Six locomotives spanning half a century of steam power will take centre stage at the Swanage Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala from 12th to 14th September. Star of the line-up is Southern Railway ‘Schools’ class express engine No. 926 Repton, visiting Dorset for the first time since it was based in Bournemouth during the Second World War. Joining it is S15 class freight engine No. 30506 – the first of its type to appear in Purbeck in more than 20 years.
Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Alexander Atkins said: ‘With steam locomotives from the 1890s to the 1940s hauling passenger and demonstration freight trains, as well as bracing brake van rides, the Autumn Steam Gala will be an exciting spectacular not to be missed. Some of the passenger trains will be running over our four mile line beyond Norden to Furzebrook and the River Frome – within sight of Wareham.’ The railway’s company chairman – and volunteer signalman – Gavin Johns praised the chance to see two fine examples of Southern Railway design working again in Dorset’s landscape. The visiting engines will of course be joined by Swanage Railway’s own fleet, including Victorian London and South Western Railway T3 No. 563 and two Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacifics, Manston and 257 Squadron. Advanced adult tickets start at £29, and full details and ticket sales available at swanagerailway.co.uk
Wimborne Food Festival returns on Saturday 20th September, bringing a full day of flavour, community and food-focused celebration to the town centre. Running from 11am to 4pm, the event is organised by Wimborne BID and Dacombes of Wimborne, with cookery demonstrations, producer stalls, talks and pop-up experiences taking place across Willow Walk, Wimborne Square, Minster Green, Church Street and East Street – the latter two of which will be closed to traffic for the day to make space for café seating and live music.
Wimborne Food Festival
One of this year’s highlights is a live cookery demo from George Williams – a full-time doctor from Sturminster Marshall who recently impressed viewers as a contestant on MasterChef. George will be creating three quick, Dorset-inspired recipes using ingredients sourced from Wimborne’s independent shops. His demo will showcase dishes from the frying pan, oven and air fryer, each built around late-summer produce. ‘It’s been a joy to connect with so many wonderful independent food and drink retailers around Wimborne to create these Dorset dishes,’ George said. The event’s focus is firmly on local – celebrating the ingredients, producers and retailers that give the town its distinct flavour. George will also share behind-the-scenes stories from the MasterChef kitchen and reflect on the surprising differences between medicine and cooking under pressure.
More details and the complete festival programme is available on the website wimbornefoodfestival.com
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) will launch its 2ndHeli Appeal on Monday 8th September, calling on public support to raise the final £1 million needed to purchase and fit out a second air ambulance helicopter for the region.
The charity, which has served Dorset and Somerset for 25 years, is taking this ambitious step to meet rising demand. If successful, the appeal will allow the air ambulance crew to reach more patients, strengthen operational resilience and ultimately save more lives.
As the busiest air ambulance in the South West, DSAA responds to almost 3,000 missions every year. Its current AW169 helicopter – affectionately named Peggy – is flown more intensively than almost any other air ambulance in the UK. With patient need increasing and inevitable downtime for essential maintenance, one aircraft is no longer enough.
2ndHeli Appeal logo
A second helicopter will:
Strengthen resilience and operational availability
Maintain air operations when one aircraft is offline
Feature a state-of-the-art medical interior, enabling advanced care day and night
Provide the basis for extended operating hours in future
Enable hundreds of additional life-saving missions each year
Thanks to careful financial planning and extraordinary generosity from supporters, the charity has already secured the majority of the funds required. The 2ndHeli Appeal represents the final push to bring a second AW169 home.
Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “We are proud of how far we have come over the years, but we have reached the limit of what is possible with just one aircraft. With daily maintenance requirements, we cannot get more than 19 hours a day of flying, and the demands on ‘Peggy’ mean that faults and issue come around all too soon.
