The 2024 Berwick St John Country Fayre has achieved a historic milestone, raising £100,000 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity. Initially announced as £96,983.99 at a special presentation on 1st December at West Barn Lodge in Fovant, additional donations from nearly 300 attendees pushed the total to a record-breaking figure – the largest in the Fayre’s 32-year history. Running every other year since 1992, the Fayre has consistently raised substantial funds for various causes, committing long-term support to the Stars Appeal in 2012. This year’s event, held on 14th and 15th September, attracted thousands of visitors and featured an array of activities from displays of steam engines, vintage tractors, heavy horses and classic cars as well as a dog show, rural crafts, fairground rides and entertainment. Ahead of the main fayre event, visitors enjoyed an evening of live music on Friday, September 13th.
Images: Spencer Mulholland
Fayre Secretary Louise Hall praised the community’s efforts: ‘We are blown away by the generosity and support received. Despite facing many challenges ahead of this year’s event, the entire team pulled together to deliver a brilliant show with a fantastic atmosphere. We are so grateful to everyone who supports us, not just financially, but also by providing services and equipment and by volunteering their time. We sincerely thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.’ At the presentation event, patient ambassadors and families shared powerful testimonies about how Stars Appeal initiatives have transformed their care experiences. Stars Appeal president, the Earl of Pembroke, said: ‘I congratulate everybody involved, and I deeply appreciate the incredible teamwork required to organise an event of this scale. The services provided by the Stars Appeal make a profound difference to the thousands of families who rely on them. They allow patients to be diagnosed faster, and with families at their side, recover quicker and return home sooner.’ Funds raised contribute to the charity’s £1 million annual target, supporting projects such as equipment upgrades and enhanced patient facilities. The next Fayre will be 19th and 20th September 2026, with additional events planned for 2025. berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk
Christmas joy at Sturminster Newton workhouse chapel
Inside the Workhouse Chapel – all images Courtenay Hitchcock
‘The workhouse was not just a building; it was the collective pain and suffering of those who found themselves trapped within its walls’ – Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth, author of Call the Midwife. If you hear the word ‘workhouse’ you probably think of Oliver Twist bravely telling Mr Bumble the Beadle: ‘Please sir, I want some more?’ – and being beaten and sold for his cheek. That’s Charles Dickens of course – so is: ‘I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round – apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that – as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.’ So, take a pinch of Charles Dickens’ most famous Christmas story and a huge helping of colourful, inviting creativity, put them all in an old workhouse chapel and you have … Handmade for Christmas, the perfect place to find something special for people you love (and even for yourself).
Rose Hatcher in the doorway of the Workhouse Chapel
More than 70 makers Silk painter and multi-talented maker Rose Hatcher bought the Workhouse Chapel, in Bath Road on the north side of Sturminster Newton, and organised the first Handmade for Christmas in 2012. This year is the 13th consecutive festive feast of crafts, arts, glass, jewellery, textiles and more by a record 70-plus makers from Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and Hampshire – plus a few specially invited exhibitors from further afield. Rose kept her Christmas shop going even during Covid and lockdown – in fact, she says, she actually enjoyed the unexpected good effects of the pandemic. ‘I loved it. It was heaven – there were no outside interruptions and I had time to work. I almost felt guilty.’ She still opened Handmade for Christmas, with just five customers allowed at a time, and this proved very successful, she says: ‘People came with the intention of doing all their Christmas shopping here.’ There are no constraints on numbers now, and visitors are welcomed not only with the warmth from a wood-burning stove, but also excellent coffee and biscuits. You can wander around and make your selections or talk to Rose or one of her ‘elf helpers’, led by glass artist Kate Osman, whose charming fishes are made from ‘rescued’ greenhouse glass.
