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Your Dorchester independent community magazine

VoiceAlso serving local villages Issue No. 12 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014 CHRISTMAS ISSUE

SPECIAL FEATURE: Hardy’s tales of a Don’t miss Victorian Christmas the Christmas Cracker!

Featuring Gig Guide and Out & About – full local listings Supporting Dorchester’s independent retailers, craftspeople ­­­and practitioners Paintings, Prints, Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery, Bags, Gifts, Cards and Interior Furnishings ...plus morning coffee, delicious lunches and afternoon tea

Queen Mother Square, Poundbury DT1 3BL www.gallerypoundbury.co.uk 01305 213322 To receive our newsletters and special offers, email: [email protected]

New this season: skin and body care by Fikkerts, interiors by India Jane, leathers by Visconti In the Gallery, October / November: paintings and prints by Fiona Gordon-Abbey Community News Brewery Square hotel goes on market

The proposed new hotel and spa planned for the former Eldridge Pope Dorchester Brewery is one Aldi coming to town? step closer, with the building new officially up for Rumours are circulating in town that discount sale on either a freehold or leasehold basis. supermarket Aldi is set to join its German rivals Designed in 1880 by Crickmay and Sons, the Lidl by setting up shop in town. Architect for whom Thomas Hardy worked before The site of the new store is believed to be in his career as a writer, the spectacular grade II listed London Road where Dorchester Collection was Victorian brewhouse has detailed planning consent formerly based, opposite the Shell filling station. to create a 48-84 bed hotel overlooking Brewery An Aldi spokesman refused to deny the rumour, Square – Dorchester’s new fountain square. The telling the Voice: “We won’t be commenting on scheme includes an 11,000 sq ft spa and swimming this at this time.” pool, together with two function rooms, one of Dorchester BID director Phil Gordon said if which, the Thomas Hardy Hall, will be the largest true, he didn’t believe it would be a threat to the such venue in the town. town’s independent retailers. “They might actually “This is an iconic building steeped in history in encourage people to come into town,” he said. the centre of a hugely successful development,” said Kevin Conibear, an associate at agents Fleurets. “The scheme presents a unique opportunity for a Advertise from just £30! hotel operator to secure a flagship, trophy building Advertise in the Dorchester Voice from in a prime position, in the very heart of the county just £30 for an advert this size! town and to thrive on the development’s success.” Trade Directory just £20! The retail element of the £100m Brewery Square Other price examples: complex already features a number of well-known 1/4 page = £45 national chains, as well as the Odeon cinema. 1/2 page = £70 On completion, the scheme will also feature a Free editorial support for a run of 3-4 ads. new arts centre and theatre for the town in the old Call Richard on 07766 996540 maltings, as well as a total of 578 apartments and or email [email protected] 32 town houses. www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 3 Dorchester Voice Experts in Wills, Probate & Estate Management

At Nantes, we have a dedicated team of professionals offering a range of legal services to help you get your family affairs in order and prepare for the future.

• Drawing up Wills Hilary Neill • Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning Adam Hillier • Administering Probate • Putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney

Our team have extensive knowledge and experience, and an excellent local reputation. Kathryn Day

We provide honest, clear advice to Michelle O’Leary suit your individual circumstances; we are always sympathetic to your needs and aim to make every step as straightforward as possible. For legal advice that gives you peace of mind Call: 01305 250100 or Email: [email protected] Cheryl Ford

48 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UT | 69 The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7AA Dorchester Voice www.nantes.co.uk4 November-December 2014 Crowds flock to Remembrance service Hundreds of people attended the Remembrance Day service at the town’s war memorial on November 9 to mark those who gave their lives in two world wars, and subsequent conflicts. This year’s event gained added poignancy, mark- ing as it did the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, and the names of those local men who fell during the war were read out. The service was led by Canon Thomas Wood- Experts in Wills, Probate house, Dorchester’s new team rector. A service was also later held at Fordington Cemetery to com- memorate German POWs who are buried there. The Remembrance Day service in Dorchester & Estate Management At 11am on Tuesday 11 November, more than “It was 54 years ago – in 1960 – that I attended 2,000 students and 200 staff stood in silent tribute my first Act of Remembrance outside those hand- in front of The Thomas Hardye School memorial some iron gates and the stone pillars with the At Nantes, we have a dedicated team gates in Queens Avenue, Dorchester, honouring wyverns on top, then in Culliford Road. I recall it of professionals offering a range of Old Grammarians and Old Hardyeans who gave snowed that day in November 1960 and we all got legal services to help you get your their lives in armed conflict. very cold,” said Old Hardyeans’ Secretary Michel family affairs in order and prepare The names of all old boys who fell in successive Hooper-Immins. “It is still a supremely dignified for the future. wars were read by four pupils from the school. tribute by today’s young people. We old boys and Head teacher Michael Foley led the minute’s si- the head teacher are always very proud of them.” lence and a brief act of remembrance, culminating Thomas Hardye School is thought to be the only • Drawing up Wills in the Last Post sounded by the bugler. school in the South-West to maintain this tradition. Hilary Neill • Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning Adam Hillier • Administering Probate • Putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney

Our team have extensive knowledge and experience, and an excellent local reputation. Kathryn Day

We provide honest, clear advice to Michelle O’Leary suit your individual circumstances; we are always sympathetic to your needs and aim to make every step as straightforward as possible. For legal advice that gives you peace of mind Call: 01305 250100 or Email: [email protected] Cheryl Ford

48 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UT | 69 The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7AA www.nantes.co.uk www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 5 Dorchester Voice Sponsored feature Don’t miss out on the perfect pamper evening! If you’re looking for a pre-Christmas pamper ses- sion, then look no further than Profile Hair and Akemi Spa in Damers Road, Dorchester, who have teamed up to stage a special feel-good event. ‘Profile’ means style – and that’s precisely what’s on offer at Profile Hair salon in Damers Road, Dorchester. Arrive, take a chair and Tracy, Tracy at Profile Hair with her daughter Steph, and Sam Sam, Vicky, Steph or Jo will take the time to study to add to the business, such as the addition of a the shape of your face to build up an outline of designated child-friendly area where youngsters what they can achieve for you. can play. Profile offers children loyalty cards, too! They listen to the customer and don’t impose A first haircut will reward your child with certifi- their ideas on you, but offer advice based on their cate with a hair snippet pouch to help treasure knowledge and experience. They also take time to those family keepsakes. analyse your hair-type and examine its condition This November’s Hair & Beauty Pamper event, before using shampoos or conditioners – products hosted with Akemi Spa next door, will offer clients a they can also sell you at the salon. chance to have a top-to-toe pampering on Saturday Profile can truly boast of being a family business, 22 November from 6pm for only £30-£60. This and Tracy is partnered by her daughter Steph, who also includes a charity raffle and refreshments, and has become a talented stylist in her own right, win- make-over photo-shoot. So put the date on your ning hair-styling competitions along the way. calendar – it sounds like a great evening out! Great customer service is something that both Tracy and Steph feel is a vital part of running a sa- lon. They encourage their staff to attend hairdressing improvement and get to know products. A recent trip to London has been a massive boost to the staff. Sam, the male stylist, does not seem to be phased working with four females and does an amazing head massage! All the stylists work well together to provide a friendly, dedicated team. Regulars to this salon are given membership of a VIP loyalty scheme, which offers salon members lo- cal business discounts as well other in-salon treats. Recently, all the staff have contributed to ideas

Dorchester Voice 6 November-December 2014 It’s going to be a real Christmas Cracker! It’s that time of year again – Cracker Night is just around the corner, the official start to Christmas in Dorchester. The event has been running for several years now, and the turn-out is getting bet- ter every time. Dorchester Cracker Night begins at 5.30pm on Thursday 5 December. A big crowd is expected as usual, and hopefully there will even be an appear- ance from Father Christmas himself, accompanied by one or two of his elves and reindeer! The town’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.30pm, and there will be a Christmas Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange from 3pm-9pm. Town Crier Alistair Chisholm launches the 2013 event As well as all the usual entertainments and amusements, Cracker Night is also an opportu- the arcades, who offer a personal service that the nity to do some late night shopping, with a large chain stores just can’t match. number of our most popular shops and other The street stalls are a big part of the Cracker businesses staying open into the evening for you Night experience, creating an authentic Christmas to browse at your leisure. market feel with everything from mulled wine to Many will be doing something a bit special, mince pies and hog roasts. so look out for free giveaways and other exciting Free parking is available in Dorchester’s car things going on all evening – and don’t forget to parks from 5pm. If you would like to book a stall, make a point of visiting the independent traders in visit dorchesterchamber.co.uk/cracker-2014.