People support our charity, because they believe in our ability to achieve extraordinary outcomes that wouldn’t otherwise happen. This care, this service, this gift to the people of Dorset and Somerset is lifesaving and very special, as every mission is funded by you. Without that wonderful support, our service would not exist.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Helicopter and crew
We now have an incredible opportunity to transform emergency care even further across the region, and hope the public, businesses and local communities will support us on our quest.
With your continued support and others alike, we will bring a second helicopter into service next summer. Together, and only together, we can make this happen.”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a local life-saving charity which receives no direct Government funding and relies entirely on donations and fundraising. Its operational costs exceed £10 million a year, with each mission costing around £3,500.
On the 23rd August 2025 aged 76 Stephen Cox formerly of Shillingstone much Loved brother and uncle. Cremation Saturday September 20th at Camborne crematorium at 1200
Don’t hang up the trowel just yet – this month’s full of quiet garden jobs that pay off in spring, from bulbs to buds to blooms
Keep deadheading flowers like dahlias to enjoy the blooms for as long into autumn as possible
September can be a busy time in the garden – some jobs extend flowering while others will begin setting you up for next year:
Regular feeding and deadheading really help to keep the displays going, especially the roses, dahlias, fuchsias and perennials.
Divide herbaceous perennials, this helps invigorate them.
Start collecting seed from any plants you want to grow next year – especially good for this are foxgloves, aquilegia, calendula, poppy and love-in-a-mist. Aquilegia seeds are an easy job, the seed pods rattle when they are ready to harvest. They can be scattered immediately after gathering too – simply sow them in a shady spot if you need some colour there, or collect them for sowing in the spring. To store them, put them in a dry spot in the shed until required for sowing.
September is an ideal time to order next year’s spring bulbs – as well as daffodils, try some colchicum and Madonna Lilies.
Trim lavender plants to keep them compact.
Divide clumps of bearded iris now to ensure they get established again before the winter weather arrives.
Most perennial weeds are best dealt with now, while the weeds are in active growth. Digging out is often the best method if you are trying to avoid using weed killers.
Pruning wisteria Prune your wisteria three times a year to keep it in check – this will help ensure you get lots of magnificent flowers each spring. The first pruning is carried out in the middle of summer after flowering, usually in July or August. The middle September prune is the lightest: try to reduce the new, long green, whippy shoots back to just five or six leaves. This is an important prune to keep your wisteria at a manageable size, and to encourage a better display of flowers. It’s also an opportunity to tie in any new growth that can be used to replace old branches. The main third pruning is done over winter, generally in January or February. Pruning while the plant is dormant and leafless makes it easier to see where to cut. Working around the plant, reduce the shoots that were shortened in summer to just two buds. This encourages the production of flower buds and ensures that the flowers won’t be obscured by leaves.
When Okeford Fitzpaine Parish Council was quoted £10,000 to clear a blocked waterway, councillors feared it would sink their budget. After several sharp intakes of breath, it was clear the councillors needed to find a Plan B – and quickly – to prevent icy roads this winter.
Mortar shell – image Colin Keyser
Councillor Sophie Harvey, a farmer’s daughter full of practical solutions, said, ‘I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty’ – and came up with an alternative option. She asked for volunteers to come and help clear the vegetation. Village resident, and retired civil engineer Roy Parsons gave expert advice on the task needed and two working sessions were organised around the August Bank Holiday weekend. Local farmer Chris Norton, loaned a trailer to dispose of the excess soil. Would anyone turn up? It was a big ask on a bank holiday weekend, but the parish council was clear that even an hour’s help was welcomed. On both days, volunteers of all ages turned up to dig and clear the muck and old vegetation from the waterway – everyone from retirees to family pitched in. Some were regular volunteers, others had recently moved in and were eager to meet new people and get involved. By the end of the first morning, significant progress had been made: some people enjoyed the experience so much they came back the following day, joined by new volunteers.
