Get ready for the ultimate family live music experience this summer in Poole and Bournemouth, where thousands of music enthusiasts will gather for the area’s most anticipated weekend event. With an early bird special offering savings of up to £30, eager fans are securing their spots well ahead of the festivities. This year’s festival is boasting a line-up that includes the iconic Razorlight, the revitalised sounds of The Coral, and the 90s chart-toppers Reef. The line-up also features The South – former members of The Beautiful South– the 90s indie icons Toploader, the comeback of Southampton’s Artful Dodger, the energetic folk punk Ferocious Dog, and the crowd-pleasing Dr Meaker. ‘Last year’s festival was the best yet in terms of line up – we’re definitely putting Poole Harbour Festival on the map,’ says festival organiser Ben Dyas, who has been listening to the feedback on last summer’s event. ‘Last year we had so many last minute ticket buyers that we did have queues, but we’ve learned a lot from that and this year we’ll have more and bigger bars, many extra toilets, easier entry and more staff and security across the site, with better signage for things like water points and toilets. ‘It’s going to be a brilliant weekend!’
Four stages and 50 acts The dance tent is set to pulsate with beats from the legendary Lisa Lashes, chart-toppers Ultrabeat, the inventive Jaguar Skills, and the renowned Seb Fontaine. Fans of tribute acts will be thrilled by performances celebrating the music of Queen, Madness, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse, and, for the first time, Fleetwood Mac. With an impressive line-up of 50 acts spread across four stages, the festival also proudly showcases top local talent from the BCP area, including the infectious Mother Ukers, the Americana sounds of Sixteen String Jack, the energetic Celtic punk of Blackwater County, and folk favourite Gaz Brookfield.
Not just about the music The festival’s renowned family-friendly vibe includes free circus performances, kids’ entertainment, dinosaur shows, and activities throughout the weekend. Coupled with affordable ticket prices, the Poole Harbour Festival promises a perfect start to a summer by the sea. ‘It’s the party weekend that Poole is now famous for!’ says Ben. ‘And people can help make the event even better by taking advantage of the much cheaper launch offer tickets – this really helps us plan and book the facilities needed.’
Poole Harbour Festival is on 26th – 28th July. It opens at 5pm on Friday, 12 noon on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, closing at 11pm on Friday and Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. Tickets available now at pooleharbourfestival.com.
Sam Peters, former rugby correspondent at the Mail On Sunday and The Sunday Times and author of Concussed, talks to Terry about the gathering debate around concussion in the sport: ‘There was a seismic shift moving from the amateur rugby game in the mid-90s to the pro game in the mid 2000s. The game is completely different to how it looked 30 years ago, and evidence says clearly that the game has never been more dangerous at professional level.’ Sam’s book Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth has been shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year. You can find it on Amazon here and the audiobook version is on Audible here
Richard Miles, the dark skies adviser to Dorset’s CPRE, looks at how the Blackmore Vale got its name, and the modern effects of light pollution on it’s previously dark – or black – nature.
Terry reads The BV’s article on Richard Wakeley, the young Sherborne father who also happens to be a fourth-generation funeral director. After leaving school, Richard worked for the charity Mercy in Action, in the charity’s homes for vulnerable children in the Philippines. ‘That experience was life-changing for me,’ he says. ‘I grew up so much in three years.’ Coming home meant a new direction was required, and a walk on the beach with his dad led him to join the family business: ‘It wasn’t like TV’s Succession! Dad wanted it to be a natural progression. This is more of a vocation than a job. You’ve got to want to do it.’
