November already? Gosh this year is whizzing by. Right now you can’t escape the important messages of living well, eating well and respecting nature – and Dorset chef, presenter and activist Julius Roberts is doing just that. We are very excited to support the launch of Julius’ excellent book. So near Christmas it takes away some head scratching regarding the perfect gift for the special someone.
Making the most of simple ingredients, The Farm Table is about unfussy home cooking at its very best – a few good things on a plate, assembled with joy and ease. Winter recipes include an elegant, fuss-free dinner of roast pumpkin, mozzarella, hazelnuts and sage, and a hearty sausage stew. For spring Julius offers baked fish with herbs and asparagus, chicken roasted over lemon, fennel and potatoes, and a lamb stew with pearl barley. Summer is covered with courgette pasta, a ratatouille galette, and a steamed apricot sponge. And right now, autumn arrives with Cabbage, bacon and potato soup (see the video, left), smoked haddock and leek rarebit and pan-fried trout with mash and spinach sauce.
If you follow Julius on social media, you probably feel as if you know him already. He is an avid Instagram and TikTok storyteller, chatting gently as he cooks in his greenhouse, giving his followers a glimpse into what life is like on a Dorset farm as he feeds the pigs, checks on the goats and walks his two lurchers. Passionate about seasonality, Julius shows us how to make the most of what’s around us – from crisp, crunchy apples in autumn, pink rhubarb in winter, asparagus in spring and those first summer strawberries in cream. The Farm Table : A Cookbook £27
Join us for a special event in Sherborne to celebrate the launch of ‘The Farm Table’. Julius will be cooking up a storm demonstrating recipes. Thursday 23rd November 6.30pm for 7pm at The Butterfly House, Castle Gardens, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tickets £5, available online here
Tributes have been paid this month to a remarkable lady who died recently, aged 91. Her leadership made a significant difference to Dorset
Della Jones receiving Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope award.
the age of 91, was a dedicated servant to the community – both North Dorset and the wider county. She was first elected to North Dorset District Council in 1974, representing the Lower Winterborne Ward. She was chosen as vice-chairman of the Environmental Services committee just two years later, becoming chairman in 1979, a position she held for nine years. During this time she also championed the viability of village schools and was instrumental in founding Dunbury School. Della was delighted to be made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1987 for her services to tourism and the community. Her achievements included chairing the tourism committee of the National Association of District Councils. She naturally excelled at promoting tourism in Dorset.
The Della Jones Mile In May 1999, Della was elected chairman of North Dorset District Council (NDDC) – a job she relished. She was widely known as an honourable, tenacious, intelligent and charming public servant. Eventually, in 2011 – amid concerns for her husband’s health and after 45 years service – Della retired from NDDC and was appointed an honorary alderman. Her lifetime of community service also included 21 years as a Dorset county councillor. In 2017 she attended the final meeting of members and former members of NDDC at Nordon in Blandford, when the council became part of the Dorset Councils Partnership – and then of Dorset Council. She said Nordon had been the nerve centre of her community activities for more than 45 years, and it had been ‘an enormous privilege and honour to be elected to represent local folk’. As a breast cancer survivor, Della’s nominated chairman’s charity was Cancer Research UK, of which she was the Dorset Patron. In 2012 she was presented with a Flame of Hope honorary fellowship award from Cancer Research UK for spearheading the fundraising of an incredible £250,000 for the charity. In addition to her council work, Della was a school governor and chairman of governors at The Blandford School for many years. She established the Della Jones Mile, a four lap race at The Blandford School. The race has been held annually for more than 45 years and Della was always at the annual sports day in person to present the trophy to the winner. Sally Wilson, Headteacher at Blandford School said: ‘Della will be fondly remembered for her generous support of young people, her energy, enthusiasm and zest. The Della Jones Mile is her legacy.’
Who’s in charge? Della was married to David for more than 65 years until his death in 2016. The couple met in 1947 on Leigh-on-Sea railway station in Essex where David literally fell into Della’s arms! They were married in Romford and lived in several locations before moving to Dorset in the 1960s. They settled in Winterborne Zelston, where they ran the Red Post Filling Station and developed their smallholding at Middle Farm. The couple had two daughters and two grandchildren. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2017, when they shared the success of their marriage, saying: ‘Only one of us is in charge!’ When asked which one was the boss, without giving the game away, Della responded: ‘That’s the secret of our success.’ When the Somerset and Dorset Railway closed in the 1960s, the couple worked to secure a lasting reminder by installing the buffer-stop at the ‘end of the line’ in Station Court, Blandford. They also ensured the retention of one of the 1862/63 flood arches over the Stour. Della and David spent much of their retirement travelling on some of the world’s greatest railway journeys. After David died, Della continued to support her charities with passion and commitment, while enjoying the warmth of her family and many friends. Fanny Charles, former editor of the BVM, who knew Della for many years, said: ‘Della loved people – and they loved her. She was a wonderful public servant.’ Councillor Val Pothecary, chairman of Dorset Council, said: ‘I feel very fortunate to have been counted among those friends. She was an inspiration to many, a warm human being, and a devoted family woman. Rest in peace dear Della … and thank you for a job well done.’ Much of the work of councillors goes unseen. Della dedicated her life to community service and her leadership made a significant difference to Dorset.
