed any serious concerns regard- ices running. because of pressure on hospi- ing vaccine safety. tals. We are now looking to Through your efforts Covid-19 Under-30s who have already catch up on the waiting list case rates and hospital admis- had a first dose AstraZeneca The five ways to help are: backlog. This will take time, sions have reduced significantly • Get tested: Asymptomatic whilst strict infection control vaccination should still have in recent weeks. Yet health community testing is available to measures limit capacity. the second AstraZeneca vac- services are still under huge anyone who has to go out to There have been real develop- cination when invited to do pressure. work or who works from home ments throughout the year in so (normally at 11 weeks). The roadmap out of lockdown but is within a school household, treatment. People have also Please do not contact the GP will see restrictions start to lift support bubble or works within begun to get used to new ways practice to discuss this. The and the government's four-step the wider school community. of accessing their GP or outpa- GP Practice will be working roadmap offers a route back to • If you have coronavirus symp- tient care, using phone and to this guidance and patients a more normal life. For this to toms: a high temperature, new video links to avoid face-to-face do not need to take any have the best chance of hap- continuous cough or loss or appointments and the attendant action. pening in the time proposed it is change to your sense of smell risk. When you are due a vaccina- vital for us all not to be compla- or taste, don't delay, book a Finally, we are so grateful to all tion you will be contacted cent - undoing all your personal PCR test immediately. those who are helping the and offered an appropriate sacrifices and collective hard • Your NHS is here for you. Covid-19 vaccine roll-out across vaccine in line with the latest work, so PLEASE stay vigilant NHS services are open and the county. This has been an guidance. and continue to follow the safe to use. Speak to your GP if incredible and historic effort. rules." you have a health worry. Academy arts grants

THE Artori Academy have been awarded an Arts Council grant that will allow them to offer scholarship placements for low- income families for the summer term. Principal Kelly Hunter said: "These scholarships will cover 50 per cent of the fees for the Artori Academy and will be awarded to the candidates who blow away the staff with their devotion and drive. "It is important to the Artori Academy to support all young people and offer education to everyone, regardless of personal circum- stance." A scholarship will include weekly lessons focusing on performing arts and backstage skills, as well as an education by some of the UK's leading professionals including acting, special effects make- up, singing, mask making, dancing, puppetry and much more. To apply see: theartoriacademy.com/scholarship. 26 May 2021 Camera Nature Club news watchers

NORMAN Marsh from required Weymouth was the judge for the Blandford Forum Camera ANYONE who enjoys a walk in Club Points Cup Round 6 in the sun and fresh air may like to March, when top marks were get involved in the exciting trans- awarded to Graham Hutton formation starting to take place at (Golden Glow) and Debbie the Countryside Restoration Davies (Blood Orange Still Trust's UK showcase farm at Life), closely followed by Pat Shillingstone. Catley (Early Morning on the Andy Fale, the CRT's Dorset River). Conservation Manager, has The first guest speaker of the launched a recruitment drive to month was Polina Plotnikova Pat Catley's Early Morning on the River find nature lovers and wildlife on her second virtual visit to enthusiasts to help him discover the club, showing the versatili- just what Bere Marsh Farm holds images of many sports, included niques for members to try them- ty of the 'Lens Baby' set of within its 95 idyllic acres on the advice on capturing the decisive selves. lenses, with some banks of the River Stour. moment, with tips very creative exam- Bob Johnson zoomed in with and ideas to try. Volunteers who can set aside a ples of what can be 'Kingdom of the Ice Bear' - few hours a week are needed done in camera, to Huw Morgan images, video clips and tales of joined members throughout the summer to carry some more subtle a special trip to the Arctic hop- from Canada with out audits and species counts of and dreamy ing (and succeeding) to capture birds, butterflies, moths, reptiles, effects. a presentation 'Conceptual images of polar bear and other wild flowers and mammals in the As a contrast the Photography', an inhabitants of the region. fields and hedgerows. second guest inspirational talk Guests and new members are "We are starting from almost speaker was on developing scratch to rebuild the legacy left Andrew Moss, an always welcome at the club, ideas and produc- by Angela Hughes, so it is vital accomplished which currently meets remotely, ing his fine art for our conservation programme sports photographer based in and open to all photographic photography, together with at Bere Marsh that we build up a south London, whose compre- abilities. For more information some post-production tech- sound picture of what we are hensive presentation, with see the website at bfcclub.co.uk dealing with," said Andy. "We can then tailor our farming practices accordingly and create Village homes scheme rejected the right sort of habitats to encourage bio-diversity and species harmony and develop- PLANS for up to 70 homes on land off Bournemouth listed property, Old Dairy Cottage. ment." Road, Charlton Marshall, have been refused per- In her decision, she said: "Whilst the scheme would Andy will provide full training for mission in an appeal by Hallam Land Management provide notable public benefits, including the provi- volunteers - in Covid secure con- against Dorset Council's failure to decide the outline sion of much-needed market and affordable hous- ditions - to conduct butterfly and application. ing, the other material considerations in this case do bird transect walks, moth trapping The appeal was considered at a virtual hearing in not justify taking a decision other than in accor- and mammal and insect counts. December by planning inspector Janet Wilson, who dance with adopted development plan policy." "It's not complicated or difficult concluded that the scheme would conflict with the She refused an application for costs on behalf of the and will give those who volunteer spatial strategy for the area, would result in unsus- applicants. a fantastic insight into what is a tainable travel patterns and a reliance on the use of Tim Heal, chairman of Charlton Marshall Parish spectacular farm and landscape." the private car. She said it would be harmful to the Council which objected to the proposal, said: "It's To volunteer, email Andy at character and appearance of the area and conser- taken some time for the decision to come through, afale@countrysiderestora- vation area, and to the setting of a nearby Grade II but it was worth the wait." tiontrust.com. May 2021 27 Hospice launches new home care service

