Calling all artists! Julia’s House is seeking creative designs for the mermaid tail-themed sculpture trail that will be installed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next year. The Great Tail Trail will be a free, family-friendly walking trail through the towns, parks and coastline of South Dorset, encouraging residents to re-discover the places they love. The public art spectacle is also expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside the area. Artists are now invited to submit mermaid tail designs that resonate personally or take inspiration from local heritage, landmarks, natural beauty, or the impactful work of Julia’s House. There will be approximately 40 sculptures displayed at key locations across BCP from 5th April to 1st June 2025. Each mermaid tail will be 1.8m high and must stand out in a crowd. Each sculpture will be sponsored by a local business or organisation, offering a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their work. Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House, says: ‘Artists can let their imagination run wild and celebrate what’s important and meaningful for them. We hope to have a real variety of different designs, themes, creations and colours that will stand out on the trail next year. It’s going to be an amazing spectacle – each artist’s design is going to be seen by thousands of people!’ The closing date for design submissions is 1st July 2024. After submission, the designs will be shortlisted for sponsors to choose their preferred artwork for the mermaid tail sculptures. Artists can paint their sculptures in their own studios or in a shared painting space, allowing them to meet other artists involved. All sculptures must be completed by 16th December 2024. Visit greattailtrail.co.uk to download an Artists’ Pack.
William Fox-Pitt bids a quiet farewell to 5* Eventing – Jenny and Terry read Sally Cooper’s interview as she talks to Dorset’s own Olympian about his reasons for retiring, (‘To be honest, the biggest difference in lifestyle will be accepting that perfection is no longer essential … That “pretty good” is now perfectly fine.’), his plans for training and breeding, his love for his chickens … and his thoughts on what his children may ride: ‘I’m certainly not buying them in outside yaks – they can jolly well ride things that I produce at home!’ *See the full article, including Williams answer’s to the Random 19 Questions, plus photographs of William in his yard here
This month The BV has been awarded the prestigious NMA’s Regional Publication of the Year 2024. Terry sat down with Laura and Courtenay Hitchcock to talk about award’s night, and just what the award means to the pair who started the BV in 2020. *See the full article about the Regional Publication of the Year award win here
Jenny chats to Gay Pirrie-Weir, the county’s best-known, longest standing and most prolific theatre critic, who talks about this summer’s open air theatre season. She shares her favourite locations, the best theatre companies to look out for, talks about the proliferation of outdoor Shakespeare … and the peacock participation. All with the sporadic assistance of Kate the Cat! *See Gay’s full guide to this summer’s open air theatre in Dorset here
Semley’s third community music festival will take place in early July on Church Green, with it’s usual ambitious plan to bring outstanding musicians who represent a broad range of musical influences to a tiny rural community. The festival starts on Friday 5th July with music from 7pm to 11.30pm, and then continues from noon until midnight on Saturday 6th July with a packed programme of musicians, reflecting a wide variety of genres from jazz and Brazilian salsa to R&B. Semley Music Festival is a not-for-profit community event. and the organiser’s aim is to involve all ages and backgrounds, whether as volunteers, audience or participants, to offer a rich variety of cultural experiences and the opportunity to develop creative skills. Several local village schools will host samba drumming workshops run by the Brazilian band for a performance to launch the festival. Local charity Seeds4Success will be hosting stalls selling items they have made, running art activities for children and helping with hospitality for guests. Proceeds from the festival will be donated to the charity, which helps young people to access programmes that develop practical skills, enhance education, improve employability, conserve the natural environment and strengthen the local community.
Wessex Internet, a dynamic and rapidly expanding Internet Provider in the South West and revolutionising full fibre broadband deployment in rural areas. Committed to delivering lightning-fast broadband to thousands in the countryside, we design, build, and manage our own cutting-edge FTTP network. We are delighted to be expanding our Network to the New Forest, Wiltshire, and South & West Dorset.
