We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Chef to join our team of talented and experienced staff. Clayesmore prides itself in providing a comprehensive, in-house fresh food service to its pupils and staff.
The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in high volume catering and be flexible, and able to work as part of a team.
This is a great opportunity to work in catering with primarily daytime shifts. Benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, Death in Service benefits, a free meal each day and free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Facilities.
Please feel free to ring the HR department on 01747 813213 if you would like to discuss this role.
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 this commitment.
This month Jess talks to head groom Stacey Blunn to find out just how she keeps Team Rimmer on track – and on time
Jess Rimmer (left), Stacey Blunn and Jo Rimmer take a well-earned break at ‘Cafe Fontmell’ All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
This month has seen Team Rimmer competing at Bicton, Hartpury and Wellington. Jimmy has stepped up to Novice in great style and Max has produced some competitive results, finishing third at Wellington. Elsa jumped a superb double clear at Wellington in the OI (Open Intermediate), and Mattie and Henry learned lots in the exciting Hartpury atmosphere. But rather than getting stuck into basic event reports, I thought we could look at life as an event groom – and who better to speak to than our very own 5* groom and long-standing head girl, Stacey Blunn? She joined Fontmell Parva in 2006, and is now part of the family here, playing a pivotal role not only in the daily care and exercise of the horses, but also in grooming at competitions up to the highest 5* level with me, mum Jo and Boy Joe (Eventer Joe Roome, who shares the yard with Team Rimmer). There is nobody more reliable, trustworthy or conscientious and, although she won’t admit it, she is an absolute font of knowledge, respected and admired by so many. Stacey’s job as head groom involves her working closely with Jo and Joe to manage the daily running of the yard. She organises vets and farriers, orders the feed, hay and straw deliveries as well as managing the care of the horses – clipping, trimming, plaiting, medical care … she basically does it all. We’re fairly sure she’s a secret superhuman and she pretty much runs the ship around here. The role of a groom is primarily focused on the daily care and well-being of the horses, but their work is far from limited to this. While Stacey, as head groom, oversees the overall yard management, the grooms are the very backbone of the team, the support crew that ensures every detail is attended to and that the yard runs smoothly. Grooms are SO important to us – sadly it’s a job often viewed as bottom of the pecking order, when it really shouldn’t be!
Just a gratuitous we-love-Henry shot for your pleasure …
A horse schedule So, join us as we have a cup of coffee and a chat in our famous Café Fontmell (OK, it’s the side of the yard with the plastic patio chairs). To set the scene: it’s Sunday lunchtime, and we’ve just put the kettle on before starting the afternoon yard shift. As we take a break, Stacey lets me in on her origin story – where did the love of horses begin? ‘I started riding up north with my grandparents during the holidays,’ she says. ‘I rode a horrible pony who bucked for the duration of the ride – my mum kept promising I could dismount the next time he bucked, but then she never let me! I slowly fell in love with horses through my local riding school and produced my first pony, Snoopy, from a four-year-old. I visited Fontmell Parva when I was 17, through a friend who was doing work experience – I loved it, phoned Jo for a job, and the rest is history!’ (We pause here for a brief interruption from Hannah, who is offering us doughnuts, which we naturally accept most happily.)