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 7 Dorchester Voice Villagers get say on Cerne Valley plan The Cerne Valley could have Dorset’s first Neigh- bourhood Plan if residents give it the go ahead. A local referendum will take place on Thursday, 11 December, with locals going to the polls to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the proposals. The Cerne Valley Neighbourhood Plan was drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who felt confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community. Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example, the plan can say where new Historic Royal Oak up for sale homes, shops or offices might be built or where The grade II listed Royal Oak pub in Long Street, important green spaces might be protected. Cerne Abbas, has been put up for sale by its own- Cerne Valley Parish Council chairman Ian Hum- ers, Hall and Woodhouse brewery in Blandford. phreys said: “After extensive consultations with The historic pub dates back to the 16th century, the Cerne Abbas and Godmanstone communities, and some fear it could be turned into a house. and a lot of work from a number of residents, I Cerne Valley Parish Council chairman Ian Hum- believe we have a plan which, if adopted, will phreys said: “We hope it is retained as a pub. It ensure the Cerne Valley remains a very attractive would be a very attractive opportunity for somone place to live and work.” to run an historic pub in an historic village.” Residents in Cerne Valley who wish to vote will need to be on the electoral roll by Tuesday 25 No- vember. Those who wish to vote by post need to be registered by 5pm on Wednesday 26 Novem- ber, and to vote by proxy you must be registered by 5pm on Wednesday 3 December. Polls will be open between 7am and 10pm on 11 December, with the counting of votes from 10pm and result being announced once the count has taken place. For more information about registering to vote visit dorsetforyou.com/elections. The plan can be viewed online at cernevalley.org.

Dorchester Voice 8 November-December 2014 Who will make sure Mum is OK?

We know the most important things in life are our loved ones but it is not always possible to be near them. This obviously causes anxiety as you are not always sure that they are safe, secure, warm and managing their daily lives.

We can provide daily or weekly support that will help alleviate your concerns. After each visit we will email an update to you. For more information phone Carers Required – We are looking for people to provide care to the elderly 0845 603 4743 in their homes. or visit www.apexcare.org

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 9 Dorchester Voice check she is safe and warm | change the light bulb | deal with the post | make time for tea and a chat Help out at the hospital Boost for Julia’s House

Visiting or as a patient, you will undoubtedly have Staff from Lloyds Bank in Dorchester helped suc- seen the Dorchester hospital trolley at some stage. cessful charity screenings at the Odeon Dorchester A welcome sight if you are on a ward, the trolley raise more than £3,000 for Julia’s House. comes twice a day to the various wards – and that The Odeon Dorchester hosted three consecutive is a lot of footwork. sell-out charity screenings of hit Disney film Frozen, The Friends of Dorset County Hospital provide raising more than £3,000 in aid of Julia’s House – a constant re-stocking of the trolley and taking it Dorset’s only hospice dedicated to children with from ward to ward – no easy task when consider- life-limiting conditions. ing the size of this three-winged hospital. The trol- Alan Escott, general manager at the Odeon ley service is invaluable to patients as it breaks up Dorchester, said: “We have been overwhelmed by a long day in hospital when bed-bound. the attendance. More than 360 children and their The Friends also run a shop in the north wing of families attended the events, helping to raise more Dorchester Hospital selling newspapers, sweets, than £2,000 from ticket sales, raffles and donations. sandwiches and toys. The café is also run by volun- “What’s more, as Lloyds Bank staff volunteered teers, but now under the umbrella of the hospital. at two of the screenings, they have kindly agreed There are roughly 14 volunteers covering the to apply for match-funding through the Lloyds shifts in the café from 8am to 10am, 10am to 1pm, matched-giving scheme, which will result in a and 1pm to 4pm. Some of the volunteers do one grand total of £3,238.56 for a very worthy charity.” shift a week, some once a fortnight. More volun- Donna Sibley of Julia’s House, said: “The Julia’s teers are needed to help with the trolley rounds. House Dorchester Friends Group had great fun Sharon the café manager would love to hear from organising these events and we’ve raised a terrific anyone interested in becoming part of the team – amount. The money raised will go a long way to call 01305 255896 or email [email protected]. helping the local families that we support.”

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Dorchester Voice 10 November-December 2014 Sponsored feature Fashion and gifts from a truly local store Forget the big names and instead – in Cornwall in fact. We all Quickly thereafter, she opened find the treasures Dorchester has have our favourite labels but be another store in Sherborne in to offer in its arcades. Navigate careful, in Melbury, your con- Half Moon Street and it evolved your way to the Tudor Arcade ventional choices could fly out to what Melbury is today. More and let the impact of Melbury’s the window as you are wowed than 30 years later the Melbury window-dressing stop you in by timeless clothing boasting shop in Sherborne flourishes your tracks. labels such as Oska, Braintree, with its sister shop in Dorchester. Models draped in style stand Sandwich, Adini, Sahara, Masai, Melbury is much more than with a Pandora of unusual boxes, Captri, Flax, Masai and more. clothes. There is an excellent bowls, pictures and cushions at The prices are sensible and the range of jewellery and acces- their feet. Even the unusual shelf management at Melbury refuse sories to adorn the wide range of units are all for sale. Walk in and to hold onto old stock. If it hasn’t clothing to create an even more you will begin a journey around sold and one size is left on the flattering look. the world in a vision of a muted rail, it’s moved to a sale rail. There is a range of silver prints, sea blues, khaki, heather So where did this little gem priced from £3 to £300, together hues and animal prints all originate from? Well Melbury with gemstones and gold-plated around you – and that’s before didn’t start out as we see it now jewellery – well worth browsing you get to the clothes. in Dorchester or indeed at its for that finishing touch. Several of the leading labels Sherborne store. Initially, Thelma There is also a wide range on show comply with the ethics Brabik opened in Shaftesbury in of gifts – unusual, tantalising, of fair trade, several such as 1980 with a gallery exhibition of natural products ethically made, Nomads are British-designed etchings and paintings. perfect for Christmas.

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 11 Dorchester Voice Church Corner Join us for a Christmas service! For some readers the month of December will bring a CERNE ABBAS, BUCKLAND NEWTON, GODMANSTONE, MINTERNE MAGNA measure of anxiety either in December 18 6.30pm Carol service, Minterne Magna worrying about all the practi- Christmas Eve 6.00pm Carol service, Cerne Abbas cal preparations to be made Christmas Eve 4.30pm Carol service, Buckland Newton and/or the financial implica- Christmas Eve 6.30pm Carol service, Godmanstone Christmas Eve 3.30pm Blessing of the crib, Cerne Abbas tions. It is well known that Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight mass, Cerne Abbas certain people – often the ones Christmas Day 9.30am Community service, Buckland Newton who organise their household Christmas Day 11.00am Family service, Cerne Abbas – will burn off many extra calories rushing around in WEST STAFFORD ST ANDREW’S preparation for 25 December. December 21 6.30pm Candlelit carol service Christmas Eve 4.30pm Crib & Christingle service Whatever your situation – busy or relaxed, happy Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight communion or sad – why not stop a while at one of the variety of Christmas Day 10.00am Family communion Christmas carol services this month in your commu- CROSSWAYS, MORETON, TINCLETON, WOODSFORD nity (see details here for local churches) during the 19 December 6.30pm Carol Service, Tincleton lead up to the ‘big day’? 21 December 6.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols, Moreton 22 December 6.30pm Carol Service, Woodsford Advent is the name used by the church, marking Christmas Eve 4.00pm Crib Service, Woodsford the time of countdown to Christmas. There are many Christmas Eve 9.00pm Holy Communion, Tincleton varieties of Advent calendars available – chocolate- Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass, Moreton Christmas Day10.00am All Age Eucharist, Woodsford filled or otherwise – ranging from the traditional nativ- ity scene to other more secular options. PUDDLETOWN, TOLPUDDLE, MILBORNE AND DEWLISH 20 December 6.00pm Carol service, Milborne St Andrew These all remind us that there is a period of 21 December 3.00pm Carol Service, Dewlish preparation for something on the horizon. ‘Advent’ 21 December 6.00pm Carol Service, Puddletown is honoured particularly as a time of inner calm and Christmas Eve 3.30pm Crib service, Tolpuddle Christmas Eve 5.00pm Crib service, Puddletown stillness to make way for that great celebration of joy: Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight mass, Milborne St Andrew Christmas-tide. Goodwill and peace to you all. Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight mass, Puddletown Christmas Day 9.30am Communion, Dewlish Rev Vicky Thurtell, St Peter’s Church, Dorchester Christmas Day 9.30am Communion, Tolpuddle Christmas Day 11.00am Family service, Milborne St Andrew Christmas services Christmas Day 11.00am Family service, Puddletown

DORCHESTER – ST PETER’S MARTINSTOWN, WINTERBORNES & COMPTON VALENCE December 21 6.30pm Nine lessons and carols 18 December 6.30pm Carol Service, Winterbourne Abbas Christmas Eve 11.30pm Choral midnight mass 21 December 9.30am Communion, Winterbourne Abbas Christmas Day 10.00am Sung eucharist for Christmas Day 21 December 11.00am Communion, Martinstown 21 December 6.00pm Carol Service, Martinstown DORCHESTER – ST MARY’S 22 December 6.30pm Carol Service, Compton Valence December 21 6.00pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 4.00pm Crib service, Martinstown Christmas Eve 4.00pm Christingle Christmas Eve 11.00pm Midnight mass, Winterbourne Christmas Eve 11.00pm Midnight mass Steepleton Christmas Day 8.00am Morning communion Christmas Day 9.30am Communion, Compton Valence Christmas Day 9.45am All-age eucharist with blessing Christmas Day 11.00am Communion, Martinstown of the crib. Other villages were contacted, but service details were not DORCHESTER – ST GEORGE’S, FORDINGTON available at the time of going to press. 30 November 10.15am Advent Sunday communion service, 4.30pm or 6.30pm Christingle service (time to be confirmed) Tell the Voice about your church events 4 December 10am Holy communion If your church is holding events, whether they be fetes, coffee 5 December 6pm Carols on Fordington Green mornings, concerts, or any other special occasion, please do 21 December 4.30pm Carol service let us know so that we can keep local people informed. 24 December 4.30pm Crib service, 11.15pm Midnight mass We will try to include them in the magazine and/or the 25 December 8am and 10.15am Christmas Day Holy Dorchester Voice website. Please email the details to Communion [email protected].

