Amendments to the 650-home West Wincanton housing development, proposed by LVA (Land Value Alliances), have been published by Somerset Council. Concerned local people and organisations have until 24th July to send their comments on the changes.
The red line is around the West Wincanton application site, and a yellow line around a site already approved for 80 houses
There is no date set yet for councillors to discuss the application. The changes include:
Removing the employment area south of Lawrence Hill and reducing the length of the cycle path, but a short section of “active travel route” is still required south of Lawrence Hill to tie in with the toucan crossing. This parcel of lands been removed from the application site; this will reduce tree loss south of A371/Lawrence Hill Small changes in the “Brook Quarter” to increase the net developable area, increase land use efficiency and optimise the active travel route; and in the development area and allotments in the northwest corner to ensure no residential development is shown on land covered by a restrictive covenant Re-design of the Anchor Hill junction and access to avoid the oak tree T281 Reducing the number of footpaths north of Valley Park to reduce the breaks in the hedgerow.
The proposal is an outline application (with all matters reserved except for access) for the demolition of farm buildings and up to 650 homes; up to 3.1ha of mixed use comprising employment land, local centre and care home, primary school, pre-school/nursery, accesses from West Hill and Lawrence Hill, mobility infrastructure, new pedestrian/cycle route to the south of Lawrence Hill, open space and all associated infrastructure.
Welcome to my July column. With the holiday season upon us I thought I would reflect on the importance of having a proper break and time off when on holiday, whether that be at home or away.
I have often been guilty of looking at my emails when on holiday. Invariably this draws you in to responding or actioning something and before you know it you are straight back in to work mode. You may as well be back in the office. And then when you return to work with that feeling you’ve not had a break.
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I have just been away for 10 days and made a promise to myself that this year I would have a proper break and would not be tempted to look at my emails.
I put my ‘out of office’ on the day before I went on holiday and updated my voicemail greeting, I was all set for a real break.
During the 10 days away I didn’t once look at my email, and to be honest the temptation to look was actually easy to overcome in reality. I also stayed away from LinkedIn to make sure I had a complete break from the wider business community as well.
I am fortunate to have an amazing and highly capable team behind me and I know things will run smoothly whether I am there in the office or not. There is no need to look at any emails at all, which is good because it can only take just one negative email to really niggle you and effectively spoil your day.
And of course, if there was a real crisis, I could be contacted if it were really necesary.
Because I took these measures I have returned to work feeling rested, motivated and ready to get back to things with energy and enthusiasm.
Having a good break away from things is so important it hugely improves your productivity when you do finally return to the office. You should hopefully feel both rested and energised when you get back to work, ready to get stuck in.
I’d always recommend employers really promote this approach with their staff and encourage colleagues to make sure they have a proper break, it’s so important for our general wellbeing and mental health.
And of course it will also hugely benefit your business with a motivated and energised team, which is the greatest asset in any business.
Passed away peacefully on 26th May 2025 in Salisbury District Hospital aged 92.
Widow to the late Len Mills. A much loved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends. Service already held to celebrate her life at Harbour View Crematorium. The family of Kath would like to thank everyone who attended.
Back home to rest in Dorset, Eddy Scott shares how dark humour, determination and a new purpose are carrying him through recovery
Eddy Scott at The Superhumans Center in Lviv
One of the most striking things about Eddy Scott is the positivity that radiates from him, despite his life-changing injuries: ‘I’m doing really well! I got a very good prosthesis for my leg two weeks ago. I’ve been visiting friends, including going to a wedding near Manchester, which was excellent, and now I’m just having some down time.’ The BV has followed the story of Shaftesbury’s Eddy who was injured by a Russian drone strike in March while operating as a humanitarian aid worker in Ukraine. Eddy lost his left arm and leg, and has been undergoing intense rehabilitation in Lviv. We caught up with him on a two week break in England.