WELDMAR Hospicecare, which cialist assessments and appropri- welcomed day patients back in ate care packages being imple- mid-April following the easing of mented within hours. For some lockdown, has launched Weldmar this has been taking days, or at Home, a new service described even weeks, which just simply is as the local charity's biggest ever not acceptable. development in patient care, "The Covid-19 pandemic has together with a major fundraising made this even worse. Many of appeal to help finance it. our patients don't have the time to Working in partnership with wait for a full package of care to home receives the level of care Weldmar Community Nurses, the be in place. In the meantime, if that they deserve quickly, provid- Weldmar at Home team will their health deteriorates rapidly, ed by a charity that they already ensure that care is available in they are admitted to hospital trust, respect and feel comfortable the home, when needed, to pro- instead of being able to stay in with." vide hands-on nursing care and their own home. A major fundraising appeal has Director of Nursing Caroline support to patients, regardless of been launched by Weldmar Sweetland at Weldmar Hospicecare. "We provide hands-on care to the diagnosis, who wish to be in their patients when they are in our Hospicecare to fund the new own home for the final days of inpatient unit. We want to be able service and a team of health care their life. increase of 11 per cent. to extend this hands-on care at assistants. Donations can be To meet these wishes, individu- Caroline Sweetland, Director of home too, especially in the last made at weld-hospice.org.uk. alised care packages are often Nursing at Weldmar Hospicecare, few weeks when it can be so tir- Day services have resumed at required and there is frequently a says: "When patients are living ing for families." Trimar house in Weymouth on shortage of carers available to with a terminal diagnosis, they She added: "We continue to work Mondays, at Weldmar's inpatient provide a reliable and consistent need the reassurance that no closely with a number of other unit in Dorchester on Tuesdays, service at short notice. matter where or how they want to health care agencies in Dorset to at Bridport Community Hospital Demand is rising, too, as last year receive care and support, it will be fulfil our patients' wishes, but we on Wednesdays and Blandford alone 46 per cent of Weldmar available. want to be able to ensure that Community Hospital on patients wanted this care, an "Patients often require rapid spe- every patient who wants to die at Thursdays. Death notices

John Dennis Maidment: Passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021, at Dorset County Hospital, aged 94. Dearly beloved husband to Moira, and Dad to Sarah, Caroline and the late Jane. Much loved and sadly missed by sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Private service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium. Family flowers only with donations, if wished, to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity, via Colin J Close, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU.

Jean Redfern: Passed away at Yeovil District Hospital on March 29, 2021, aged 83, following a protracted illness. Wife of the late Barrie and a dear sister to Raymond. Auntie to her many nieces and nephews in the UK, Australia and Canada who loved her dearly. Sadly missed by her many friends in Burton-on-Trent and North Dorset. Private funeral service due to Covid-19 restrictions at Holy Rood Church, Shillingstone. Donations for Julia's House and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online to close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to the charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

Victoria (Bunty) Stone (née Nettley): Peacefully on March 27, 2021, at home in Blandford. Wife of the late Donald Stone. Much loved mum, grandma and great grandma. Private funeral service due to Covid restrictions. Donations are invited for Julia's House, c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570.