Dorchester Voice 12 November-December 2014 Hidden Dorchester Is this a rare surviving Roman milestone? By Jerry Bird ust over a mile from the centre of Dorchester at Stinsford JCross, a small, grey limestone pillar stands on the grass verge near the busy traffic roundabout on the A35. It is about five feet in height, roughly cylindrical, and appears to have a groove around part of its circumference, close to its base. It is now rapidly becoming hidden by undergrowth and ivy. This stone has long been regarded as a Roman milestone, though some historians have different opinions. Alfred Pope, who included it in his 1906 study of Dorset’s old stone crosses, The Roman milestone at Stinsford Cross thought the groove cut close to its base was proof it had been used that the Stinsford stone stands, as stone, though it is more probably as a tethering post for bull-bait- it did in Pope’s day, exactly one a prehistoric standing stone. ing, and he claimed it was known Roman mile (1,618 yards) from Neither of these stones bears as the ‘bull-baiting stone’. the supposed site of the east gate any resemblance to an inscribed This was the source for a later of the Roman town, though its ac- Roman milestone excavated at claim by the Rev Henry Moule tual position on the roadside has Alington Avenue. Dated to be- that it may have been the original changed several times since 1886 tween AD 260-269, this example ‘bull-baiting stone’ moved from due to road improvements. is cut from Purbeck limestone North Square to Maumbury Rings The A35 at this point is roughly and dedicated to Postumus. The in the 17th century, where it was on the alignment of the old excavation report states it would eventually buried in 1846, having Roman road which ran from have been sited on ‘one of the proved a hindrance to ploughing. Badbury Rings to Dorchester, better-known roads which issued Excavations in 1879 and 1908- stretches of which are readily from the gates of Durnovaria’. 13 failed to locate it, and Moule identifiable alongside the Bock- The lack of a carved inscrip- speculated that it had been hampton road near the entrance tion on the Stinsford stone is not moved to Stinsford Cross. How- to Birkin House, and further east unusual; many scholars believe ever, his own description of the in Puddletown Forest. that inscriptions were painted bull-baiting stone as being ‘large, Another Roman road ran from onto earlier examples. There with a chain attached’, certainly Stinsford to the fort of the Second would have been thousands of does not fit the Stinsford Cross Legion at Lake Farm, near Corfe milestones in the days of the Ro- stone. As any such stone sited at Mullen; a similar-sized stone man Empire, sited every thousand a road junction would most likely near Duddle Hill on the Tincleton double steps along each road have been used to tether horses, road, known as Heedless Wil- (the origin of the word ‘mile’ is this would explain the groove. liam’s Stone (featured in Dorches- mille – Latin for ‘thousand’), but Also favouring the Roman ter Voice issue 1), was thought by the survivors now only number milestone attribution is the fact Pope to have been a Roman mile- around a hundred. www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 13 Dorchester Voice Health & Wellbeing A helping hand for stroke victims By Jackie Sherfield will be among friends who will walk with you every step of the way. Life can seem grim to someone who has just suf- On the social side, interesting and informative fered a stroke – and the struggle to live a normal speakers, picnics, coffee mornings, crazy games life affects carers, too. and outings ensure nobody is bored and everyone Help is at hand, however, in the shape of has the chance to join in and move forward at Dorchester Social Stroke Club, which gives help their own pace. Go along and they can promise and support to stroke survivors and their families. Thursday mornings will never be the same again. Although this is undertaken in a social environ- The club was recently awarded a richly de- ment, where members can meet and relax, there is served ‘Highly Commended’ in the recent Life a serious side to its aims. After Stroke Awards 2014, an event organised Advice is offered based on experience, knowl- by the Stroke Association and sponsored by edge and advice from many quarters, both profes- Toni&Guy. A credit to its hard-working, enthu- sional and from those who themselves have faced siastic members, this award is a reflection of the the many problems on the road to recovery. dedication of those who freely give of their time There is nothing like chatting to people who to ensure local stroke survivors have a few hours have been there, done that, to make you feel you each week when they can meet and relax. are not alone in trying to rebuild your life, find Anyone interested in joining the Dorchester your confidence and share your experiences. And Social Stroke Club should contact Jackie Sherfield you can achieve this. It may take a while, but you on 01305 257464. New Horizons Therapy

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Dorchester Voice 14 November-December 2014 Work gets under way on new church Villagers in Crossways defied the wet and windy weather to witness the cutting of the first turf for their new church on the site of Frome Valley Church of England First School. After many years of apprehension, anxiety, prayer, planning, faith and fundraising, the cer- emony took place on Monday 10 November. Stroke Club members celebrate the club’s 7th birthday Once construction of the building is completed a dedication ceremony will follow next year, conducted by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Alexander Technique Nicholas Holtam. The Alexander Technique helps millions of people This most exciting step marks the beginning of across the world to naturally overcome: a new chapter in the progress of Crossways parish- o Back, neck and joint pain ioners to establish a permanent and lasting base o Muscle tension and stiffness for worship and associated activities for the whole Poor posture o community. With gentle hands-on guidance and verbal instruction To have reached this point has not been without you can learn to use your body more efficiently, with greater poise and balance, to address these issues. much effort, hard work and perseverance of many, many people. Thank you to everyone who has Rebecca Howard MSTAT 07769617739 encouraged us to build St. Aldhelm’s Church, www.alexandertechniquedorchester.co.uk 07769 617739 Crossways.

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 15 Dorchester Voice Celebrating a merry musical Mellstock Christmas!

hile Thomas Hardy lost By Jerry Bird his Christian faith at Wa relatively early age, music was much loved, and jeal- and even suffered the distinction ously guarded, by the musicians. later of having his books publicly Records exist of choirs refusing burned by a bishop, he always their vicar’s instructions to play held a deep affection for the particular tunes for psalms or Church. hymns, preferring to use their own Christmas often features in his repertoire. This frequently led to a fiction and short stories, and also struggle for control of the conduct in his poetry, of which The Oxen of services. is probably the best known ex- The rise of the Oxford Move- ample. This tells of a tradition that ment, which denigrated the cattle would kneel at midnight on prevailing ‘evangelical liberalism’, Christmas Eve – a kind of ‘folk- together with the introduction Christianity’ tale which he had of Hymns Ancient & Modern in Drunken fiddlers – a fairly typical Victorian Christmas scene, it seems! been told as a child. 1861, saw the re-establishment of Hardy set most of his fiction control by the Church hierarchy. Tree (1872), is a eulogy to what in the early- to mid-19th cen- Surpliced choirs, with children was by then a fast-fading musical tury, in the days when his father, taking the tune (previously the form. The novel, originally to be grand­father and uncle played domain of adult, male tenors) now titled The Mellstock Quire, begins for the choir in the west gallery prevailed, and new harmoniums, on Christmas Eve soon after a new of Stinsford church, also playing barrel or pipe organs sounded vicar has arrived in the village secular tunes for dances at nearby the death knell for the old church and upset the church choir. The farmhouses and inns. bands and their fiddles, cellos, actual choir at Stinsford had been The tunes then used for rural clarinets, flutes, bassoons and ser- replaced with a barrel organ in church services were usually by pents. Extensive Victorian church 1841, just after Hardy was born, local, untutored composers, and ‘restorations’ usually also resulted and the gallery was removed in often had names that reflected in the removal of galleries. 1843, much to his family’s disgust. the locality. This raw, vibrant Hardy’s Under the Greenwood The Hardys continued to play for secular dances and events, and young Thomas proved himself to be a very competent fiddle player, learning hundreds of tunes from the family repertoire. However, he clearly loved the old-style ‘west gallery music’, and his resentment at its demise explains his portrait of Parson May- bold as an arrogant, unappealing character, in contrast to the choir’s lovingly portrayed rustics. The following comprises a few abridged extracts from the novel: The Christmas Eve Party The main room was decked with holly and other evergreens, and Hardy’s sketch of Stinsford west gallery based on his father’s accounts from the middle of the ceiling hung

