Go wild in November

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20 November 2024

With British Game Week in November, now is the time to try some of the area’s best wild food from The Dorset Game Larder

The pheasant season runs from 1st October until 1st February for fresh birds. All Dorset Game Larder birds are dry plucked and dressed by hand, then packed individually and shrink wrapped. All birds are sourced from local shoots in Dorset.
Image: Gay Pirrie-Weir

It’s time to up your game! Great British Game Week runs from 4th to 10th November, so what better time to try some wild food from the local countryside? With cold winter nights drawing in, we all look forward to hearty casseroles, stews or pies, and Chris Tory of The Dorset Game Larder has a mouth-watering range, from partridge to venison, pigeon to squirrel, to encourage you to put some new dishes on the table for family and friends.
Fans of foraging and wild food programmes on television will be familiar with the arguments for finding food that is local, natural and ticks the sustainability and health boxes – and high protein, low fat game really does. Wild game also has a lower carbon footprint than most mass-produced meat, and the industry plays an important role in countryside management.
Now established as one of the most reliable game suppliers in the area, The Dorset Game Larder began in 2009 as a natural development from the small commercial shoots run by Chris and his brother on their farms near Blandford.
They started preparing birds for the table and gradually other local shoots asked them to deal with their surplus birds.
As the business grew, they were not only approached by more local shoots, but also asked to supply a large number of birds to the Hampshire-based Blackmore Game.
At one point, Chris recalls, they were taking birds from 28 local shoots.

Time to re-think
The Game Larder was set up in the old stables at the family farm, and that same year, the family sold their dairy cows. As the business grew, Chris joined the new Direct from Dorset organisation, which later became Dorset Food & Drink. He is a member of the successor organisation, but still displays the Direct from Dorset logo, which remains an important part of the identity of Dorset Game Larder products.
In 2012, Chris successfully applied to Chalk and Cheese, an EU-funded grant programme supporting the local food, drink and crafts sectors in rural areas. He received a grant of £5,000 for a chiller, which is still very much in use, functioning as a walk-in fridge or freezer, depending on the time of year.
The Blackmore Game partnership split up in 2015, with a considerable impact on Dorset Game Larder. ‘We downsized, and we had to come up with other products,’ says Chris. ‘We had already started making sausages and burgers. And we went back to working with just three or four shoots.’

Current Dorset Game Larder products: pheasant with venison stuffing, venison mince and pheasant breast ballantine

Venison for Christmas
Dealing in venison was an obvious next step. These large mammals have no natural predators in the UK and in some areas they are now in such numbers that they have an adverse effect on the environment, farming and forestry, making management of the wild animals a necessity. Sika deer are a particular problem in the Purbecks. Dorset Game Larder’s venison is also sourced from Bloxworth and Wareham forest. Sika are larger than native fallow and roe deer, but there is more meat-to-bone in the fallow breed.
Covid, followed by avian flu, both had a big impact on shoots and on the Game Larder. But while a lot of shoots have folded, others survived and a new large wild game business has opened at Oakland Park in Berkshire. Chris has observed a growing interest in game, and sales of venison in particular have increased.
The Dorset Game Larder sells venison in many forms – mince, burgers, sausages, diced ready to casserole, steaks, fillets and joints of shoulder or haunch, a Christmas favourite with a lengthy historic tradition.
Feathered game – pheasant, partridge, grouse, pigeon and wild duck – comes dressed, or you can just buy the breasts, a simple, quick dish for those not experienced in game cookery.
The wide selection of sausages and burgers includes venison, wild game, pheasant and rosemary, or pheasant and cranberry. Rabbit is always available, dressed or diced, and for those looking for something more adventurous (and helping with environmental protection), there is dressed squirrel. Legally classed as vermin – and infamous for the way they have driven the charming and much smaller native red squirrel out of much of mainland England – grey squirrels do a lot of damage to young trees and are a threat to nests and young birds. They taste a bit like rabbit, but stronger, says Chris.
You can visit the Dorset Game Larder farm shop near Shapwick. Local retailers who carry Chris’s wild game include Dike’s at Stalbridge, Richardson’s Budgens in Swanage, Stuart Pearce’s butcher’s shop in Blandford, Pamphill Butchers, Enford farm shop near Shillingstone and Vines Close farm shop near Wimborne.