Don’t hibernate – light the fire, heat the chocolate and stay outside, says Thorngrove’s Kelsi-Dean Buck. And yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch!
Autumn is upon us! I think this might be my favourite time of year. I much prefer being able to wear my favourite jumpers, warm up with a hot chocolate, and feel the leaves crunching under my feet. Many of us often think of our gardens as going into hibernation now, but there’s so much to do to enhance your garden space, maintain vibrancy, and of course plan ahead so your spring garden flourishes! Now is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. The cooler autumn soil is perfect for their establishment. Decorate your garden with pumpkins, gourds, and squashes for a classic autumn feel. Create unique arrangements and even carve some for Halloween – maybe consider an autumn wreath for your door! Install bird feeders and bird baths to attract local wildlife. As the weather gets colder, birds will appreciate a food source in your garden. Maybe add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to extend your garden enjoyment into the cooler evenings. Perfect for roasting marshmallows or sipping that hot chocolate … or mulled wine … (yes, it will be here before you know it). We’ve recently added a stunning range from Smart Garden to the shop, including the most superb plushie pumpkins – do come and have a look! For more garden inspiration and tips be sure to follow us on social media. You’ll often find deals of the week, and plant of the month too. There’s always something to help you make the most of your garden whatever the season.
What else are we up to? We’ve been filling up the diary with events! We’re delighted to confirm Laura Jackson of Summer Lane will be bringing a Macramé Workshop to us on Saturday 7th October (11am-1pm), and a Decoupage (seasonally themed) workshop on Saturday 11th Nov. Booking for both is open now. Craft Workshops for Children return this October half term. Bring the little ones to join our crafts-queen Tracey to make some unique seasonal creations (including custom Jam Jar Lanterns!) to take home with you. Safe for little hands, and perfect for the upcoming spookiest time of the year. Booking advised to avoid disappointment. Full details for all events are on our website (or see our ad in the BV) I hate to say it but Christmas is around the corner: as I write we’re just working out the final details but we hope to have ‘Breakfast with Santa’ and a GROTTO here at Thorngrove! Keep your eyes on the social media and website for dates and booking. In the Secret Garden Café our buy one lunch get one FREE offer continues every Tuesday and Thursday – and our new menu should have launched by the time you read this! OK, that just about covers it … now, where’s that hot chocolate? See you in the Garden Centre and Café soon!
Required to work as part of our friendly and hard-working team.
You will be required to work 20 hours per week for 38 weeks per year, weekday mornings with an 08:30am or 9am start and some Saturday mornings on a rota. Some cleaning experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential.
A competitive salary and attractive benefits are provided for the successful candidate.
Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in the commitment.
Financial challenges and declining membership mean that the golf club, located within the racetrack, will shut its doors in April.
Wincanton’s golf course
Wincanton’s nine-hole golf course, located within the racetrack, is no longer viable, say the owners, who have announced it will close on 1st April. It was opened by The Jockey Club in 1994 and has been popular with golfers across the south west region. In 2015, the Club headhunted a greenkeeper from Sherborne Golf club and the quality of the course improved appreciably, attracting considerably more members. Coaching is also offered by Andrew England, who has more than 40 years’ experience as a PGA golf professional. Ten months ago, tractors, mowers and other machinery, valued at more than £100,000, was stolen from the racecourse. At the time, racecourse manager Jack Parkinson said: ‘Insurance will cover the majority but the biggest issue for us is the waiting time on some of these vehicles. That’s where we might struggle a bit. Things like tractors take 18 months to two years so we’re going to need to hire in a lot of machinery to manage.’ Some members say that the quality of the greens and fairways has deteriorated. One, who did not wish to be named, commented: ’The theft didn’t help but the owners have let it slide. The greenkeeper has been told to do other jobs around the racecourse, the quality has fallen and members have left.’ Another golfer posting on the Golfshake website in January shared his view of the course: ‘I’ve played a few times over the years and up to this last year, it has always been just about OK. However, it really has fallen by the wayside … ‘There seems to be absolutely no interest in golf from the owners. ‘It is now being run by the manager of Exeter racecourse, who, quite naturally, has absolutely no idea whatsoever on running a golf course.’