In a fascinating conversation, the BV’s night sky columnist Rob Nolan talks to Jenny about astrophotography, which he switched to during COVID when his landscape photography was curtailed by lockdowns. As well as telling us what to look for in the sky each month, Rob also shares one of his stunning images, which are enjoyed by BV readers. He talks about those amazing images of the far corners of our universe, and how he sets about capturing them. If you’d like to see Rob’s astrophotography (and we strongly suggest you do), you can find it on the website here https://bvmag.co.uk/DarkSkiesDorset
The Gildas Quartet are Tom Aldren, violin, Gemma Sharples, violin, Christine Anderson, viola, and Anna Menzies, cello
A music organisation which has been bringing rising stars of the chamber and baroque music scene to Dorset, Somerset and Devon for 18 years, makes its debut at Shaftesbury this year, with two concerts organised in conjunction with Shaftesbury Arts Centre. The first Concerts in the West event in north Dorset will be on Sunday 21st April, at 3pm, and will feature the Gildas Quartet, playing at St Peter’s Church. Catherine Maddocks, then director of the London Handel Festival, recalls that she had recently moved to Ilminster in 2006 and was asked if she would like to organise a concert in the town, as there was no classical music being performed locally at the time. ‘As I was very new to the town it seemed like a good way to meet people and so it proved,’ she says. ‘One concert quickly became four in the first year with Lyme Regis joining in.’ The pattern was set, with additional venues being added, and young professional musicians being invited to perform at a series of three or four concerts, regularly including Bridport Arts Centre, Ilminster Arts Centre and the Dance Centre at Crewkerne. Other occasional venues include Pendomer church near Yeovil and, Upwey church. There are nine series each year, spread over a weekend, beginning with a coffee time concert at Bridport, at Ilminster and Crewkerne on Friday and Saturday evenings, and often a fourth on Sunday afternoon. Mrs Maddocks, who retired from her London role in 2016, was determined to have a very high standard of performance in the West Country. She says: ‘The musicians, all of whom are trained to at least postgraduate level, find the tours quite useful in embedding repertoire and working towards recordings or a big concert in London or elsewhere.’ The Gildas Quartet are Tom Aldren, violin, Gemma Sharples, violin, Christine Anderson, viola, and Anna Menzies, cello. Their Shaftesbury programme will be:Montgomery’s Break Away, Haydnn’s String Quartet No 5, Op 76 Friedhofsquartett, Puccini’s Crisantemi for String Quartet and Debussy’s string Quartet in G minor, Op 10. The second Shaftesbury concert in the 2024 Concerts in the West programme will be with the Lumas Winds on 21st July. 21st April, 3pm to 5pm Tickets £18 shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk
Celebrate 70 years of suspense with The Mousetrap; the longest running play in the world is still captivating audiences on its tour across the UK and Ireland. It arrives at Lighthouse Poole for one week from 29th April to 4th May. The genuinely iconic murder mystery stars Todd Carty (EastEnders, Grange Hill, Dancing on Ice) as Major Metcalf and Gwyneth Strong (known best as Cassandra Trotter in Only Fools and Horses) as Mrs Boyle. They will be joined by Neerja Naik as Mollie Ralston; Barnaby Jago as Giles Ralston; Shaun McCourt as Christopher Wren; Amy Spinks as Miss Casewell; Steven Elliot as Mr Paravicini and Michael Ayiotis as Detective Sgt Trotter.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap debuted at Theatre Royal Nottingham in 1952 and toured the UK before opening in the West End – where it continues its record-breaking run at the St Martin’s Theatre. Now it’s back on the road, and it’s 70th anniversary tour, having also opened in Nottingham, is marking its milestone anniversary by visiting more than 70 theatres, including all cities to which it originally played 70 years ago. In this classic whodunnit, seven strangers stranded at Monkswell Manor by a snowstorm face a chilling reality as a detective reveals there’s a murderer among them. As the suspense builds, each character’s dark past unfolds, leaving audiences guessing who the real culprit is. Don’t miss this classic piece of mystery, directed by Ian Talbot OBE and Denise Silvey, and produced by Adam Spiegel.
