Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show dodged most of the rain this weekend – and when it didn’t, the marquees more than earned their keep. Between the blue skies, sudden showers and bursts of applause, it was a day that captured everything a country show should be.
Frome is a special kind of show, and there’s a reason it has such a loyal following. It closes the season with just the right mix of tradition, entertainment and chaos – it’s small enough to carry that unmistakable warmth and friendliness of community, yet large enough to deliver a full, satisfying ‘big event’ day out for every visitor.
For families, the huge free play area was a real triumph. If I were still wrangling four small children, this would have been the day’s biggest win. From face painting to live entertainment, axe throwing to mini Land Rover driving, there was so much for children to do – all included within the ticket price.
Then there’s the Cheese Pavilion – table after table, hundreds of entries stretching into the distance for the Global Cheese Awards. It’s a rare glimpse into the usually closed world of cheese judging. But for those more interested in taste than trophies, the surrounding stalls delivered: producers were on hand with samples, advice, and sharp knives at the ready. Trade was brisk as visitors nibbled, nodded and stocked up.
The livestock area may not have been vast, but it was open and welcoming. Once judging was done, visitors were invited to wander freely among the pens, chat with owners, and get close to the animals in a way that felt relaxed, approachable and very special.
Elsewhere, the trade aisles provided the usual agricultural show magic – where else can you pick up new double glazing, alpaca-wool socks and a sunhat in the space of a few steps? A stroll around the Horticulture and Homecraft marquees is another show necessity, taking time to appreciate other people’s dahlias, knitting skills and ability to grow a GIANT carrot.
After a summer of cancelled competitions on concrete-hard ground, the Main Ring – softened by the recent rain – was ideal for show jumping. It started off with the Gate-jumping competition, which built to a thrilling climax: two riders tied clear at the fifth and final round. Opting for a voluntary jump-off despite splitting the winnings, they gave the crowd the spectacle of a single, soaring clear at 1.65m.
In the rings, the Wessex Bloodhounds drew crowds with their pomp and tradition, while Moto-Stunts International had hearts in mouths – from the three-year-old who stole the show to the ‘grandad’ still pulling off daredevil feats, they grabbed everyone’s attention. The stunts were genuinely impressive, the patter was entertaining, and the big fire finale was a real show-stopper.
It was a shame the rain stopped play on the Grand Parade of Livestock this year, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits – and the food stands did remarkably well as wet spells sent everyone diving for a coffee or snack. Frome’s still a traditional one day show: you might come for the cheese and livestock, but you’ll stay for the near-death motorcycle antics and surprisingly fierce sock shopping. Roll on next year.
Ray Churchill passed peacefully on Thursday 4th September, aged 81 years. Beloved husband of Nora and son late Michael. Much loved man of sisters Mary, Yvonne & late Eilean.
Funeral & burial Service at St Mary’s Church, 60 High St, