Terry chats with Kate Fry, a local wildlife photographer, about her letter from Sir David Attenborough. The Reverend Andrew Gubbins talks with Jenny about some of the challenges facing Dorset’s rural churches – and what he sees as possible answers to those challenges. And Terry has a fascinating and thought-provoking talk with Jez Hughes from the CPRE about what more genuinely-affordable housing in Dorset could look like.
On a recent school trip to a nature reserve, local schoolchildren were fascinated by a snake eating a frog while they were pond dipping. Terry talks to amateur wildlife photographer Kate Fry, who was accompanying the trip and managed to photographed the encounter. The children wrote to Sir David Attenborough to tell him about their experience and show him the pictures, and they were they were thilled when he replied with a handwritten letter, in which he congratulated Kate on her photographs.
Jenny talks with the Rev. Andrew Gibbons vicar of the Okefords benefice, who suggests shrinking congregations, financial challenges and cultural changes in the Church of England are all at the root of the problems facing so many rural churches: ‘Every year we ask “Are people content? Are people confident that the church still has an important place in their community?”
The need for the creation of truly affordable housing in rural communities has long been a topic for heated debate. Terry talks to Jez Hughes, vice chair of Dorset CPRE, about what that might look like for the county “There are over 10,000 households looking for affordable housing in Dorset, and the council get around 500 requests a month asking for help in finding affordable housing for rent. So there’s a big need across the county. And it’s not just in the big towns, it’s in villages, in local communities. People who may have grown up here, who may want to work here, are finding themselves priced out of the ability to live here. And that’s the challenge we want to meet.”
The end of uni isn’t the end: Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard says it’s OK to be uncertain and take your time to find your path after university Submitting that last assignment might feel surreal, leaving you wondering, “Well, now what?” After years of hard work and dedication, the future might seem daunting. For those navigating this transition, exploring part-time jobs for students on Jooble can be a great way to start.
It certainly felt odd submitting my last ever assignment on a random Thursday back in May. Three years of lecture slides, research, scouring the library and trying to stick to word counts was over with one final click of a ‘submit’ button. I can’t be alone in sitting back and thinking: ‘well, now what?’ A reasonable response, given the years of hard work and dedication being converted into a single Word document, usually in dissertation format. The enormity of dissertations shrinks over time – the monolith of the first year becomes a wish for an extra couple of thousand words by the end of third year. But that document doesn’t represent the life you’ve probably only adjusted to in the last year or so, or the friends you made who may well live in opposite corners of the country (or even the world). The end of uni is an enormous upheaval – and having to worry about what’s next often overshadows the end-of-uni celebrations. One friend may have an itinerary for a six-month trip around Italy. Another may be frantically applying for jobs. Someone on your course has been offered an amazing graduate position at a major PR firm in London… If you’re looking at everyone else and wondering what on earth there is for you to do now, you’re not alone. It’s hard not to compare, but equally, it’s OK to have absolutely no idea what to do next. In fact, you’re likely in the majority. After all, you’ve spent the last three years mustering up all your brain power just to get to where you are now – it’s definitely OK to live slowly until you feel recharged.
Take a breath Why not take give yourself permission to take a break? Maybe take a few nice trips to the beach or countryside? When you’re ready, have a think about what you’d like to be doing this time next year. Once you know where you’d like to be, just start slowly. Hopefully you don’t have to rush into a job you don’t like. You may decide you simply want to earn some money for the next year – you don’t have to rush into a career path just because you’ve graduated. You won’t regret giving yourself time to think and recover. If you are like me, you’ll love being outside and exploring the South Coast. If you’ve come to Bournemouth to study, why not get around to actually visiting the places you’ve been meaning to go for the last three years? There are regular bus links which can take you along the Jurassic Coast and towards Swanage – a few final days out with your house mates, making the most of the area before you leave Bournemouth, possibly for good, will cement your friendships. Studland, Durdle Door and Kimmeridge are all beautiful places to see nature and will all help rebalance your wellbeing before you start thinking about your career path or next move. You may even find some inspiration! As daunting as it may be, it’s important to remember that the world will always hold a place for you, so enjoy your journey as well as you can – wherever it takes you.
Support for you: Visit Dorset Mind for local mental health support and helpful advice The Samaritans are there to listen 24/7, call them for free on 116 123 Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on 0800 652 0190
40 hours a week(Pay dependent on skills & experience)
Milton Abbey School seeks an experienced and competent Groundman to work within our busy Grounds Team. This will be 40 hours a week, working days will be Monday to Friday all year round.
The successful candidate must have a broad understanding all areas of grounds maintenance, including turf care, and hard and soft landscaping.
The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of standard health and safety procedures within the role of a Groundsman.
You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from, annual leave free parking, and free refreshments (including a daily lunch).
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Monday 12th August 2024. 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/vaping site.
Experts, including Karen from Amplify Nutrition, challenge current low RDA recommendations, and address the trendy cancer concerns
Protein is a crucial part of our diet, essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. Insufficient protein intake can lead to muscle loss, which has been linked to a higher risk of early death. Despite this, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests just 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight, per day, (or an easier rough guide of 45g for females, 55g for males). Many experts, including me, believe this is too low. I recommend consuming at least one to two grammes of protein per kg of body weight daily, depending upon age and goals – and yes, that’s a very wide range. For example, for those who are particularly active, or aiming to build muscle, higher levels might be appropriate. However, this raises an important question: can you eat too much protein?
The protein and cancer link There’s a hypothesis that excessive protein consumption could increase cancer risk, largely due to its effects on certain cellular pathways which are the ones deeply involved in cell growth and proliferation. Since uncontrolled cell growth is a hallmark of cancer, it’s suggested that high protein intake might contribute to cancer development – it certainly seems plausible at first glance.
What does the human data say? Human studies do not support the idea that high protein intake increases cancer risk. Conducting randomised trials on this topic is challenging and expensive, and animal studies often don’t translate well to humans. Therefore, we rely on large-scale human epidemiology studies, which tend to discredit the hypothesis that high protein intake is linked to cancer. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of seven cohort studies found no significant difference in cancer risk between high and low protein intake groups. Another 2020 meta-analysis examining 12 prospective cohort studies also found no association between increased protein intake and cancer mortality. Re-evaluating the evidence One study often cited in support of the protein-cancer link was published in 2014 by Levine et al., which used data from the NHANES III health survey. They found that adults aged 50-65 with high protein diets were more likely to die of cancer than those with low protein diets. However, among adults over 65, high protein intake was associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality. This inconsistency suggests the data might be influenced by factors other than protein intake itself, such as overall health and lifestyle differences.
Cancer progression vs. development It’s important to differentiate between the role of protein in cancer development vs. cancer progression. Even if protein levels do not initiate cancer, it might still influence existing cancer progression. Some studies in mice have suggested that protein restriction could inhibit tumour growth – but these results are inconsistent and not easily applicable to humans.
The role of protein in cancer survival For individuals with cancer, adequate protein intake is crucial. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, which is often depleted during cancer and its treatment, leading to poorer quality of life and survival rates. Studies have shown that higher protein intake is associated with better outcomes for cancer patients. Current guidelines recommend increasing protein intake for cancer patients to improve their chances of survival.
Does it matter where you get it? Some studies have investigated whether animal or plant protein has different effects on cancer risk. The evidence does not consistently show significant differences between these protein sources in terms of cancer risk. The real issue may be that diets high in red and processed meats are often low in essential nutrients and high in unhealthy components, rather than the meat itself causing cancer. It’s hard to know.
More is better than too little The idea that high protein intake could increase cancer risk seems initially logical, but the evidence does not always support this. Instead, getting enough protein is vital for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. Most people do not consume enough protein, and the risks of too little protein – including increased frailty and poorer metabolic health – far outweigh the hypothetical risks of consuming too much. Therefore, it’s important to focus on meeting, if not exceeding, the recommended daily protein intake for optimal health and longevity. Karen welcomes questions and queries via Amplify Nutrition for personal advice
Environmental artist Gary Cook explores England’s temperate rainforests – immerse yourself in these watery worlds in his exhibition at Child Okeford
Oak in the bracken – by the river that runs through the temperate rainforest at Cabilla in Cornwall
Since he left Bournemouth University in the late 1980s and worked as associate editor and senior artist for The Sunday Times for 26 years, Gary Cook has come a long way, to arrive back where he started. Returned to Dorset – he lives in Shaftesbury – he has become deeply involved in the environment, not only around him in the Blackmore Vale, but across the country. His travels with paint brushes and sketch books have recently taken him to Devon, Cornwall, Wales and the Lake District, exploring and recording the mysterious beauty of England’s remaining rainforests. We all tend to think of the Amazon or the deep, dark, wildlife-rich jungles of central Africa or the Indonesian archipelago when we imagine rainforests – but those are tropical. Our English ones, like the vast and gently dripping rainforest of the Olympia peninsula of Washington State, are temperate rainforests. And they are among the most beautiful and fragile environments in the world, at risk from climate change and other man-made threats. It is estimated that they once covered about 20 percent of the country – now it is less than one per cent. In his notes on his exhibition of these recent paintings, at The Art Stable, at Gold Hill Organic Farm, Child Okeford, Gary says that there may still be some small remnants of temperate rainforest in Dorset. His work over recent years has shown a deepening concern for the environment, as he explores our complicated relationship with nature, and the often detrimental impact we humans have.