Looking past Gillian Acreman’s beautiful ceramic vessels towards the window; Frankie the elf helper is seen in silhouette. Image: Fanny Charles
‘Rubbish’ jewellery With a former career in banking and finance, Rose has an unusual background for an artist, but she has clearly found her tribe – her own silk paintings, on a silk paper that is her unique product, and her ‘rubbish’ jewellery, made from bent nails, old chains, scrap metal and found objects, sit happily among the pottery mugs, stained glass Christmas tree hangings, handmade fabric hares, extraordinary metal sculptures made from old cutlery and kitchen equipment and colourful paper mâché.
A joyful silk painting of wild flowers by Rose Hatcher
Platters to prints Handmade for Christmas is open every day until 4.30pm on Christmas Eve – jokily known as ‘husbands’ day’ because it can be remarkably busy with harassed men – often in wellies and arriving on tractors – seemingly having ‘forgotten’ that Christmas was coming! The phrase ‘Aladdin’s cave’ is over-used at Christmas, but Rose, with Kate and fellow elf-helper Frankie, create such a warm, welcoming, brightly lit cavern of craft that the cliche seems entirely justified. Wherever you look, there are attractive, unusual, festive, fun, functional things, all sure to bring a smile to the face of the chosen recipient. Objects come in all sizes – big pottery platters to show off your Christmas roasties, tiny red-ribboned porcelain stars for the tree or to decorate a special present, useful notebooks and sketchbooks with hard covers of old maps, mugs for hot chocolate after a cold Boxing Day walk, fine metalwork, animal paintings, goats milk soap and hand-printed cards … ‘Everything is handmade,’ says Rose. ‘I like to think that everything has been properly fettled, smoothed and sworn at by a real person!’
The Sturminster workhouse
Workhouses had existed for hundreds of years, but the ones we picture – excoriated by Dickens and social campaigners of the time – mainly date from the late 18th and early to mid-19th century. The Sturminster Poor Law Union was formed on 4th December 1835, and was overseen by a 22-strong elected Board of Guardians, representing its 19 constituent parishes – Belchalwell, Caundle Stourton, Child Okeford, Fifehead Magdalen, Fifehead Neville, Hammoon, Haselbury Bryan, Hinton St Mary, Ibberton, Lydlinch, Manston, Marnhull, Okeford Fitzpaine, Shilling Okeford, Stalbridge, Stock Gaylard, Stoke Wake, Woolland, Sturminster Newton and, later, Hanford. The population within the Union at the 1831 census was 9,553 with parishes ranging in size from Hammoon (population 54) to Sturminster Newton (1,831). The average annual poor-rate expenditure for the period 1833-5 was £6,658 – or 13s.11d. per head of the population. The new Sturminster Union workhouse, for 150 inmates, was built in 1838 on the northern side of the town. The architect was Lewis Vulliamy, who also designed workhouses at Epping and Brentford. The workhouse chapel dates from 1891 and was built on land given by the Pitt-Rivers family. Its construction was funded by Montague Williams of Woolland, and the fine east window was installed seven years later, donated as a memorial to his father, by Montague Scott Williams. It was dedicated by the Bishop of Salisbury. After the service the workhouse inmates enjoyed a ‘meat tea’. The old folk were also given tobacco, snuff, oranges and nuts. After it ceased to function as a chapel, and before Rose and her husband bought it, it had various uses, including some years as the local museum.
The Cure have never been a band in a hurry. While it’s true that they released six LPs in as many years between 1979 and 1985, this was par for the course for indie bands at the time (The Replacements, R.E.M., Husker Du and many more served up a record every year in the early 80s). Since that early run, the Sussex alternative rock elder statesmen have only managed to put out an album, on average, every 5 and a half years. A Cure album is therefore always an event, regardless of where the work stands in a library of mostly exceptional work spanning six decades. Songs Of A Lost World, their first LP in more than 15 years, is very happy to take its time.
