Dorset’s new adult day care plans could see centre closures – critics say proposals ignore facilities, users’ needs and rural transport challenges
The purpose-built Blandford Day Care Centre is declared too large, with poor public transport access, despite the bus stop at the front entrance
Dorset Council, created in 2019 as a Conservative led authority and under Liberal Democrat control since the May 2024 election, has outlined proposals for major changes to the way it intends to provide day care for vulnerable residents across the county. A consultation document issued on 11th March outlined the ‘hub and spoke’ schemes proposed, and gave interested parties 90 days, until 9th June, to make their views known. The issues facing users and their carers, across the five areas of the county, are varied and complex. Six hundred people in Dorset use the adult day care services every day, and just over 300 of them are placed with Care Dorset, the council’s ‘trading partner.’ Currently in North Dorset, four day centres provide adult services to 68 residents. Of these, 21 visit the Blandford area centre, six attend Sherborne, five attend Shaftesbury and 34 attend Sturminster Newton.
Hub proposal The consultation document explains that the users of the day care centres and their carers were asked about their experiences in 2021 and again in 2023, and asked for a wider choice of local activities and more flexible options, including activities in the evenings and at weekends. It continues: ‘We propose to introduce hubs across the county, where people can go to access information, make connections to everything that is going on in their local area and take part in some activities.’ But critics of the new scheme fear that the cash-strapped council is really proposing the closure of centres and the removal of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community. Rob Mariner, a full-time defence industry worker whose wife has early-onset dementia and attends the Blandford centre twice a week, welcomes the respite from worry that he relies on while she is being cared for. Moving her care to Sturminster would be an hour’s round trip, eating into his work time. Rob has started a petition against the closure of the existing centres. A parent who has taken many months persuading her adult son to attend the centre at Blandford fears he will not be willing to go to a ‘new’ centre at Sturminster. They and other carers criticise the consultation document for omitting mention of important and well-used facilities, like the garden and cafe at the current Blandford centre, which is the most modern, was purpose built and has a bus stop right outside, meaning that public transport is not an issue. The council document says that more than half of the people who attend day opportunities have their service delivered by Care Dorset in council-owned buildings, which are large and in need of updating. The proposals for the new hubs, and their spokes, are outlined in the document, but critics question the huge disparity in the numbers of people using the service between the various towns in North Dorset.
Rob Mariner and his wife Mary, who has early onset dementia, rely on the Blandford Day Centre
If you want to have your say over the Dorset Council proposals, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/better-days Dorset Council invites the public to attend two online events via Teams to share their thoughts on the proposal: 15th May at 6pm here 4th June at 6pm here Rob Mariner’s petition to stop the closure of day centres in North Dorset is at Change.org
A glorious sunny Sunday brought out runners, families and spectators for Shaftesbury Rotary’s second Family Fun Run – and what a brilliant morning it was. With around 150 entries, runners chose between 5km and 10km routes, both finishing with the famous climb up Gold Hill. The course, entirely within Shaftesbury, took participants along some of the town’s lesser-known but scenic streets, offering a fresh view of this beautiful town. A highlight for many was the Jelly Baby station at Bimport, cheerfully manned by Abbey Primary School RotaKids George, Iris, Lily and Sophia – who heroically resisted the temptation to snack! Shaftesbury Primary RotaKids Sanya, Poppy, Verity and Jack were stationed at the finish line, proudly handing out medals. Both enthusiastic RotaKid teams were invaluable, helping to make the event a success. Proceeds will go to Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital, and Rotary extends thanks to returning sponsors Bloomfield Associates Ltd, as well as BAD (Brave and Determined) for running the coffee trailer. shaftesburyrotaryclub.org date for the diary: North Dorset Cycle Ride on 18th May – those completing two events qualify for a special Triathlon medal. Fingers crossed for more sunshine!
‘United for Jon’ fundraising night set for 31st May, as friends and neighbours step up to raise support for Gillingham dad Jon Over
Screenshot
Friends and neighbours across North Dorset and Somerset are coming together this month to support Jon Over, a former Royal Navy engineer and father-of-two who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). During his 23-year service in the Royal Navy, Jon was primarily based at Yeovilton air station, serving with 815 and 825 Naval Air Squadrons. He began by maintaining Lynx helicopters and later worked on the Wildcat. Before leaving the Navy as a chief petty officer, he was a staunch fundraiser and key member of many Fleet Air Arm and Navy sports teams, including rugby, tennis, cricket, golf and athletics. ‘Jon’s someone who has always been willing to give back,’ said his friend, Chief Petty Officer Dan ‘Whisky’ Walker. Jon and his family had only just moved into their dream home in Gillingham when they received the devastating diagnosis. With a prognosis of just one to three years, friends are rallying to raise funds that will allow Jon to create precious memories with his wife, Marie, and their two daughters – and help safeguard their family home.
