Stuck in a Bubble

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12 November 2021

As it starts to get colder and autumn sets in, we astrophotographers get ready to embrace the damp dark nights and the prospect of being sat outside – shivering – whilst others are cozy by the roaring fire!

The targets that got me hooked on this hobby are also now just starting to reappear in the night sky; the Rosette Nebula, the Horsehead and flame, and the instantly recognisable Orion Nebula also make themselves visible.

I shall be waiting excitedly, with greater knowledge and gear than last year, to hopefully obtain better images!

The image this month is of the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635).
The Bubble is created by the stellar wind from a massive, hot, 8.7 magnitude young central star, named SAO 20575. The nebula is near a giant molecular cloud which contains the expansion of the bubble nebula, while itself being excited by the hot central star, causing it to glow. What I find incredible about photographing these different objects is that they are all so completely and wildly unique, even the elements that make them. I find it so completely fascinating. This image was taken using a Skywatcher 200 PDS Newtonian Reflector Telescope and dedicated Cooled Astro Camera with around 6 hours of total integration time during September.

The Night Sky, November – what to see this month:

I really enjoy this time of year and the celestial events on display, including an abundance of meteor showers and great views of the Milky Way as it continues to dominate the clear crisp skies throughout November, even though the galactic core is no longer visible. Grab a set of binoculars or a small telescope and take a look at the distant clusters of stars and fuzzy gases that make up our cosmic backyard.

Perseus

It’s also a great time to view Perseus, one of the most beloved constellations in the northern skies, packed with celestial gems to observe. Legend has it that Perseus slew Medusa, the Gorgon. The brightest star in the constellation is Mirfak (‘elbow’ in Arabic) – it is 510 light years away and 5,000 times more bright than our own sun.

Uranus

If you find yourself in a dark sky location on a clear night, you may stand a chance of spotting Uranus, the most distant planet we can observe with the unaided eye; it just so happens to appear closest to Earth on
the 5th November (remember remember!). Uranus was first discovered by William Herschel in 1781. Discovering this planet doubled the size of our known solar system at the time. At four times the diameter of Earth, with 27 moons, faint narrow rings and seemingly orbiting the sun on its side, Uranus is a rather interesting planet.

Planet watching

On the 7th November, you’ll see the narrow crescent Moon to the right of Venus – look low in the south west at twilight. Mercury passes Mars in the dawn twilight on the 10th November at 6:30am. Planet watchers can also observe the Moon below Saturn, with Jupiter to the left earlier in the night.

Meteor shower

The 17th and 18th November sees the peak of the annual Leonid meteor shower. Sadly though, a nearly full moon
will make this spectacle less impressive this year. Look to the constellation Leo in the south eastern skies to see the meteors left in the wake of Comet Tempel-Tuttle.

Beware! Shopping tip for those considering a gift of a telescope:

As Christmas fast approaches, you may be tempted to buy a telescope for a loved one to start them off on their own amazing astronomy journey. Beware! Sellers on many selling platforms will often advertise small unbranded telescopes that boast huge magnification potentials. These telescopes blow up an image to magnifications that the lens or mirror simply doesn’t have the ability to resolve, so all you will see is a bigger disappointing blur. This, sadly, is where many start and end their astronomy journey due to unrealistic expectation of cheaper unbranded telescopes. The maximum magnification a telescope can actually provide is twice the diameter of the lens or mirror in millimeters. So if a seller is advertising a 75mm diameter telescope, beware of claims of a magnification greater than 150 times. Do speak to a local authorised Astronomy dealer for the right equipment. Happy shopping!

by Rob Nolan – RPN Photography on Facebook here

Shopping local could save your bacon (and turkey) this Christmas

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Editorial team

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12 November 2021

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It is hard to stay away from the constant news that our supplies might run low this Christmas.