Recipient of multiple awards, including Overall Fibre Provider of The Year 2023, Wessex Internet has doubled in size over the last 18 months. Despite our rapid growth, we prioritize maintaining excellent customer service and invest in staff development. Our commitment to creating a great workplace earned us a finalist spot in the 2023 UK Fibre Awards for the Best Company to Work for.
As part of our vision to enhance the broadband experience, we are actively recruiting individuals to join our innovative team. Wessex Internet fosters a collaborative environment where each contribution is valued, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re passionate about transforming the broadband landscape and being part of an award-winning company at the forefront of the industry, Wessex Internet is the place for you! Join us in this exciting time as we continue to shape the future of internet provision.
The Role
Do you love the countryside and have a flair for negotiating? If so, this may be the perfect role for you!
This is a full time role, working as part of the Planning and Pre-Construction Department recruiting landowners and negotiating access for our trenchless buried fibre network.
Our successful candidate will need to mix working in the office (which is just outside the village of Shroton, 5 miles north of Blandford) and from home, with frequent appointments across the region, visiting landowners.
Whilst some background knowledge of internet service provision might be useful, it is by no means essential. We are looking for bright, engaging, rural-minded people who are quick to learn.
Responsibilities
Engaging with communities and landowners to seed and discuss WI network expansion schemes
Explaining benefits to landowners of participating in the WI model
Liaising with landowners to propose suitable construction routes, adapt according to their input and confirm development plans
Instil confidence in customers and overcome any concerns they may have around the impact of network construction on their property
Walking committed landowners through the legal agreement process enabling the network construction to start in that area
Evaluate service maps and accessible land information
Handing over a deliverable route plan to the Planning Team
Keeping all progress up to date on the company’s central management system
Requirements
Excellent agricultural and countryside awareness, including an understanding of possible landowner concerns
Negotiation and relationship building skills
Knowledge of agricultural and construction machinery operation
Strong IT skillset
Previous experience in GIS (Advantageous)
A robust grasp of UK arable and livestock farming systems and processes
Keen sense of spatial awareness
Ability to work on multiple projects at differing stages concurrently
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Proactive, can do and full of initiative
Good communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to work well with a wide variety of people
Ability to foresee potential challenges and propose resolutions
Benefits
The option to buy or sell an additional 5 days holiday
Enhanced Family Pay
Use of pool vehicle for landowner appointments
Private Medical Insurance
Life Assurance
Income Protection
Cycle to Work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Opportunities to progress your career – we’re a young, fast-growing business that is proud of our team of homegrown specialists. Whether you want to step up to lead a team, or expand your skills in a new area, we’ll help you reach your potential
Free breakfast – plus fruit, snacks, teas & coffees available throughout the day
Salary: £28,000 – £33,900 per annum (depending on experience) with access to a pool vehicle Role type: Full time / Permanent Hours: 40 hours per week Location: Hybrid – A combination of working in the office based near Blandford Forum, Dorset, working from home and frequent appointments across the region Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays
Encountering seals on the Dorset shore is increasingly common; DWT’s Julie Hatcher shares the proper behaviour to ensure their ongoing safety
In Dorset, we see two different seal species – the common or harbour seal and this, the larger grey seal. Image: Julie Hatcher
Seals have been in the Dorset press this year, with one hauling out to rest on a busy beach at Durdle Door over Easter. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how they should behave around these large wild animals, and this led to the police cordoning off the beach to keep people away. Seals are often seen along the coast and in our harbours, so what should you do if you spot one?