Eddy Scott with his dog Tarka
The rehabilitation journey Eddy is at home with his parents and being treated to his favourite foods, Sunday roasts, curry and tuna pasta, and also enjoying the company of his dog, Tarka. Eddy is rehabilitating in Ukraine at The Superhumans Center in Lviv – a specialist hospital focused on military personnel and civilians injured in war zones. Tens of thousands of people have been injured as a result of the war, with many having lost limbs and having to rebuild their lives. The centre also focuses on getting people with disabilities back into jobs and adapting to civilian life. As a result of the war in Ukraine, surgeons and therapists are rapidly learning new techniques for the treatment of war victims. Some of this involves collaboration with other nations, but it is also placing Ukraine – and Superhumans in particular – at the forefront of innovative techniques and therapies. The centre also specialises in the psychological care of war victims through Superminds. ‘I have been discharged for my leg,’ Eddy says. ‘I now have work to do on my arm, and towards the end of July I’ll return for that part. On a typical day at Superhumans, I’ll do two hours of occupational therapy in the morning, working on movement and sometimes gardening outside. In the afternoon, there’s three hours of physical therapy to build strength, often with outdoor activities, plus hydrotherapy. I’m there five days a week, with two days off.”
Back home in Dorset: Guinness the cat was adopted after he lost a leg in a car accident. He gets on very well with Eddy …
A new role It’s not all hard, physical recovery work. In his last interview with the BV Eddy talked about staying in Ukraine and his love of the country – and it looks like that dream is about to come true: ‘Superhumans have offered me a job as an ambassador! It’s really exciting, and it means I can still help people in Ukraine but in a very different way. It will involve a lot of travel and I’ll get to meet a lot of people.’ Eddy’s role will involve giving peer support to other injured people, and also promoting the work of Superhumans to a wider audience. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues unabated. ‘Lviv is in the west of Ukraine, and it’s very safe: we get the occasional air alarm. However, Kyiv has been hit very hard recently. I have friends who are really suffering and there are attacks every single day. Where I used to live and work, in Kramatorsk, things have really changed over the past five months and places that were once quite safe are now not at all. It’s very difficult.’
Eddy with Andriy, the Superhumans’ media manager
Looking forward Eddy is still adjusting to life without two limbs: ‘I’m coming to terms with the changes. It’s going well. I’m being looked after well, and I’m looking forward to the new opportunities with Superhumans. Losing two limbs is a big change for anyone. But I’ve also found that things have been a lot easier than I expected. ‘I stay resilient by having things to look forward to – like the job as an ambassador, and being able to help Ukraine. It gives me more of a purpose. I’ve come out of it relatively well, and I have also been able to support others.’ Obviously, being blown up is extremely serious, but there have been humorous moments for Eddy. ‘I’ve used humour throughout this whole process. A dark sense of humour helps in situations like this. For example, when it first happened, a friend made a cake and iced it with the words This cost an arm and a leg – which was brilliant! ‘There have been so many dark jokes – you have to have a sense of humour to get through this. ‘What I’ve realised is that I’m more capable than I ever thought I was. It’s taught me that I was doing the right thing, and made the right decisions. I have had a lot of support and people have told me that my levels of positivity have helped them a lot. It’s nice to find out that I have had that impact on them, and that they can take something from it.’ A life-changing incident like the one Eddy experienced is harrowing for family members as well. ‘It has been a big change for my family as well.,’ he says. ‘They have been really supportive. And it’s good to see them. ‘I’m looking forward to my new job and meeting some really interesting people. I’ll continue to tell my story, and the Superhumans’ story … and keep the Ukraine story alive.’
Hinton Workspace, the rural coworking hub set in a converted carpenter’s workshop in Hinton St Mary, has announced a series of events this summer aimed at supporting local businesses, freelancers and working parents.
On 10th July, Alice from World Secrets will visit to share the story of her distinctive footwear business and host a pop-up shop featuring her range of bold bags and shoes. The talk offers an opportunity to hear first-hand how she developed her brand and navigated the challenges of growing an independent label. Later that day, Hinton will also welcome members of the North Dorset Chambers of Commerce for a networking session designed to bring local businesses together in an informal setting. From 28th July, the workspace will launch You Work, They Play, a scheme to help working parents over the school holidays. While parents use the shared facilities, children aged eight and over can join creative workshops led by Mrs J in a dedicated space across the courtyard. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays through August, with a special combined rate available.