Dike & Son in Stalbridge have fully-stocked game shelves during the season, thanks to The Dorset Game Larder

How do you cook it?
Chris’s go-to book for venison inspiration is Jose Souto’s Venison: The Game Larder. The former House of Commons chef and lecturer at the Westminster Kingsway College is one of this country’s leading game experts. With photographs by Steve Lee, the book is a comprehensive guide to venison, covering everything from provenance and management to recipes by Jose and other top chefs including Tom Kerridge, Phil Vickery and Peter Gordon. Jose says: ‘In the UK we no longer have any predator species to prey on venison because we got rid of all the bears and wolves and lynxes. We have a moral obligation to manage them. It is also a very ethical way of harvesting. The deer have not been put in trucks and transported, or put on a stainless steel gangway to be shot. The deer spend all their life living outside in the countryside doing what they are supposed to do. And there’s no suffering or stress when they are killed.
‘Some people challenge that, but I don’t understand their argument. They eat chickens – and look at how so much of our chicken is produced.’
Jose has also written a companion volume, Feathers: The Game Larder and a third focusing on small furred game is planned. If you can find a copy, Julia Drysdale’s 1975 Game Cookery Book (follow the link to find them on Abebooks – Ed), which she compiled for the Game Conservancy Council, is a great practical guide, with reliable recipes. Clarissa Dickson-Wright’s Game Cookbook is, as you would expect, knowledgeable and full of her extravert personality, and Glorious Game, published in 2019, features recipes from 101 chefs, including Angela Hartnett, Margot Henderson, Tom Kerridge, Jeremy Lee, Tom Aikens, Paul Ainsworth, Sat Bains and Ollie Dabbous. All proceeds directly benefit The Moorland Communities Trust and The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

thedorsetgamelarder.co.uk
Meet the Dorset Game Larder team at the Dorset Food and Drink Winter Fair at Athelhampton House, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th November, from 10am to 3pm.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) comes to Poole

By

LauraHitchcock

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19 November 2024

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Pride & Prejudice is hallowed turf, and fans will naturally be apprehensive about Isobel McArthur’s ‘raucous’, ‘audacious’, ‘irreverant’ and ‘riotous’ version of their hallowed turf.

Direct from its triumph in the West End – where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy – Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is now on tour, and last night was the start of its week run at Lighthouse Poole, until 23rd November.

It’s silly, it’s sweary, it’s loud and foolish and fun … and it manages to utterly capture the heart of the iconic book.

The familiar story unfolds as expected, but is told through the eyes of the five servant girls in the Bennett house as they act out the parts of ‘them upstairs’.

To keep the script tight and pacey, some characters have been dropped. Writer Isobel McArthur says: ‘There are 119 named characters in the original Pride & Prejudice. We have reduced this to an essential 18, played by just five actors. Lightning-fast costume changes are required from the cast throughout. They also play the instruments, sing the songs and perform all the scene changes.
‘However, this is not merely in the interests of economy. In our adaption, the Pride & Prejudice story is told by the female servants of a Regency-era household. During the Napoleonic wars, these women really did it all.’

Those speed character and costume switches are part of the joy – you never know who is going to pop out from where. And while the story runs true to the original, there’s a new twist to Charlotte Lucas which made complete sense – and provides an aching sadness for her character when she appears, running beneath the Bennett’s cheerfully chaotic mayhem.

The chemistry among the cast was tangible, they were having the best time and brought the whole audience along with them for the joy of it. All the familiar characters are exaggerated and enlarged, a natural consequence of seeing them from the perspective of house servants with their naturally mocking air. Bingley was bonkers – not so quiet and gentle as he’s usually perceived, but frenetic and silly and lots of fun. Naomi Preston’s Wickham was hilariously awful (and we saw far too little of him) and Rhianna McGreevy’s brilliant Darcy was played with Colin Firth-esque stillness and contained fury. I loved the nod to the unspoken thoughts of the audience when he unexpectedly met Elizabeth at Pemberley (‘you’re looking awfully dry, sir… don’t fancy a swim?). The delicious growing tension between Darcy and Elizabeth was perfect, eventually strong enough to see how ardently he admired and loved her…

As I’ve grown older I’ll admit I have grown in sympathy with the much-maligned Mrs Bennett, and Isobel McArthur’s malicious version oddly kept me on her side – while still mocking her absolute stupidity and awfulness of course. She’s the only one that genuinely seems to understand the very real consequences of her girls not marrying well.