It’s probably not Ron Here in Dorset, we are fortunate to find two different seal species – the common or harbour seal and the larger grey seal. Since 2014, Dorset Wildlife Trust has been recording these animals and has compiled a comprehensive photo ID catalogue. We have found that the same seals recorded in Dorset have also been spotted in Cornwall, Hampshire and even France! They are great travellers, and while a few stay in a local area for most of their time, others are just passing through and may only ever be spotted once. When people mention Sammy or Ron the seal, they often don’t realise that in fact it’s a number of different individuals visiting the same area – they are not necessarily the same seal hanging around! Back away – you’re the problem Seals need to haul out on land to digest their food, rest, warm up, and when they are feeding their young – they feel vulnerable when people are around. If you spot a seal on land, you should keep your distance, watching through binoculars or with a long zoom lens if necessary. If a seal looks directly at you, it is already aware of your presence and its fight-or-flight response has been activated. Remain quiet and back off. Panicking seals fleeing for the sea are likely to get injured. Seals in the sea, close to shore, may want to haul out and your presence could prevent this. Young seals can be inquisitive and actively seek out human encounters. However, seals that become used to interacting with humans tend to have a shorter life, so it’s kinder to avoid them. Remember, even the friendliest of dogs can attack young seals so keep them on a lead. Inquisitive seals also play with litter they find in the sea: flying rings are a particular hazard (they can get stuck around a seal’s neck, causing horrific injuries as the seal grows). Solid rings or frisbees are a good alternative toy when at the beach. And lastly, please do report your seal sightings, whether with or without a photo.
Wimborne’s summer of history kicked off with a thrilling re-enactment of The Battle for Wimborne over the May bank holiday weekend, as hundreds of members of the English Civil War Society (ECWS) descended on the town. Wimborne was transported back to the 17th century with two large, exciting re-enactment battles on Sunday and Monday. With the Minster’s towers in the background, the sounds of live cannons and musket fire filled the air as foot soldiers and cavalry clashed in realistic battle scenes. The re-enactment told the story of the Wimbornites’ plot – a Roundhead Officer in Poole was bribed to open the town gates. On the night the Wimbornites set off, the main gates were opened as promised … but not the inner ones. They came under heavy attack before being forced to flee with many casualties – they had been betrayed!
Throughout the weekend, Wimborne hosted parades, demonstrations of military manoeuvres, and war drum performances. The re-enactment included a recreation of The Riot in The Minster, where Lord Shaftesbury, whose family still resides in Wimborne St Giles, ordered musketeers to shoot at the citizens in the Minster Church. Fortunately, the riot was quelled. Shoppers and visitors also encountered characters from 17th-century civilian life around the town, showcasing ancient skills such as hurdle making, leather working, apothecary, candle-making, and playing traditional instruments.
Wimborne’s Stephen Burden, member of the ECWS for 50 years, and the ECWS Royalist Colonel General of Dorset, said, ‘This immersive type of event, where the whole town is transported back to the 17th century, has never been staged in Dorset before. We couldn’t wish for a better backdrop than beautiful, historic Wimborne Minster. The whole town has been captivated by the exciting and spectacular displays. Everyone seems to have enjoyed it – lots of people have asked when we will be back!’
Fiona Harwood, Chair of Wimborne BID, added, ‘This has been such a successful event, drawing new visitors to Wimborne and bringing the town to life over the weekend. More than 3,000 people turned out to witness the battles. It’s been tremendous fun!’
STARS: Winners of the 2024 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards with dignitaries. From left are Rod Davis (Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network), guest speaker Sonnaz Nooranvary, Superior Ltd managing director Tim Brown, Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling, Advanced Apprentice of the Year winner Ellie Hubble (Redtale Group), Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Sergejs Murnikovs (Hendy Group), Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year Elliott Smith (Draken) and HM Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell.