Dorchester Voice 16 November-December 2014 Celebrating a merry musical Mellstock Christmas! music-books were arranged, and the pieces finally decided upon. Old William Dewy, with the violincello, played the bass; his grandson Dick the treble violin; and Reuben and Michael Mail the tenor and second violins respec- tively. The singers consisted of four men and seven boys, upon whom devolved the task of carrying and attending to the lanterns, and hold- ing the books open for the players. “Now mind, neighbours,” he said, as they all went out one by Thomas Hardy, by William Strang one at the door, he himself holding it ajar and regarding them with a in at people’s gates; but go quietly, Drunken fiddlers – a fairly typical Victorian Christmas scene, it seems! critical face as they passed, like a so as to strike up all of a sudden, the mistletoe, of a size out of all shepherd counting out his sheep. like spirits.” proportion to the room, extending “You two counter-boys, keep your Christmas Morning so low that it became necessary for ears open to Michael’s fingering, The music on Christmas mornings a full-grown person to walk round and don’t ye go straying into the was frequently below the standard it in passing, or run the risk of treble part along o’ Dick and his of church-performances at other entangling his hair. set, as ye did last year; and mind times. The boys were sleepy from This apartment contained Mrs this especially when we be in the heavy exertions of the night; Dewy the tranter’s wife, and the ‘Arise, and hail.’ the men were slightly wearied; and four remaining children, Susan, “Billy Chimlen, don’t you sing now, in addition to these constant Jim, Bessy, and Charley – the eldest quite so raving mad as you fain reasons, there was a dampness in of the series being separated from would; and, all o’ ye, whatever the atmosphere that further aggra- Dick the firstborn by a nearly equal ye do, keep from making a great vated the evil. interval. scuffle on the ground when we go Their strings, from recent long Going the Rounds Shortly after ten o’clock the singing-boys arrived at the tranter’s house, and preparations were made for the start. The older men and musicians wore thick coats, with stiff per- pendicular collars, and coloured handkerchiefs wound round and round the neck which just showed their ears and noses, like people looking over a wall. The remainder, stalwart ruddy men and boys, were dressed main- ly in snow-white smock-frocks, embroidered upon the shoulders and breasts. The cider-mug was emptied for the ninth time, the The new west gallery in Stinsford Church

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 17 Dorchester Voice ‘Brazen hussies – they were as loud as we!’ exposure to the night air, rose whole semitones, mild and real. Only the initiated body of men he and snapped with a loud twang at the most silent addressed could understand the horrible bitterness moment; which necessitated of irony that lurked under more retiring than ever to the the quiet words “useless back of the gallery, and made ones”, and the ghastliness of throats quite husky with the the laughter apparently so quantity of coughing and hem- natural. ming required for tuning in. Mr Maybold looked cross. Hardy also used the When the singing was in demise of the church choir progress there was suddenly a in a short comic tale, also set strong and shrill reinforcement at Christmas – Absent-mind- from some point, ultimately edness in a Parish Church found to be the school-girls’ (1891), set in the parish of aisle. At every attempt it grew Longpuddle (based on Pud- bolder and more distinct. dletown, where his cousins At the third time of singing, the Sparks family lived). This these intrusive feminine voices is an abridged version: were as mighty as those of the It happened on Sunday regular singers. Now this had after Christmas – the last never happened before within Sunday ever they played in memory. The girls, like the rest Longpuddle church gallery, of the congregation, had always as it turned out, though they been humble and respectful A Christmas card from the Hardys didn’t know it then. The followers of the gallery, never interfering with the players formed a very good band – almost as good ordinances of these practised artists. as the Mellstock parish players, and that’s saying Directly the fiddles were laid down, and the text a great deal – all sound and powerful musicians, had been given out, an indignant whispering began. and strong-winded men. For that reason they were “Did ye hear that, souls?” Mr Penny said, in a very much in demand Christmas week for reels groaning breath. and dancing parties; for they could turn a jig or a “Brazen-faced hussies!” said Bowman. hornpipe out as well as ever they could turn out a “True; why, they were every note as loud as we, psalm, and perhaps better, not to speak irreverent. fiddles and all, if not louder!” In short, one half-hour they could be playing a “Fiddles and all!” echoed Bowman bitterly. Christmas carol in the squire’s hall to the ladies and “Shall anything saucier be found than united gentlemen, and drinking tay and coffee with ’em as ’ooman?” Mr Spinks murmured. modest as saints; and the next, at The Tinker’s Arms, “What I want to know is,” said the tranter, “what blazing away like wild horses with the ‘Dashing business people have to tell maidens to sing like White Sergeant’ to nine couple of dancers and that when they don’t sit in a gallery, and never have more, and swallowing rum-and-cider hot as flame. entered one in their lives? That’s the question, my Well, this Christmas they’d been out to one rat- sonnies.” tling randy after another every night, and had got “Tis the gallery have got to sing, all the world next to no sleep at all. Then came the Sunday after knows,’ said Mr Penny. “Why, what’s the use o’ Christmas, their fatal day. the ancients spending scores of pounds to build Twas so mortal cold that year they could hardly galleries if people down in the lowest depths of the sit in the gallery; for though the congregation down church sing like that at a moment’s notice?” in the body of the church had a stove to keep off “Really, I think we useless ones had better march the frost, the players in the gallery had nothing at out of church, fiddles and all!” said Mr Spinks, with all. So Nicholas said at morning service, “Please the a laugh which, to a stranger, would have sounded Lord I won’t stand this numbing weather no longer:

Dorchester Voice 18 November-December 2014 this afternoon we’ll have something in our insides to with him, and went and stood in front of the gallery, make us warm, if it cost a king’s ransom.” and shook his fist in the musicians’ faces, saying, So he brought a gallon of hot brandy and beer, “What! In this reverent edifice! What!” ready mixed, to church with him in the afternoon, At last they heard ’n through their playing, and and by keeping the jar well wrapped up it kept stopped. drinkably warm till they wanted it, which was just “Never such an insulting, disgraceful thing – nev- a thimbleful in the absolution, another after the er!” says the squire, who couldn’t rule his passion. creed, and the remainder at the beginning o’ the “Never!” says the pa’son, who had come down sermon. When they’d had the last pull they felt quite and stood beside him. comfortable and warm, and as the sermon went on “Not if the angels of Heaven come down” says – most unfortunately for ’em it was a long one that the squire (he was a wickedish man, though now for afternoon – they fell asleep, every man jack of ’em; once he happened to be on the Lord’s side) – “shall and they slept as sound as rocks. one of you villanous players ever sound a note in The sermon being ended at last, the pa’son gie’d this church again!” out the evening hymn. But no choir set about sound- Then the unfortunate band remembered where ing up the tune, and people began to turn their they were; and ‘twas a sight to see Nicholas Pudding heads to learn the reason why, and then Levi Limpet, come and Timothy Thomas and John Biles creep a boy who sat in down the gallery the gallery, nudged stairs with their Timothy and “Hey? what?” says Nicholas, starting up; fiddles, and poor Nicholas, and said, Dan’l Hornhead “Begin! begin!” ‘and the church being so dark and his head with his serpent, “Hey? what?” so muddled he thought he was at the party and Robert says Nicholas, Dowdle with starting up; and the night before, and away he went, bow and his clarionet, all the church being fiddle, at ‘The Devil among the Tailors’ looking as little so dark and his as ninepins; and head so muddled ’ out they went. he thought he was at the party they had played the The pa’son might have forgi’ed ‘em when he learned night before, and away he went, bow and fiddle, at the truth o’t, but the squire would not. He sent for ‘The Devil among the Tailors,’ the favourite jig of our a barrel-organ that would play two-and-twenty new neighbourhood at that time. The rest of the band, psalm-tunes, so exact and particular that, however being in the same state of mind, followed with all sinful inclined you was, you could play nothing their strength. They poured out that there tune till the but psalm-tunes whatsomever, and the old players lower bass notes made the cobwebs in the roof shiv- played no more. er; then Nicholas, seeing nobody moved, shouted In 1909, Hardy wrote to the Restoration Com- out (in his usual commanding way when folk didn’t mittee of Stinsford church, who were planning to know the figures), “Top couples cross hands! And install a new organ: “If an organ be really required when I make the fiddle squeak at the end, every I should say, speaking for myself alone, that the old man kiss his pardner under the mistletoe!” west gallery should be re-erected for it. Such west The pa’son’s hair fairly stood on end when he galleries, which were unadvisedly destroyed in heard the evil tune raging through the church, and the last century are now getting replaced in some thinking the choir had gone crazy he held up his churches, there being no point in the edifice which hand and said: “Stop, stop, stop! What’s this?” But so completely controls the singing of the congrega- they didn’t hear ’n for the noise of their playing, and tion as a west gallery.” the more he called the louder they played. Hardy’s advice would eventually be acted upon, Then the folks came out of their pews, saying: but not until 1996 when a new gallery, designed “What do they mean by such wickedness! We shall by Roy Fewtrell of the Crickmay Partnership was be consumed like Sodom and Gomorrah!”; the installed along with a new organ. The Crickmay Part- squire came out of his pew, where lots of lords and nership was originally founded by GR Crickmay, for ladies visiting at the house were worshipping along whom Hardy had worked between 1869 and 1872. www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 19 Dorchester Voice Folklore & Heritage Twelve days of a Dorsetshire Christmas By Jerry Bird raditionally, Christmas was a time when family, friends and neighbours would gather Ttogether, and in the days before radio, televi- sion and the internet, would create their own amusements. Foremost among these in Victorian times was playing forfeits, which frequently involved word puzzles – for example, reciting a convoluted sen- tence or verse; a tongue-twister, or a rhyme such as The House that Jack Built, repeatedly without a mistake. Failure to do so would result in a forfeit being exacted. Redeeming forfeits usually involved the indi- vidual in question being obliged to undertake a task which made them seem ridiculous, such as climbing up the chimney, or divulging the name of a secret sweetheart. A favourite one was to make the victim sing in one corner of the room, dance in A chaste kiss under the mistletoe another, laugh in the next, and cry in the other. The Dorset poet William Barnes described a 6. The sixth day etc: variation on the game Musical Chairs, which he Six geese a-laying, and 5 – 1 knew as Snappen Tongs, in which those playing 7. The seventh day etc: stood up in a room in which there were chairs Seven swans a-swimming, and 6 – 1 for all but one of them, and when the tongs were 8. The eighth day etc: ‘snapped’ they all ran to sit down – the chairless Eight Hares a-running, and 7 – 1 one then being made to pay a forfeit. 9. The ninth day etc: Cumulative songs, those with a simple verse Nine bulls a-roaring, and 8 – 1 structure modified by progressive addition so that 10. The tenth day etc: each verse is longer than the previous one, were Ten men a-mowing, and 9 – 1 popular for playing forfeits. Barnes, who wrote 11. The eleventh day, etc: articles about Dorset folklore, contributed this in- Eleven dancers a-dancing, and 10 – 1 teresting local version of the cumulative Christmas 12. The twelfth day, etc: song The Twelve Days of Christmas to the Dorset Twelve fiddlers a-fiddling, and 11 – 1 County Chronicle in 1882: According to Barnes, when used in the game of 1. The first day of Christmas my true love sent to forfeits the last verse should be recited (or presum- me: ably sung) ‘all in one breath’. He also remarked The sprig of a Juniper Tree that ‘ten men a-mowing’ seemed to be rather 2. The second day etc: unseasonal, and thought it might originally have Two turtle doves, and 1 been ‘ten men a-mumming’, which makes much 3. The third day etc: more sense. Three French hens, and 2 – 1 Also, for those of you who may wish to revive 4. The fourth day etc: this lesser-known Dorset version of the popular Four coloured birds, and 3 – 1 yuletide song, Barnes gives a colourful local 5. The fifth day etc: alternative for the first verse – ‘a peacock in a pear Five gold rings, and 4 – 1 tree’! Merry Christmas!