On 30th July, the Tithe Barn will be turned into a pop-up cinema for a screening of Big Star, telling the story of Nick Skelton’s famous showjumper. The evening is open to the wider community and will be a chance to come together in a relaxed setting. Hinton Workspace continues to offer flexible coworking and meeting space throughout the year, with a focus on collaboration and rural enterprise. For more information about any of the events, or to book a place, visit hintonworkspace.co.uk.
A public inquiry into compulsory purchase orders on land at Dinah’s Hollow, on the C13 Shaftesbury-Blandford road, was cut short on Tuesday, after the statutory objectors (the landowners) withdrew their objections.
Dinah’s Hollow
Dept. of Transport inspector Malcolm Rivett was expecting to hear objections to the Dorset Council CPOs, and the inquiry was scheduled for two days at The Exchange at Sturminster Newton, but in the event it was all over on Tuesday morning. The purpose of the CPOs is to acquire the necessary land and rights required for the Dinah’s Hollow Improvement Scheme to stabilise the slopes of the hollow. Dorset Council wants to improve safety on this part of the C13, following surveys and concern about the stability of the steep slopes. This concern follows a tragic fatal accident near Beaminster in July 2012, when a car and its occupants were buried in a landslip. The inspector heard that there could be a possible charge of corporate manslaughter if a similar accident happened at Dinah’s Hollow. It is worth noting that, despite these concerns, Dinah’s Hollow remains open, with vehicular passage controlled by traffic lights, until the lengthy CPO and planning process is completed.
Barry Cuff takes a look back at what happened on his Sturminster Newton plot last month
Water – Halfway through the year and we are seriously short of soil moisture. The last three months have seen low rainfall in our area. We rely on the well on our allotments, which thankfully has not run dry nor is it likely to, even if this very dry spell continues into July. Pumping to supply the seven raised 330-gallon containers and troughs has been carried out 14 times this month – most plotholders use the water wisely, taking care not to waste the precious commodity. However no amount of watering can replace a decent fall of rain.
Image: Barry Cuff
Potatoes – They always need a lot of water, so during the month each 18 foot row has been given 30 litres on two separate occasions. At the beginning of the month we used the last of our 2024 crop of Caledonian Rose which made good chips and roasts. We started digging the new crop (Maris bard and Jazzy) mid-month. The Jazzy gave excellent yields per plant, and as a new spud were as good as any Jersey Royal.
Brassicas – Immediately after planting out they have to be protected from pigeons by a net cloche. We now have the following: one row of Red Drumhead cabbage, which have outgrown their cloche and are not being attacked by the birds at present. The Brenden Brussels sprouts (planted on the 1st) are doing well. Cheesy and Cendis cauliflower were planted on the 14th and Ironman Calabrese on the 29th.
Direct sowings – beetroot and carrots, at regular intervals.
Plug trays – We have sown Aureo cauliflower, Vertus Savoy cabbage, Claret purple sprouting broccoli and Navona romanesco, all for planting out in July.
Harvest – Broad beans completed on the 15th, and the plants put on the compost heap. Garlic on the 27th (excellent yields of two varieties). Picked our first courgettes on the 26th, and the first greenhouse tomatoes on the 29th.
Salads – We love our salads! Beetroot was pulled as required. We always have lettuce as we make successive sowings between March and September. Spring onions and radish as required. Jazzy is always a good salad potato.
In the greenhouse – All the tomatoes are doing well. A few of the sweet peppers have sun scorch but are usable. We are now shielding the fruit with newspapers on the sunniest days: greenhouse temperatures rose to over 45º on the hottest days in June.
Fruit – It’s been an exceptional year for our strawberries which finished cropping on the 25th. We’ve also had good yields of blackcurrants, whitecurrants and gooseberries: Val has made around 30lb of jam. We picked our first autumn raspberries on the 20th June!
Peas – These are short due to lack of rain. Hope to pick the first week in July.