My one disappointment from this production was oddly with Jane Austen’s most comical character of all – Mr Collins was nowhere near creepy enough, appearing simply dull rather than the finger-curling awful I expected. Though his simpering during Lady In Red was exactly as I’d have wished!

Among the fun, the pithy one liners and the stonking pop songs, there’s some sharp commentary on the plight of the servant class in Georgian England. Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is smart, roar-out-loud funny and an absolutely brilliant evening.

• Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is on at Lighthouse Poole until Saturday 23rd Novmber. Evenings performances at 19:45, matinees (Thurs and Sat) at 14:30.

Polo’s back in the saddle

By

Editorial team

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19 November 2024

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Sally Cooper looks beyond 1980s Jilly Cooper to polo’s fast-paced, bruising but surprisingly inclusive world, with rare gender equality

Sofie (left) competing – she’d been a keen teenage showjumper, but after a bad fall took a break. She tried dressage on her return, then found her competitive element in polo.
All images © Michael Berkeley Photography

The recent wave of publicity for Jilly Cooper’s Rivals TV series has put polo back on our radar – the sequel to Rivals, the third Rutshire Chronicles book, Polo, made her forever synonymous with the glamorous sport. Instantly, images of powerful horses, high fashion, wealth and scandalous affairs come to mind. But how true is this of polo today? What exactly is polo and who plays it now?
My quest for the truth was made simpler by a conversation with Sofie Hopkins. She’s a keen member of Druids Lodge Polo Club, near Stonehenge, where she keeps several polo ponies. Polo has recently seen a resurgence in popularity, Sofie says: ‘It is busy. There’s a general impression that it’s very elitist but it really isn’t like that. You get all types of people playing. A lot of people now play at school and university. Yes, it’s an expensive sport – but you don’t have to have a helicopter and own an estate in Rutshire to play polo. In reality, ALL equestrian sport is expensive these days! We all give them the best kit and the best care and we invest in better safety gear for both the human and the animal.’

A rare equality
The name polo likely comes from the Himalayan Balti word pulu, referring to the willow root used for the original balls. Often called the “Sport of Kings,” polo has a rich history that dates back more than 2,000 years to Persia (now Iran), where warrior teams used it to hone cavalry skills. It evolved from military training into today’s exciting international sport. The Victorians adopted polo in India and brought it home with them, and it soon spread to the USA, Argentina and Australia. The Polo Association was formed in 1890, and now 77 countries play the sport. Argentina, known for its skilled riders and exceptional horses, has become the dominant force in modern polo.
It’s not hard to see why it gained such popularity. It’s a fast-paced game with fit horses and players, and it’s simple to follow (whoever scores the most goals wins). Polo is also a rare sport in that it is genuinely unisex, offering equality on the field.
Skill and strategy are key, with a handicap system ensuring a “level playing field”.
Sofie says: ’That’s one of the things I really like about it. ‘You might see a team with three women and one man but they’re beating a team of four young blokes because they have better tactics. The handicap creates absolute parity.’

Sofie discussing tactics with husband James
© Michael Berkeley Photography

The game
A polo match is divided into periods called chukkas, each lasting seven minutes. The length of a chukka is determined by how long horses can sustain intense physical exertion, given the high speed and agility required. In the UK, most games consist of four chukkas, but higher-level matches can extend to as many as eight. The standard of play ranges from lower-level, more casual games to high-level competitions, often referred to as low goal and high goal. There are four riders per team, plus two mounted referees (and a third to referee if the two mounted refs disagree!). Players have fixed positions – number one is at the top attacking, and four is at the back in defence.
The string
Polo horses are always called ponies, no matter their size – it has stuck since the war years when there was a shortage of full-sized horses and ponies were used. The game is fast and furious, and the higher the level being played, the more changes of ponies a player requires – referred to as a string of ponies. Most are specifically-bred thoroughbreds, and typically mares are the mount of choice (they are considered gutsier and reliably loyal – no comment).