Dorchester Voice 20 November-December 2014 Green living Dorset website helps UK to go green orchester-based envi- ronmental group Dorset D Energized has gone nationwide after three years of continuous progress with its renewable energy website. Let’s Get Energized is a new national renewable energy com- munication hub that will have increased appeal for anyone interested in food, gardening and wildlife, and who wants to know more about green energy. Let’s Get Energized is an on- line guide to renewable energy National launch: Erik Blakeley (left), Vince Adams, Theresa McManus, with the latest news, views, tips, Anna Celeste Watson, Paul McIntosh and John Tomblin and special offers to help people Dorset Energized was origi- will continue to take part in local save energy, save money, beat nally founded by a small group events and energy roadshows rising energy prices, combat of renewable energy enthusiasts under Dorset Energized, and we climate change, and be more who first met in 2011 at a meet- will always be very proud that it self-sufficient and energy secure. ing of the Dorset Energy Partner- all started here in Dorset!” The site is packed full of ship’s Community Sustainable Over the past year Let’s Get useful and easy to understand Energy Working Group and Energized has successfully information on what renewable launched the website in 2011. teamed up with ethical energy technologies are available, from The group announced its companies, including the UK’s solar energy, wind and water expansion news to the Dorset only 100% renewable energy power, to renewable heat energy Sustainable Community Energy suppliers, Good Energy and and electric transport. Group at a meeting at the Dor- Ecotricity, both based in the Vince Adams, founder and ford Centre in Dorchester on 21 South-West, to offer site users spokesperson for Dorset Ener- October. special deals and incentives. gized and Let’s Get Energized, Vince says, “Dorset is a very “The key message is that if says, “Our aim is to communi- beautiful county and contains there is one thing we can all to cate at every level with the great such fabulous areas of outstand- today, whether we are renting success stories and important ing natural beauty, supporting or homeowners, single or with new developments that are high biodiversity and many rare a large family, is to switch to inspiring a new generation. species. Living here has helped a green energy supplier,” says “Since our website launched us understand how much more Vince. “Many green energy our team have realised that we need to work together with tariffs are now also competitive much of the information is nature, rather than against it, to in price to ‘the big six’ and both relevant for all UK home-owners meet our local and UK renew- Ecotricity and Good Energy have and tenants, so this October able energy targets. rapidly grown their customer we expanded to become Let’s “Our aim is to continue to base over the past year. Good Get Energized. We are also very provide impartial advice and Energy is investing in several excited to welcome new blogger information, in a friendly format, solar farm projects in Dorset.” Holly Barber from The Simon and to support people connect- For more information, visit King Wildlife Project.” ing with renewable energy. We letsgetenergized.co.uk. www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 21 Dorchester Voice Wine & Dine A touch of Gallic charm at the Square

The popular Côte Brasserie chain is the latest addition to Brewery Square

Côte Brasserie were served somehow lacked panache, however. aving noticed the forthcoming opening of We enjoyed a bottle of Cave de Saumur with our the much talked-about restaurant franchise meal (not too pricey at £17.50), and afterwards, Hto open at the Brewery Square develop- as a digestif, I had a splendidly mellow Calvados, ment, a friend and I decided to have lunch there on served, correctly, in a warmed glass, which at its opening day. £3.25, seemed very reasonable. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable All in all an enjoyable lunch, and good value for about the extensive menu, which features largely money, with the possible exception of the bread classic, if fairly unadventurous French cuisine. basket, which is often provided gratis in French After a mistake in our apéritif order had been restaurants, but here cost £1.95 for five thin slices quickly and apologetically rectified, we settled on of sourdough baguette. the two-course lunch and early-evening menu at Also, watch out for the ‘discretionary optional £9.95. gratuity’ of 12.5% which was automatically added My starter, a warm flatbread with caramelised to our bill and entered into the card machine onions and camembert, served on a small plank, without mention, which caused our embarrassed was delicious; my companion’s cured French waitress to have to cancel the transaction and re- mountain ham with celeriac remoulade was simi- enter the total. larly appreciated, and was, he said, ‘beautifully I will probably visit the Côte Brasserie again, dressed’. most likely in the summer, as the outside seat- For the main course, we both chose the pan- ing provides an opportunity to avoid the irritating roasted chicken breast with garlic butter and frîtes, piped music within, and Brewery Square itself is which was perfectly cooked, subtly seasoned and certainly a more interesting place to sit and dine quite sufficient for a light lunch. I did think that than the Côte’s somewhat bland interior. the small black plastic bucket in which the frîtes Jerry Bird

Dorchester Voice 22 November-December 2014 New Hardy centre opens at Thorncombe A new visitor centre that brings together Thomas Hardy’s cottage and the surrounding landscape has been officially opened. The centre is a joint project between Dorset County Council and the National Trust. Visitors will be able to find out more about Thomas Hardy and the nearby landscape which influ- enced his work. The timber-built visitor centre is located in Thorncombe woods, at Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester. The cottage is a The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset officially opens the new Hardy visitor centre 15-minute walk from the new project. Sensitively designed to and an office and workshop. building through a wonderful ex- have minimal impact on its set- It also has space for school ample of broadleaved woodland. ting, and built where the Dorset and community groups to use, At a ceremony HM Lord- Countryside Rangers’ local depot and will provide a significant Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus previously stood, the new visitor service in helping visitors to Campbell, cut the ribbon to centre will provide interpretation access, use, and learn from both celebrate the completion of the and refreshment facilities, toilets, the cottage and the wood.

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 23 Dorchester Voice Dorchester Arts Scene Library marks 25 years after beating closure

Twenty-five years ago Major-General Mark Bond of- ficially opened the library at Crossways. In that same year, the war memorial was installed in the village to honour those who were stationed in Crossways during the two wars. Also in that year, a young woman, Marilyn Wheller, returned to the village where she was born. Two years ago she took over the management of the library: a library where today thanks to the enthusiasm and time of a number of people who have set up groups such as Knit n’Natter, Writing for Fun, Photography, Local History, Family History, and The 25th anniversary of the opening of Crosswasy library reading groups, the library is flourishing. Twenty-five years on, Crossways library has cel- The library was threatened with closure in 2006 ebrated its success. Among the guests was the first and again in 2010, but today thanks to the Friends librarian at Crossways, Chris Galpin. of the library, the library has flourished in parallel Perhaps the most remarkable event was the with many others up and down the country who unveiling of a 28ft genealogical banner of the Icke have embraced the changing needs of the public. family. Encouraged by Tricia Virgo who runs the There are 17 volunteers who assist Marilyn in Family History group, Mrs Icke had traced her fam- enabling the library’s opening times to be extended. ily back to 1632.

Local artists and quality interiors at Gallery Home Accomplished local painter Simon Read has built a considerable reputation for the atmospheric sea- scapes he creates in the studio from sketches made in his favourite corners of the West Dorset coast. There are currently some excellent pictures by Simon at the Gallery and at Gallery Home, ranging from small seascape studies to larger canvases. Gallery Home is the second shop from the peo- ple who set up Gallery On The Square, Poundbury. Owner Stephanie Murdock said: “Since we opened Gallery On The Square, things have really moved on. With a growing number of shops in the same area, more and more people are coming to Poundbury to shop – very often for things which you don’t find on the high street. “We have always had a small range of furniture and lighting. Now Gallery Home gives us more opportunity to showcase lovely lamps, chairs, tables and interior accessories.” Gallery Home can be found in Lower Blakemere Road, between Queen Mother Square and the Gallery Home in Lower Blakemere Road, Poundbury Butter­market in Poundbury.