Autumn mist – morning mist rising from around an ancient oak tree
Hidden messages Gary, who is an elected member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and the Society of Graphic Fine Art, graduated from Bournemouth in 1987 and was made a fellow of the university in 1999. In part, it was his experience as the Sunday Times artist, during which he won many International awards, that developed his awareness of environmental issues. He says: ‘I often produced diagrams highlighting environmental problems. In the last decade as a painter, including an environmental message in each piece has been very important to me. For example, oak trees provide the habitat for around 2,300 different species from bats to beetles and lichens to mammals. The names and silhouettes of some of these species are discreetly included in my paintings.’
Edge of the rainforest – twisted oaks in the temperate rainforest at Cabilla
Rainforest remnants Explaining how the temperate rainforest project began, Gary says he had been reading Guy Shrubsole’s book The Lost Rainforests of Britain, and was struck by the author’s descriptions of the plants to look out for, because they were ‘telltale signs of these magical, enveloping places.’ They include gnarly, moss-covered oak branches: ‘The clue is in the name’, he says. ’They need rain.’ Shaftesbury is surrounded by ancient holloways, of which Dinah’s Hollow on the C13 at Melbury Abbas is probably the best-known. Gary began exploring these deep, damp byways and valleys around the town. There is, he says, a theory that the oaks that grow here may be remnants of rainforests. You may have walked in some of the places Gary has painted, in Dorset or further afield: ’Some of the small tracts I have painted around the country are actually in popular tourist areas.’ The best-known surviving English temperate rainforest is Wistman’s Wood, the extraordinary, atmospheric, ancient woodland near Two Bridges on Dartmoor. Visiting this wood is like walking into a magical landscape that could have been described by Tolkien. It has been a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for 60 years, and has additional protection as part of a National Nature Reserve. Gary is an elected member of the group of artists working in many different media including wood and stone, who call themselves The Arborealists. He contributes to Resurgence and Ecologist magazine.
The Temperate Times exhibition at The Art Stable continues to 20th July. For more information on his work, and future exhibitions and projects, see Gary’s website cookthepainter.com
Patrick O’Donoghue (Ben) passed away peacefully in his sleep on 22 July with family around him.
Funeral will be held at Harbour View crematorium, Lytchett Minster BH16 6AN, on 16th August, gathering at 2pm for a 2:30pm service. Family flowers only please, donations to Dementia UK would be grateful.
This year is proving to be memorable for Dorset-based Langham Wine Estate – Justin Langham and his team have just celebrated the 15th anniversary of the vineyard at Crawthorne Farm, near Dorchester, as well as an ice-bucket full of trophies for their sparkling wines from the Wine GB Awards and Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), where Langham wines won five gold medals, five silvers and a bronze. For founder and managing director Justin, the anniversary is an important milestone. He told friends and guests at an anniversary celebration day: ‘I take immense pride in evolving what was once my father’s hobby into the thriving Langham Wine Estate we see today and I am truly delighted to see the estate reach this milestone. ‘After visiting many of the world’s most highly regarded wine regions and having studied viticulture at Plumpton College, I decided to make my dream a reality. We planted 30 acres of vineyard in 2009 and have since expanded to 85 acres. In May, we planted 13,000 new Chardonnay vines on the final 10 acres of our planned expansion and are anticipating bountiful harvests in the years to come. ‘Behind our success lies a dedicated team whose passion and expertise produce the exceptional wines within our portfolio. I am very proud of what we have achieved so far.’