Stacey with Jo and Newt after their double clear in the 5* at Luhmülen in 2019
While every day is different, Stacey is keen to point out the need for organisation in such a busy yard. ‘We always try to keep to the same routine,’ she says. ‘It’s really important for the horses. Obviously there are occasional longer days and earlier starts which add some nice variety, but the horses thrive on a steady, consistent routine and we work hard to stick to the same system. They have breakfast at 6.30am, and are then exercised throughout the morning. They’re always put to bed late afternoon, in time to receive their supper at 5pm.’ Being a groom is every horsey child’s dream job – and though it’s a lot of hard work, Stacey acknowledges that even after almost two decades it has its special moments that make it all worth while. ‘For me, the best part is simply playing a part in the journey of both the riders and the horses,’ she says. ‘It doesn’t matter if that’s to compete at the higher levels or just to achieve a personal goal. That’s not to say it’s not without its challenges, though. It’s commonly known that horsey people aren’t the easiest! I’ve had to learn to deal with all types of clients – actually only half my job is about managing the horses! ‘The weather is another major challenge. British winters are tough, and the rain can feel pretty relentless. It’s not something we can control, though, so it’s just a case of sucking it up – and finding some really good waterproofs!’ Despite the long winter slogs, there have been plenty of career highlights too. ‘For me personally, finishing second (twice!) in the Riding Club Open Championships and producing my horse, Reney, up to Intermediate was a real achievement. From a grooming perspective, Pau 5* in 2018 (Jo and Newt’s first 5) was pretty special, along with their double clear result in the 5 at Luhmülen in 2019. Joe and Auriella flew round the 3*L at Blair that same year – Auriella has been a tricky mare who is very special to me, and it was incredibly rewarding to see her perform so well.’
Stacey Blunn visited the Fontmell Parva yard as a teenager 18 years ago – she immediately asked Jo for a job, and has been part of the team ever since
Not-so-secret life hacks At this point I asked Stacey for her top groom hack, but she was a little affronted: ‘I would have said Fairy Liquid, but you stole my secret tip for last month’s column!’ Joe Roome, who has been listening in over his own doughnut, chips in here: ‘Stacey’s time management is unbelievable. She is always early, which is a huge life hack in itself. There is always so much going on in our days – punctuality is vital to make sure everything runs smoothly, which always happens when Stacey’s in charge!’ As her career has grown, Stacey tells me her role models have changed too. ‘When I was riding, it was Pippa (Funnell), William (Fox-Pitt), Ian Stark and Toddy (Australian eventer Mark Todd). But as soon as I focussed on grooming, Jackie Potts became a huge inspiration.’
Henry thoroughly enjoying his prep team, while making sure he’s showing his good side for the photos
Jackie is widely renowned to be the authority on the profession of Eventing grooming, and is the long-time groom of William Fox-Pitt at his yard near Sturminster Newton. Inevitably in a life built around horses, there are countless times when it’s all gone horribly wrong. ‘There are so many stories!’ says Stacey. ‘I vividly remember being dragged through the flood by a young horse – we deliberately took him down there as it’s hugely beneficial for them to see water from a young age. He put his back up (as if he was going to buck me off!), so I dismounted … and he ran off through the flood. Now anyone who knows me knows I won’t let go of a horse – I was practically water skiing!’
Quarter marks are purely to look smart and impress the dressage judges! Every groom has their own favourite method and pattern – Stacey likes to use Quarter Mark spray and a circular metal curry comb for best results
Stacey has some solid advice for anyone thinking of following her footsteps. ‘Be prepared to work hard. The days are long, and 80 per cent of it is just hard graft. But for me it’s totally worth it for that 20 per cent of good!’ Speaking of hard work, the doughnuts are done and we’d better start the afternoon yard before the horses start demanding their dinners …
Local wildlife photographer Ian Nelson sent this wonderful set of barn owl images to us, despite knowing they couldn’t be entered into the reader’s photography pages this month. We have just one rule for the monthly photography pages – the images included must have been taken in the preceding month (the images featured in this September issue will all have been taken in August). However, Ian took these images earlier in the summer and then deliberately withheld sharing them for a couple of months. ‘I didn’t submit them because the barn is possibly identifiable,’ he says. ‘Sadly not everyone understands how to observe wildlife responsibly, and I didn’t want the owls to be disturbed by an influx of visitors. Four chicks were being raised, and I didn’t want to risk them being stressed to the point that they abandoned the young.’ All four chicks have now fledged, and although they break the rules for the reader’s photography section, we couldn’t resist sharing such stunning images of one of the nation’s most beloved birds for everyone to enjoy.