The Mowlem are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a recording of BBC Radio 4 Any Questions? On Friday 8th March at 6:30pm. Tickets are free, but must be booked, with a maximum of four per person. The show is broadcast live on Radio 4 on most Friday evenings of the year following the 8pm news. The programme is repeated on Saturday lunchtimes at 1.10pm, and is followed at 2pm by the Any Answers? phone-in which gives listeners a chance to join in the debate by calling or emailing the Saturday host Anita Anand. Any Questions? was first broadcast on Friday 12th October 1948; for the first eighteen months it was a West of England Home Service programme, run from Bristol. It moved to London in April 1950, but after 61 years in the capital, it returned to the production offices in Bristol in 2011. Over the years, many figures of note have appeared as panellists, including most past and present leaders of the political parties. Every Prime Minister since Harold Wilson has appeared on Any Questions at some point in their political career! Panels also feature many distinguished figures from the worlds of the Arts, Science, Business, Law and other areas of public life. Currently, around 1.59 million people listen to the programme each week, the majority of them hearing the Saturday lunchtime repeat. Tickets via the Box Office and themowlem.com.
From two of the biggest names in the visual arts to tiny arts centres, there is plenty of colour and excitement in local galleries over the next few months
A vessel by Adam Buick, in a dramatic setting – see his work at Messums West in Tisbury
Hauser & Wirth At Durslade Farm, Bruton, is the Somerset location of one of the world’s biggest gallery groups, with galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Zurich, St Moritz, Gstaad, London, France, Spain, Monaco and Hong Kong. A family business with a global outlook, Hauser & Wirth was founded in 1992 in Zurich by Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth and Ursula Hauser. The firm represents more than 90 artists and estates. As well as the gallery, showing world class exhibitions, there is a famous garden designed by Piet Oudolf, restaurant, farm shop and programme of events, talks and more. The late winter and early spring programme begins with Present Tense, on until 28th April, spotlighting the next generation of artists living and working in the UK, from emerging to mid-career. Celebrating the breadth of creative talent and socially-engaged practices, the exhibition features work by 23 contemporary artists who are testing the boundaries of their mediums to address and confront notions of identity, consciousness, humanity and representation. Through their individual lens, each artist is responding to the cultural climate of the UK right now, depicting a range of lived experiences that coexist and connect within the rich fabric of the same location.
Let The Land Speak, by Ania Hobson, can be seen in Present Tense at Hauser & Wirth
Messums West The rural wing of top London gallery Messums is hosted by the Tisbury tithe barn – one of the great architectural wonders of the south west and the country’s largest thatched building. The regular programme includes outstanding contemporary dance, exhibitions, workshops and talks. Look out for the Messums Ceramics season, featuring Of The Earth – a group exhibition with thoughts and actions around making in clay. It runs from 2nd March to 29th April, and features artists Claudia Barreira, Charly Blackburn, Adam Buick (pictured opposite), Halima Cassell, William Cobbing, Bouke De Vries, Sara Howard and Nina Salsotto Cassina. Of The Earth reflects Messums’ special interest in active environmentalism. It explores the connections of raw clay and fired ceramic with the earth, the body and time, while considering what making means in relation to the environment. The raw material of clay is abundant and richly varied across the globe.
Some of the old stone buildings at Guggleton Farm Arts
Archaeology has revealed clay being formed into figurines, vessels and architecture as far back as 30,000 years ago. It has and continues to play a crucial role within the ceremonies and routines of our birth, life and death cycles – but the ceramic medium enacts a heavy toll on the earth, artistically and industrially, from mining clay and glaze elements to energy-consuming kiln firings. Running over the same period, Contem’plate presents a historical narrative around the development of the plate from decorated functional objects to canvases for contemplation. There will also be a Ceramics Symposium on Saturday 6th April, bringing together artists and experts in ceramics to discuss their artistic practice and to talk about the ecological and environmental aspects of ceramics practices.
Empire of Light by Finn Campbell, in Dreamscapes at Sladers Yard, West Bay.
Shaftesbury Arts Centre The gallery at the arts centre in the old covered market in Bell Street has a programme of regularly changing exhibitions, often with leading local artists and makers. Look out for the Spring Open (formerly Snowdrops in Art), from 7th to 24th February. From 6th to 19th March, photographer Justin Orwin has a joint exhibition with Mary Tambini, who shows the development of her art, from large paintings of swimmers from 25 years ago to prints, collages and 3D work. She has taught art and ceramics for many years.