On the slow-burning, intensely epic opener Alone, it is almost three and a half minutes before Robert Smith announces “This is the end of every song we sing”. Despite the song’s despairing title, there is a familiar universality to the message of this and many of the album’s tracks. Over a pounding beat, Smith exclaims “We toast with bitter dregs, to our emptiness.” Elsewhere, lines such as “I never thought I’d need to feel regret for all I never was” (A Fragile Thing) and “Mournful hopes for all we might have been, all misunderstood but no way out of this” (Warsong) point to a bleak sense of darkness, hopelessness and loss. But there is light. There is hope. And there is love. While it’s title might suggest more sombre fair, And Nothing Is Forever skips lightly, driven by piano and strings, with Smith affirming “It really doesn’t matter … if you promise you’ll be with me at the end.” Ultimately, The Cure have produce a record both comfortingly familiar and exceptionally well produced, but also (and most importantly) essential for our times. The world may be lost, but The Cure have once again proved themselves to be a welcome anchor amidst the chaos.
Matthew Ambrose, DJ at Abbey104
Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.
Gillingham pupils on the beach at Somo in Cantabria
During October half term 72 Gilingham sixth form students travelled to the Spanish coast for the school’s biennial surf trip. This ever-popular trip was a great opportunity to learn new skills, experience a different culture, spend time with friends and get to know new people. The students met at school with suitcases stuffed to bursting, excited to depart on the adventure. For some it was their first time abroad, and for many it was their first experience of travelling without their families. The more experienced travellers quickly eased the nerves of those who were feeling anxious about flying, setting the tone for a supportive and friendly trip. The beautiful coastline at Somo, in Cantabria, enjoys waves suited to all skill levels. The students immediately took advantage of the Surf Houses social spaces, including the pool table, hammock-adorned decks and volleyball court. Fortunately the food was also fabulous as the surfing required high energy levels: a two hour surf lesson each morning was followed by a variety of optional activities in the afternoons. Some decided to continue to hone their surfing skills while others opted to go into town to buy souvenirs and browse the shops. Still more enjoyed some quiet time reading, chatting with friends in the hammocks, walking the shoreline or playing football. After a busy day, the delicious homemade burgers and paella were definitely appreciated by all, before the evenings were filled with pool competitions, volleyball tournaments, quizzes and a movie night – introducing a whole new generation to the classic surf film Point Break. Mid-week, the students took the ferry to Santander for a shopping and site-seeing day, allowing the students the opportunity to explore the local culture. By the end of the week there was a real sense of pride among the group with how far their surfing skills had come – many came home with firm plans to buy a surf board! Staff accompanying the trip said the pupils were a delight to spend time with, and were a credit to themselves and the school.
Everyone knows The BV is awash with talent. But these five contributors have all produced gift-worthy books we can’t help but shout about
We’re always thrilled to showcase the creative achievements of The BV’s contributors, whose latest books are as inspiring as they are diverse. Jane Adams writes one of the most popular columns in the magazine – she is a successful wildlife writer, and her first book for the National Trust is absolute joy (as we all knew it would be). Barry Cuff is responsible for our glimpses into Dorset’s past every month with his local history postcards (and we deeply miss his partner in crime, Roger Guttridge). Rachael Rowe has been a freelance journalist for The BV almost since our first issue. but many aren’t aware that when she’s not charging about the county for us, she’s busy turning her curiosity and expertise into brilliant books. Lastly, we’re always proud that the fearsome duo of Gay Pirrie-Weir and Fanny Charles are such a big part of The BV team. If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful gift this Christmas, why not consider one of these wonderful books by our talented contributors and friends?
Nature’s Wonders Step into the Dorset countryside with Jane Adams, whose evocative writing and photography capture the beauty of nature in all its intricate detail. Published in association with the National Trust, Nature’s Wonders is far more than a seasonal walk; it’s a reminder to pause and appreciate life’s smaller, often overlooked, wonders. From oak apple galls to the busy jays that hide thousands of acorns each autumn, Adams fills every page with delightful insights. Perfect for nature lovers and those who need a moment of calm, this book makes an ideal Christmas gift for reconnecting with the outdoors. Read the BV review here, and order online here, or buy at Winstone’s in Sherborne and Folde in Shaftesbury.