Dorchester Voice 24 November-December 2014 Dorchester Arts Scene Try out writing for fun A sprinkling of Stardust

The Crossways Writing for Fun group meets on a In long-ago England, amidst tranquil fields and Thursday morning 10am to noon. meadows stands the tiny hamlet of Wall. A guard- Group members have lots of fun building up ed stone wall separates this quiet village from the their writing skills. Although the group never in- magical land of Faerie. tended to submit stories for publishing, it has hap- Here, a young man has lost his heart and mind pened and several have had their work published. to the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester. Then, However the sessions are simply about enjoying in the dead of night, a shooting star falls and so experimenting with writing and having fun. So begins the adventure of a lifetime. come and join us on a Thursday morning before In the luminescent glow of this star he will bat- Christmas and join in the lead-up to the festive sea- tle witches, sorcery, and fate, before finding his son. Novice writers from Crossways, Overmoigne, heart’s true desire. Warmwell, Moreton, Tincleton and Holworth (if This enchanting adventure for all the family is any have missed – apologies) are invited to join in full of eccentric characters, hilarious and thrill- the fun. ing moments, with haunting music, magic and The group intends to work closely with the mayhem. Dorset Writing Network to hold an event and work Based on the story by Neil Gaiman, Stardust was towards an e-book. We attend events and work- famously made into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer shops when held locally. and Robert De Niro in 2007. Suitable for age 5+ Telephone Sheena Dearness on 01305 854030 Stardust, Forest Forge Theatre Company, Wed 14 January, or simply turn up. 7:30pm. Toller Porcorum Village Hall. 01300 320373

www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 25 Dorchester Voice Dorchester Arts Scene Fracked or fiction? Ruarri’s welcome return Can the process of cracking rock underground lead to water contamination? Can fracking cause earthquakes? Could the wells that we drill to extract shale gas leak, and what can we learn from the history of drilling in the UK to date? Sam Almond from the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Durham leads the debate on the much-publicised and controversial topic of fracking. Café Sci, Fri 21 November, Dorchester Arts Centre, 7:30pm (doors and bar 7pm), free. Classical guitar fiesta Australian-born guitarist Craig Ogden is one of the world’s finest classical guitarists. Craig’s many recordings have received wide acclaim and his Classic FM albums The Guitarist, Summertime and Summer Guitar all reached num- ber one in the UK classical chart, with his Christ- Popular singer-songwriter Ruarri Joseph returns mas Time album dominating radio play during with new material as well as a selection from his the 2013 Christmas season. Craig has performed successful album Brother, which focuses on ideas concertos with all the principal UK orchestras, and of friendship, relationships and family. many others around the world. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Joseph’s work has also This programme will feature tracks from his earned him favourable comparisons to the chart- Christmas Time CD to get you in the seasonal topping pop savvy sounds of Damian Rice and mood, together with favourites of the guitar David Gray, artists which through no coincidence repertoire. Joseph now shares management with. Craig Ogden, Sun 7 December, Dorchester Arts Centre, 3pm Ruarri Joseph with support from Lily and Meg; Sun 23 (doors and bar 2:30pm), £14/£12 conc. November 8pm, Dorchester Arts Centre, £10/£8 conc. Taste of medieval Yuletide Swan Lake at Corn Exchange Christmas in the Middle Ages was very different Join Ballet Theatre UK with their spectacular new from the celebration that we know today – yet production of Tchaikovsky’s classic Swan Lake, many of our Yuletide customs stem from this which remains one of the most enduring, moving period, such as carol singing and kissing under the and irreplaceable classical ballets. mistletoe. Its fantastical plot filled with romance, sorcery, Blast from the Past explores the origins of some and betrayal tells the immortal tale of a princess of these practices featuring long-forgotten festive held captive as a swan by the spell of an evil magi- songs plus some surprisingly familiar carols, cian – a spell that can only be broken if a prince played on authentic instruments such as cittern, swears true love to her. bagpipes and shawm. Featuring new choreography by BTUK artistic They will also present two of Chaucer’s director Christopher Moore displayed in over 120 Canterbury Tales in all their finery – one of them new costumes against stunning sets, this produc- complete with animal masks and costumes. tion is a perfect start to the festive period. Blast from the Past – A Medieval Christmas, Fri 12 Decem- Swan Lake, Corn Exchange. Wed 17 December 7:30pm; ber, Dorchester Arts Centre, 8pm (doors and bar 7:30pm). Thurs 18 December 2:30pm and 7:30pm. £15/£13 £12/£10 conc. DA members/£11 concessions..

Dorchester Voice 26 November-December 2014 Dorchester Arts Scene Mark Steel’s in town again! Winter Mountain’s on song A live gig based on the Radio 4 series Mark Steel’s in Town, this show focuses entirely on whichever town he happens to be visiting and is always full of hilarious insight and mocking anecdotes exposing the town’s unique quirks and colloquialisms. Now it’s time to put the spotlight on Dorchester! Mark Steel’s In Town Again, Fri 28 November, Corn Exchange, 8pm (doors and bar 7:30pm), £15/£13 conc. Mucky Pup’s in Broadmayne Mucky Pup is a funny and touching story about a very tidy boy called Ben, a very scruffy dog and a very special friendship. One weekend Ben’s Mum borrows Mrs Ever reminisce on the days before digital recording Grainger’s great big, smelly, scruffy dog, Chatty. when the emphasis fell on the power of harmony At first it’s a disaster – Chatty promptly poos on and the essence of song? Hailing from Cornwall the carpet, puts dog hair everywhere and barks and Donegal, this duo brings you just that by very loudly. But, somehow, a curious friendship is blending melodic folk songs, heartfelt lyrics and about to be forged. (Recommended for 5+.) two pure voices into one stunning performance. Mucky Pup,, Sat 29 November, 3pm. Broadmayne Village Winter Mountain, Dorchester Arts Centre, Sat 29 November Hall. 01305 854205. £6, £5 u18s, £20 family 8pm West Gallery carols encore Simon Evans – Leashed Following the success of last year’s West Gallery Following two total-sellout runs at the Edinburgh Concerts, and the Hammond folk song workshops Festival and a hugely successful UK tour, star of and concert in the summer, the Ridgeway Singers C4’s Stand Up For The Week Simon Evans hits the and Band resume their rehearsals this autumn. road with his critically acclaimed show Leashed. Led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, the Simon Evans dreams of striking out into ‘the musicians and choir will also present two newly wild’ and slipping the surly bonds of suburbia. composed carols inspired by the South Dorset Come and hear his views on the growing swell of Ridgeway in a celebration of the Christmas spirit. earnest middle class ‘wilderness’ literature. West Gallery Carols, The Ridgeway Singers & Band, Sun 30 Simon Evans: Leashed, Fri 5 December, Corn Exchange, 8pm November, 3:30pm. St Mary the Virgin, Puddletown. 01305 (doors and bar 7:30pm) £14/£12 conc. 848510. £5 Smoking hot Slim Panatellas Midnight Train is running… Midnight Train always delivers the goods and this Slim Panatella and the Mellow Virginians line gig will be no different as we welcome the band up in a series of special concerts with original back to close the 2014 DA Blues season. members Hilary James, Simon Mayor and Andy Influences range from Bonnie Raitt to Little Baum joined by banjo wizard John Breeze for an Feat, Etta James to Bill Withers, Steely Dan, James evening of Bluegrass to Irving Berlin on mando- lins, fiddles, guitars and double-bass. Brown and Keb Mo. Good-time music firmly rooted in 1930s, 40s With the inimitable Sam Kelly on drums and and 50s America, with wonderful vocal harmonies. Debbie Giles on vocals, Midnight Train is bound Slim Panatella and the Mellow Virginians, Fri 5 December, to give us another night to remember. 7:30pm. Frampton Village Hall. 07968 586906. £9, £7 u18s; Midnight Train, Sat 13 December, DA Blues – Dorchester Sat 6 December, 7:30pm. Portesham Village Hall. 01305 Arts Centre, 8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm), £13/£6.50 conc. in 871925. £10, £8 u18s, £30 family. advance; £14/£7 conc. on the door. www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 27 Dorchester Voice Gig Guide pop, rock, jazz, classical…