A team effort Jon’s supporters are running the Brighton Marathon, climbing Lake District peaks, attempting a cross-Channel swim and organising a golf day – all to top up the fund that has already raised more than £17,000 via a JustGiving page created by Jon’s close friend, Daniel: ‘I’ve had the privilege of calling Jon my friend for almost 20 years. He’s truly selfless, and has done so much for others – he’s kind, compassionate, and always there when you need him.’ The Fleet Air Arm community at Yeovilton has also rallied to support Jon, with various fundraising initiatives underway. Jon’s football friends, Adam Vincent and Greg Hissey, have also organised a charity fundraising night, United for Jon, at Wincanton Sports Ground on Saturday 31st May. ‘Jon’s known for his kindness and unwavering support for others,’ says Greg. ‘He and Marie recently moved into their dream home in Gillingham and are now faced with potentially losing it – which we want to help prevent. The fundraising night will include a DJ, dancing, raffle, silent auction*, and a pizza van for hungry revellers. With no cure for MND, the community’s support is making a very real difference. Every ticket sold and every donation made helps ease the burden for a family facing the unthinkable.
United for Jon Dress to impress! (over 18s only) Wincanton Sports Ground Saturday 31st May 7pm to 11.30pm Tickets are £22.38 (including a welcome drink) available via Eventbrite.
If you can help with donations of raffle and auction prizes, please contact Greg on hissey9@hotmail.com
We’ve had a lot of fun getting ready for the Dorset Spring Show on 3rd and 4th May, and I’m thrilled to share that Love Local Trust Local will be taking part in a big way this year. Some of our brilliant local producers will be giving short presentations and talks on both days of the show – join us at 12.30pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday in the Demonstration Marquee, near the local food producer stands. We’ll be sharing stories behind the produce, offering tastings, and – we hope – giving you something meaningful to take away, whether that’s a new favourite product or a fresh understanding of why buying British and local really does matter. We’re so proud of the incredible line-up of producers joining us: Peter Morgan from The Book and Bucket Cheese Company Rachael Perrett from Meggy Moo’s Dairy Katie Cooper from South Paddocks Karl and Chrissie Regler from From Dorset With Love Claire King from The Nutrition Advisory Team and myself, Barbara Cossins, founder of the Love Local Trust Local food label, Rawston Farm Butchery and Shop, and The Langton Arms. Together, we’ll be showcasing what local food really means – and why it’s vital to support it. A heartfelt thank you goes to Blanchards Bailey Solicitors for supporting and sponsoring our producers to deliver this important demonstration. Do come and say hello – taste, learn, and support your local food heroes.
In other news: The upcoming important dates for your diaries are: 8th May – Claire King with James Cossins and Jon Sloper will be at an event on the importance of eating local, healthy food organised by BCP in Bournemouth. See Love Local Trust Local social media for more information. 8th June – Open Farm Sunday, we will be at Down Barn Farm, DT11 8SH.
Spring is my favourite. No contest. There’s a particular moment – somewhere around mid-April – when Dorset just … exhales. The hedgerows start frothing white with blackthorn, and then burst into green like someone flicked a switch. Bluebells flash their electric blue in every patch of woodland and roadside copse, while swathes of wild garlic carpets shady lanes in a lush, smelly haze of white. The fields of oilseed rape seem to hum with sunshine and the kind of scent that makes your head spin if you drive through with the windows down. The mud finally retreats. The long socks go back in the drawer. And suddenly those deliciously long evenings stretch out ahead, filled with the promise of barbecues, last-minute beach trips and Saturdays that don’t require seventeen layers It’s not just the weather. Spring makes everything feel lighter – conversations, to-do lists, even the news (just a smidge). It’s like the year’s turned a corner and remembered how to be hopeful again. So if you’re feeling a bit more buoyant than of late, a bit more inclined to dawdle on a dog walk, pull over for a photo of lambs in a field, go wild and sleep with the window wide open … you’re not alone. Spring’s doing what spring always does: reminding us to look up, breathe in and say yes to things again. And honestly, doesn’t this feel far more like the real new year? I said back in January that we shouldn’t force grand resolutions into the middle of midwinter – a season that’s really about rest, not reinvention. Spring, though? Spring is (quite literally) made for turning over new leaves. Now’s the time to start things. I swear there’s energy in all that fresh air. And if, like me, you’re itching to get out and about again (we finally ARE! The knee is healing – walks are officially back on the weekend plans!), the county’s show calendar kicks off this weekend with the Spring Show near Dorchester. We’ll be there (that’s us, top left) – do say hello if you spot us!
