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Mid-century modern Blandford | POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

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This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards with scenes no doubt familiar to older locals – Blandford Forum a little more than 60 years ago

Sent in December 1961 to Mr & Mrs Daniel (who appear to be Eve’s parents) in Barton on Sea, this lovely shot of the busy Blandford Market Place is not only instantly recognisable to locals in 2024, but no doubt is the Blandford of plenty of local childhoods. Eve is clearly a teacher in Blandford – if any readers remember having a Miss Daniel as a teacher in the 1960s, do let us know!
‘Many thanks for Mum’s letter and for ‘Which?’ I’m nearing the end of reports & am again almost on top of marking, often fighting – & winning! – Some battles. Yet another gale blowing – amazingly variable weather during last week, including snow. Blisses(?) have moved to another house in Chichester. Much love, Eve’


The Salisbury Street area remains familiar, with Durden’s still occupying Durden’s Corner. Henry Durden, born in 1807, established Blandford’s first museum. A Durden is recorded as a grocer in a 1791 trade directory, indicating the family’s early presence in the town. Henry’s museum, located within his shop, gained a strong reputation, showcasing ancient urns, more than 2,000 years old, all unearthed within an eight-mile radius of Blandford. The collection also included prehistoric artefacts from Hod Hill and nearby barrows, as well as flint arrowheads, bracelets and coins. The British Library preserves the ‘Catalogue of the Museum of Local Antiquities collected by Mr Durden of Blandford’ (compiled by George Payne in 1892). Durden frequently acquired items found by locals, often during ploughing or while walking on the local hill forts and barrows.
Postcard sent on 22 October, 1954 to a Mrs Simpson in Surrey:
‘My dear Cis. Just a PC to hope you are all well. I am getting on alright but leg not quite healed yet & have not been allowed to get out of bed yet. Shall be glad when I do, 4 months is a long time to be in bed. Best love to you all. Yours Mary xx Hope to see you soon’

DocBike annual ride out raises more than £8,000

DocBike volunteers at the Dorset Bike Festival

DocBike’s annual motorcycle ride out on Saturday 21st September was a huge success, raising more than £8,000 for the life-saving charity. DocBike Regional Leads guided convoys from various starting points in Dorset, Devon, Hampshire and Somerset, all converging on the Dorset Bike Festival in Bere Regis.
More than 600 attendees turned out at the festival to enjoy an array of motorcycle displays, stalls from local dealerships, delicious food and live music. The day’s highlights included the grand raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses in Dorset.
The event also offered DocBike volunteers the chance to talk to motorcyclists, raising awareness of the charity’s work and the importance of upskilling riders. They promoted the free BikerDown course, which teaches bikers how to keep injured motorcyclists alive until emergency services arrive.
Brett Callaghan, Regional Lead for Somerset and Avon, and Deputy National Director of DocBike, said: ‘This was the first time that we held the end point of our ride out at the Dorset Bike Festival and it was such a success. The DocBike charity receives no funding from the government and relies on the generosity of the public to continue our life-saving work, so we are thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount.
‘Leading the Devon, Somerset, and Avon ride into the Dorset Bike Festival was an amazing feeling. The atmosphere was incredible.’
DocBike expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported the event.

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Local symptoms of a national problem

I am all too aware that the news this week – and probably for the next few – is likely to be all about Labour’s first budget, but something else caught my eye.
BBC Dorset reported that Dorset Council failed to ensure a child received suitable full-time education and was told to pay £7,200 in compensation. The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) found the council failed to top-up the child’s education when they were put on a part-time timetable after their school place broke down. The news item was a bit worthy, a bit difficult to understand … but something made me pause and think. The case highlights something wrong with the UK’s educational framework, and simultaneously shows how much central government has ruined local government.
The specific case shows the misalignment of accountability for educational outcomes sitting with local government, while the authority to influence education has increasingly been removed from local council control.
The more general problem is that, as much as central government attempts to control everything from the centre, it lacks both the local understanding and the organisational horsepower to do the job properly. Thus, by attempting to do so much, central government ends up achieving so little.
Dorset Council, like all local authorities, retains oversight and control of children’s education provision, even if it arranges for schools or other bodies to carry out the functions on its behalf. However, the shift towards central control through academisation and the increased role of private trusts in managing schools have diluted councils’ influence.
This misalignment means that while Dorset Council is held accountable for educational outcomes, it lacks the authority to implement and enforce changes within schools.
This misalignment is the same in so many areas of local government. Roles and responsibilities are complicated, and people are confused. The consequences for the family referred to in the BBC report were distress and inconvenience, but the erosion of local government capability carries on regardless. Conservative governments have led the way in relentlessly relegating local councils to emptying bins and trying to deliver social care without bankrupting the council.
This tide must change.
Liberal Democrats want central government to be braver – to accept that it needs local government’s help to deliver economic growth and better public services.
Labour promises further devolution, which is good news, but it needs to come with meaningful powers and long-promised funding reform. Contrary to central government’s belief, giving up some power will improve everyone’s ability to deliver their promises.
Gary Jackson, LibDems