James in full gear – the leathers are usually made from buffalo because it’s thicker and safer. Riders wear knee pads, padded boots, gloves, a helmet and a gum shield, with many opting for eye protection
© Michael Berkeley Photography

The kit
Much of the polo kit is similar to that of other equestrian disciplines, but with added features for safety and stability. The ponies wear bandages and front boots for protection, and only rear studs are allowed. A double-girthed saddle is used for security, while bits are often gags or pelhams, with double and running reins, along with a martingale and breastplate for added stability. The tail is tied up, and manes are hogged (except for young horses, which are left intact to mark them as inexperienced – the polo pony version of L plates).
‘The polo saddle is very flat,’ says Sofie. ‘You have to be able to move constantly, so it’s perfectly flat-sided with no knee rolls. I use equaliser girths and over girths to keep the saddle stable. Our stirrups have four-bar irons and the tread plate is much bigger so that you have more to stand on. The leathers are usually made from buffalo because it’s thicker and safer.’
Riders wear knee pads, padded boots, gloves, a helmet and a gum shield, with many opting for eye protection as well.
‘My boots are double-leathered to prevent impact,’ Sofie adds. ‘There’s so much impact – you get bruises everywhere. I wear two pairs of ski socks underneath, and I’m still covered in bruises year-round! We wear white jodhpurs for weekends or games, but for midweek chukkas, jeans are fine. I use a gum shield in the summer now, after a close call early in the season this year. Goggles are generally ballistic-rated to withstand ball impact – the ball is about the same size as an eye socket, and I have seen a couple of people get a ball in their eye. Lots of blood and ambulances. It’s very unpleasant.’
Like other equestrian sports, polo has strict helmet regulations. ‘Helmets usually have a wide brim, and some players have a metal face shield for extra protection. It’s all about being more solid and secure than other equestrian sports might be used to,’ Sofie explains.

The final essential item of kit is the mallet – also referred to as a stick. In polo the ball is hit with the side of the mallet, rather than the ends as in croquet, and riders are only permitted to play right-handed (rumour has it that this is why Prince Harry plays better than Prince William, as William is naturally left-handed … ssshhhhhhh….) Riders can become very attached to one stick – they are mainly constructed of a bamboo shaft with a hardwood head, says Sofie. ‘Especially when we hook. Sometimes you’re lucky and you can splice-repair it. But generally, you just end up buying more of them. I buy them from a super guy near Windsor. It’s like Ollivanders wand shop from Harry Potter! You enter his garden shed where he makes them and there’s hundreds of these sticks … each rider has personal quirks and types, and his are fantastic. It makes a huge difference!’

Fast and furious mid-chukka
© Michael Berkeley Photography

Learning the sport
Sofie was brought up on a small island outside Gothenburg. Her uncle had a farm with Shetland ponies which she visited every weekend: ‘My riding started with being carted around by the vicious Shetland ponies, with them kicking me, bucking me off, biting me … I loved it!
‘As a teen I did a lot of show jumping, but after a bad accident I had to take a break from riding. When I came back I tried dressage, but it was not for me! Then thank goodness I found polo through friends.’
Sofie is keen to stress that you don’t have to be a strong rider to play polo: ‘Honestly, anyone can do it. James could hardly ride when we started! The horses are so good. They know if they’ve got a non-rider or a cautious rider and they’ll adapt to you. Our first lesson was with a high goal pro Argentine – James spent 30 minutes basically trying not to fall off, and came back grinning. He just said “right, we’re buying polo ponies!” It’s an adrenaline rush – polo addiction commenced!’
Even an experienced rider may still need lessons in switching from a general riding seat to a polo position. ‘It is very different,’ says Sofie. ‘The seat is deeper, and balance and stability are crucial. I’m very much still learning the polo way of riding. I am still having lessons with one of the pros, because I must change my whole body and learn it all from a new perspective. Using one hand is fairly easy, but with the seat you must sit deeper, especially when you start going faster, and learn to lean further out.’