Laura x
On The green farming dream lies in tatters (The BV, Apr 25) George Hosford has put into words what so many of us in farming have been quietly shouting into the void. His piece was honest, measured, and devastatingly accurate. As someone who has spent the last five years painstakingly shifting our family farm towards regenerative practices – inspired and supported in no small part by the promises of SFI – I feel utterly betrayed. Like George, we’d been navigating the maze of applications, jumping through the ever-changing hoops with genuine belief that we were contributing to something bigger: food, yes, but also biodiversity, soil health, water quality. To have the rug pulled so abruptly is not just financially destabilising, it’s demoralising. DEFRA has crushed momentum and killed trust. Farmers like George – and those of us following his lead – aren’t asking for handouts. We’re asking for the stability and clarity to do what the government itself encouraged. Name and address supplied
I would like to thank George Hosford for his characteristically articulate and painfully necessary column in last month’s issue. I’ve farmed in Dorset for nearly 50 years, and I’ve rarely seen a policy decision as short-sighted and ill-conceived as the abrupt shutdown of the SFI offer. The government claims to support ‘public money for public goods’ – yet the moment it begins to work in practice, they abandon it. Farmers are not fools. We understand change takes time. But to promote a scheme, persuade us to adapt our methods, and then pull support with no warning? That’s not just incompetent – it’s a betrayal. George speaks for a whole generation of thoughtful, forward-looking farmers who care deeply about both their land and their legacy. The tragedy is, this government clearly does not. MC, by email
On Stranded: Dorset is one of the worst in the country (The BV, Apr 25) I love living here in North Dorset, but having moved from a town within the M25 20 years ago I have always been astonished at the lack of public transport. My children have both passed their driving test now as we see this as the only way for them to access most job opportunities – but this is not always possible, and young people can’t always afford this, or to run a car. If you can just about afford this it still reduces your take home pay, having to pay out for a car you can barely afford and keep on the road plus the insurance and petrol, which further cuts into the young people’s ability to ever live independently and have a life. Many years ago I did not have a car and I found that the buses were at the wrong time or not at all – they did not seem to cater to anyone who has a job, just for people who are retired and can go out at any time. I found that I could not take my children where they needed to be or get to appointments and finally I had to get a car again. As always I am angry about the government not looking to the future and investing in people, as they should: they would then reap the rewards later, instead it is all ‘what can I get now’. Lynn Close
Buses are needed for the young people here but also the elderly who may not feel comfortable driving anymore. Having a robust public transport system means a more connected county, more jobs, more business for towns.. the positives are overwhelming. Su Naz Geyik
Human ingenuity Surely a civilised society should be capable of meeting human needs while also protecting the environment for future generations – with the right blend of ingenuity and commitment. Barbara Humphreys, Shaftesbury
On the White Hart Link I couldn’t agree more with Judith K’s comments on the White Hart Link. Like her, I was excited at the idea of a proper long-distance trail for North Dorset, but when I looked closer, I couldn’t believe what it manages to miss. Stalbridge and Blandford are crying out for visitors to enjoy their town centres, yet the trail skirts round them. And to leave out the hill forts – some of the most iconic features of our landscape – is just baffling. It feels like such a wasted opportunity. A trail like this should celebrate the heart and history of North Dorset, not bypass it. I realise it’s a tricky job to create such a route, and impossible to please everyoine, but I really hope the route can be revisited and improved in the future. Roger S, Stalbridge
Jim Frear 100 – image by Courtenay Hitchcock The BV
Happy 100th Jim (‘Be nice to people – it’s infectious’ The BV, April) What a joy it was to read about Jim Freer. What a life – full of courage, humour, wisdom and warmth. If I can be even half as sharp, thoughtful and kind-hearted at 100, I’ll count myself lucky. Liz Hartley, The Tarrants
Jim sounds like the kind of man we all wish lived next door. Modest, funny and still curious at 100 – a proper example of a life well lived. I hope when I hit a century, I’m listening to Chopin and making the young ones laugh too. Frank Mitchell, Blandford