Images by Ian Nelson
Images by Ian Nelson
Images by Ian Nelson
Images by Ian Nelson
Did you know …
The barn owl is not only the world’s most widely distributed species of owl, but is also one of the most widespread of all birds – it is found on every continent except Antarctica
Though they reside throughout the tropics, they avoid areas with cold winters. Scotland has the most northern breeding barn owls in the Northern Hemisphere
In eastern England barn owls are far more likely to nest in trees than in barns.
Barn owls don’t hoot! The male has a long, harsh scream that lasts about two seconds
The chicks make their first flights when they are around 50 days old, but they won’t be independent of their parents for another month
British barn owls have distinctive white breasts, but in central and eastern Europe they are a shade of dark yellow-orange
Barn Owls do not build a nest: they lay their eggs directly onto the previous years’ nest debris, a compacted layer of old owl pellets!
The BV has an exclusive interview with renowned equestrian painter Charles Church, and Jenny sits down with council leader Nick Ireland to discuss biodiversity, the council’s plans, and its controversial use of glyphosate.
As ever for the first episode of the month, we start with Laura’s ‘letter from the editor’. Then the politicans weigh in – Terry and Jenny read the latest columns from Ken Huggins (Green Party), Gary Jackson (Lib Dem), and MP Edward Morello of West Dorset.
From washing dishes to Royal commissions: in the BV’s equestrian section this month, Sally Cooper interviewed North Dorset resident Charles Church. She asks him about his journey to becoming one of the world’s leading equestrian painters, and he takes on the Random 19 questions.(see the interview and photographs of Charles Church in his studio on the BV website) (Interview by kind permission of Gee Fox at Zizzy Studios)
As Dorset Council tackles biodiversity loss, the BV has looked at its recent declaration of a Nature Emergency. Jenny sat down with Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland to understand exactly what this means, and how effective it can be, tackling Nick on the council’s continued use of glyphosate.
September’s BV 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?
Why wouldn’t you want a flick through?
(*don’t forget, we’re proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!) Frankly, it’s so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it’d be rude not to.
The BV is the rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset, this year awarded ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (Newspaper & Magazine Awards)
This month Barry Cuff has chosen a pair of postcards sent from Milborne St Andrew – quite by chance he has two cards sent by the same person, to the same person – G Everett to his or her sister in Lyndhurst:
Mrs Macey’s address is at Cyclist’s Rest, High Street Lyndhurst – the 1890s are often referred to as the golden age of bicycles, and the first Tour de France was held in 1903, just a year before this postcard was sent. Perhaps cycling holidays in the New Forest were already a thing? It would appear that the sender, Mrs Macey’s sibling, is featured on the postcard – but we have no clues as to which figure it is, or even if they are man or woman …
‘Dear Sister. A line wishing you Many Happy Returns of the day. If you have a magnifying glass you will be able to find me. Will send J one next week.
A year later, and Mrs E Macey’s address is no longer Cyclist’s Rest, but she’s still on Lyndhurst High Street. Barry notes that Milborne Fair was held on the 30th November each year, but the card was not posted until 1st December. A quick search doesn’t show any Everetts in the 1901 or 1911 census records for Milborne St Andrew:
‘Dear Sister just a line to let you know that Milborne Fair is on. Jack arrived at 11.15pm Tuesday, all well. Hoping you are all well, write later on. Love to all G. Everett & Maria
William Morris famously said: ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ These words of the textile designer, poet, artist, writer and social activist have been an inspiration to generations of designers, makers, artists, writers and thinkers – the perfect definition of good design. One of this area’s leading makers is among those who instinctively draw on Morris’s legacy. The Wiltshire potter Jennie Gilbert, whose studio is in converted farm buildings at Manor Farm, Fifield Bavant, in the Chalke valley, says: ‘The driving force behind everything I do is food. ‘I ask myself, what do I need at home? What would make life easier? I want things that food looks good on.’ And she wants people to share her passion: ‘I love the fact that you hold the bowl with your food. I love things that work and feel good in your hands,’ she says. Her products include pasta bowls, platters and plates of various sizes, mugs, jugs, cups and covered jars – all of them demanding to be used and enjoyed. Ask anyone who has a Jennie Gilbert dinner plate or pasta bowl, whether in the lovely blue chequerboard pattern or the striking tweed design. Food served on this pottery just looks inviting and delicious. The chequerboard pattern resonates with the familiar chequered stone and flint construction of many old south Wiltshire buildings, although it is Jennie’s own design and not influenced by the local vernacular.