James and Sofie treading in at half-time
© Michael
Berkeley Photography

Sofie suggests that a starter polo lesson is a great Christmas present: ‘Try a starter or a trial day at a club, and definitely come and watch. Druids has winter evening games and weekend games by the fire. Then in the summer there are lots of sociable big games, they’re fabulous to come and experience something totally different. Speak to the people who work there. Look at the ponies. It’s very welcoming!’
druidspolo.co.uk

Wessex Internet Reaches Milestone with 10,000th Customer

By

Editorial team

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19 November 2024

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Dorset-based full-fibre broadband provider Wessex Internet is celebrating a major achievement, having connected its 10,000th customer.

Wessex Internet’s Hampshire Regional Engagement Manager Vicky Missen and Customer Onboarding Specialist Katie Gondelle celebrate reaching 10,000 customers with the Phillips family.

The milestone customer, Dan Phillips from Bisterne, Hampshire, was thrilled to learn he has won 10 years of free gigabit broadband as part of the company’s celebrations.

The award-winning, rural-focused Internet Service Provider (ISP) continues to experience significant growth, with a projected 60% increase in customers this year. Wessex Internet recently surpassed 30,000 properties now ready for its gigabit service, thanks to its disciplined and strategic network expansion.

Focused on delivering connectivity to underserved rural communities across Dorset, South Somerset, Wiltshire, and the New Forest, the company is managing four government-backed Project Gigabit contracts. These contracts, worth £71 million, will enable Wessex Internet to bring full-fibre broadband to over 53,000 properties in the next four years.

2024 has been a transformative year for the ISP, as it scales its ultrafast network and customer base in a targeted way. To date, Wessex Internet has taken a record-breaking 5,000 orders this year and is installing an impressive 500 new customers every month.

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome our 10,000th customer to Wessex Internet. We are passionately focussed on expanding our services to places where we deliver real social value, and working with our Project Gigabit contracts is enabling us to do that faster and more consistently than ever before. Our continuing trend of a 30% network wide take-up proves that our targeted strategy is paying off.

“We’ve never aimed to be the biggest business in the industry, but we understand our rural niche and 2024 has been an incredible year so far. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our team we are installing more customers than ever before. Having hit this milestone, we’re now just looking forward to the next 10,000!”

Dan Phillips, the 10,000th customer and winner of 10 years of free broadband, shared his excitement:

“As a director of a tech business and with my wife frequently teaching online, we’re delighted to now have an ultrafast broadband connection as it will make a massive difference to our businesses. The whole Wessex Internet team have been friendly and charming from the start. We’re excited that our installation has made us the company’s 10,000th customer, particularly as Sen, the installation engineer did such a good job despite having two puppies trying to assist him. Congratulations Wessex Internet on reaching this milestone!”

Autumnal catch up with the FCN

By

Editorial team

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18 November 2024

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Farming is ruled by the seasons… but this year seems to have gone from spring into winter, missing out on summer and autumn altogether. As I write, it feels like it has been raining for 12 months straight!
The inclement weather doesn’t only cause havoc in the practical day to day farming: it also adds extra costs, along with increased stress and anxiety. We all know there is nothing we can do about the weather, but if you are struggling, remember that FCN are here to listen and help.

Fundraisers
The Walk and Talk events have been a huge success this summer. We will start running them again next spring, so do keep an eye out for the dates in the new year.
We must extend a huge thank you to two events that have happened recently, both raising money for FCN. Tom Hunt and Alex Williams held a fantastic evening at the Udder Farm Shop to raise money for FCN, RABI and Yellow Wellies. All three are amazing farming charities supporting our agricultural communities. The final amount raised is to be announced soon.
The other person to thank is the amazing Jess Chick, who ran the New Forest Marathon and raised £1,300 for FCN!
Thank you to all who help raise money for our charity – it goes a long way to helping people who need our support.

FCN is here for you
If you need us for any reason, you can email either myself or Barrie. I’m on [email protected] and you can get Barrie on [email protected]
The confidential, national helpline is open every day of the year, from 7am to 11pm. Volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help: call 03000 111 999

SENIOR RESIDENT MATRON | Hanford School

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Editorial team

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18 November 2024

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CHILD OKEFORD BLANDFORD FORUM DORSET DT11 8HN www.hanfordschool.co.uk
‘Come and join our staff body at our vibrant and happy prep school for girls (aged 7-13) set in the beautiful Dorset countryside’

SENIOR RESIDENT MATRON

We are seeking a caring and empathetic Senior Resident Matron with strong inter-personal skills and a can-do attitude, who will be an excellent role model for our pupils. The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to the pastoral welfare of the pupils and will have the capacity to support and understand young people in all aspects of their development, especially their emotional, academic and pastoral needs. They will expect and embody high standards of behaviour, courtesy and care.