A brutal combination of the Pandemic and Brexit has caused a string of issues in the run up to Christmas including a shortage of workers available to help and a reduction in the number of drivers to help haul the products. Supermarket chains are already encouraging consumers to plan ahead, and fear that the shelves may be empty come December.

A different story

It is quite a different picture however, when you speak directly to our army of small local producers and farmers.

Dorset has at least three large turkey farms, and I spoke to Chilcott Turkeys near Dorchester to find out how their 2021 season looked. They rear free range turkeys using traditional methods, and they have reared their usual numbers this year, fulfilling their regular butcher orders as well as direct orders from customers.

They opened their order books two weeks earlier than usual and demand is already high. Their advice to customers is if you already know the size of turkey you’ll need, go ahead and order now via their website.

That has been the advice from many local businesses I spoke to. James Sealey from the Jurassic Coast Farm Shop:

“We have secured plenty of turkeys from our local farmers; customers shouldn’t feel panicked. If everyone purchases from their local butchers and farm shops then there shouldn’t be any problems, as most suppliers will take pre-orders to guarantee a turkey for the festive table. Supermarkets may struggle to cope with their much larger volumes as there will almost definitely be staff shortages when processing the turkeys on the large scale production systems. To pre-order your Christmas Turkey and all the trimmings from us, just visit jurassiccoastfarmshop.co.uk”

Not just turkey

The same goes for our award winning vineyards in Dorset too. The growing conditions in Dorset are similar to some of the best wine regions in the world and our wines have recently been winning some of the world’s top accolades. If you are looking to source some special wines for your Christmas table then do find your local vineyard or your local independent wine shop to grab a great tasting bottle or two.

It’s a community

Our local producers, suppliers, growers and farmers have been working hard throughout another difficult year to continue to create their beautiful product for our kitchens and dining tables. Many of them also work together to limit the supply chain even further. Peter Morgan from The Book & Bucket Cheese Company sources his sheep and cow’s milk directly from local farms, and has worked closely with both his suppliers and his wholesale customers throughout the pandemic. It has helped him keep an abundance of cheese on the shelves.

Peter says “This year as a whole has been very challenging in relation to buying milk, cultures and packaging. The key thing has been sourcing as much locally as we can, and working directly with the farmers. We supply many local retail outlets in Dorset, and work directly with a huge amount of local chefs who contact us to develop menus based around our cheese.”

Many local businesses have already opened their order books for Christmas. If you would like to shop locally for your festive feasting this year, then here are some resources to help:

Dorset Foodie Feed has a list of local farms across Dorset who offer services to order direct, as well as a directory of over 650 local businesses (you can find your local wine shop or vineyard too). https:// dorset.foodiefeed.co.uk/ buy-local-meat/
Your local farm shop will probably have a special Christmas selection so you can not only order your meat, but also the trimmings too.
Your local shops – the butcher, greengrocer, bakery etc. Many will already have an order book open for all your Christmas goods, from Christmas cakes to your roasting potatoes.

By Heather Brown

Christmas Jazz | Sherborne School

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Editorial team

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12 November 2021

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Christmas jazz – sherborne Big School Room

Thursday 9th December 7.30pm

Join the Sherborne schools swing band as they perform some toe-tapping Christmas hits.

Assistant Adminstrator Required | Five Bees Ltd

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Editorial team

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12 November 2021

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Five Bees Limited require an Assistant Administrator for Executive PA and Property Manager.

This is a challenging and interesting position with a variety of tasks.

Keyboard, IT and Computer skills are essential.

Sherborne based.

Salary expectations dependent on experience £16 -20k

For a full Job Description and to apply please email

[email protected]

Housekeeper Required near Blandford Forum

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Editorial team

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12 November 2021

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Experienced housekeeper required for home in a village near Blandford Forum Dorset.

A minimum of 12 hiurs per week, good rates of pay, references essential.

Please call – 07785 745442

Top local food gifts for Christmas – that you can send by post!