On The Tack Room I just wanted to say how good your equestrian coverage is. Jess Rimmer’s eventing yard diary is unmissable – full of humour, honesty and the glorious chaos of real horse life. I’m not a mad racing fan, but I tuned into Chris Wald’s column simply because it was about horses… and now I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll admit it’s far more interesting than I expected – insightful and very readable. The feature on farrier Abby Bunyard last month was excellent – beautifully written and so interesting. And while I’m at it, a special thank you to Courtenay for the photography. His images never fail to make me stop and linger – please do let him know how much they’re appreciated. What was wonderful is that all of this came to me on the back of the new Tack Room newsletter, which led me to The BV. We’ve long been missing proper equestrian coverage in Dorset – you’ve absolutely nailed it. More please. Jane Arliss, nr Sherborne
(The BV Tack Room is our exclusive, monthly round-up of the equestrian stories. We know you’re busy (horses don’t muck out themselves), so we’ve made it easy – just the horse bits, straight to your inbox, once a month. Sign up here – it’s FREE!)
Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@BVmagazine.co.uk. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.
There’s always that one person, isn’t there? The one that stops to move an earthworm from the pavement. The one whose dog isn’t picture perfect, and has breath that could strip paint at ten paces. The one who goes to the shop for dog food and returns with two fancy rats, returned to the shop for being ‘a bit bitey’ (just me?). I long ago accepted and embraced the fact that I am, in fact, that person. I’ve fostered a parrot with an ASBO, taken in a tortoise found loitering roadside and I’ve successfully rehabilitated a seagull with a broken wing – of course his name was Steven. And I’ve long loved corvids. Norse myths and witchy tales aside, they’re incredible creatures and their intelligence is fascinating. Similar in many ways to parrots, but without the ‘look at me, I’m a beautiful, needy dilettante’ attitude. They belong, of course, in the wild, flying free: I would never even hope to have one as a pet. How could you? They’re iconic wild birds, and should always be afforded the respect to remain so.
Enter Lazlo Beware ex-husbands bearing gifts. Mine turned up last weekend with a tiny baby crow, found on the ground at a local Dorset campsite, and watched for several hours by a lovely couple from Belgium. His sibling didn’t make it, and at dusk the couple carefully scooped him up and took him to the campsite bar, where the ex-husband said ‘I know someone who might help…’. My teenager and I are mid binge-watch of What We Do In The Shadows, so the small bird was duly named Lazlo and installed in a spare budgie cage. Naturally, I crocheted him a little nest, and the feeding schedule commenced.
Lazlo proved to be an engaging little chap. Not afraid to shout for his supper and not averse to a cuddle. I sought advice from wild bird rescues (overrun with fledglings this time of year) and the consensus was that I’d hand rear him with a view to a gradual garden release once he was fully grown and much stronger. I was preparing his breakfast when he lurched out of his little nest towards the kitchen sink. To hand was a fetching Portmeirion flowerpot and I plopped him into it to prevent any free-diving into the washing up. He looked so ludicrous I took a short video – which I then stuck on TikTok under the username @shoutylazlo. The video (above)howed him with his little velvet head stuck out of the pot, looking exceptionally grumpy, and emitting a loud RAAAWK when the promised breakfast took too long to materialise. I have not TikTokked before. I use other social media for work and to post my many and varied craft failures: TikTok has always seemed to me the scrolling-pit from which I would not return. I was right. Within 24 hours, Lazlo’s video had more than 100,000 views. People all over the world were heavily invested in this small bird’s story. Comments like ‘Lazlo is me at breakfast time’, ‘Lazlo in The Pot of Shame is giving me LIFE’ and ‘I hope one day I get an Angry Pom-Pom like this’ came pouring in. ‘The time-out pot. He is FURIOUS!’ So far, so much fun – the only time I’ve gone viral before was moaning about people leaving litter on a beach. For whatever reason this little fellow had captured the attention of the Algorithm Gods, and I could see a social media career ahead of him. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. Lazlo died after three days with me. I don’t know why – he seemed fine on his last feed – but the odds of survival for wild baby birds are slim. Should I even have taken him in? He may never have lived his fullest, wildest life after being raised in captivity, but doesn’t every little life deserve a chance? A sad ending then. But maybe not … Many TikTokkers commented that they’d donate to their local rescue in Lazlo’s name. And when Lazlo appeared on editor Laura’s TikTok, she recognised the mad bird rescuer lady, and asked me to write this, so I can share some info on what to do if you ever find a wild baby bird. The simple answer is leave them, usually.