Other veg – Cucurbits, sweetcorn celeriac, French and runner beans all need some decent rain, despite being watered every day.
Weeding – We are using the hoe and hand weeding. Our worst weeds are gallant soldiers, bindweed, fat hen, sowthistle and many-seeded goosefoot.
Biodiversity – A few of our ‘special’ weeds are now in flower and attracting the bees – moth mullein, opium poppy and weasel snout. We spotted a wasp beetle on the broad beans and a young adder was found on an adjacent plot. There seem to be fewer butterflies than usual.
Slugs, tired blooms and thirsty borders? Keep your garden in shape this summer with Pete Harcom’s no-nonsense seasonal checklist
While we can relax and enjoy the garden now, there are always just a few jobs to keep things ‘ship shape and Bristol fashion’. With mild and wet evenings, slugs and snails can be a problem for some flowers, particularly Dahlias (and yes, I’m speaking from experience!). Try to avoid slug pellets (even organic ones) as they have been shown to have negative effects on wildlife in the garden. It’s better to encourage natural predators, such as birds, frogs, toads, hedgehogs, slowworms and ground beetles, as these all eat slugs and snails. I find beer traps are very good – just fill a small glass jar with 1/3 beer, and leave it sitting out near any plant/s you want to protect. A few days later, the jar will be filled with dead slugs: just toss them into your compost heap. Or you can try a night-time torchlight assault, and just search and pick the blighters off your plants. Proprietary slug and snail traps are also available from most garden suppliers. There are many plants that are simply less palatable to slugs and snails. Here are a few which, in my experience, slugs tend to leave alone: Agapanthus, Alchemilla mollis (lady’s mantle), Anemone, Antirrhinum (snapdragon), Aquilegia, Aster, Astilbe, Astrantia, Bergenia, Digitalis (foxglove), Euphorbia, Geranium species, Geum, Pelargonium, Potentilla, Pulmonaria, Saxifraga and Sisyrinchium. There are lots of others – a quick internet search is your friend if you’re planning a slug-resistant garden!
Other jobs to keep on top of: Keep deadheading flower borders regularly as this prolongs flowering. It also keeps borders free from unsightly dying petals (especially under rose bushes, where they can lead to black spot). Deadheading also helps prevent plants from wasting energy creating unwanted seed heads. Remember to feed hanging baskets and potted plants with liquid feed to encourage new growth – it will also help to revive any tired displays. Tender perennials such as Fuchsias are best propagated from cuttings, and July is a great time for Fuchsia cuttings, as young plants root more easily. Dianthus can also be increased this way, by taking cuttings from the tender new growth – try to avoid flowering shoots. Continue to tie in and train new growth on all climbing plants. Always water the soil around the base of plants, rather than the foliage. Ensure bird baths and water features are topped up during hot weather.
Reviving General Pitt Rivers’ dream, the Larmer Tree Project is giving hundreds of local children free days of discovery, art and poetry
A quiet corner of Cranborne Chase is transforming children’s learning – one verse, one beat and one flag at a time. If you had wandered into the Larmer Tree Gardens on a Tuesday this summer term, you’d have found something a little more unexpected than the usual wedding party. Small groups of primary school children would have been scattered across the lawns and groves, some reading poetry, some painting colourful flags, others beating out rhythms on drums. This is the Larmer Tree Project, a new charity with an ambitious mission: to open up these historic gardens free of charge to local state schools, offering children a day that might spark something lasting. General Augustus Pitt-Rivers created the Larmer Tree Pleasure Grounds in 1880, shortly after inheriting the Rushmore Estate. They were designed as a sanctuary ’to enlighten, educate and inspire’ his estate workers and guests. He took great pride in creating a unique space which they could share. He was the first in the UK to open his privately-owned gardens to the general public, and by 1899, the Larmer Tree Pleasure Grounds were welcoming more than 44,000 visitors a year. LLocal Olympian William Fox-Pitt is the latest in the family line of custodians. He and his wife Alice are passionate about continuing the General’s work in maintaining the magic of the Larmer Tree for future generations to enjoy.