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Editorial team

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11 November 2021

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It’s that time of year when you’re probably wondering what to get friends and family, the difficult to buy for, or the far-away loved ones. We’ve found a range of North Dorset foodie gifts that can all be mailed (most direct from the producer to save you a job) and will undoubtedly be welcome. Take a look at our top picks for the festive season.

What Better Than a Wedge – of Dorset Blue Vinny
Last year I sent a box of Blue Vinny to my sister. It was a hit (and didn’t last long). Dorset Blue have a lovely Blue Vinny Gift Box (£20.50, see opposite page) that they mail out across the country. It’s just the thing to spruce up a cheeseboard and… well – you can never have too much Blue Vinny.

Letterbox Sized Charcuterie Hampers
A selection of Dorset Real Cure Charcuterie will go down a treat at any festive meal. There’s a great selection of gifts to choose from with a decent shelf life. They even have letterbox-sized gift packs (£32, see image below) that are ideal for posting.

Greetings from Gritchie Brew

The Ashmore based Gritchie Brewing Company, owned by Guy Ritchie, produces beer made from their local barley. If you haven’t tasted a pint yet, you are in for a treat. Their online shop has a range of gift packs; (see above) EXCLUSIVE preview of the canned beer and Gritchie t shirts coming this month. What’s not to like?

Send a Selection of Dorset Goodies
Sometimes there are so many Dorset food treats to choose from that you can’t quite make up your mind. That’s where Winterborne Whitechurch-based Cherry Picked Hampers comes in.

Their range of Dorset food is presented in a beautiful hamper (see the ‘Christmas Feast’ hamper, £96, on opposite page) and mailed to the recipient. Treat your loved ones with any of the hampers in the range.

Tea in a Tin

Are you shopping for someone with special dietary requirements? Holwell-based Honeybuns specialises in gorgeous gluten free, dairy free and vegan friendly cakes. Treat someone with a Tea Party in a Tin (£22, below left), or one of the famous Honeybuns cookbooks.

A Foraging Taster Course

Local award-winning chef Mat Follas runs a half day workshop highlighting edible plants in the Dorset countryside – and the difference between what can be nibbled and what will kill you. I have been on one of Mat’s courses, and trust me, you will never look at a hedge the same way again.

Your morning forage is followed by a three course lunch at his restaurant Brambles in Sherborne. Check out the special £70 deal on foraging courses here – a voucher is a great gift.

Mail a bar – or two…

Sherborne-based Solkiki make some of the best quality organic vegan bars of chocolate in Britain. They source from small producers and create delicious award winning bars of chocolate which are perfect for posting to someone (from £8, image top right). Choose from their best selling Gran Nativo or a selection of bars here.

Say it With Olives

A North Dorset favourite, Olives Et Al have a tempting range of olives and other snacks that are perfect at a party. Their Everything But the Turkey Hamper is just the gift to get friends and family celebrating over the festive season. And there’s always room for one more olive.

Support a Local Pub or Restaurant

Several pubs and restaurants in the Blackmore Vale do gift vouchers which can be spent on a meal, a stay, or a drink in the bar. Some of the best include The Fontmell in Fontmell Magna, The Grosvenor Arms in Shaftesbury, and Plumber Manor at Sturminster Newton – or browse Meet Your Local.

Teddy 20 Supporting Children with Cancer

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Editorial team

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11 November 2021

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Teddy20 is a charity based in Blandford Forum which provides emotional and financial support to children and young people suffering and undergoing treatment for cancer.

In 2009 cricket lover and local businessman Owen Newton wanted to raise awareness of the childhood cancer his youngest son was suffering from. Not just awareness – he wanted to raise money to give something back to the organisations that had helped his son Ted and the whole family. With a history as a cricket coach he decided to call upon the cricketing community of Blandford to join in a 20-20 cricket match, to raise much- needed money for CLIC Sargent (a charity that supports children living with cancer), Kingfisher Ward (Dorchester), Piam Brown Ward (Southampton) and Bone Cancer Research.