Dorset’s brightest business talents shone at the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards in May, where a trio of outstanding apprentices received top honours amid a gathering of local dignitaries, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and BBC’s The Repair Shop star Sonnaz Nooranvary. The event was held at sponsor Superior Ltd’s Academy in Ferndown, and was organised by Dorset Chamber in collaboration with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network. Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber, praised the pivotal role of apprentices: ‘Apprentices are the lifeblood of our businesses, forming the next generation of leaders. The talent and dedication displayed by our winners and finalists assure us that the future of business is in capable hands.’ Sonnaz Nooranvary, delivering the keynote address, told the room that this year’s awards saw a record number of entries. Sonnaz moved to Dorset as a teenager when she was offered an apprenticeship with Sunseeker International Ltd. She’s a well-known advocate of apprenticeships – she told The BV: ‘I think that it should be law that everyone must have an apprentice – my apprenticeship really changed my life.’ She’s the resident upholstery expert on The Repair Shop, and runs her own interiors brand, ‘House of Sonnaz’. The Apprenticeship Awards ceremony recognised talents across several categories. Sergejs Murnikovs won Intermediate Apprentice of the Year for his exceptional skills and professional approach in the automotive field with the Hendy Group, and was described by his manager as someone who will be ‘top of the tree in his field of expertise’ in a few years. Ellie Hubble clinched the Advanced Apprentice of the Year title for her impactful contributions to the Redtale Group in Dorchester, where she is pursuing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship. Elliott Smith, an aerospace engineering apprentice with Draken, was awarded Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year for consistently exceeding expectations and demonstrating outstanding diligence. The Dorset Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the vital role apprentices play in the local economy. Ian Girling said, ’Judging was incredibly difficult and richly deserved congratulations go to all of our winners for their success as well as to all of the finalists for showing just how valuable and important apprenticeships are.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is hosting their annual 5K Twilight Shift on Saturday, 6th July 2024 at Henstridge Airfield, the charity’s operational base. With only 500 spots available, participants can register now to secure their place. This event welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities, whether participating individually, with family, or in groups. It’s a perfect opportunity for team building or just a fun afternoon of exercise. Participants can run, jog, or walk the 5K and enter as an individual, as a family, or a group. You can take part as a serious runner, or simply use it to have fun and exercise on what will hopefully be a beautiful late afternoon in July. Businesses or groups might like to use the event as an opportunity for team building, or in-house competitions with friends and colleagues; it really is an event that is open to all. You can wear fancy dress for a bit of fun, or if you are a more experienced 5K runner, why not carry a bit of extra weight, just like the air ambulance team need to do when they are attending an incident. Our events aren’t competitive, so you can go at whatever pace you want. Whether you walk, run or jog, you will be raising money for a life-saving service that is needed every day. The first 100 adults who enter, will receive a free t-shirt and the charity hopes that anyone who is fortunate to gain a place, will use the opportunity to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship. Alana Hardy, Fundraising Events Officer, says: ‘Our 5K Twilight Shift is always an inspiring event and we are hoping to make this one better than ever. It’s really special – people get to meet members of our crew and often see the aircraft depart. The atmosphere is really fun, but the cause is so very important. People who jraise money in sponsorship will be helping us to continue saving lives. No matter your age or ability, register and take part. We can’t wait to see you there!” Register here now. Entrance fees are £15 for adults and £10 for under 16s (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
Rubicon, an employee-owned company, has relaunched Rubicon Executive to enhance its recruitment of top executives across the UK. In a rapidly changing business environment, finding the right leaders is crucial. Jessica Comolly-Jones, Rubicon’s Commercial Director, emphasises that executive hiring involves more than evaluating resumes; it’s about cultural fit and understanding individual industry nuances. Rubicon uses advanced methods like psychometric testing to better assess candidates, ensuring they align with company values and are effective in their roles. The importance of correct hiring is underscored by a REC report, revealing that 95% of HR decision-makers admitted their business made significant hiring mistakes last year, costing an average of £132,000. The company also prioritises diversity and maintaining a strong talent pipeline, preparing businesses for future challenges with the necessary leadership. The relaunch of Rubicon Executive marks a strategic move to differentiate their executive recruitment services from the broader Rubicon Recruitment portfolio, offering specialised, high-quality solutions. Jessica explains, ‘Rubicon Executive’s mission isn’t just to fill vacant positions; it’s to influence business success across the UK by identifying top-performing leaders.’