THE theft of four chainsaws from a vehicle in Pimperne overnight on March 25-26 between 10pm and 6am prompted an appeal from North Dorset Police for information. A spokesman said: "If anyone has any information please contact 101 or Crimestoppers quoting occurrence number 55210048078." www.forumfocus.co.uk 28 May 2021 New projects in place as museum prepares for its reopening

A LOT has changed, both in how it looks and in some exciting projects underway, at the Blandford Town Museum, which will be opening on May 18, if all goes to plan. A screenshot of the Archbishop Wake Primary School music video of 'Count A Young Archaeologist Club has on Me'. been launched, since the closest of 70 branches in the UK of this organisation is in Poole, and is School’s hit video being helped by Darcy Bragg, a student at The Blandford School, A VIDEO featuring pupils from Archbishop Wake Primary School who has become a Museum singing the Bruno Mars song 'Count on Me' has been such a suc- youth advisor. cess that it has been showcased by the Department for Education If you know of any young people through their social media. who would like to be involved, Inspired by an idea from the parents/carer association, the Friends direct them to the website for of Archbishop Wake, the children, staff and community came more information, and if you are together on the unique music video, which has captured the hearts an adult interested in helping of the local community and beyond. with the group, please contact Parent Dan Baker was the brains behind the music composition, as the museum. well as piecing together the intricate video of all the different A second project, Memories groups that provided their singing (and dancing) and features Captured, is one of the 20 proj- pupils providing sign language interpretation. ects in the Chase and Chalke It had over 2,400 views in just over a week on the school's Landscape Partnership Scheme, Darcy Bragg undertaking archaeology YouTube channel. funded by the National Lottery work with the Youth Archaeologist Headteacher Daniel Carter said he was immensely proud of the Heritage Fund. Club at the Blandford Town Museum. video and the way it brought the community together. This project will record individual He said: "After such a long and difficult year with the disruptions of stories of how the land was man- exist, different leisure pursuits lockdowns, this video came at a time where we really wanted and aged, how wildlife patterns have and raising a family was different needed the community to be together. The video has done exactly changed and the craftsmanship in the 20th century compared to that. Archbishop Wake is a very special community to be involved and skills that were used, such today." with and we are all very proud." as charcoal making, coppicing, Volunteers wanting to learn how hurdle making and watermeadow to capture oral histories and management. those with a story to tell are invit- Driver, 82, had no licence Sylvia Hixson Andrews, director ed to contact the museum. of Blandford Museum, who will To take part in these projects or be overseeing the project, said: AN 82-year-old woman from Ashley Wood Park, Tarrant Keyneston, volunteer at the museum gener- "So much of our past is con- ally, go to blandfordtownmuse- has been convicted of driving a Honda car on the B3082 Wimborne tained in the memories of the Road on February 12 without a licence. um.org.uk, phone 01258 450388 people who lived it, and we have (when the museum is open), or Laura Leslie Rose had been refused a licence on February 8, 2020, the technology to capture those and since that time had not been granted another. email contact@blandfordtownmu- memories and make the past seum.org.uk. She was discharged conditionally for three months but ordered to pay real for future generations: how a £21 surcharge and £100 costs. Her driving record was endorsed growing up in rural Dorset, work- with three points. ing in businesses that no longer Free parking dates chosen

AFTER being refused permission by Dorset Council for more than two free parking days in December, town councillors have now made another selection of possible dates, including Saturday April 17 supporting retail premises which had reopened on April 12. Another date with same aim is on Saturday June 26, together with August 25 and 26, to help those preparing their children for going back to school. The final two days will be December 3 for the Yuletide Festival, and Saturday December 4, Small Business Saturday. May 2021 29 Sporting support for students during lockdown

AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust have delivered Premier League Inspires Covid response sessions throughout lockdown to students continuing to attend The Blandford School in years 7 to 11. The Thursday sessions allowed students to think about their per- sonal wellbeing during this unprecedented time, as well as PLAY has resumed on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community provide much-needed socialisa- Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club. tion and physical activity release. From April 8 club members were able to enjoy their favourite sport as the lockdown eased Activities included aspects of the and spring weather arrived. EFL Joy of Moving programme, Membership is open and potential members may apply through the club website small-sided matches, elements of (wvcroquet.co.uk), or by emailing the club. Both the young and less young are invited to go the FA Playmaker football leader- along for a free taster session (contact [email protected]). ship course, AFC Bournemouth Chair Tim Dennis said: "We encourage young players and comply with the safeguarding rules, orienteering, football, cricket, and we are delighted that play has now started for the summer season. Following the latest Danish longball and adapted ver- lockdown changes we can now welcome new members, with coaching available. We look for- sions of many other multi sports ward to encouraging others locally to take part in this skilful, fascinating and social sport." to keep interest and engagement high each week. Three groups from the school have also been selected for the club heats of the PL Inspires Business challenge with the winners repre- senting AFC Bournemouth at the national finals during the summer challenges term. A year 10 group submitted a plan AS part of their Business Studies for some tutor group fitness chal- Cambridge Technical course, a lenges to improve wellbeing, and group of Year 13 students at The groups in year 7 and year 9 are Blandford School every year run looking to produce a fly-on-the- a business project. wall transition video to prepare This year Covid restrictions new year 6 students for starting caused problems so the students in September 2021. had to come up with an idea that They presented their ideas to maintained social distancing. AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff They decided to split into two Mostyn virtually on March 22 and teams which each ran a Covid- now wait to see if they have safe greetings card business to been successful. raise money for charity. They Live lessons continued virtually designed and created cards with the KS4 Princes Trust which were sold first in the run- Achieve groups and skills acade- up to Christmas. my reading programme pupils in Group one, consisting of Will, KS3. Some excellent work took Jude, Ben, David and Michael, place on World Book Day, where raised £300 for Dorset Mind. the groups completed a reading Group two, consisting of Bertie, task and created a character for Jenna, Grace, Ashlin and a new football-themed story. Rianna, raised £42.73 for Cancer As a reward for the students' Research, having been frustrated dedication and hard work, virtual by the latest lockdown which cur- calls were set up with AFC tailed their plans to sell a number Bournemouth scholars Euan of cards after Christmas. Pollock (Bournemouth's top scor- What has always been a very er), ex-Tottenham Hotspur player good united effort teaching stu- Ferdi Okoh and club legend Ian dents new business skills has Cox to discuss aspirations, deal- this year taught the group the ing with setbacks, the issue of most about the possible unex- racism in football and hold a pected risks that businesses can Q&A session. face. 30 May 2021 Archery: a healthy outdoor sport - without the gasping

by Mark Hinsley (Archer 2nd Class) craze that overtook Victorian aristocracy in the 1800s. Huge competition shoots for men and MY sanity saver through the months of restric- women took place on country estates, followed by tions brought about by Covid-19 last summer was banquets and dances. Archery of this kind was an my membership of the Bracken Company of Olympic sport in 1900, 1904, 1908 and 1920. Archers. The recurve bow is the kind that most archers Archery, being an outdoor individual sport that, learn on and has been the bow of choice since while it keeps you fit, does not involve you in the sport's return to the Olympics in 1972. gasping, panting or coughing from exertion, was Made largely of aluminium and carbon com- an activity which lent itself to an early resumption pounds, with gadgets and aid to give balance, The longbow as lockdown restrictions were relaxed last sum- sighting and consistent shooting, they shoot car- mer, and with restrictions easing on March 29 this bon or aluminium arrows with synthetic flights and year, has again resumed. metal points. Recurve target bows may go up to a Club membership is open to all ages from eight draw weight close to 50 lbs, but archery is a pre- years upwards. New archers must go through a cision sport, not a strength one. training course, run by experienced coaches, for The compound bow is a serious precision instru- which appropriate equipment is supplied. ment, so accurate they can be fitted with tele- Our first course of beginners was booked in for scopic sights. Pulley wheels built into the frame April 3. A certificate of competence is awarded at result in a more compact bow and give the archer the end which will allow membership of any a 4:1 mechanical advantage when drawing and archery club that shoots under Archery GB affilia- holding the bow at full draw. tion. Archery is a sport to start gently and move up as Modern target archery essentially uses three your technique improves. Plenty of nice level types of bow: the longbow, the recurve bow and walking and the gradual development of upper the compound bow. body strength are the primary physical health The longbow is minimalist archery - long stick - benefits and being out of doors in a safe environ- string - shorter pointy sticks. The modern long- ment and achieving things are benefits to morale. bow, bearing only a slight resemblance to the I have not stopped working during the crisis mighty medieval war bow, dates from the archery because my work is mainly outdoors and does The recurve bow not need to involve other people. Archery however has filled a mas- sive hole in my leisure time. Some sports like rugby involve a fair bit of heavy contact - I have the old injuries to prove it! One great advantage of archery is that there is no impact on your body and you can pick your equipment according to your technique and physique.