Clearing the ditch. Photo credit Sue Finklaire
Interesting debris Soon the team began to find an assortment of rubbish – Lego bricks, old T-shirts, fence posts and even a discarded jumper. But the find of the day went to local resident Colin Keyser, who managed to dig out what appeared to be a rusty old mortar shell from the Second World War. He took it home and called the police: ‘They visited my house,’ he said. ‘They inspected and measured it, declared it safe and I was given the OK to pass it on to the local history group. ‘I began cleaning it up: about 45 minutes later I was busy banging off the rust, wire brushing it and cleaning all the mud out from the inside when the phone rang. It was the police again: “Did I still have the mortar shell?”. When I said I did, they asked me to put it up the far end of the garden … they’d had second thoughts and it may still be live! ‘Two policemen turned up to sit in my garden awaiting an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team from the army. The EOD arrived and said they thought it was a training grenade launcher from the Second World War, and had no explosives in now – but they would take it away just to be on the safe side.’ And with that, two police officers, two army bomb disposal officers, and the grenade launcher headed off into the sunset. Local people are hoping that the grenade launcher can be returned at some stage as an exhibit in the village museum.
Councillor Sophie Harvey Photo credit Sue Fiklaire
Borrowed bullets The volunteers would like to find out more about the item – they are not convinced it is a grenade launcher due to its shape. There’s also the question as to how it got there in the first place. During the Second World War there were ordnance dumps in the area, and the Americans were stationed nearby, so it could have come from any of these places. There are also local stories about young boys who used to “borrow” bullets to play with, so it may have originated from a mischievous prank. As for the waterway, it has been successfully cleared to the point that minor repairs can be done, and a contractor can review the area to see what additional remedial work may be required. Councillor Sue Finklaire, who also helped on the day, said: ‘It felt deeply heartening to be surrounded by such generous support from the community, especially from those who had only recently made the village their home.’
The next Car and Bike Enthusiasts Meet will take place on Saturday 6th September on the Recreation Ground – all are welcome to come along, admire the vehicles, and enjoy a bit of nostalgic reminiscing. Last month saw an impressive 320 vehicles on show, and this time they’ll be joined by makers from the 1855 Artisan Market, who will be showcasing both their products and their craft skills. The event will also host civic leaders from across Dorset, visiting as part of the Town Mayor’s Civic Day.
Sponsor The Action Coach (left) with SturAction team Cheryl Basten, Nick Dobson, Pauline Batstone and Jackie Wragg at the North Dorset Business Awards
The following weekend brings the town’s biggest annual celebration: the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, held over Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. Book in advance via the Cheese Festival website to receive a 10% discount on tickets. Many of the town’s SturAction shops will be open all weekend, along with Harts’ incredible store – so come ready to browse, taste and stock up. For the first time, Stur will be running a dedicated History Week, taking place from 20th to 28th September, in partnership with local organisations and venues. Expect a variety of events celebrating the people, places and stories that make up the town’s rich past. Looking ahead to 1st October, there’s a fun and fabulous evening planned at The Exchange, starting at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Volunteers from all eight of the town’s charity shops, plus staff from Newstone House, are taking to the catwalk for a Pre-Loved Fashion Show and Sale – with styles for women, men and children. Tickets are just £5 and available from any of the participating charity shops. It’s all part of Sustainable Stur, and a great chance to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Last month, 320 vehicles joined in the Car & Bike Enthusiasts Meet
A big congratulations to the six businesses from Sturminster Newton and Hinton St Mary who brought home ten awards between them at the recent North Dorset Business Awards. Special mention goes to SturAction, who were named the overall Winner of Winners: “An organisation that has given their community so much by revitalising the town centre in recent years. It has had a major impact on the town, for both locals and visitors.”
Dates for your diary:
31st October – Volunteers are already hard at work planning a spectacular Halloween event in the Railway Gardens. It falls right in half term – how convenient!
1st November – Christmas officially begins in Stur with the opening of the Workhouse Chapel on Bath Road.