Robin Rae’s Portland Bill Lighthouse in Dreamscapes at Sladers Yard, West Bay
The Gugg Guggleton Gallery, now known as Guggleton Farm Arts (and affectionately as The Gugg), at Stalbridge, is a combination of gallery and workshops, in old farm buildings. There is a regularly changing programme of exhibitions as well as talks and workshops. Currently having a winter break, The Gugg has live music and a host of activities, including classes and workshops on everything from bonsai and bag-making to wet felting and wreath making. There are also Coffee Companions mornings, Knit and Natter sessions and a Men’s Shed club.
Barry Flanagan’s Large Left-Handed Drummer at the NewArtCentre at Roche Court Sculpture Park
Sladers Yard Housed in a Georgian rope warehouse in West Bay, Sladers Yard is the base of the acclaimed furniture designer-maker Petter Southall, and shows work by many of the region’s leading artists, as well as major retrospectives. Gallery regulars include the sculptor and collagist Marzia Colonna, colourist Philip Sutton, ceramicists Adela Powell, Akiko Hirai and Yo Thom, and husband and wife painters Alex Lowry and Vanessa Gardiner. The current show, running to 16th March, is Dreamscapes, an exhibition of surreal, strange, humorous and beautiful paintings by Finn Campbell-Notman (Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2023 – see image on page 69), Alfred Stockham, who spent seven years in the Royal Navy before becoming a full-time artist, and the late and much-missed Robin Rae, whose later landscapes have been compared with Edward Hopper’s paintings. There are also wood carvings by David West and Petter Southall’s furniture.
The Art Stable will be showing In The Beginning – early Brian Rice work from the 1950s
The Art Stable Run by Kelly Ross in a former farm building at Gold Hill Organic Farm, Child Okeford, The Art Stable has an astonishing view of Hambledon Hill, and it’s no surprise that the huge chalk hill topped with an Iron Age fort, often features in work by gallery artists, such as Liz Somerville. Specialising in contemporary and 20th century British paintings, prints, and ceramics, The Art Stable has eight exhibitions a year of both established and emerging artists. There are two spaces – one showing solo exhibitions and the other an ever-changing selection of pieces by gallery artists. The spring programme includes In The Beginning, early works from the 1950s by Brian Rice, from 10th February, to 9th March.
Don’t forget … A little further afield, but always worth a visit (although it’s perhaps best enjoyed when the weather is a bit warmer and less stormy), the NewArtCentre at Roche Court Sculpture Park, near Winterslow just the other side of Salisbury, is one of the country’s top contemporary art venues. It has regular exhibitions, but the real attraction here is the astonishing collection of artwork in the grounds – Roche Court is one of the pioneers of British sculpture parks. At any given time you may find works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Richard Long, Antony Gormley, Anthony Caro, Barry Flanagan … and more. … and don’t forget the wonderful Elisabeth Frink exhibition at the Dorset Museum, which continues to April, and Georgia O’Keeffe drawings at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre until 24th February.
Remote work has become a staple for many residing in the picturesque Blackmore Vale. The transition from office to home hasn’t been without its hurdles, but with the right technological tools, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for greater flexibility and productivity.
Efficient Internet Connectivity
A reliable internet connection is the lifeline of remote work, especially in the varied landscapes of Blackmore Vale where connectivity might be inconsistent. Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system can be a game-changer, creating a seamless network coverage across your home. This ensures your video conferences are uninterrupted and your work submissions timely. Consider also a backup mobile data plan for those critical moments when your primary internet falters, ensuring you remain connected with your team and clients without skipping a beat.
Living in a rural area shouldn’t mean settling for less in terms of internet speed and reliability. Many providers now offer specialised rural broadband packages designed to meet the needs of remote workers. Investing in the best possible option within your budget can significantly enhance your productivity and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about connectivity issues.
Ergonomic Home Office Setup
An ergonomic workspace is fundamental to maintaining productivity and well-being. Investing in a quality chair and desk that support a comfortable posture can make a significant difference in your workday. Additionally, consider the positioning of your screen, keyboard, and mouse to prevent strain on your eyes, neck, and wrists. An ergonomic setup is not just about comfort; it’s about creating a sustainable work environment that prevents long-term health issues.