The joy of making pots Pottery is a very physical business – many potters have a strong physical presence, a dynamism and creative energy that is immediately appealing. Some potters even resemble their pots … or perhaps, their pots resemble them. The great John Leach was bearded and rather round, and his tactile, round and often brown pottery seemed an organic extension of him. Jennie Gilbert has a very physical energy: tall, rangy and frequently laughing, she makes pottery that makes you smile. This year marks the tenth anniversary of her move to St Martin’s Workshops at Fifield Bavant, just a few yards from the tiny 13th century St Martin’s Church. In the light and airy pottery, Jennie makes her functional range and some decorative pieces.
She runs workshops and has occasional open weekends, but the pottery is not generally open to visitors. It doesn’t stop the opportunist caller – during the interview for this article two people arrived to ask if Jennie could mend a broken dinner plate. She explained, firmly but politely, that a potter can’t just stick somebody else’s plate or bowl back together – there would be different clays, different colours, different techniques (SuperGlue, or even a specialist china restorer, might be a better answer, she suggested).
Finding Fifield Jennie’s introduction to pottery was not planned. In the 1980s, she was studying for an International Baccalaureate at the Hammersmith West London College, where pottery was part of the curriculum. It immediately caught her interest: ‘I used to hang out in the pottery department – I loved it,’ she recalls. ‘I knew this is what I want to do!’ She went on to do a foundation art course at Swindon College and then took a studio pottery HND at Swansea. The main effect of this course, which emphasised industrial techniques, was perhaps not quite what was intended: ‘It taught me what I didn’t want to do,’ she says. A short apprenticeship in the Loire region of France was more to her taste – she studied with English potter Christine Pedley in La Borne, known as ’the village of potters’ and home to the Centre for Contemporary Ceramics. ‘It is an amazing place,’ she says. ‘I learned a lot about pottery and about production and running a pottery.’ Back in England she worked with another potter for a few years and in 1993 she set up her first pottery at Pankhurst Farm, Chobham. She shared the workshop with a friend and joined the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen. ‘It was joyous, working for myself and doing shows.’ A few years later she moved to Project Workshops in old farm buildings at Quarley near Grateley (off the A303) where she ran her pottery for 13 years. Then in 2014 she found the building at Fifield Bavant: ‘It was April Fool’s Day,’ she remembers – but this was a far from foolish move! She has space for all her materials and equipment, and shelves and cupboards to display the various ranges. Based in a peaceful valley with skylarks singing in the clear skies of the Cranborne Chase Natural Landscape (a noted dark skies area), the studio has beautiful light – and the off-the-beaten-track location means she can generally work in peace.
Shows and courses Jennie likes to sell direct to customers, so you won’t find her work in craft galleries or gift shops. ‘I don’t have an online shop – my work varies and pieces within the same range can be slightly different,’ she says. ‘I take my work around the country so that people can choose the piece they want.’ During the summer she has a stand at several Potfest shows, as far afield as Scone Palace in Perthshire, Scotland, and including the first Potfest in North Dorset – held recently at Turnpike Showground, home of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show. The event, Potfest South West, is part of a nationwide calendar of weekend shows aimed at ceramic enthusiasts, collectors and anyone interested in pottery and ceramics. The new Shaftesbury event attracted a lot of visitors and will hopefully be repeated next year. Local fans can meet Jennie and see and buy her pottery at her open weekend in December (visit her website for the dates). But how about trying your hand at pottery with a skilled maker? Jennie holds two-day courses at St Martin’s Workshops and also runs courses at her sister’s property in south west France. She runs the Fifield Bavant classes with her friend, potter Emily Myers, and they cover the basics of throwing, pinch pots, coiling and slabbing. The two tutors take a maximum of six students, tailoring the lessons to beginners, improvers or students who need more focused attention.