The successful applicant will be required to work weekends and evenings as required and have significant overnight responsibility. Accommodation will be provided.

To start as soon as possible.

To learn more about this opportunity please call the School Office on 01258 860219 or visit our website: www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Application deadline: Monday 2 December
NOTE: Please apply using our own application form and send direct to [email protected] and not through third parties.
Interviews from 5 December 2024

Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
These posts are all subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Hanford School is part of Sherborne Schools Group. Charity Number 1081228 & Company Number 04002575

Headphones on …

By

Editorial team

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17 November 2024

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Curating playlists that evoke emotions and wellbeing, Dorset Mind’s Usifo Cyril Omozokpea finds music to be a powerful mental health tool

With music as a constant presence at home and on family road trips, I grew up with a deep love for music of all types from different parts of the world. Little did I know then that music would become a cornerstone of both my life and my healing journey.
As an adult, I am never without my headphones, because listening to music has always helped me create a mental safe space. After going through a period of grief, I worked at a radio station, and I started to discover that different kinds of songs had different emotional effects on me. Some were so calming and grounding that I began to feel they were written and performed just for me – even if I didn’t know who made that music.

My playlists
With the invention of music streaming apps, humans have more access to music than we have ever done before, and the ability to sort this large spectrum of music into personalised playlists is just pure joy.
I set aside time each week to listen to new songs, sorting the ones I like into different playlists depending on what kind of emotion they trigger. These playlists have become my emotional companions. Each song and each playlist creates a safe space for my mental and emotional wellbeing and has a big therapeutic effect on me.

Engaging with music
Music has the power to capture memories like a time capsule. I always look out for memories I can treasure and associate them to music, so that on days when I feel down, I can recall a good memory just by listening to the right music. Actively and intentionally listening to music can transport you: it can transform uncomfortable feelings, and it can help make an environment feel like a safe space as it helps to block out the distractions and creates a calming space for you to be yourself within the words of the song or the sound of the instrumentation playing in your ears. A music background gives the feeling of being in a secure place, where positive change is possible.

Moving with the music
Movement is great for our mental wellbeing and music is a great driver of movement! When you listen to music sitting down, you unconsciously begin to move your head or your feet or simply tap your fingers on the nearest surface – music inspires motion.
Some people dance to music, others run, and some of us just walk. I love to walk with headphones on, listening to one of my playlists – the result is always clarity and well being, while unconsciously clocking up 5,000 steps or more! Every time I walk with music, the places I go feel new, like I am there for the first time. It’s a new day and new and exciting things are possible – I discard fear and worry.
Music is special to human beings, whether you listen to it or make it, it has a big influence on our emotional and mental wellbeing.
So go and create your own playlists, dance in your kitchen, play an instrument, join a choir, try music therapy – they are all things you can do that use music to benefit your wellbeing.

Support for you:  
First steps towards support should be to speak to someone – a trusted friend, family member, professional or your GP
Visit Dorset Mind for local mental health support and helpful advice
The Samaritans are there to listen 24/7, call them free on 116 123
Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on 0800 652 0190

Harvest wraps up but there’s always a new challenge

By

Editorial team

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17 November 2024

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A challenging harvest done but new TB cases to consider, and James Cossins pushes Rawston Farm through to finish planting for next season

This month’s pictures from Rawston Farm both capture the same autumnal task of sowing wheat, which 60 years ago was a far simpler method: in 2024, it involves direct drilling into stubble, guided precisely by GPS technology.
The cost of the 1960s machinery was probably less than £1,000 – approximately £21,000 today. The 2024 version opposite is worth nearly £200,000!