Lazlo, still grumpy: this time about being in a budgie bath
What to do Fledglings spend time on the ground – closely watched by their parents – as part of their development. The exception is if they’re injured or if the parents don’t return. You can carefully examine a small bird and then return it whence it came: it is a myth that parent birds reject babies that have been touched by humans. Caring for a corvid isn’t for the faint-hearted (chopped raw baby mice, anyone?) and nine times out of ten you should contact your local wild bird rescue charity who will always help and advise. It’s not like Disney, they probably won’t grow up to be your magic familiar. And they frequently die, which is horribly upsetting. But this one little bird made a significant impact on an awful lot of people – me especially. I’m now in touch with country-wide corvid rescues to see how I can help and get more involved. So well done, Lazlo, you angry little pom-pom. Raaawk in peace.
This month’s BV is packed with stories you won’t want to miss – from Dorset’s angry pom-pom crow who stole 100,000 hearts, to chip shops caught between a cod and a hard place. Meet Jackie Potts, the UK’s ultimate Supergroom, delve into Wimborne’s wartime years, and uncover hidden gems in postcards from Bere Regis and Dewlish. Plus, our secret parish councillor returns with a warning: tick-box planning won’t build Dorset’s future.
Back for its second year, the Dorset Spring Show is quickly establishing itself as a springtime favourite. Organised by the experienced team behind the Dorset County Show, this year promises even more attractions, entertainment and rural fun. With a new home on a working farm offering sweeping countryside views and extra space to explore, the 2025 event is shaping up to be bigger, busier – and even better. More than 10,000 visitors are expected on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May at the new Birch Lane Showground near Puddletown.
Show map
They’re coming for the packed programme of events, local food and drink, artisan shopping and good old-fashioned rural entertainment. With the sun forecast to shine and the new showground’s panoramic Dorset views providing a stunning backdrop, it promises to be an unmissable weekend for the whole family.
A weekend of country fun
The entertainment line-up reads like a perfect family day out. Titan the Robot – the 8ft-tall, talking, joke-cracking, crowd-pleasing giant – is coming to Dorset as the headline act. Equal parts street theatre and special effects show, Titan’s act combines voice, music and motion in a way that has delighted audiences from Glastonbury Festival to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Whether dancing, singing or gently mocking the crowd, Titan brings something completely unexpected to a rural show
In the main arenas, you can see the unmissable Heavy Horse Logging demonstrations, the adorable chaos of Shetland Pony Racing, and the delightfully bonkers Dog Parkour.
The freestyle BMX stunt team – sponsored by The BV – returns by popular demand to deliver heart-stopping aerial tricks, while for a slower pace, visitors can hop aboard a nostalgic steam engine trailer ride or get up close with vintage tractors and working farm displays.
Of course, no Dorset show would be complete without a nod to our feathered friends. The Poultry Tent, with its extraordinary array of breeds, promises to be a colourful and noisy highlight.
Show organiser James Cox summed up the excitement: ‘The team have worked incredibly hard to make this the best Spring Show yet. The new site, set on a working farm, captures the spirit of spring perfectly. And with such a great forecast, it’s the perfect way to spend the weekend.’
Eat, drink and shop
Foodies are in for a treat, with the largest food hall yet showcasing a mouthwatering range of local produce, street food and award-winning craft drinks. From hand-crafted cider and honey to sizzling artisan street food, the show’s passionate support for local producers shines through at every turn. There’s plenty of space to unwind too. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, soak up the live music, and perhaps enjoy a pint from one of the many local brewers
And with more than 150 stalls dotted across the site, there’s plenty to browse – from home and garden essentials to rural crafts and countryside clothing.