29th November – The Christmas tree lights will be switched on, with Father Christmas in town and a parade of tractors to mark the occasion. Keep an eye out for the Make Stur Sparkle leaflet for full festive listings.
The Dorset County Show was, frankly, brilliant today – sunshine, crowds, beautiful livestock, exciting acts, aisles of shopping … it was the perfect show day, and tomorrow promises just as much.
From scurry racing and showjumping to ATV stunts and Atkinson’s Action Horses, the main attractions had audiences cheering. Don’t skip the livestock lines – even if you’re not a farmer, it’s fascinating to pause and watch. Plenty of visitors were happily inventing their own judging systems based on the cutest faces, the best curls, or the most impressive ears. It’s all part of the fun, and a great way to see farming up close.
Around the showground, the food hall was heaving – from Dorset cheese, doughnuts and gin to South African meats and Italian cannoli – while the Horticulture Floral Pavilion was packed with more exhibits than we’ve ever seen, drawing huge crowds to admire the stunning dahlias, the giant pumpkins and probably the best tractor and trailer made from vegetables you’ll ever see. The Homecraft marquee was worth a visit too, if just for Peter Rabbit alone (you’ll understand once you’ve seen him).
Families were everywhere. Teenagers flocked to the funfair rides, kids filled the Fun, Food and Farming area to learn where their food comes from, and the poultry, rabbit and cavies marquee was full of little ones marvelling at the sheer variety of breeds. By mid-afternoon the showground was dotted with toddlers fast asleep on picnic blankets and in carriers, worn out by such a huge day.
And of course, there’s food on every corner – from Greek gyros and Thai noodles to sit-down meals, or your own picnic on the grass. Many today chose a spot near the new music stage, where live performances created a brilliant atmosphere across the showground.
Dorset County Show remains a genuine agricultural celebration at heart – but it’s also one of the best family days out of the year. One day left – don’t miss it. Gates open at 8am tomorrow.
Everything you need to know about veteran showing – as told by someone towed round the ring by a veteran with delusions of youth and grandeur
The Sass Queen (aka Stella) with Tamsin Doar, winning first at Dorset County Show
Every year, towards the end of August, you’ll find equestrians up and down the country united in denial that the nights are closing in and autumn is fast approaching. This year it’s safe to say we have most definitely had a lovely long summer, and the consequently hard ground conditions have been a universal concern. Due to this, The Sass Queen’s summer plans have been revised slightly to avoid injury from working consistently on ground that’s currently closer to concrete than turf.
Tamsin and The Sass Queen’s career highlight (so far) was competing in the Pre-Veteran class at the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show
One thing she has continued to enjoy, however, is showing. Or, in her eyes, ‘prancing around the ring having a right old jolly’ – with me being unceremoniously towed along behind her. Our personal career highlight (so far) was competing in the Pre-Veteran class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last year. While we were there, The Sass Queen spotted the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery out exercising and immediately decided that she too was destined to pull a gun carriage in front of the Royal Family (little did she know she was going back to her muddy field at the end of the day). Judging by the number of social media posts asking for tips on ‘how to get into showing’, it seems the showing world still feels like a bit of a mystery to those yet to dip their toes (hooves?) into it. It is broad and diverse: the breed or type of your horse dictates which classes you can enter. The best way to get a feel for it? Head to a local show and watch the classes your horse might suit – you’ll learn far more by seeing it all unfold ringside.