Wincanton’s golf course
Jack Parkinson became manager at Exeter in 2017, and took over at Wincanton racecourse – and the golf club in November 2020, in addition to his Exeter responsibilities. He told The BV: ‘The decision to close the golf course has not been an easy one and we appreciate that this will not be welcome news to many. ‘A number of external economic factors have led to a huge rise in operating costs, and this, coupled with a consistent reduction in memberships over an extended period, has meant the course is no longer viable. ‘The last day of play on the course will be on Sunday 31st March 2024 – pay and play places remain available until then. ‘We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many members and would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their loyal support.’
Racing returns to Wincanton on Thursday 19th October for the start of the jump racing season, followed by the Bob Champion Charity Raceday on 29th October.
It’s easy to get caught up with how terrible things are right now. How broken the world is, how hopeless things feel, how bad people can be. The problems around us are massive – and mostly unsolvable by you or I. And the constant battering of all that overwhelming hopelessness takes its toll. I start to avoid the news, actively switch off or turn away from terrible stories, and choose comedy over dark drama. But that’s no answer either. As I’ve pulled together this issue, these thoughts have been percolating in my brain, even though I’m blessed with a naturally-sunny disposition (possibly annoyingly so) – I’m quick to see the good, take the positive, and let the bad stuff go. As this issue grew, page by page, the answer was right under my fingertips. Story after story you’ll read about good people. Because we human beans, despite our constant bad press, really are innately good. We will stop and wait as a slow-moving elderly person crosses the road. Pass an item down for a short stranger from the top shelf at the supermarket – and we will take our trolley back and park it neatly. We will run to pick up a hat that flew off and laugh as we hand it back. We’ll smile at the cat stretched out in the sun – and say the obligatory ‘Biii-i-ig Strrreee-e-etccchhhh’ when it gets up. We will say ‘bless you’ to a stranger when they sneeze and ‘I love your shoes!’ to a total stranger on the train station. This month, among these pages, you’ll find a village which has simply scooped up a devastated young family and provided the support they needed. Time being taken to welcome and entertain refugees. The astonishing kindness of a donation more than 80 years ago, which was a thank you for a previous kindness, and is still creating ripples. Events made possible by huge teams working together – not because they’re paid, but because they believe that it’s worth doing. Communities supporting small local businesses – which in turn are run by good people working hard to do great things. And so much money being raised by good people for good things. I don’t know anyone who simply gives up a little time occasionally for a good cause that regrets it. Anyhoo. I just found the thought comforting. I’ll finish with a little only-Laura-ism from this month. We went out to dinner – gorgeous food, and a proper date night for us, such a lovely time. Instead of dessert I chose the cheese plate – it arrived with four hunks of cheese, and I tried a bit of each in turn; camembert, Roquefort, cheddar… and a rogue one I didn’t know. I placed a neat chunk (creamy, soft, almost oily texture … intriguing) onto a cracker, and took a bite. Butter. I had a chunk of butter in my mouth. sigh
Laura x
Cox’s Orange anyone? Thank you for your excellent magazine – the spread of articles introduces the broad spectrum of Dorset life and times, we love it! The September edition was particularly interesting for my wife and I because it covers some of the life and times of Alan Turing and his connection with Sherborne School. I wonder if you could help – not a matter requiring a ‘Turing’ answer, but could your readers advise where in Dorset I can find a Cox’s Orange Pippin tree that I can plant in the Garden? Tony Penn
Alweston will miss Jo I feel that I must record for the history of Alweston that our friend and neighbour Jo has moved to pastures new. A loyal supporter of all things connected to our village, she will be much missed by us villagers, but will now live so much closer to her family. Jo came to live in the village after her marriage – to live in the house that her husband’s grandparents had moved into when it was built and she has continued to live there ever since. She was a stalwart supporter of the church, the village school, served on numerous village committees, was a parish councillor and assisted with the WI (country) market. Readers will no doubt recall meeting her at our famous car boot sales! We wish her a happy time in her warm and comfortable new flat, with lots of new adventures. Shirley Warr, Alweston
Is Dorset’s local transport the worst? In my personal opinion Dorset Council is the worst I have ever known. Vast cuts in public transport make it impossible for many to go anywhere on Saturdays – there is no weekend bus service any more. Non-drivers who live in Shaftesbury are effectively stranded at weekends, unable to get to Gillingham station. Tourists cannot get to Shaftesbury. Those who wish to attend educational and recreational courses during the day are now unable to do so because the bus service to Sturminster Newton has been cut, and the times of buses that do still run have been changed. There are no buses in the evening at all. It’s awful for pensioners and young people attending youth clubs – what youth clubs there are – for they cannot get home and have to be collected by parents. This, at a time when we should be encouraging people to use public transport. A Conservative council. May it soon be gone with its Government. Dick Lawrence, Gillingham