Deepest Somerset For anyone who loves Somerset or has connections to this beautiful county, Deepest Somerset is the perfect Christmas gift. With an introduction by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), this stunning hardback celebrates the county’s food, history, wildlife and iconic places. Packed with fascinating stories – from traditional Cheddar-making with George Keen to the Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis’ Methodist roots – it’s a treasure trove of local culture. Lavishly illustrated, it’s a joy to explore. On top of all that, all proceeds go to three Somerset charities, making it a gift that gives back. Whether for long-time locals or distant admirers, this book is a meaningful addition to any bookshelf. Read the BV review here, and buy direct from Fanny & Gay at deepestbooks.co.uk
Wimborne Minster Through Time Roger Guttridge and Barry Cuff’s Wimborne Minster Through Time is a fascinating journey through the history of this Dorset town. With vintage photographs and stories spanning centuries – from 18th-century smugglers to the Great Fire of 1900 – this book is a treasure trove of local lore. It’s both a nostalgic look at Wimborne’s past and a celebration of how the town has evolved. Whether you’re a Wimborne native or simply enjoy uncovering Dorset’s rich history, this beautifully illustrated book makes a thoughtful and engaging Christmas gift. Read the BV review here, and you can buy online here.
The Science Lover’s Guide to London Perfect for curious minds and offbeat adventurers, Rachael Rowe’s The Science Lover’s Guide to London takes readers on a journey through the city’s hidden science gems. From Alexander Fleming’s restored laboratory in Paddington to Victorian engineering marvels at Kirkaldy’s Testing Works, this book combines fascinating facts with practical tips for visiting. With Dorset connections sprinkled throughout – including Stalbridge’s Robert Boyle and Dorchester’s Frederick Treves – it’s a delightful read for locals and science enthusiasts alike. A unique guide to London’s lesser-known wonders, it’s ideal for those seeking something different this Christmas. Read the BV review here, and you can buy online here.
In our new column, Chris Wald, assistant trainer to Joe Tizzard, tells us how Venn Farm went from dairy farm to racing dynasty
All images Courtenay Hitchcock
Venn Farm Racing is a National Hunt racing yard at Milborne Port, currently home to around 90 horses, all trained by Joe Tizzard. I am Joe’s assistant trainer and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the highs and lows of the jumps season with you, as well as looking behind the scenes. For our first column, though, I thought it would be good to go back to the start, to understand how the yard has become what it is today. Joe’s father, Colin, started training horses in 1996, alongside his main business of milking cows. He bought two horses, The Jogger and Qualitaire Memory, so that when Joe turned 16 he could ride in point-to-points. Each horses went on to win four races – and so began the start of both Colin’s training and Joe’s riding careers. After training a few more point-to-pointers, in 1998 Colin was prompted to take out a permit to train under rules (professional racing). There was about to be a rule change which meant that new trainers would have to attend a three-week course to obtain a full licence – but Colin had cows to milk, and unless they started milking themselves, he couldn’t go anywhere. Then he realised that if he already had a permit, he could get away with taking just a half-day course to gain his full licence – problem solved!
Meanwhile, Joe had gone to work for local top National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls in Ditcheat, just over the border in Somerset. He enjoyed success as an amateur, winning the 1998 Cheltenham Foxhunters on Earthmover, before turning professional. He became Champion Conditional Jockey in the 1998/99 season. Back in Milborne Port, Colin continued to improve the horses and facilities in the yard – Joe Lively and Hey Big Spender were early flag bearers, before Cue Card came along and took things to a whole new level. He won the Champion Bumper at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival as a four-year-old and went on to win 16 races, eight at Grade 1 level, amassing more than £1.4 million in prize money. The achievements of Cue Card allowed Colin to invest in expanding the yard to more than 100 boxes, and also to install new gallops and other facilities. Stars such as Thistlecrack and Native River followed, with the latter’s 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup victory a career highlight.