Berkeley Ensemble coming to Dorset

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The Berkeley Ensemble was formed by friends in a spirit of adventure: ‘An instinctive collective’ (The Strad), its members have come together from diverse corners of musical life to make music in new ways, reach new audiences and, most importantly, explore new repertoire, be it
newly written or inadvertently forgotten.
Its acclaimed performances and recordings celebrate contemporary chamber music, especially
by British composers.
The ensemble’s nine albums include 18 premiere recordings, among a diverse catalogue ranging from Knussen to Beethoven, and have attracted considerable praise.
The Berkeley Ensemble regularly appears at venues and festivals throughout the UK including
Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, St David’s Hall Cardiff, Wiltshire Music Centre and the
Cheltenham, Spitalfields, and Lake District Summer Music Festivals.
Away from the concert platform, the Berkeley Ensemble works tirelessly to foster the creation,
appreciation and performance of chamber music at every age, level and ability.
They will be appearing at three local venues across two dates this month:
On Friday 15th November 2024 they will be performing at Bridport Arts Centre at 11.30am, and the same day they’ll be at Ilminster Arts Centre at 7.30pm. On Saturday 16 November 2024 they will be at The Dance House in Crewkerne, 7.30pm
Tickets at concertsinthewest.org
Evening concerts: £18, Bridport: £14 (optional donation at all the concerts)

Dorset beavers

Beavers became extinct in the UK in the 16th century when they were hunted for their fur and meat. They were extinct in Dorset for about 400 years. In 2019 two beavers from Scotland were relocated to the Mapperton Estate in Dorset as part of a conservation project.
In June 2024, evidence of beavers was found in the wild close to the River Stour near Gillingham in Dorset. How they got there is unknown, although there are beavers living in neighbouring rivers to the north in Somerset. The beavers could have made their way to Dorset from there. But it is very exciting that they are making a comeback!
Beavers are really good swimmers and divers. But the best thing about beavers is that they are known as “ecosystem engineers” – they change their habitat by dam-building, which can reduce flooding, and they can even help improve the water quality.
Ben Padwick, the ranger at the Mapperton Estate says: “We are looking forward to seeing their positive impact on the landscape.”
Beavers live about 10 to 12 years and work very hard shaping their environment. Did you ever wonder why we use the term “beaver away?” Now you know!
If you’re excited about beavers being back in Dorset, and want to support them, the Dorset Wildlife Trust is a great website to visit. It has a page for the Dorset Beaver Project and you can discover the wetland world in West Dorset at the website too.

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The magical art of The Paper Cinema

Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset is showcasing the creative genius of pioneering paper puppeteer Nicholas Rawling.
As the artistic director of Dorset-based The Paper Cinema, Rawling has captivated global audiences with his unique blend of live animation, puppetry, and music since founding the company in 2004.
Known for transforming hand-drawn illustrations into cinematic experiences, The Paper Cinema uses live video projection to bring intricate paper puppets to life, creating enchanting, imaginative worlds. Their work has been lauded at major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe and London International Mime Festival, and has performed all over the world including USA, South America, China, New Zealand, Georgia and all over the UK.
The exhibition, running until the 31st January, features artwork from The Paper Cinema’s acclaimed productions of Macbeth and Ghost Stories, among others. Rob Gray, Collections Manager at the museum said: ‘This exciting exhibition shines a light on a truly unique theatrical company that we’re lucky enough to have based in Dorset.’
Museum admission includes access to the exhibition and 12 months of unlimited visits. Children 5 to 16 years £5.50 and adults £12.

Need funding for a community project? Dorset Council can help

Voluntary and community groups across Dorset are invited to apply for the latest round of the Community and Culture Project Fund. Managed by Dorset Council, this fund supports projects and events focused on community, arts, accredited museums, heritage, sport, youth, play and physical activity.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects that aim to bring communities together. Over the past year, the fund has distributed more than £100,000 to a wide range of initiatives across the region.
Recently, 14 organisations received a total of £54,625 for projects including skateboarding programmes for low-income families and theatre experiences for individuals with profound learning difficulties. An additional 12 grants, totalling £39,879, supported projects like food banks, cookery classes and climate initiatives. The Dorset Community Foundation also awarded £6,300 to three applicants through the Dorset Performing Arts Fund.
Cllr Ryan Hope, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said: ‘The work of community groups and voluntary organisations help make Dorset a vibrant and supportive county. The grants have been a real success, and we have seen many exciting projects launched for the benefit of local communities.”
The fund provides grants between £1,000 and £5,000, covering up to 80 per cent of total project costs. Applicants must provide 20 per cent match funding from their own organisation.
Applications close at midnight on Monday 18th November.

For more details, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/capital-leverage-fund.

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A final ultra for faith

In a quiet corner of Dorset, Eric Jager, 68, embarked on his most challenging run ever – a self-organised 72-kilometre journey, passing 25 churches in what he calls the “Steeples Chase.” On 19 October 2024, before dawn, Jager began his one-day ultra-marathon, aiming to complete the challenge within 12 hours and raise funds for Christian Aid. The run, which began with a prayer at his front door, was set to finish at St Paul’s Church in Sherborne, by sunset.