If you think archery might be for you, see brackenarchers.club or the websites of other archery clubs across Dorset. Archery in the 1880s. The compound bow May 2021 31 New manager in place as United set higher goals

BLANDFORD United welcomed either coaching or playing, and Andy Savage, the new manager finished my time in Dorset as of their Dorset Premier League assistant manager to Shane first-team, to their Dorset Seniors Traynor at Poole Town Reserves." A new team at the top of Blandford United: left to right, assistant manager Rob quarter-final against Sturminster Describing himself as an "open, Andre, manager Andy Savage, goalkeeping coach Ryan Park and chairman Marshall at Park Road on honest and experienced Steve Powell. Saturday April 10. coach/manager", he said: "There Savage, the successor to Jamie will be a bit of a learning curve as Haylock, who stepped down for I reacquaint myself with the local personal reasons in November football scene in Dorset, but I after three years in post, will take don't see that taking too long to charge at the beginning of June get over. for the start of pre-season prepa- "I'm looking forward to getting rations at the club. started at a great community foot- He was delighted to see his new ball club, meeting the players and team triumph 4-1, Sam Watson supporters and getting to work on scoring a hat-trick, which took the training ground." them through to a semi-final Andy will be assisted by Rob against Gillingham on Saturday Andre, a UEFA B coach, who has April 24. coached and managed through- Savage will be moving from out the youth section of the club, Newquay in Cornwall and Ryan Park who will where he has been work- join the team as the goal- ing for the last eight keeping coach. Team members in training at Park Road. years, for most of that Andre said: "These are time coaching and man- truly quite exciting times grow into next season. Vale Football League after draw- aging with the local for the club. There are "We hope to see big crowds at ing against Donhead Barbarians grassroots leagues and good young players and I our home ground now the club at the beginning of April, and Southwest Peninsula want to keep the pathway has a bright and exciting future." were due to play Bradford Abbas Premier League (step 6 of the between the youth and first-team • AFC Blandford were last month on April 18 and league leaders National League System). going, which Jamie did so well to in sixth position in the Blackmore Wincanton on April 25. He said: "I managed Godolphin get established." Atlantic AFC to a fifth-place finish Chairman Steve Powell said: "I BERE Marsh Farm, the Countryside Restoration Trust's beacon in the SWPL as well as a am really excited. We have a site at Shillingstone, is set to become the centrepiece of a Cornwall Senior Cup final and genuinely good team, good man- groundbreaking new project which aims to make the Blackmore league cup final all in the same agement and coaching set-up. I Vale a hive of activity for bees and bee enthusiasts. season. I also played and am really proud of the work Gardening clubs, schools, parish councils, allotment holders, coached Godolphin's reserve everyone at the club has done indeed any organisation or group, will be invited to participate in side, winning a league and cup over the last few years. the creation throughout the area of a flower-shaped network of double and another promotion." "I look forward to continued suc- bee-friendly corridors - known as 'BeeWayzz'. But he is no stranger to Dorset. cess under our new management The plan - to be unveiled on May 20, World Bee Day - will start "Before heading down to team, building on the success the with a corridor from Shillingstone to Durweston and Hanford to Cornwall, I lived in Bournemouth club was having on the field Turnworth. This will then be the blueprint to replicate four more and was involved in Wyvern and before we all went into lockdown, corridors over the following four years, all radiating from the Dorset Senior League football, and continuing to improve and central hub of Bere Marsh Farm. 32 May 2021 Youths’ lives ‘on hold’ say police