The French courses are held at Le Mas Sarat in the Lot region, with two tutors, three wheels and up to six students – two-day beginners’ classes and four-day programmes for improvers. Jennie’s sister provides the accommodation … and the food. Food is fundamental to her pottery. As Jennie says: ‘It’s all about food – preparing, serving and the rituals of eating.’
Get ready for a night of top-tier comedy on Saturday, 21st September, as The Gugg in Stalbridge hosts an unforgettable line-up of professional comedians, all in aid of two fantastic causes – The Gugg (CIC) and The Vale Pantry. The evening promises non-stop laughter, featuring four comedians from the national comedy circuit: Geoff Whiting, Alan Francis, Leslie Gold and Trev Tokabi, and the night will be compered by Patrick Carmody. Between them, these comedic talents have supported big names like Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill, and Lee Mack, making this a must-see event for comedy lovers. Taking place at The Gugg on Station Road, doors open at 7:30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are just £15 and can be purchased in advance direct from The Gugg (01963 363456), The Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton, or online here. Tickets will also be available on the door, so don’t miss out! Freshly made pizzas and cakes will be available for purchase, and it’s a bring-your-own drinks event – perfect for a relaxed, fun-filled evening. Please note, this show contains adult material and is not suitable for anyone under 18. Come with friends, or come alone – everyone is welcome at this friendly venue. Support two great causes and enjoy a night of laughter you won’t forget!
We are utterly bowled over to have been named the Regional News Site of the Year at one of the UK’s most prestigious media events, Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards.
Recognising excellence in digital news media and publishing, the biggest names in UK publishing were represented at the awards, with the FT, Telegraph and Sky News all big winners on the night. The winners were chosen by a panel of 30 judges who carried out their own assessments before taking part in two days of in-person discussions.
Press Gazette’s Charlotte Tobin wrote: ‘For the Website of the Year categories, the judges were looking for sites which have great content, are well designed, are easy to use, are strong technically and commercially sustainable.’
The national Website of the Year award went to The FT, and it was The BV that impressed judges for the regional category. The comments on The BV’s entry included: ‘With a clear mission, The BV is serving a clearly defined rural audience, delivering news content effectively on multiple platforms and securing the support of local businesses.’
The winners of Press Gazette’s third Future of Media Awards were presented at the London Hilton Bankside on Thursday 12th September, alongside a sit-down dinner.
Thomas Sydenham, one of the most prominent physicians in 17th century England, was born 400 years ago, just ten miles from Dorchester
Thomas Sydenham, painted by Mary Beale in 1689
Known as the English Hippocrates, Thomas Sydenham was one of the most famous physicians of the 17th century. He was renowned for his observations on infectious diseases including smallpox and cholera, and some of his principles remain in medical practice to this day: most notably that teaching should be done at the patient’s bedside. He was born 400 years ago this month, on 10th September 1624, in the hamlet of Wynford Eagle just outside Maiden Newton. His parents, well-known Puritans William and Mary Sydenham, lived at Manor Farm.
A Civil War cavalryman In 1642, at the age of 18, Thomas went to Magdalen Hall in Oxford, but just four months later his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the English Civil War. Thomas returned to Dorset, joining his three brothers fighting for the Parliamentarians (or Roundheads) as a cavalryman, in line with his family’s beliefs. Thomas’ father William was taken prisoner in Exeter when it fell to the King. In 1644, after Dorchester was defended by the Parliamentarians – including the Sydenham brothers – a platoon of Royalists turned up in Wynford Eagle. Mary Sydenham was murdered on the doorstep at Manor Farm by Major Williams because she would not allow the Royalists to pillage the property. Thomas’ brother Francis later avenged her murder by shooting Williams. The Sydenhams were involved in several actions, including the Second Battle of Weymouth in February 1645, which was won by the Parliamentarians. If the Royalist plot for the King’s army to take over Weymouth and Melcombe, known as the Crabchurch Conspiracy, had succeeded, it could have changed the course of the Civil War, as most other ports in the area were under Royalist control. Col William Sydenham, another of Thomas’ brothers, was governor of the Weymouth garrison at the time and under his leadership 500 Royalist troops were killed in one night as they defended the town. William went on to serve as second-in-command in Cromwell’s new form of government, the Protectorate. Thomas is thought to have been inspired to study medicine during the Civil War by Dr Thomas Coxe, a physician who treated William when he was injured in battle. Thomas Sydenham said: “I had the good fortune to fall in with the most learned and honourable Dr Thomas Coxe, who was at that time attending my brother during an illness.”