Low intervention wines The Langham winery team is led by Tommy Grimshaw, who became the UK’s youngest head winemaker when he was just 24 years old. Not your traditional winemaker, Tommy worked his way up from labelling wine when he left school after his first year of A Levels. Now 28, he is constantly discovering ways to be creative in his winemaking, and is particularly focused on a low intervention approach, which includes only using grapes grown on the estate and hand-harvesting the grapes. With a south-facing aspect, chalk soils and a unique microclimate, Crawthorne Vineyard provides a perfect terroir for ripening the classic champagne varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The winery’s exceptional wines are not only recognised in this country, but have won the biggest international awards, including the coveted Best Sparkling Wine Producer award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2020. In addition to the successful core range of wines, including Corallian, Culver, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs, this anniversary year has seen Langham Wine Estate release a new still wine, the first since 2020. The 2022 Chardonnay is named after Search for Enlightenment, by sculptor Simon Gudgeon, who has the gallery and sculpture park, Sculpture by the Lakes, near Tincleton. The winery’s main production is sparkling wine. Still wine is only made in exceptional vintages, as 2022 undoubtedly was. At harvest, winemaking team Tommy Grimshaw and Andy Wiles agreed that the quality of fruit was great enough to make a still chardonnay, separating a portion of ripe juice from the heavier ‘taille’ fraction of the pressing. Langham’s oxidative style, use of old oak and wild yeast fermentation, has formed a wine of elegance, expressive of the cool climate and pure chalk soils of this corner of Dorset. This 2022 Chardonnay is also the first wine from the estate to be bottled in reused glass bottles.
Langham wines are expressive of the cool climate and the (here visible) pure chalk soils of this corner of Dorset
Representing the terroir The WineGB Awards highlight the excellence of Britain’s wines and wine producers. The judging panel was this year headed by broadcaster and wine expert Oz Clarke and Masters of Wine Susie Barrie and Peter Richards. Langham’s Corallian Classic Cuvée NV, Culver Classic Cuvée NV, Rosé NV, Blanc de Blancs NV and Pinot Noir 2019 all received gold medals and there was a silver medal for the new, limited edition, still Chardonnay, Search for Enlightenment 2022. Tommy Grimshaw said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to receive a personal best from the WineGB Awards with five gold medals. We are dedicated to producing exceptional sparkling wines that truly represent our terroir, using only grapes grown on our 85-acre Dorset vineyard. We believe this commitment is crucial as the English wine scene continues to expand rapidly. ‘Our mission with our traditional method sparkling range is to produce wines which can be enjoyed throughout a meal, not just as an aperitif.’ Now in its 21st year, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition, renowned globally for the rigorous judging process and world-class judges. DWWA awarded silver medals to Langham’s Corallian Classic Cuvée NV, Culver Classic Cuvée NV, Blanc de Blancs NV and Pinot Noir 2019, and a bronze medal to the Rosé NV.
Husband of the late Joan Marilyn Ann Hurd. Passed away peacefully at home on 3rd Jul 2024 aged 81.
Beloved Dad to Maria, Michael, Michelle, Kristian and Jonathon. Much loved Grandad, Brother, Uncle, cousin and Father-in-law.Greatly and sadly missed by all who knew him, including friends & customers of Andrews Brothers in Marnhull & Stalbridge.
Private cremation service, family flowers only.
Any donations please make in his memory to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust who helped to look after Joan.
The first of July’s Podcast is a packed one – from hiding spiders and cancer-causing protein (or does it?) to the scourge of fly-tipping and the essential art of the hedgerow lifecycle…
Editor’s Letter from Laura – “…Hiding behind the idyllic facade of thatched roofs and high hedgerows lies an issue that has been overlooked, avoided and ignored by successive governments … the rural tax. Living in a rural area is significantly more challenging than urban living for those who are on a low income.”
Wildlife Writer Jane Adams talks to Jenny, about the amazing crab spider, which you may have spotted on some of the flowers in your garden … or maybe not… “Crab spiders are amazing – I’ve occcasionally wondered why a fly was upside down on a flower, thinking what on earth is that doing? And it had actually been caught by a crab spider. But even looking at it, I couldn’t actually see the spider.”
Terry talks to Nutritional Therapist Karen Geary, looking at the real science behind the current trendy view that eating too much protein may cause cancer. “What I get concerned about more than anything else with people with cancer is they’re actually not eating enough protein: it is crucial for maintaining muscle and overall health during treatment.”
Farming columnist Andrew Livingston is talking to Jenny about the increasing problem of fly-tipping in rural areas, its impact on the environment, and the efforts made by farmers to combat it: “At the end of the day, we just clear it up, and it goes unreported – I don’t think we know the real scale of the issue.” And he shares the case of the rubble’s mistaken identity: “It was dumped on the Thursday and we went on the Friday to move it, spread it and roll it … and it had disappeared!”
Lastly, Jenny reads Andrew’s interview with John Calder on the importance of hedgerow lifecycles: “if you go back a few generations they’d be laying hedges every year, but on different parts of the farm. And that means that there are hedges in different stages all over the farm. Turns out that’s what’s ideal for nature.”
Grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, SO many horses … and frankly stunning photography. Did I 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 ‘glossy’ monthly digital magazine from the rural heart of the Blackmore Vale.