New recruit Etna Bianco on the gallops
No more milk After riding more than 700 winners, Joe retired as a jockey in 2014. He became Colin’s assistant trainer, alongside his sister Kim Gingell, who was an integral part of the yard and its success. She sadly passed away in 2020 after a short illness. After a successful 26-year training career, in 2022 Colin passed the licence over to Joe. Until this point the dairy farm had continued alongside the horses, but it was finally decided that selling the milking herd and making the switch to beef cattle would allow Joe more time to focus on racing.
Now in his third season as a trainer, Joe already has more than 130 winners on his record, and has earned £2.3 million in prize money. He has also trained his first Grade 1 winner – Elixir De Nutz won the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham last year, fittingly ridden by Joe’s nephew, Freddie Gingell. And that brings us up to date – we are well under way with the 2024/25 National Hunt season which started in earnest in October, although there is jump racing through the summer. The end of the season is the last weekend in April at Sandown. We have had a great start, with 32 winners on the board at the time of writing and a healthy 20 per cent winners-to-runners strike rate. The highlight so far has been JPR One winning the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, one of the big early season races in the Jumps calendar.
New faces Another really exciting theme has been the amount of young horses winning races this season: First Confession, Alexei and Western Knight have all won Novice Hurdles and Tennessee Tango won a National Hunt Flat Race at Wincanton. Our owners have invested in lots of young horses over the last few years, and while this can require some patience, it is incredibly rewarding for everyone to see this approach paying off. Joe also bought two horses, Etna Bianco and Kool Kid, at the recent Cheltenham sales for existing owners. Both have form in Irish point-to-points, a proven source of horses that go on to have successful National Hunt careers.
With so many people and horses involved with the yard, there are lots of stories to tell! Over the coming months, I plan to spotlight individuals from the stable staff and jockeys to the farriers, vet and physio, as well as keeping BV readers updated with how our season is going. December is always a busy month and the Christmas period will be made even busier for Joe this year – he and his wife Rachel are expecting their second child on Boxing Day … the busiest day in the racing calendar … Very poor planning!
Unique Dorset gift ideas can make Christmas extra special – shop small with the help of our guide to thoughtful and local festive shopping
Chrisymas gifts at Conyers
The big day is fast approaching, and the search for a meaningful gift can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve done the legwork. From Dorset and a touch further afield, our selection is full of ideas to please even the fussiest of loved ones. And when you buy local, you’re not only supporting local small businesses, but also giving back to the rural economy.
Feed the reindeer Reindeer are not just for December and they survive on a bit more than carrots on Christmas Eve! You can learn about, meet and feed these magical creatures at their farm near Yeovil all year round. Somerset Reindeer Ranch also offers Fox Fascination experiences – ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. There are even a few skunks, emus and other furry creatures on the ranch, so your visit will be full of fun.
long alpaca socks country
Warm feet and cosy socks You can never have enough socks – even the person who has everything needs socks. There are some cosy alpaca house sock and cushion-soled walking socks, perfect over breeks or inside wellies and riding boots, available online from South Paddocks Farm at Winterborne Houghton, and at some markets and Christmas events. Alpaca gardening socks from Salisbury-based Horatio’s Garden are another practical gift and will support this wonderful spinal injuries charity.
Hats, bags and waterproofs From flat caps and fishing bags to some very fetching cosy hats for a day at the races, Conyers is a treasure trove of gifts for outdoorsy types. There’s so much more than practical waterproofs (although these are very welcome gifts). Gorgeous glassware etched with deer and game birds (£16), pewter spoons with pheasants (£24), and even cow themed handkerchiefs (£16) are just a few of the tempting gift ideas from one of Blandford’s oldest shops.