Owen and his family were overwhelmed when the event raised £10,000 – and even more surprised when people began enquiring if Teddy20 was to become an annual event. From then Teddy20 has grown bigger and better, raising more money from organising other events such as balls, challenges and music festivals.

The pandemic for the families with kids on chemotherapy COVID-19 saw us all slowing down and staying home.

Doing our bit to stay safe. Imagine, then, having a child on chemotherapy whose immune system is completely compromised? “When our Son, Ted, was going through treatment it was tough on the rest of the family too.” shared Teddy20 founder Owen “We couldn’t welcome people into our home without prior arrangement after asking the seemingly-normal (to us) ‘do you have a cough, cold, sore throat?’. Throw a pandemic on top and I can only imagine the heightened anxiety for these families.”

More work than ever

Childhood cancer didn’t go away during the pandemic. Behind the scenes Teddy20 were busy supporting families. They sent out more grants than ever to ease financial worry – sadly there were funeral grants too.

Ted’s Shack (the charity’s respite holiday home) opened later than normal in June and although having a much quieter season than usual were still able to provide numerous free holidays to families who badly needed a break from the hospital regime. Several families booked but had to cancel due to illness – the charity will try and rebook them at a later time. It’s so important to everyone at Teddy20 for these children who endure the most invasive and painful treatments to have something nice to look forward to.

“Ted’s Shack is run entirely by volunteers,” explained Owen “we’re very luck to have trusted friends who give up their time to help keep the Shack in pristine condition.“ All efforts are now focussed on much-needed fundraising – taking an opportunity to thank the many people who do the challenges for us:
Craig Rees ran the London Marathon for Teddy20. We helped his nephew Luke when he was going through cancer treatment. Happy to say he is doing very well and enjoying a normal life.
On the 23rd October at the Woodhouse Gardens in Blandford Teddy20 had two fully booked sessions of arts, crafts and games – not to mention Mr. Bear, the tombola, the Mummy and of course the cakes (see picture opposite page). The children were dressed up in some amazing Halloween outfits, from Demons to Ghostbusters, Wonder Woman to Wednesday Addams, they certainly looked the part. It was a great day for all and most importantly lots of money and awareness was raised. Teddy20 would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who turned up to party, including all of the Teddy20 helpers before, during and after.

On the same cold October day a team of 21 hardy souls from local S.O.U.L Kickboxing club took on the RocketRace – a freezing, muddy, wet, gruelling 10km obstacle course at Toomer Farm in Henstridge. They worked as a team across the three hours it took to complete the course, and together raised over £1,000 for Teddy20.
On the 24th October Teddy20 took part in a Tractor Pull at Lukins Gym in Pimperne. Teams of six had to pull an eight ton tractor across 50 metres as fast as they could for their chosen charity. It was a fantastic turn out and we have to give a big shout out to the Blandford Fire Station, Teddy Rocks Crew, Rob n Tug and Camel Tow, all of which entered teams to raise money for Teddy20 and absolutely smashed it. We might not have won but it was a wonderful day that brought lots of people together and just when we thought it couldn’t get any better the winning team decided to split the figure between all three charities.

What’s next?

As always, the Teddy20 Santa sleigh will be visiting locations in and around Blandford. For a small cost children can sit on the sleigh, meet Santa and receive a gift. Keep an eye out for the locations and dates – www. teddy20.org.
Finally, after what will be a three year absence, Teddy20 are excited to announce that Teddy Rocks returns to Charisworth Farm from 29th April until 1st May 2022. Further details and ticket information from www. teddyrocks.co.uk

A last word from Owen Newton: “We are always so touched and grateful for the support we receive from the local area; without you we couldn’t support the families who need us most.”

How to be blooming gorgeous!

