From a blue family to red concerns: Andrew Livingston discusses Labour’s approach to farming subsidies and potential pitfalls ahead
’m not going to disclose how I voted in the General Election, but I will say I come from a pretty blue family – not only the fact that we have lived in West Dorset for the last 25 years, but also because my Grandad used to be the Conservative Party area manager. Thanks to his connections in the party, we have a drawer of Christmas cards from the likes of John Major and Margaret Thatcher (and no, this is not something I shouted around the streets of Liverpool during my time at university!). It was Albert Einstein who defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. With that in mind, I think it was time for a change. But the new Labour administration has already hit its first stumbling block with the people that feed the nation – where is the money?
They don’t get it Labour didn’t push hard for the votes of the farmers. In the run-up to the election, Steve Read, now DEFRA Secretary, wouldn’t commit to maintaining the agricultural budget that is so vital for farmers. Those government subsidies are a lifeline for farmers and landowners – the difference between keeping your farm afloat or packing it all in, selling up and making the land someone else’s issue. Currently, £2.4 billion is dished out as a reward for using the land in a way that benefits the environment while producing food. That subsidy assurance finishes at the end of the year – and the Labour Party has said that no announcement will be made on the continuation of payments for farming until the autumn budget on 30th October. It’s a worrying start from the new government, suggesting that Ministers don’t6 understand how farms work. Farmers don’t operate month to month: you can’t just plant crops, pull them out the next month and make a shedload of money. We all wish it was that easy! The government money gives security to our landowners. It means that they have money coming in no matter what disasters occur in the market for their crops and produce. If true, Rachel Reeves’ announcement of the £22billion debt that the Conservatives have hidden from the country could be a bad omen for farming. Many projects have already been cut to try and save a few coppers – the Stonehenge A303 tunnel, winter fuel payments and the social care cap have all been axed in the first round of cash-finding. However, someone should warn the new Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Labour government to tread carefully when it comes to cutting funding to agriculture: farmers know that losing that money will mean many of them will be forced to sell up. You just have to look across the Channel to see what happens when farmers’ backs are against the wall. I wouldn’t want the new Cabinet to end up with egg on their faces … literally.
Win Green Down, the highest point of the Cranborne Chase, is just outside Shaftesbury and always worth a visit – on a clear day you can see The Needles. There are many walks from the top – the easiest being straight along the Ox Drove itself for constantly spectacular views, it is one of the longest and most ancient routes in the country, going all the way to Salisbury. Our favourite route is below: drop off the Drove to walk a circular route through the Rushmore Park to come in the back of Tollard Royal and then a stiff climb up from beautifully peaceful Ashcombe Bottom on the Wessex Ridgeway.
To follow the Win Green to Tollard Royal route using the Outdooractive App, please find the route here.
The route is a straightforward loop on well-maintained paths, taking in ancient tracks and the Wessex Ridgeway. Parking is easy on Win Green, but also available at points along the Ox Drove: you could also start at Tollard Royal (finishing with a pint in the King John!), which would mean a downhill finish rather than the sharpest climb at the end. *eta – One commenter says they prefer using the Win Green start, but reversing the route to avoid the stiff uphill climb at the end. The dodgy knee dictates downhills are worse, so this isn’t our own preferred solution, but I’m guessing it will be better for many!
The above images were the few taken on a re-walk of the original route in August – it’s great to do at any time of year, but is truly spectacular in summer sunshine! The below images give more of an idea of various parts of the route, but are rather dull by comparison as they were taken in early spring …
Following the ancient track down into Tollard Royal (you can just make out the church ahead). There were a lot of Yew trees on this track – am I the only person to greet them with “Hello Yew!” and a gentle pat as I pass? – Ed”
“The quiet airy valleys of the Rushmore Estate are always a pleasure to stroll through, even on a flat grey March day”
“The waymarkers on Rushmore Golf Course are not easily spotted (far right of picture) – check your map and be confident. And simply follow the fence line!”