November (Americana). Village Hall, Portesham 01305 871925 15 November 9.00pm The Crack. Tom Brown’s Dorchester 6 December 7.30pm Patchwork (Barn Dance). St Mary’s Church 01305 264020 House Hall, Bridport 01308 423442 15 November 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sister Act – Weymouth Pavilion 7 December 3-5.00pm Owen Lister (slide guitar). Durnovaria 16 November 3-5.00pm Tom Caulfield (acoustic covers). Durno- Wine Bar/Café 01305 756019 varia Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 7 December 2.30pm Craig Ogden (Classical guitar). Arts Centre, 16 November 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney Dorchester 01305 266926 Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 7 December 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney 17 November 8.30pm Traditional Folk Music Session. Goldies, Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 Dorchester 01305 458202 8 December 8.00pm Traditional music session, Fox & Hounds, 19 November 8.30pm Matt Tarling & Friends (Irish Folk Session). Cattistock 01300 320777 The Blue Raddle, Dorchester 01305 267762 9 December 7.30pm Met Opera, Barber of Seville (Rossini). Arts 19 November 8.30pm Jazz Club Open Session. The Three Com- Centre, Bridport 01308 424204 passes, Charminster 01305 263618 11 December 8-10.00pm Jamie Parker (pop/rock/indy covers). 19 November 7.30pm Aurora Wind Ensemble (classical trio). Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 Dorset County Museum, Dorchester 01305 262735 11 December 9.00pm Open Mic. Night. Tom Brown’s Dorchester 20 November 8-10.00pm Kipper (Americana). Durnovaria Wine 11 December 7.30pm James Lascelles Quartet (jazz). Village Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 Hall, Chetnole 01935 873555 21 November 8.00pm Dreadzone (reggae/dub). Electric Palace, 12 December 7.30pm James Lascelles Quartet (jazz). Pamela Bridport 01308 7428354 Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland 01258 880920 22 November 8.00pm-late Punk & Ska night (Five bands). 12 December 7.30pm Blast from the Past (Medieval Christmas Goldies, Dorchester 01305 458202 Music). Arts Centre, Dorchester 01305 266926 22 November 9.00pm Four Go Mad in Dorset. Tom Brown’s 13 December 7.30pm Midnight Train (DA Blues). Arts Centre, Dorchester 01305 264020 Dorchester 01305 266926 22 November 7.30pm The Internationally Renowned Opera 14 December 3-5.00pm Kipper (Americana). Durnovaria Wine Superstars – Sally Matthews and Finnur Bjarnason (Tenor). In aid Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 of West Stafford Village Hall. St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, 14 December 4-7.00pm Jerry Bird (Celtic & English folk with Dorchester. guitar/fiddle). Brewhouse & Kitchen, Dorchester 01305 265551 23 November 3-5.00pm Jerry Bird (Celtic & English folk with 14 December 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney guitar/fiddle). Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 23 November 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic Night, Sydney 15 December 8.30pm Goldies, Dorchester 01305 458202 Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 17 December 8.30pm Matt Tarling & Friends (Irish Folk Session). 23 November 7.30pm Ruarri Joseph + Lily & Meg (Singer/song- The Blue Raddle, Dorchester 01305 267762 writers). Arts Centre, Dorchester 01305 266926 17 December 8.30pm Jazz Club Open Session. The Three Com- 27 November 9.00pm Open Mic. Night. Tom Brown’s Dorches- passes, Charminster 01305 263618 ter 01305 264020 18 December 9.00pm Open Mic. Night. Tom Brown’s Dorches- 27 November 8-10.00pm Owen Lister & Tom Caulfield (slide ter 01305 264020 guitar/blues rock). Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café 18 December 8-10.00pm Andy Grant (indy covers guitar/loop- 27 November 7.30pm That’ll Be The Day. Weymouth Pavilion. er). Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 Adults £24, Seniors £22.50, Children under 16 £8.50. 18 December 1-2.00pm Lunchtime concert with Illumine (Piano 28 November 8-11.00pm DJ Jamie P (funk/soul/RnB classics). & Clarinet duet). Dorset County Museum, Dorchester Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 20 December 9.00pm Andy Grant Trio. Tom Brown’s Dorchester 28 November 7.30pm Mike Denham + Mike Piggott in violin 21 December 12-6.00pm All day Christmas Party (live music all (speakeasy night + dinner). Dorset County Museum, Dorchester day). Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 01305 262735 21 December 7.45pm Traditional Folk Music Session. Chalk & 28 November 7.30pm Kate Lissauer, Sonic Silents (Country trio). Cheese, Maiden Newton 01305 259250 Village Hall, Buckland Newton 01300 345455 21 December 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney 29 November 9.00pm Tom Toomey. Tom Brown’s Dorchester Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 01305 264020 28 December 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney 29 November 7.30pm Ruarri Joseph + Lily & Meg (melodic Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 folk). Arts Centre, Dorchester 01305 266926 31 December 9.00pm Mama Feelgood. Tom Brown’s Dorchester 30 November 3-5.00pm Late Mouth Blake (vintage blues). January Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café 01305 756019 6 January 8.30pm Traditional Folk Music Session. The Blue Rad- 30 November 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney dle, Dorchester 01305 267762 Arms, Dorchester 01305 259250 6 January 8.30pm Jazz Club. The Three Compasses, Charminster 30 November 3.30pm Ridgeway Singers & Band (west gallery 01305 263618 carols) St Mary the Virgin, Puddletown 01305 848510 8 January 9.00pm Open Mic. Night. Tom Brown’s Dorchester December 01305 264020 3 December 8.30pm Traditional Folk Music Session. The Blue 10 January 7.30pm Met Opera, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Raddle, Dorchester 01305 267762 (Wagner). Arts Centre, Bridport 01308 424204 3 December 8.30pm Jazz Club. The Three Compasses, Charmin- 10 January 7.30pm DA Blues – Becca Langsford & Vince Lee ster 01305 263618 with support from Thomas Ford, Dorchester Arts Centre 4 December 9.00pm Open Mic. Night. Tom Brown’s Dorchester 11 January 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney Arms, 01305 264020 Dorchester 01305 259250 4 December 8-11.00pm Jack Daniels (pop/rock/indy covers). 12 January 8.00pm Traditional music session, Fox & Hounds, Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 Cattistock 01300 320777 5 December 7.30pm ‘Bluegrass to Irving Berlin’ – Slim Panatella 15 January 9.00pm Open Mic. Night. Tom Brown’s Dorchester –Frampton Village Hall. 07968 586906 18 January 3-5.00pm Jerry Bird (Celtic & English folk with guitar/ 5 December 9.00pm Andy Grant Trio. Tom Brown’s Dorchester fiddle). Durnovaria Wine Bar/Café, Dorchester 01305 756019 01305 264020 18 January 7.30pm Songwriters’ Open Mic. Night, Sydney Arms, 6 December 7.30pm ‘Bluegrass to Irving Berlin’ – Slim Panatella Dorchester 01305 259250 – Portesham Village Hall. 01305 871925 22 January 7:30pm. Lady Maisery (folk), Piddletrenthide Memo- 6 December 7.30pm Slim Panatella & the Mellow Virginians rial Hall. 01300 348247