The White Rabbit leads a group poetry recital
‘When you walk into the gardens, you’re just immediately inspired,’ says Alice. ‘It has that wow factor – the trees, the calm, the sheer novelty of the place. We wanted to go back to the General’s original vision of “access, education and fun” for the grounds.’ ‘It’s like a storybook setting before you even add anything,’ says Claire Gill, the founder of Storysock live-literature events for children, who leads the Larmer Tree Project. ‘We wanted to create an experience that helps children find their own voices, step out of their comfort zones and see learning differently.’
A different school day Each school visit begins with an adventure. Children are greeted by the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit, in costume – who lead them on a tour of the gardens, where 38 poems are hidden among the trees. From William Shakespeare to Benjamin Zephaniah, the verses set the tone: this isn’t school as usual. The day is divided into three workshops: in Spoken Word the children learn to project poems across the lawns, discovering how to speak with clarity and confidence. In the Art workshop, the children paint Tibetan prayer flags inspired by what they’ve seen – everything from peacocks to tree leaves. In Drumming and Rhythm, they’re encouraged to find a way to respond physically to the space. After lunch they gather in a big group for poetry readings and some more creative, meditative activities.
Learning to project volume without needing to shout
Breaking through Alice and Claire agree that the results have been humbling. ‘We had a child who usually wears headphones because he can’t cope with noise,’ Alice says. ‘He took them off and joined the drumming workshop, completely comfortable. His teachers were watching with tears in their eyes.’ Another child who refuses to read in class was running from poem to poem, reading them out loud to his teachers. ‘They didn’t even know he could read,’ says Alice. ‘Because he was on the move and not confined, it just unlocked something.’
Follow the (Mad Hatter) leader
A growing vision For Claire, the day isn’t simply about art or literacy. It’s about showing children that poetry, performance and creativity can belong to them. ‘We want to sow a little seed,’ she says. ‘If it gives them the tiniest bit of confidence to look outside what they normally do, that’s a start. ‘And it’s not just a single school trip. They are taking a poem back to school with them to learn as a group, and then they’re making headdresses for a pageant on the 15th July. Every child who has attended this year will come back, and the prayer flags they’ve all decorated will be hung up like bunting throughout the gardens. They’ll all recite their poems on the day, and join in a mass drumming extravaganza at the end. They’ll be part of an extraordinary kind of production – so yes, it’s a wonderful school outing that hopefully unleashes creativity, but it also gives them a chance to perform in front of 500 other children, too.’
The children enjoy a group drumming workshop
More than a pilot Although this is its first year, both women can see the huge potential of the project. ‘This is just the beginning,’ Alice says. ‘The gardens have been used commercially for decades, but this is something entirely new – a return to the gardens’ roots as a place for everyone.’ Claire agrees. ‘It feels like the possibilities are endless. We’re already thinking about how to keep going through the autumn – maybe a winter solstice event – and bringing in more schools. We’d love to find a way to make this year-round.’ This first year, the project was funded by two local philanthropic private donors, but the project has just got charitable status and the team is working hard to secure support to sustain it. Transport has been the biggest challenge – buses are expensive, and most schools simply couldn’t have joined without help. ‘That’s where the collaboration has been so brilliant,’ says Claire. ‘Sandroyd and Port Regis, two local independent schools, have lent us their minibuses on Tuesdays. It’s made the whole programme possible. And other schools like Bryanston, Clayesmore and Sherborne have now stepped in with offers of help. That spirit of sharing resources so more children can have this experience has been really special. ‘We all know state schools don’t have budgets for this kind of thing, but that shouldn’t mean that children miss out.’
‘As I got on your land it got magical seeing all the flowers and the beauty of the place and it’s buildings. One of my favourite parts was the poems. Just finding the poems felt fun, I loved when we readed each others poem. Another of my favourite partst was when we played drums, when we got to the place we saw a peacock percing but with people scramming about nobody saw it. When we got to play it was like a parade full of drums and shakers playing. The buildings felt anceint, the stage like a old, old stage. I had a wondersul trip and I swear other people did too. One of the best trips from Jack’