POLICE in Blandford have pledged to contin- ing a decrease of 22 on February last year. The neighbourhood police team and patrol ue to work closely with young people impact- Antisocial behaviour (ASB) continued to be officers were trying to strike the appropriate ed by the pandemic. low, but more than double the previous year, balance when dealing with Covid restriction In a report to the town council's general pur- as were incidents relating to public safety. breaches and apply the law in a system that poses committee, they said they were working There had been only one reported burglary in was flexible, discretionary and pragmatic to particularly with those who ordinarily may a break-in at the Crown Hotel, one suspect engage, explain the guidance, encourage have found employment by now, but due to having been arrested and is back in prison. compliance and enforce the law as a last resort. the lockdown are in neither education nor "We have tried to increase our visible pres- employment. ence in the town and our patrol teams are tar- "It is fair to say that a number of our local geting the areas where we have been told If you would like to receive youths are frustrated by the situation they find that groups of young people have engaged in themselves in. antisocial behaviour or breaching the Covid a free electronic copy of "Some who had jobs have either been fur- restrictions." Forum Focus each month, loughed or have been told they are no longer They said they had seen an increase in ASB required. Their lives literally are on hold." at locations such as Morrisons and the skate via email, go to our website Their report covered the month of February, park, and were working with partner agencies www.forumfocus.co.uk and when they dealt with 151 incidents in the to identify the people involved, find solutions Blandford Town and Old Town Area, only 29 and encourage more positive engagement click on the link. of which were recorded as crimes, represent- and understanding. What’s on this month

MAY Sunday May 23: PLEASE also let us know by email to [email protected] of any Tuesday May 4 (and all Town Perimeter Guided Heritage events able to go ahead, whether virtually or in person. Tuesdays): Blandford Citizens Walk led by a guide from Advice outreach is suspended, call Civic Society, meet 11am at the Blandford Museum taster session, Blandford & District Civic Society, 01747 835016, the free Dorset flood wall in the Marsh & Ham Oral History, 11am, see blandford- meet 11am outside Scrivens, Advice Line on 0800 144 88 48 or (Morrisons) car park; details 01258 townmuseum.org.uk Durdens Corner, Market Place email [email protected] 459346 Monday May 17: Blandford Town Open Garden for NGS, Manor Tuesday May 4: Annual Meeting Monday May 10: Council Corn Exchange meeting, House Farm, DT11 0EN, 2 to 5pm, of Blandford Town Council (to be Blandford Museum taster session 7pm, details blandfordforum-tc. (and 20th June) followed by Town Council meet- (Zoom), Stewarding, 11am, see gov.uk Monday May 24: Blandford Town ing), see blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Tuesday and Thursday May 18 Council planning committee meet- for agenda and link and 20: Blandford Town Museum Cranborne Chase AONB free ing, 7pm, see blandfordforum- Wednesday May 5: Blandford St open Zoom talk, 7.30pm: Farmland tc.gov.uk for agenda and link Mary Parish Council meeting, Wednesday May 19: Blandford birds: What can we do to turn their Tuesday May 25: Open Gardens email clerk@blandfordstmary- Museum taster session, Schools fortunes around? with Peter for NHS, Keyneston Mill, pc.gov.uk to ask for a Zoom invita- and Learning, 11am, see bland- Thompson, former biodiversity Blandford, DT11 9HZ, home of tion fordtownmuseum.org.uk advisor for the Game & Wildlife Parterre Fragrances, 2 to 5.30pm Thursday May 6: Polling day for Thursday May 20: World Bee Conservation Trust. Book at cran- Thursday May 27: Blandford Dorset PCC Election and Day, launch of BeeWayzz project, bornechase.org.uk/events/ Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone Museum AGM (Zoom), 7pm. If you Friday May 14: Blandford Mayor are not a member but would like to Referendum, 7am to 10pm Thursday May 20 to Sunday May attend, email contact@blandford- Friday May 7: Blandford Museum Making, to be confirmed 30: ChalkEscape Walking Festival, Taster Session (Zoom), Saturday May 15: subject to confirmation, details townmuseum.org.uk Fundraising, 7pm, see blandford- War on Waste/CleanUp Blandford cranbornechase.org.uk Saturday May 29: Blandford townmuseum.org.uk Litter Pick, from blue bridge, Marsh Saturday May 22: Coffee and Museum taster session, Oral Sunday May 9: Town Centre & Ham, 10am to 12 noon, refreshments in the Blandford History, 11am, see blandfordtown- Guided Heritage Walk led by a [email protected] Museum Victorian Garden. All wel- museum.org.uk guide from Blandford & District for details, all welcome come. 10.30 to 1pm Monday May 31: Bank Holiday