“The view of Rotherley Bottom from the Ox drove”
“The last climb up from Under Win Green. Yes, C is often that far ahead on the uphill stretches!”
Every month in the BV Magazine we publish a Dorset walk in the beautiful Dorset countryside under the heading ‘Take a hike’. Not always in the heart of the Blackmore Vale perhaps, but always within reach for a day’s walk.
Above all, we hope you enjoy reading about the walks that we do and enjoying the pictures of course, but if you are taking them on yourself, we would love to receive your feedback on how you found the individual route and any suggestions you might have. Oh and of course we would love to receive your pictures to share as well!
RTI Estates Ltd, part of Dorchester-based Redtale Holdings, is planning Dorchester’s first open-market build-to-rent project by converting Vespasian House into 37 apartments for up to 144 people. The £11m project is part of RTI’s ongoing regeneration of the historic Barrack Quarter. The development will include one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, providing high-quality, flexible rental accommodation. The conversion comes as NHS organisations currently based in Vespasian House are exploring relocation options. The project follows RTI’s previous developments in the Barrack Quarter, including key worker apartments for NHS staff and the conversion of former stores into townhouses and apartments. Since 2013, national policies have facilitated the conversion of commercial properties into homes, with over 100,000 new homes delivered in England. The easing of criteria, especially post-pandemic, has further encouraged such conversions
Dorset Chamber CEO Ian Girling looks to engage with new MPs to tackle business challenges in a new, multi-coloured political landscape
As anticipated the July 4th General Election unsurprisingly saw a huge Labour victory with the Labour Party gaining more than 200 seats – a total of 412, with a majority of 174. The Conservatives suffered their worst result, in terms of seats, in their history, with a loss of 251 seats. There are just 121 Tory seats now remaining in the House of Commons. Within Dorset, only two of our eight Conservative MPs survived the election – Simon Hoare and Sir Christopher Chope, and both with significantly reduced majorities. Now, a previously Blue Dorset consists of four Labour MPs, two Liberal Democrats and those two Conservatives. I think it’s absolutely vital that MPs engage closely with business – I have written to all the Dorset MP’s and encouraged them to work with us in making sure the business voice is always heard. I have also written to our new Prime Minister and congratulated him on his election and stated we’d be delighted to welcome him to Dorset for a visit to businesses. So what does this mean for business? Does this change in government threaten or bolster economic stability? Only time will tell. It’s true that after several challenging years of record-high inflation and rising interest rates, things are a little more stable now – inflation down to 2 per cent from a high in 2022 of 11 per cent. We’ve yet to see the Bank of England reduce interest rates, but I’m confident this will come. It’s going to be absolutely vital for the new government to maintain this path of economic stability and recovery. Within Dorset, recruitment challenges and the cost of housing are two linked and significant issues – and something that we will be pushing on. I am very keen we closely engage with our new MPs to develop a strong relationship with the Dorset business community. As the County Chamber of Commerce, we will do our absolute best to facilitate this.
Summer fruits are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients – add these health-boosting foods to your meals, with tips from Karen Geary
I hope by the time you read this, summer will finally have materialised in our corner of the world – as I type it’s still raining … This month I thought I’d take a look at summer fruits, as some are better options than others. Berries and stone fruits tend to have a lower sugar content compared with tropical fruits like mango, banana and pineapple. They offer a burst of flavour and colour to our diets and they also pack a nutritional punch. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, making them essential for maintaining good health. Here’s a closer look at their nutritional benefits, and some tips on how to incorporate more of them into our diets.
Small but mighty berries Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and blackberries, are tiny fruits packed with vitamins C and K, manganese and fibre. Berries are a great choice for people watching their sugar levels and usually suitable for diabetics, as they are the fruits with the lowest sugar content. Berries are celebrated for their high antioxidant content as they contain anthocyanins. These are anti-inflammatory compounds and have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases by helping to neutralise harmful free radicals which can damage cells and contribute to ageing and disease. Anthocyanins are a type of natural flavonoid, water-soluble pigments found in many fruits and vegetables. These pigments give berries, cherries, red cabbage, red onions, purple carrots, beetroot, black grapes, purple sweet potatoes and other colourful plants their vibrant red, purple, and blue hues. Consuming anthocyanin-rich foods has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, enhanced brain function and even better vision. Anthocyanins are not only responsible for the beautiful colours in many fruits and vegetables but also contribute significantly to their health-promoting properties. It’s why I always ask my clients to eat something purple every day!