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Editorial team

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11 November 2021

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Autumn gardening is all about planning and protecting plants in order for them to give joy and excitement next year, says Charlotte Tombs

It may surprise some people to learn that Autumn is a busy time of year for a flower farmer.
One of the most important aspects about growing flowers from seed is that we have to look forward into the following year and this obviously means planning ahead.

Like so many other businesses we keep our eyes focused on the latest wedding, fashion and colour trends. It is our job to to see what highly fashionable ‘society’ florists are using in their wedding florals and what the predicted new trends, colours and ideas will be as these will quickly make their way down to us in Dorset. We need to be ready as no one is going to want last year’s fashions!

Planting now

This week I have been busy planting my biennials which I sowed back in June. Normally around Midsummers’ Day is as good time as any but not if there is a heat wave forecast. You don’t want to fry those seedlings. Right now the soil is still warm enough so it’s an ideal time to plant the well-established biennial seedlings. You won’t see much leaf growth throughout the winter months but the roots will be growing, working deep down into the soil. Come the spring when the weather improves and it’s warmer they will already have a head start and will be much quicker to
reward you with an explosion of gorgeous blooms.

Pretty petals

Early autumn is also an ideal time to get ahead with sowings of hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflowers, sweet peas and antirrhinum (commonly known as snapdragons – those wonderful flowers of one’s youth that
you squeeze the flower and ‘the mouth’ opens and it looks just like a dragon). Larkspur is another one to sow now.
These can all be over-wintered in a cold greenhouse, sweet peas can be kept in a cold frame or just under the eaves of a house or perhaps even under a garden table outside just to keep the

worst of the weather off them. These stalwarts of your cutting garden will put down a great network of roots over the cold winter months. Some of them such as the cornflowers are quite frost-tolerant and you can plant them pretty much at the end of February or the beginning of March. I do this with my sweet peas as well but I do have a bit of horticultural fleece at the ready just in case they need an extra layer if it’s going to be very frosty or windy and, of course, we must protect against biting rain.

“I’ve also been busy pre- soaking and planting up my ranunculus and anemones corms. Ranunculus are beautiful flowers with layer upon layer of petals that rather remind me of a ballerina’s tutu. What is fantastic about them is that they have a great vase life, and continue to grow and bloom in the vase. Tulips also continue to grow in the vase – you can find when you arrange tulips that a few days later you’re thinking they’ve put on a few centimetres in the water and grown at a funny angle.”

by Charlotte Tombs Northcombe Flowers

Circular Walk from Bulbarrow Hill 6.7 miles | Dorset Walks

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Editorial team

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11 November 2021

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An easy-to-navigate simple route, and under seven miles making it a nice couple of hour’s hike. Though with a stiff climb to finish (whichever way you walk it – you’re starting at the top of a hill!) it’s not quite as swift as you may expect. No doubt lovely views and definitely some glorious woodland – though you can see we did it on a very wet October day with more mud than scenic vistas!

Leaving the top of Bulbarrow via the path through Delcombe Wood (we find it more interesting than the Ice Drove, but you can take your pick), you circle the bottom of Bulbarrow, touching upon Hilton, Lower Ansty, pleck before making your way back to the top again with a steady plod up Cuckoo Lane.

We accidentally created this route on a gloomy, overcast October day which quickly turned to torrential downpour. We swiftly re-assessed our planned 11 miles, mapping a shortcut which ended up being a happy accident by finding a lovely new route which we intend to revisit when the sun is shining! The final hill climb up Bulbarrow Hill was inevitable, seeing as we parked at the top, but it wasn‘t too horrific, and the lane made it feel comparably easy after the mud we’d had!

The ancient holloway at the bottom of Green Hill.

The short sharp uphill through the trees from Hilton is guaranteed to get the blood pumping – and the lungs gasping!

Pretty Hilton Church is worth stepping into for a few minutes.

The long straight track with the final climb back up to the top of Bulbarrow – I suspect on another day there’ll be amazing views from this spot!

The final hill climb up Bulbarrow Hill into the clouds.