Becoming a physician In 1646, he returned to Oxford to take up his studies, becoming friends with fellow Dorset scientist Robert Boyle and physician and philosopher John Locke. Graduating two years later, he returned to fight in the second Civil War with his father and brothers, before moving to London to work as a doctor. He also studied at the famous medical school in Montpellier, France, before returning to London to work as a doctor. He received the licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians in 1663, and was officially confirmed as a doctor on 17th May 1676 – 28 years after graduating as a Bachelor of Medicine.
Thomas sydenham observationes medicae
Thomas Sydenham’s legacy Thomas lived at a time when many diseases were not understood – but it was also a time when rigorous scientific methods were being explored. He actively encouraged physicians to move away from the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, which were aligned to religious beliefs and ‘humours’ and towards scientific methods of observation. He is perhaps best known for his work on infectious diseases, but also for believing in the fundamental principle of care and observation of patients taking place at the bedside – something that clinical teams still value and advocate today. In a letter to Sir Hans Sloan, the renowned Irish physician to the English aristocracy, Thomas said: “You must go to the bedside. It is there alone that you can learn disease.” He had a few unusual recommendations too. He suggested that poet and royal physician Richard Blackmore should read Don Quixote to learn about the principles of medicine. In his defence, the book is full of medical knowledge, and Miguel de Cervantes’ father was a barber surgeon! When faced with a hypochondriac, Sydenham recommended he consult a Dr Robertson in Inverness. The man went off to Scotland … to find no such person there. He returned to London, enraged – but cured of his symptoms. Thomas Sydenham is famous for the observations he made when treating the common infectious diseases of the time. He described cholera as: “[it] comes at the close of summer and the beginning of autumn, as swallows in the beginning of spring and cuckoos towards midsummer.” Contrary to the theory of the four humours, Sydenham did not believe that a disease was different from person to person – he believed that each disease was different, and that doctors needed to observe the patient and identify the exact disease before recommending a cure. When bubonic plague arrived in London in 1665, Thomas, along with many other physicians at the time, initially fled the city. However, he returned shortly afterwards, observing and treating the sick at a time when mortality rates were at 50 per cent. His first book, Methodus Curandi Febres or The Method of Curing Fevers, was published in 1666 and later updated to include a section on the plague in 1668. His best known work, Observationes Mediciae or The Observations of Medicine, was published in 1676, and it remained one of the most important medical textbooks for the next 200 years. Thomas Sydenham was the first person to describe scarlet fever, and he used case histories to build up intelligence, contributing to medical knowledge. He named Whooping Cough pertussis, meaning a violent cough. His 1685 book ‘Opera Universa’ became the most important medical text of the day and included his classic descriptions of malaria, cholera, bronchopneumonia, pleurisy and measles. It is to Thomas Sydenham we attribute the famous saying: “A man is as old as his arteries.” Another disease he identified was St Vitus’ Dance – also named Sydenham’s Chorea. At the time, rheumatic fever was common, and the condition is a complication of the disease. In Medical Observations, Sydenham used the word chorea to reflect the involuntary movement associated with the disease and its physiology. Thomas Sydenham died in London in 1689, aged 65. He is buried in St James Church, Piccadilly, where there is a memorial stone with his name. However his legacy lives on in the importance of making sure practical experience, diligent observation and bedside teaching are prioritised in medicine and nursing.