Eric arriving at St Mary the Virgin, Glanvilles Wootton with his support crew behind him
Images: Courtenay Hitchcock


‘The most important thing is not that I finished the 72 kilometres,’ Eric shared post-run, ‘but that so many wonderful people joined and supported the journey.’ Supporters included members of his running club, Sherborne’s SPFit, and his long-term friends, the Trailtrotters. Eric divided the run into six segments, each featuring a rotating cast of friends and family to see him through the most gruelling parts, running or cycling alongside, offering encouragement.
‘The number of people who came out with me were more than I’d expected,’ he says. ‘And many of them stayed with me longer than they’d planned. I feel very humbled by all 35 of them.’
Eric’s journey was far from straightforward: ‘We managed a very steep, slippery and muddy hill,’ he says. ‘All the fields were sodden, and a totally flooded area with a river current meant we had to wade knee-deep.
‘We finally finished 30 minutes behind schedule, but comfortably within the 12 hours cut-off time.’
Eric had scheduled five-minute whistle stops at five of the churches, but proved not nearly enough for a change of support crews, to re-fuel and also to care for his neuropathy-affected feet with five changes of socks and two changes of shoes. The constant support helped him not only with logistics but with morale. ‘As much by the fact that I could hear that they at least were having a good time when I was in front!’ he said.
At his final stop and home church of St Paul’s, Eric’s friends and family cheered and clapped his final steps, a fitting end to his long-distance running career. Eric particularly thanked his wife for her unending support, promising, ‘I want to learn the new skill of going out together for short and meandering walks, in those beautiful places in Dorset. You’ve been rather deprived of those.’
For all the difficulties en route Eric never considered quitting:
‘I would not have wanted to stop just because the going is a little tough. That’s not an option to the people Christian Aid support, whose lives are a constant and relentless battle to survive.’
Eric’s Steeples Chase has so far raised £4,640.75 – more than twice his initial target, and his donation page is open until the end of November here.

Eric mid-refuelling stop at St Mary the Virgin, Glanvilles Wootton , his 20th ‘steeple’

The churches visited on the 72km route were: Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne Cheap Street, Sherborne Castleton, Oborne, Poyntington, Corton Denham, Sandford Orcas, Trent, Nether Compton, Overcompton, Bradford Abbas, Thornford, Lillington, Beer Hackett, Yetminster, Ryme Intrinseca, Chetnole, Leigh, Hermitage, Glanvilles Wootton, Holwell, Bishops Caundle, Longburton, Folke and finally his home church of Sherborne St Paul’s.

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Gillingham Sixth Form: ready for anything

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Gillingham Sixth Form is an inclusive learning environment which promotes academic resilience and personal development. Our students are ambitious and socially responsible, and they leave us as well-rounded individuals who are prepared to actively contribute to society.
Gillingham Sixth Form provides more than 30 A Level and BTEC/ AAQ courses – this exciting range of studies includes traditional A Levels and BTEC courses, including more specialist subjects such as Psychology, Economics, Law, Media Studies and Politics. From September 2025 we will also be introducing Sociology.
Our students are guided through the academic rigour of Sixth Form by experienced and committed staff who are enthusiastic about their subjects, and are dedicated to supporting every student to reach their academic aspirations and personal goals.

A broad education
Alongside our academic curriculum, our students are provided with supportive careers, work experience, and Future Routes programmes. These all prepare our students for life beyond Gillingham by introducing them to a host of employers, further education establishments and apprenticeships. This includes personalised support for our Oxbridge, medical, and veterinary candidates.
We are proud to see our students’ progress on to university, apprenticeships and into employment. We have a thriving alumni group and we stay in touch with our members through regular newsletters and our annual alumni afternoon in the summer term.
Our Sixth Form students are ambitious in their learning and take pride in our school.
Alongside their academic studies our students take part in a comprehensive personal development programme which provides them with vital life skills in leadership and social responsibility. Our students are active members of both our school and our local community, and our sixth formers are role models who work closely with younger years, demonstrating our school values of kindness and dignity. Students also volunteer in the wider Gillingham community, regularly visiting a local Care Home and serving at local fundraising events.

Embracing experience
We take a holistic approach to education and provide a comprehensive enrichment curriculum. This provides our students with opportunities to broaden their knowledge of social issues, and develop their emotional intelligence, through our PSHE programme, community outreach opportunities, leadership roles and outside speaker events. As part of our enrichment programme, our students also have the opportunity to develop personal areas of interest through activities including sports and leisure options, debating and public speaking, media and STEM. Last year our school debating team were invited to speak in the House of Lords.
We believe that Sixth Form is a time to embrace new experiences and make the most of opportunities. This is demonstrated through our wide range of extra-curricular trips. In addition to subject-specific trips within departments, our students also have the opportunity to take part in a variety of cultural trips. These include volunteering at a school in Zanzibar through African Adventures, learning to surf on our biennial Sixth Form Surf Trip to Spain, or soaking up the culture of the East Coast of America during the New York and Boston trip. We are a dynamic and forward-thinking Sixth Form who are dedicated to providing the best possible opportunities for your child.
To learn more about what we have to offer, we welcome you to our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 21st November.