The final part of this year’s rather protracted harvest is finally complete, with the forage maize crop now clamped ready to be used for our cattle feed for the winter months. We have probably harvested a couple of weeks late, but the weather conditions have not been in our favour. Luckily our soils were not punished too much by the farm machinery taking the crop out of the fields, and we’re fortunate that it also involved very limited public road use. I know that in some parts of the county it has been very challenging to get the maize out of the fields without bringing a large amount of mud onto the roads. In such cases contractors always do their best in brushing the roads to keep them clean and safe for other traffic.
We have progressed reasonably well in getting next year’s crop into the ground too: grass seeds, oilseeds and winter barley sowing have all been completed. Hopefully we’ll see some late autumn dry weather so that the winter wheat drilling can be completed.
A lot of this year’s malting barley has left the farm, headed to either Burton on Trent for Molson Coors, or to Southampton for temporary storage before being loaded onto a boat heading for Europe.
So far we’ve not seen too many financial claims for quality issues – the specifications to meet the quality requirements for barley intended for beer-making are very strict.

Back to TB again
On the cattle side of the farm we had yet another TB test, resulting in two reactors, much to every one’s frustration. Once again the post mortems on the two animals didn’t show any visible lesions within the carcases.
We now face a difficult decision – do we carry out a more sensitive test to determine whether there are any cattle in the herd carrying the disease and are not being picked up by the existing skin test?
The more sensitive test involves collecting a blood sample from every animal, which will be quite an undertaking. We have been told that we may lose up to ten per cent of our cattle, and the Government‘s animal and plant health agency may insist that we carry out this test anyway. Personally, I feel the best solution would be to go down the vaccination route – but we have been told for years now that it is just “five to ten years away”, with no signs of it coming any closer.
It is very frustrating to cattle keepers – we are close to eradicating this disease, having made such good progress in the last few years.
New beginnings
On a happier note for the Cossins family – we celebrated the birth of a granddaughter to Barbara and I in October. What an interesting world she has been born into!

The controversial tenant farmer: George Hosford on the inequities of land ownership | BV Podcast

By

LauraHitchcock

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16 November 2024

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In this episode of the BV Podcast, hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt dive into some of the hottest topics affecting Dorset’s communities. From the housing crisis to farmers grappling with recent policy shifts, there’s plenty to unpack.

Terry and Jenny kick off the podcast with letters from readers—an eclectic mix of perspectives on everything from barn owl chicks to concerns about Dorset Council’s “Litter Lotto.” These letters showcase the BV’s ability to connect with the pulse of Dorset life, whether it’s wildlife conservation or rural planning concerns.

Dorset’s Politicians Speak Out

As usual for the first episode of the month, the spotlight turns to Dorset’s political voices:

Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, critiques Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget and warns of its potential consequences for small businesses and rural economies.
Ken Huggins of the Green Party tackles the global implications of Trump’s presidency alongside local concerns about Labour’s economic policies.
Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, offers a thoughtful perspective on the Assisted Dying Bill, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Gary Jackson of the Lib Dems advocates for stronger trust between central and local governments, calling for meaningful devolution.

Housing Crisis: A Rural Perspective

The new Grumbler column shines a light on Dorset’s housing dilemma, challenging the push for new builds on greenbelt land while thousands of homes sit empty. The anonymous writer passionately argues for sustainable solutions that preserve the countryside and prioritize affordable housing in urban areas.

A Farmer’s Take: Inheritance Tax and Food Security

In an insightful interview, Terry sits down with tenant farmer George Hosford, who unpacks the recent budget’s implications for agriculture. From inheritance tax changes to the abrupt end of farming subsidies, George offers a candid look at the challenges facing small farms. He questions whether current policies truly support food security or merely increase dependence on imported goods.

As George puts it, “We’re almost certain to reduce the amount of food being grown in this country, while making it harder for small farmers to stay in business.” His nuanced views – touching on tenant farming, environmental commitments, and the inequities of land ownership – make for essential listening.
“…that’s pretty controversial, and a lot of landowners won’t like to hear me say that, but that’s my belief. Like it or lump it.”

These interviews were based on articles found in November’s BV, which can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography.
Did we mention it’s FREE?

(We’re proudly 100% digital, so the only way to read us is right here online.)

The BV is Dorset’s go-to magazine – this year named ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (ACE Awards) and ‘Regional News Site of the Year’ (Press Gazette). Brimming with Dorset’s people and places, it’s too good to miss!