Blandford’s (lack of) clinic Why are there no Covid vaccination sites listed for Blandford Forum? I have received two invitations to have a Covid vaccination – one by email and one by post. I went online to make a booking and found that all the information was out of date and did not relate to winter vaccinations. I then tried the online National Booking Service and was offered a booking anywhere between Colehill in Wimborne and Southampton, with no reference to Blandford Forum. I spoke to a person at the National Booking Service and he offered me a booking in Verwood! When I asked about Blandford he said he did not know. I then went back online and found a reference to the Whitecliff Surgery – when I phoned them, a recorded message advised me to press 1 on my key pad … which in turn referred me back to the National Booking Service … It would appear that Blandford Forum is being left out of the vaccination scheme? John Draper, Blandford
Having spoken to the Blandford Group Practice, they assure us that there are flu and Covid vaccine clinics every Saturday – please call their dedicated booking line on 01258 444526 – Ed
Roger Guttridge We have had so many messages on the passing of Roger, far too many to publish them all, but here are just a selection: ‘He was an exceptional journalist and will be much missed. Journalists as good as he was are few and far between now. Condolences to his family.’ – Damian Cullinane ‘A great Dorset writer who inspired me to write about my own county’s history and heritage.’ – Mark Vine ‘I remember Roger well, he was a really nice bloke. I worked in the darkroom at The Echo at the same time. So sorry to hear.’ – Chris Gill
As the autumn draws in, the allotment keeps producing – the main harvest has slowed but Barry Cuff is already picking winter salad
Barry’s second Ironman calabrese crop
By the end of September about 60 per cent of our plot had been cleared of the remains of the already-harvested vegetables, leaving bare soil. During October and November these areas will either be sown with green manure* or mulched with either our home-made compost or two-year-old horse manure. We don’t like leaving bare soil over the winter months! At this time of year there is plenty of material to add to the compost heaps – with a large allotment we have four heaps. One will provide us with good compost during October. The second and third will be at different stages in the process of breaking down the ingredients, while the fourth is the one to which we are currently adding new material.
A Cobnut is a type of hazelnut, traditionally grown in Kent
On the plot After the potatoes were dug mid-to-late summer, part of their area was planted up with leeks and sown with leaf and root vegetables for autumn and winter salads. All have put on good growth during September and we have already cut some of the Oriental mustards. We have continued cropping both runner beans and French beans during the month, thanks to fairly warm nights. Only twice did night time temperatures drop below 10ºC. We continue to pull beetroot and carrots when required, too, as we do with celery. The celeriac has been mulched and fed with liquid seaweed this month – the swollen stem bases will be ready in November. The brassica area looks well. During the sunny days cabbage white butterflies have been busy laying eggs on the plants, so we have to be on the lookout for caterpillars. We have cut some excellent red and white cabbages for coleslaw, stir fries and salads. At the beginning of the month we cut some large heads of Ironman calabrese – and within three weeks we were cutting smaller side shoots! The four courgette plants continued cropping, but had finally slowed down by the end of the month. The squash area gradually lost a lot of its leaves and we were able to see all of the fruits at last; these will be ready to harvest in early October. Tomato plants in the greenhouse continued providing us with a mass of fruit, though we picked the last of our outdoor tomatoes on the 22nd. Our raspberries gave us fruits all through the month, and the Kentish cob bushes gave a heavy yield of large nuts. All of these have been shelled, dried and stored in Kilner Jars. As we cleared the ground, we allowed a few of our special ‘weeds’ to flower – either for the bees or just because they are unusual (and nice to see). They include thornapple, borage, moth mullein and Apple-Of-Peru. *fast-growing plants sown to cover bare soil. Often used in the vegetable garden, their foliage smothers weeds and their roots prevent soil erosion. When dug into the ground while still green, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure.
Sherborne resident Alec Thorne will this month offer a glimpse behind the scenes in the world of television and film production. During his talk at the Digby Memorial Hall, he will be drawing on his experiences of working on period dramas such as Call the Midwife and Catherine the Great (2019) to illustrate how scripts are prepared for the screen – from research and set design, to costume, visual effects and lighting.
Thursday 19th October at 2pm Free admission for members of Sherborne Museum. Visitors: £5 on the door. Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NL