Dorchester Voice 28 November-December 2014 Out & About

November aid of the children in the West Dorset Women’s Refuge. Town Up to 16 November Bridport Literary Festival. Various venues Hall, Corn Exchange. £2.50 on the door around the town. Contact TIC 01308 424901 29 November-24 December Santa Specials – Swanage Steam 13-15 November 8.00pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) ‘My Mother Railway. 01929 425800 said I Never Should’ by Charlotte Keatley – Somerleigh Players 29 November-21 December Santa at Farmer Palmers, Organford, in association with Dorchester Arts – Dorchester Arts Centre. Poole. 01305 266926 30 November 3.30pm West Gallery Carols – The Ridgeway 14 November 7.30pm Dorchester Moose – Charity Dance – Performers – Puddletown Church. 01305 848510 Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion. £8.50 with all proceeds to 30 November Nothe Victorian Christmas Event, Weymouth. Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. TIC 01305 267992 30 November 10.00am-3.00pm Traditional Christmas Market. 14 November 7.30pm ‘Six Impossible Things’ – Avanti Display & Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester. Artizani – West Stafford Village Hall. 01305 261984 30 November 11.00am Weldmar’s Family Santa Fun Run. Joseph 14 November 5.30-8.00pm Dorchester Thanksgiving Party, Weld Hospice. Register online at weld-hospice.org.uk/santarun Dorset County Museum. £15 per ticket to include performance December of a Mummers Play by the New Hardy Players and traditional 2 December 12.30pm Christmas Lunchtime Food, Fun & Frol- folk music by Jerry Bird. 01305 756827 ics at The Brewers Fayre, Lodmoor Pub, Preston Beach Road, 15 November 9.30am-2.00pm Dorset County Boundary Re- Weymouth. Includes Carol Singers, Festive Fun & Games, A search Group Seminar. Dorset County Museum. 01935 816764 Ridiculous Terry the Turkey, Hilarious Seasonal Stories, Father 15 November 6.00-9.00pm Southill Fireworks Event, Budmouth Christmas PLUS a Delicious TWO Course Traditional Turkey College, Weymouth. £5 pp, children 16 and under free when Meal. Only £9.99 – Numbers Limited so BOOK NOW! Book- accompanied by adult. Includes main stage entertainment. ings only through Iain Campbell 01305 768446 15 November 7.30pm ‘Six Impossible Things’ – Avanti Display & 4 December Dorchester Christmas Cracker Night. Artizani – Toller Porcorum Village Hall. 01300 320373 5 December 7.30pm Archaeology Lecture. Dorset County 16 November 7.30pm ‘Six Impossible Things’ – Avanti Display & Museum. Book at museum shop 01305 756827 Artizani – Child Okeford Village Hall. 01258 861391 5 December 12.30pm Christmas Lunchtime Food, Fun & Frol- 16 November 3.30pm ‘Hansel & Gretel’ – Horse & Bamboo ics at The Brewers Fayre, Lodmoor Pub, Preston Beach Road, – Portesham Village Hall. 01305 871925 * rescheduled from 4 Weymouth. Includes Carol Singers, Festive Fun & Games, A November* Ridiculous Terry the Turkey, Hilarious Seasonal Stories, Father 16 November 2.00-4.00pm Dorset Button Christmas Decoration Christmas PLUS a Delicious TWO Course Traditional Turkey Workshop. Artisan Craft Workshop. Elsorthy Hall, Winterbourne Meal. Only £9.99 – Numbers Limited so BOOK NOW! Book- Monkton. £10 per person. Book on line at the Artisan Dorset ings only through Iain Campbell 01305 768446 shop on Folksy.com 5 December 8.00pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) Simon Evans: 16 November 10.30-3.30pm Martinstown Craft Fair. Village Leashed – Comedy – Corn exchange. 01305 266926 Hall, Martinstown. 5 December 3.00pm Weymouth Victorian Shownight. 17 November 7.00-10.00pm Sunshine and Shade: Butterflies 6 December Poundbury Farmers’ Market and Badgers in Britain Today. Free talk at Thomas Hardye School. 6 December 10.30am-12.30pm Young Archaeologist’s Club. 20 November 7.30pm ‘Himalayan Journeys’ – Ben Osborne – Dorset County Museum. 01305 756827 Chetnole Village Hall. 01935 873555 6 December 7.00pm Call My Wine Bluff. DA Fundraiser. 21 November 7.30pm (doors & bar 7.00pm) Fracked or Fiction Brownsword Hall, Poundbury. Tickets £15 (includes 6 wines to wit Sam Almond – Café Sci – Dorchester Arts Centre. 01305 taste followed by a glass of wine and canapés. 01305 266926 266926 6 December-4 January Christmas at Corfe Castle. 01929 481294 21 November 7.30pm Passion – AsOne Theatre. Weymouth 6-24 December Meet Father Christmas – Weymouth Sea Life Pavilion. Adults £14, Seniors £12 and Under 25s £5. 01305 Adventure Park. 08714232110 783225 or [email protected] 6-7 December Wartime Christmas Special – Bovington Tank 22 November Dorchester Farmers’ Market Museum. 01929 405096 22 November-24 December Phyllis Wolff: An exhibition of 9 December 4.30pm Weldmar’s Light up a Life Service. Abbots- recent paintings – Dorset County Museum. 01305 266926 bury Subtropical Gardens. 23 November 7.30pm ‘The Whispering Road’ – Serious Kitchen 10 December 6.30 for 7.00pm Geology Lecture. Dorset County – Milborne St Andrew Village Hall. 01258 839230 Museum. 01305 756827 23 November 8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) Ruarri Joseph Plus Lily 10 December 1.00-3.30pm Adult Craft Workshop – Make a and Meg – Dorchester Arts Centre. 01305 266926 Teddy Bear II. Dorset County Museum. Book at shop@dorset- 26 November 8.00pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) Stateless – Joli countymuseum.org Vyann – Dance/Circus – Corn Exchange. 01305 266926 10 December 6.30 for 7.00pm Geology Lecture: Ignite! – Mem- 27 November 7.00pm Talk by Michael Hill about his new book, bers’ Christmas Party. Non-members welcome. Dorset County Country Houses of West Dorset. Dorset County Museum. Book Museum. Book on 01305 756827 at [email protected] 10-11 December 7.00-10.00pm Back to the ’80s. The Bay 27 November 7.00 for 7.30pm Wine Tasting Evening at Palmers Theatre, Cranford Avenue, Weymouth. Adult £9 Concessions £7. Wine Store, Dorchester. Two course dinner & tutored tasting 01305 208715 £32.50 per head. 01308 427500 11 December-4 January Aladdin. Weymouth Pavilion. Adults 28 November 8pm (doors and bar 7.30) Mark Steele – Corn £13, Seniors and Children under 16 £11. 01305 783225 or Exchange. 01305 266926 [email protected] 28 November 7.30pm Artsreach present Kate Lissauer – Sonic 13 December 11.00am-3.00pm Journey to the Stable. Dorches- Silents. Marnhull Village Hall. £8, £6 u18s, £25 family.01258 ter United Reform Church 820381 17 December 7.30pm Swan Lake – Ballet Theatre UK – Corn 29 November 3.00pm ‘Mucky Pup’ – Theatre Alibi – Broad- exchange. 01305 266926 mayne Village Hall. 01305 854205 17 December 7.30-10.30pm BSC Noel Noel. Christmas concert 29 November 7.30pm Artsreach present Kate Lissauer – Sonic at Dorset County Museum. Tickets £14 from TIC 01305 267992 Silents. Buckland Newton Village Hall. £8, £6 u18s. 01300 17-20 December 11.00am-3.00pm Journey to the Stable. 345455 Dorchester United Reform Church 29 November 8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) Winter Mountain – 18 December 2.30pm&7.30pm - Swan Lake – Ballet Theatre UK Dorchester Arts Centre. 01305 266926 – Corn exchange. 01305 266926 29 November Craft Fair – Corn Exchange 20 December Dorchester Farmers’ Market 29 November Reclaim the Night March and Charity Auction in 20 December Christmas Carolling – Max Gate. 01305 262538 www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 29 Dorchester Voice Out & About

20 December Craft Fair – Corn Exchange Leroc Dance Classes - Tuesday Evenings 21 December 7.15am Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle. Watch the Taekwondo - Tuesday Evening sunrise on the shortest day from the castle ruins, £10 to include Fizzy Boppers - Children’s Dance Classes - Wednesdays am hot breakfast in the tearooms. 01929 481294 Bridge Lessons - Wednesday Evenings 25 December Christmas Day Harbour Swim. Weymouth Salsa Cascara - Salsa Classes - Wednesdays 27 December Swanage Railway Winter Warm Up – Mini gala Dorchester Country Market - Friday Mornings day. Dorchester Family Church - Sunday Mornings 31 December-3 January Peter Pan. The Electric Palace, Bridport. January Dorchester Community Orchestra meet fortnightly from 14 14 January, 7:30pm Stardust, Forest Forge Theatre Company, Tol- September. 01305 266926 ler Porcorum Village Hall. 01300 320373, www.artsreach.co.uk Pop Club meet on Saturday mornings from 20 September at 17 January, 7:30pm Pip Utton is ‘Casanova in Love’, Milborne St Dorchester Arts Centre. 01305 266926 Andrew Village Hall. 01258 837371, www.artsreach.co.uk Viva Woman’s Choir meet on Thursdays 7.30pm-9.00pm at Dorchester Arts Centre. 07826 385301 Corn Exchange regular clubs/bookings: Dorchester Youth Theatre meet on Tuesdays at Dorchester Arts Dorchester Bridge Club - Monday Evenings Centre. www.dorchyouththeatre.co.uk Rare church silver on display at museum In Christian churches, the act of communion has period for church and domestic silver, and Paul always been the most important religious ceremo- de Lamerie is generally accepted as the greatest ny. Traditionally congregations wished to have the silversmith of the time – some say of all time. On very best communion vessels that they display is one of the three silver-gilt com- (or their richest members) could afford. munion sets made by de Lamerie for Dorset As a result Dorset churches have a churches. wealth of beautiful and rare collections In the mid-1800s a new Anglo-Catholic of silver, some of it so valuable that it movement wanted to bring more powerful has to be stored in bank vaults. A new emotional symbolism and energy to the exhibition at Dorset County Museum Church. More elaborate church interiors provides a rare opportunity to see some were introduced and the design of com- of the finest pieces in the UK. munion ware moved to a more medieval The new temporary exhibition in the style. The chalice on show from St Peter’s Museum’s Victorian Gallery tells the church Parkstone is a fine example of the story of Christianity for more than 2,000 richness and ebullience of this style. The years – from pre-Reformation times chalice is inlaid with semi-precious stones, to the present day. Crafted by world- with a diamond cross on the front, reputed famous silversmiths, the pieces include to be from necklace owned by the donor. the Coombe Keynes Chalice from the Victoria and Dorset’s Church Treasure: An exhibition of Ecclesiastical Silver Albert Museum in London – an object of huge at Dorset County Museum, Dorchester runs until 18 April 2015. national importance. Dorset appears to have had a strong Chris- tian community as far back as Roman times. An Tell us about your events! example of this tradition is a Roman spoon from The Dorchester Voice is here to support the local Dorchester with a ‘fish’ Christian cipher. community, and we need you to tell us about your By the early 16th century England was a de- upcoming events. voutly Christian country and only the priest was Our aim is to have a comprehensive listing of normally allowed to take full communion. He everything going on in and around Dorchester. Let drank wine from a vessel called a chalice and took us know about all your community events, concerts, bread, in the form of an unleavened wafer, from a gigs, amateur dramatic productions – in fact pretty small plate called a paten. Church silver from this much anything going on locally, and we will try to period in England are rare and in Dorset only three include them in the magazine and/or the Dorches- survive. All of these can be seen in the exhibition. ter Voice website. Please email your listings to Many consider the 18th century as the greatest [email protected].

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Information in this magazine is published in good faith. The Dorchester Voice does not accept any liability for the accu- racy of any material included, nor from any losses or claims arising from any such inaccuracies. All contributions are accepted on the basis that they are free from any copyright restrictions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s written permission. Published by New Media Horizons Ltd, 7 Durngate Street, Dorchester DT1 1JP. ©2014 www.dorchestervoice.co.uk 31 Dorchester Voice Dorchester Voice 32 November-December 2014