Give the art of learning The opportunity to learn a new skill can spark a lifetime of creativity. A blacksmithing experience day is an excellent way to create a range of items and get an insight into this craft. Ian Thackray runs experience days at Chettle. Willow work is another great gift, especially for gardeners. At Welig, near Shaftesbury, learn to make a willow foraging basket, pheasant – or even a reindeer. Finally, a taster course in stained glass work will get those creative juices flowing. Experiment with decorations or panels at the Dorset Stained Glass workshops in Marnhull (from £60).
Sophies pottery cafe
Channel your inner Daarset If you know someone who would enjoy brushing up on their Dorset dialect skills, the William Barnes Society has an eclectic range of gift ideas. Choose from a Dorset dialect or Linden Lea mug for your festive cuppa, both available from the Dorset Museum Shop in Dorchester at £11 (only in person). And don’t forget to browse the wonderful range of books by Dorset writers when you visit. Proceeds from the dialect and Linden Lea mugs support the Barnes for All campaign.
Splash out on homewares Treat someone to a new item for their home from a local artisan. 1855 in Sturminster Newton has goodies from more than 100 local makers, including brightly coloured glass chopping boards inspired by Dorset landscapes from MarchMadeArt and a range of chicken-themed tea towels and mugs from The Cheeky Hen – the Christmas ceramic poultry decorations are perfect (£6.50). You’ll find all these and so much more in 1855.
Special pottery painting Christmas is a wonderful time for creating those magical moments with children, so what about making a few more during the year? Sophie’s Ceramics Pottery Cafe in Blandford and Shaftesbury has a range of creative ideas from baby footprints to painting sessions. Gift vouchers are ideal for shared grandparent-and-grandchild pottery painting afternoons, where those spontaneous creative designs will be something to treasure forever. And if you are looking for a stocking filler, check out the cute Christmas penguin painting kits.
Glass chopping boards by MarchMadeArt in 1855 Sturminster Newton
Celebrate nature For the nature enthusiast, gifts featuring the natural world or made from sustainable sources always go down well. Folde in Shaftesbury is packed with inspirational ideas, from pewter acorn earrings to hand-crafted Shaker-style boxes (from £34), and decorative notebooks and cards. And if you are looking for a challenging family game for the festive season, try the wood-themed puzzles and memory games. Dikes of Stalbridge has an amazing range of hampers – including one dedicated to feeding garden birds (£49).
Give a Letterbox Gift Finally, with the price of postage becoming more prohibitive, some businesses have adapted by selling gifts that slip through the letterbox, perfect for distant friends. Annings of Dorset has delightful hand crafted seashell shaped soaps packaged in a ready to post box. Similarly, Seasons Green in Corfe Castle has a lovely range of letterbox suitable gifts, all available to order online – choose from locally-made notebooks, make-up bags or even a pair of mini garden shears.
Since 2012, Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival has helped to generate almost £400,000 for charities. More than £260,000 of this has been directly distributed by the committee to local community groups and charities. Following another successful show in 2024, the Cheese Festival show committee are delighted to announce that they are once again able to offer some grant funding this year. Applications are now welcomed from any community groups and charities based within a five mile radius of Sturminster Newton. If your organisation has a large client base and is supporting people within the five mile radius of Sturminster Newton, though with a postal address outside this area, you can still apply – but must state this criterion on your application form. The Grant Application form can be downloaded from the website cheesefestival.co.uk/news Applications close on 31 December 2024, and successful applicants will be confirmed early 2025.
Break the digestive biscuits into crumbs (you can do this in a food processor if you have one, or place them in a ziplock bag and hammer with a rolling pin). Mix in the butter until the cumbly mixture begins to come together. Press this mixture into the base of the tin to form a base and set aside.
Whisk together the rest of the ingredients (cream cheese, double cream, caramel sauce and icing sugar) until it is fluffy and thick – if you have one, a stand mixer makes light work of this. Spoon this mixture on top of the biscuit base and level the top. Pop into the fridge for at least a couple of hours to set.
Carefully remove it from the tin and place on a plate to serve. Finish by crumbling some fudge over the top and drizzling with more caramel sauce.