Easy to find, hard to leave
Set just five miles from Dorchester, the new showground at Birch Lane is a picturesque working farm with easy access and ample free parking. A free shuttle bus service will run from Dorchester and Poundbury across the weekend, perfect for those wanting to enjoy a local beer or cider without worrying about the drive home.
Gates open from 9.30am to 5pm each day, and advance tickets are still available via the show’s website. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and check the timetables to make the most of the busy show schedule.
We love pairing a vintage postcard with a photograph taken in the same spot today. Now, alongside the postcards, we’ll feature a newspaper article from the same time and place – a little glimpse of life when the card was posted.
Wimborne Street in Cranborne, before the first world war. Adams the bootmaker is the shop on the corner, and the Fleur de Lis still had a square corner
Sarah June Selwood, wife of a farm labourer, of Blagdon, Cranborne, was charged with assaulting and ill-treating Frank Selwood, aged nine, her stepson. She pleaded guilty. John Knapman, the boy’s schoolmaster noticed bruses on the back of his hands.The boy said his stepmother had beaten him with a stick. On further examining the child, witness found his arms literally covered with bruises, also the calves of his legs and other portions of the body. One of the legs was entirely out of shape owing to the illtreatment the boy had been subjected to. Witness drew the attention of the Chairman of the school managers (the Rev. A. R. Poulton) to the matter, and he decided to inform the police.
Wimborne Street in 2025. Adams is still recognisable, now the WVS Charity Book Shop & Sewing Room, but the Fleur de Lys (currently closed) has had its corner angled
As it came on to snow he suggested to the boy that he should go home during the dinner hour, as he might have a difficulty in finding his way, but he said he was afraid to do so, as his mother would beat him. Witness had given the boy food on several occasions, and some of the children had also given him food. P.S. Davis stated he examined the boy on the 15th. On the left arm were three large bruises, one on the elbow and forearm, and three on the left hand, which was much swollen and discoloured. On the right leg were two very large bruises; the left leg discoloured, swollen, and out of shape. The right leg had like bruises, as had also other portions of the body. The bruises had evidently been caused by a large stick. There was slight cut on the head and marks of blood on the shirt. The boy said his mother beat him with the stick his father drove the bull with. The prisoner said she had beaten the boy, as he was very bad; he had torn strings of his sister’s clothes, told lies, and was dirty. She admitted rubbing pepper into his face and also serving him as she would a cat or dog. The boy slept in a room alone. The bedding was in a filthy, rotten state. Inspector Notton, NSPCC, gave evidence of a corroborative character, and stated the woman said she beat the boy as he had stolen food from the schoolchildren and torn his sister’s clothes. She was willing he should be taken away, and the boy was removed to the Workhouse, where he increased two pounds in weight in three weeks. He was about 10lb lighter than he should have been, being 41lb. The boy in the course of his evidence stated he had often dry bread for breakfast, whilst the four children of the defendant had bread and butter and tea. Sometimes he was sent to school without food.
Water Street, Cranborne, before the first world war
She had hit him across the naked back with a stick, also on his arms and legs, and he had a cut on the eye which she did with a knife. When living at Brixton Deverill she peppered his eyes, put a red hot poker on his hands, and hung him up to the ceiling by his thumbs. His father was kind to him. William Selwood, the father, was called, and said he had complained to his wife respecting her ill treatment of the boy and he had thrashed her for it. He was away nearly all day to work, and he should be pleased if it could be arranged for the boy to be sent away under someone’s care. A neighbour, Hester White, said she had heard the boy screaming on several occasions, and had seen him shut out of doors on some bitter cold days. Defendant had told her she had cut his nails down to the quick to make them bleed. Dr. Magrath bore out the statement made as to the condition of the boy and said the punishment inflicted was cruel and injurious to his health.
Water Street in 2025. The white house at right angles to the street on the far right is the same house on the right of the old postcard
The house and children were in a filthy condition. The children did not appear to have been starved. The Bench did not think further evidence was necessary. The schoolmaster was recalled, and said the boy had been good at school, and had never had occasion to discipline him. The chairman said there was no doubt the defendant had inflicted great and unnecessary cruelty on the boy. The Bench sentenced her to six weeks’ imprisonment with hard labour without the option of a fine, the court fees being remitted. Arrangements have been made to send the boy to a home in London.
attb: DORSET COUNTY CHRONICLE AND SOMERSETSHIRE GAZETTE