Chia Jam
450g bag of mixed frozen berries (or fresh if you are lucky enough to have loads)
3 tbs of chia seeds
A little water (about five tbs)
Juice of a lemon
Add the frozen fruit, water and chia seeds to a pan. Warm through until gently boiling, then take off the heat – the chia seeds will naturally thicken the cooked fruit. Once it’s cool, stir through the lemon juice. This jam will keep well in the fridge for a week – add it as a fruity topping to cereals and yogurt, spread it on toast or throw some into your smoothie.
Juicy and nutritious stone fruit In ancient Chinese folklore, peaches were believed to be a symbol of immortality and they were often associated with longevity and good health. Stone fruits, including peaches, plums, cherries and apricots, are named for their large, hard seeds. These fruits are also quite low in sugars, are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium and fibre. Vitamin A is crucial for eye health, while vitamin C boosts the immune system and aids skin health. The fibre they contain supports digestive health and also helps in maintaining a healthy weight. To enjoy more stone fruits, try slicing them into salads with mozzarella and basil, grill them for a unique dessert – or simply eat them fresh if you can find nice ripe ones!
My personal favourite grilled peach recipe is here. Incorporating summer fruits into your diet can enhance your overall health thanks to their rich nutrient profiles and various health benefits. Boost your vitamin intake, improve your digestion or simply enjoy a delicious snack – summer fruits are an excellent choice. Embrace the season’s bounty and enjoy these fruits as they contribute to your well-being!
Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock
Howard Phipps’ art is rooted in the chalk downs of Wiltshire and Dorset, capturing this ancient landscape in his exquisitely detailed wood engravings
Howard Phipps in his studio. Image: Fanny Charles
When Howard Phipps prepares to make one of his beautiful wood engravings, he uses a printing press whose design has probably changed little since the time of Caxton and Gutenberg. His Albion press is more than 160 years old – not quite as ancient as the printing machines invented by those 15th century pioneers, but still very old in these days of fast-changing digital technology, AI, laser and 3D printing and instant communications. The cast-iron press, which is quite small by comparison with others of a similar vintage, came from the old Cranborne Chase School, based in New Wardour Castle near Tisbury. Printing presses like the Albion weigh a ton (in some cases more) and come in sections, each finely engineered to fit together precisely. ‘When I brought it back, we had to pull it apart, then when you put it back together, you need to make sure the markings correspond,’ says Howard. ‘But they don’t easily go wrong!’ Wood engraving, like the wood-cut process, is a relief printmaking technique. The artist draws and then engraves an image onto a mirror-smooth surface of a block of end-grain boxwood. The tools have splendid names like spitsticker or scorper. Ink is applied to the relief surface with a roller and a printed impression is taken from the result. Howard explains: ‘The artist is, in effect, drawing with light, for it is the engraved or lowered areas that come out as white. The main characteristics of wood engraving are the fine stippling and white lines against a dark background. The nature of the wood and the fine tools make a particularly rich-toned range.’
Malacombe Bottom
Timeless quality Growing up in Cheltenham, Howard studied art at Gloucestershire College of Arts in the town, followed by a post-graduate year in Brighton. For some years, he taught art in Devon before moving to the Salisbury area where he still lives. He was elected a Royal West of England Academician in 1979, and a member of the Society of Wood Engravers (SWE)in 1985. As a young artist, living close to the Cotswolds, Howard got to know the work of the private Whittington Press, which produces limited edition books, many of which have become collectors’ items. This became a lifelong relationship – the Whittington Press published his collections Interiors (1985), Further Interiors (1992) and Ebble Valley (2007), for which he also wrote the text.