The arrangement of your home office plays a pivotal role in your daily routine. Natural light, a quiet space, and a dedicated work area can enhance focus and efficiency. Personalise your workspace with plants or artwork to make it more inviting. Remember, a well-designed office is a stepping stone to a happier and more productive work life.
Digital Organisation Tools
Staying organised is key to managing work from home effectively. Digital tools like calendar apps and task managers enable you to outline your day, set reminders for deadlines, and allocate time for breaks. This not only helps in keeping track of your responsibilities but also in establishing a healthy work-life boundary, essential when your home doubles as your office.
In addition to personal organisation, these tools can facilitate team coordination, allowing everyone to stay updated on project progress and deadlines. By clearly defining tasks and expectations, you can minimise misunderstandings and ensure projects move forward smoothly. Embrace these digital aids to bring structure to your workday, leaving more time for relaxation and enjoyment of the countryside serenity.
Optimising Document Management
Document management can be cumbersome, especially when handling multiple formats and collaborating with others. The PDF to Word tool from Smallpdf is invaluable for converting documents into an editable format, streamlining the review and collaboration process. This tool simplifies the workflow, enabling you to make quick adjustments, add comments, and share documents effortlessly, enhancing team productivity and communication.
Beyond conversion tools, establishing a digital filing system can further optimise your document management. Categorising files by project, date, or type and adopting a consistent naming convention can save time and reduce stress when searching for documents.
Cloud Storage Solutions
Cloud storage has revolutionised the way we store and access data, offering a secure and efficient method to manage files. With cloud storage, your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets are accessible from anywhere, enabling you to work seamlessly across devices. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those balancing work with the rural lifestyle of Blackmore Vale, allowing for a fluid transition between work settings.
Choosing the right cloud storage provider involves considering factors such as storage capacity, security features, and integration with other tools you use. Opt for services that offer encryption and two-factor authentication to protect your sensitive work data. Embracing cloud storage not only boosts your mobility and flexibility but also ensures that your files are safe and retrievable, no matter where your work takes you.
Video Conferencing Software
Video conferencing has become the cornerstone of remote work, offering a way to maintain face-to-face interaction with colleagues and clients. Quality software is crucial, providing clear audio and video, alongside features like screen sharing and virtual whiteboards, to facilitate effective meetings. Taking the time to learn the nuances of these platforms can greatly enhance your meeting experiences, making them more engaging and productive.
Regular video calls can also play a significant role in combating the isolation that sometimes accompanies remote work. They offer a chance to connect on a personal level with your team, sharing updates and achievements or simply having a laugh. This sense of connection is vital for sustaining team morale and fostering a collaborative work culture, even when working miles apart.
Cybersecurity Measures
The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, with remote work introducing new vulnerabilities. Protecting your devices and data with robust passwords, antivirus software, and a VPN is essential for safeguarding against cyber threats. Additionally, staying informed about potential scams and ensuring your Wi-Fi network is secure can prevent unauthorised access to your work information.
Regular updates and backups are also crucial components of a solid cybersecurity strategy. Keeping your software up to date protects against the latest threats, while backups ensure that you can recover your work in the event of data loss. Taking these steps not only secures your professional data but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your tasks without worry.
Time Management Apps
Effective time management is crucial for distinguishing between work and leisure, particularly in the comfort of your home. Apps that help you schedule your tasks, reminders, and breaks can significantly improve your productivity and well-being. They encourage a disciplined approach to work, ensuring you make the most of your day without encroaching on your personal time.
Time management apps can assist in tracking the time spent on different tasks, offering insights into your productivity patterns. This can help you adjust your schedule to maximise efficiency and allocate time for activities that recharge your batteries, like a walk in the countryside or a cuppa with a neighbour.
The Bottom Line
Navigating the remote work landscape in Blackmore Vale with the aid of technology can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and productivity. By equipping yourself with the right tools and resources, you can create a work environment that is not only efficient but also conducive to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