Tamsin Doar and The Sass Queen, veteran
Showing 101 Showing is split into two categories for each type of class: ‘in hand’ or ‘ridden’ classes. To really strip it back to basics, in hand consists of walking and trotting your horse up for the judge so that they can assess their movement, mannerisms and conformation and judge (place) you accordingly against others in your class. Ridden shows consist of competitors walking, trotting and cantering around together before being pulled into a line up where a ridden show is performed (usually a simple trot, canter and extension on each rein) before ‘stripping’ the horses of their tack to walk and trot them up in hand. In some classes, such as hunter classes, a ride judge will also ride each competitor’s horse to assess their manners and way of going under saddle. Being a Welsh Cob, The Sass Queen started out her competitive showing career in the ‘large breed Mountain & Moorland classes’ which consists of ponies native to the British Isles (Welsh section C & D, Fells, Dales, Connemara, New Forests and Highlands). Horses should be turned out naturally, according to their type – generally hairy, but tided up to be presentable, with no plaiting involved (a big win for me: I have not been blessed with the gift of expert plaiting skills!). More recently, however, we’ve taken to entering veteran classes – not that anyone dares to tell her she is technically an OAP. We recently received feedback in a different discipline that she was “well behaved for a youngster, and once she matures and quietens down will make a lovely horse.” I didn’t have the heart to tell the judge she’s 18 and entering her ‘cantankerous old lady’ phase of life … Veteran showing is a great way to still be able to enjoy days out with your golden oldies, and most shows offer these classes. Entering local unaffiliated shows is one of the best ways to find your feet and get feedback and – most importantly – have fun. If you don’t do well, just remember that it’s only one person’s opinion! If, however, you wish to take veteran showing more seriously, there are two official organisations in the UK you can affiliate under: The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) and the Senior Showing and Dressage League (SSADL). Each offers its own championship shows which you can qualify at across the country: the nearest to Dorset being The Mid Somerset Show and the Bath & West for VHS and The Wessex Horse Show and Dorset County Show for SSADL. They each also have specific rules, such as not showing any extended canter and not wearing spurs – I highly recommend reading each rulebook before entering. SSADL also offers qualifications for the LIHS (forever known to most equestrians as Olympia) and the Royal International Horse Show. It’s amazing that these big international shows are supporting veterans, demonstrating that age really is just a number!
We discussed her over-exuberance while she ate her recovery mash. I’m not sure she was listening.
The Sass Queen and I typically stick to in hand showing: previously, she’s seen either the show jumping or the working hunter ring and, understandably unable to differentiate between coloured poles and solid jumps, instantly assumes we must be team chasing and turns utterly feral (or “a bit lively” as one judge politely commented). Both ridden and in hand classes are split according to age: 15-19, 20-24 and Over 25 (though each society has slightly different upper age brackets). The SSADL also offers a dressage league, from Prelim up to Medium levels, and the VHS organises additional dressage and performance awards. In all classes, regardless of affiliation, horses are scored according to Presentation, Manners, Way of Going, Movement, Condition, Type, Breed, Equine History, Equine Age and Suppleness. Sadly, The Sass Queen let the side down a few weeks ago for being “a bit too exuberant” which unfortunately cost us some marks for manners.
Tamsin Doar and The Sass Queen M&M class
We had a discussion about it afterwards, while she devoured her recovery mash. I’m not convinced she was listening. One of the best things about these classes is that there is the shared enjoyment of spending time showcasing your golden oldie – I love the friendliness between competitors in the line up, chatting about the history of their horses and swapping stories. Equine welfare is very much at the forefront of each society’s ethos, and they discourage competitors from travelling up and down the country in order to try and bag a qualification. As the SSADL says, it gives “equines of all breeds … the chance to compete against animals of a similar age and on a level playing field”. Similarly, the VHS was created initially to research and address age-related welfare issues. Although the showing season is coming to an end, if showing has piqued your interest and you want to find out more about it – or would enjoy watching the classes – then heading to one of your local shows is a good start. Dorset County (6th-7th September) is usually one of the last ‘big’ shows of the season and always has a large array of classes on offer to either compete in or just observe. The BV is sponsor of the Equine Ring this year, so it would basically be a bit rude not to stop by. And there’s practically guaranteed entertainment in the pre-veteran class on the Sunday, where I’ll once again be wrangling my over-exuberant, juvenile veteran and pleading with her to just tone it down a notch … Hopefully we’ll see even more of you out and about next season!