In his print room, Howard Phipps’ 1862 Albion Press, with a woodblock locked onto the bed of the press
After moving to Wiltshire, Howard met the printer and author Walter Partridge, who had a printing business in old barns at Sutton Montis. Before acquiring his own Albion press, Howard made prints on one of the Partridge presses, and also produced frontispieces for some of Walter’s books. There is something infinitely satisfying about watching a master craftsman at work – and Howard Phipps is both a master of his craft and a hugely talented artist, a combination that has earned him a reputation as one of this country’s (if not the world’s) finest wood engravers. His pictures, whether landscapes or interiors, are instantly recognisable, with their exquisitely fine detail and timeless quality. He lives in a village overlooking Cranborne Chase and close to the Ebble valley. Much of his art is rooted in the chalk downs of Wiltshire and Dorset, with their deep coombes and beech clumps. He works from drawings and watercolours made on location, using light to reveal the underlying forms of the landscape.
Printroom
I love cycling and walking – and drawing on location,’ he says. ‘I need that sense of place – it is very important.’ His relationship with chalk downs dates back to the year he spent as a student in Brighton, exploring the Sussex downs inland from the town. ‘I am very interested in the sculptural nature of the downs, ‘ says Howard. That particular feature is powerfully present in Howard’s engravings of the chalk hills and valleys of Wessex. He is particularly drawn to the region’s many ancient hill forts and tracks – prehistoric places on which earlier generations have left their mark. His subsequent wood engravings are profoundly imbued with a sense of place.
Cutting it fine Howard’s work has been exhibited widely, including at the Royal West of England Academy, the Victoria Art Gallery at Bath, the Royal Academy summer exhibition, Salisbury Museum, Dorset County Museum, St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery at Lymington, Messums Wiltshire gallery at the Tisbury tithe barn and Sladers Yard at West Bay. He has had a number of solo shows, including most recently Cutting It Fine, in 2021-22, at Salisbury Museum, which was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row arts programme (listen to hear Howard in his studio, he starts at 11:25). His many awards include the Contemporary Print Prize at the Royal Academy summer exhibition in 1985, the Landscape Print Prize at the National Print Exhibition and various SWE prizes. He has engravings in many collections, including the British Museum, the Ashmolean, Cheltenham Art Gallery, the Russell Cotes Museum and Art Gallery in Bournemouth and the Yale Centre for British Art in the USA. He has also illustrated books for publishers including Bloomsbury, The Fleece Press and the Folio Society.
Dorset Coast, Seacombe
Howard currently has work in the summer exhibition at Gallery Nine at 9b Margaret Buildings, Bath, running until the end of September. The show also features work by Yo Thom, the Japanese-born ceramicist who lives at Fontmell Magna.
Under Win Green
For more information about Howard Phipps, more of his wood engravings, drawings and watercolours, and information about upcoming exhibitions, visit howardphipps.co.uk
Milton Abbey School seeks to appoint an organised and flexible individual for our Events Officer role to work as part of the Development Team, which includes Marketing & Events, to help with the planning and delivery of events during holidays and in term time, for both the school and our commercial clients.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and use their initiative. They will help the school to deliver an exciting and diverse range of events, from whole-school celebrations such as our Summer Ball and Carol Service, to residential lets and weddings for our customers in the holidays.
We are looking for someone who has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and with an enthusiasm for the events industry. The successful applicant will work with colleagues across the school and externally, so must enjoy working with a variety of people. Although prior experience in events is desirable, it is not essential, and we will be happy to consider someone who is keen to learn and be trained in house.
This is a permanent position, either full or part time, to be discussed during the interview process for the right candidate. You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Full time staff also benefit from 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays not in term time (part time, pro rata), free parking and free refreshments and a three-course hot lunch during term time and the use of the school’s facilities.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 880484 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 4th September 2024, although applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews of suitable candidates may take place before the closing date. Early applications are advised. Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applications should be made direct to the school.
Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Please note that our school is a no smoking site. www.miltonabbey.co.uk Registered Charity No 306318
