It’s our 60th issue – Happy 5th Birthday to The BV!
This month, we’re digging into what happens when dog rescue centres get it wrong, talking to Minette Batters ahead of this year’s Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show (and yes, there’s a six-page show special too), and – staying on a theme – catching up with Simon Ledger, the voice of every agricultural show you’ve ever been to. Whether it’s scurry racing, prize bulls or steam engines, it’s Simon who talks you through the finer points of what you’re watching in the main ring.
We’re also looking at why North Dorset needs a tech college, talk to Matt Riggs about a Parkinson’s diagnosis at 48, the Dorset insider is telling us to BRACE for Dorset’s new Local Plan (50,000 more houses anyone?), and this month’s Grumbler is grumpy about twins (the town variety). I sat down with James Gibson-Fleming, and the Okeford Butterboys are 125.
My top reads this month:
- Unlicensed rescue centres – when they get it wrong, dogs and families pay the price. One Dorset family’s heartbreaking story lifts the lid on a poorly regulated sector.
- ‘Flip-flopping is killing confidence’ – Farming needs clarity, not chaos. Minette Batters speaks frankly ahead of her appearance at the G&S Show.
- Six-page Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show special – what’s on, what’s not to miss, and why we’ll see you at the main ring.
- In farming, Andrew surprises everyone with a column in praise of Trump. Also: the NFU’s Tim Gelfs wants to know why on earth we’re importing tomato-shaped water.
- The Tizzards are back! After a summer off, Chris Wald catches up with Courtenay ahead of the new racing season.
- And yes – of course – our usual ridiculous amount of amazing readers’ photography.
The BV – every month we’re jam-packed with Dorset and some frankly stunning photography. And it’s FREE. Why wouldn’t you want a flick through?
Dear Editor,
We are writing on behalf of Stour Valley Dog Rescue regarding your recent article, “Unlicensed rescues put dogs and families at risk,” published in the August 2025 edition of Blackmore Vale.
While we understand the importance of highlighting responsible dog adoption, we were disappointed by the way our organisation was portrayed.
The article focused solely on one negative adopter experience, without acknowledging the many successful adoptions we have facilitated over the years. We have countless examples of dogs thriving in loving homes, which represent the vast majority of our rehoming outcomes.
It also stated that we “did not respond to comment,” which is inaccurate. We explained that this is an exceptionally busy time of year and that we were unable to commit to a full interview at that moment.
The piece referred to our rescue as “unlicensed,” but this is misleading. Currently, there is no licensing scheme for dog rescues in the UK. We have consistently supported the introduction of a formal licensing system and would welcome its creation to ensure high standards across the sector.
Unfortunately, a recent issue with a neighbour has led to a smear campaign intended to damage the rescue’s reputation. We are treating this with the contempt it deserves and remain focused on the welfare of the dogs in our care.
Our priority has always been the welfare of the dogs we rescue and rehome, and we remain proud of the work we do to transform the lives of dogs and their new families.
We would appreciate it if you could publish this clarification to ensure your readers receive a fair and accurate understanding of our work.
Yours sincerely,
Stour Valley Dog Rescue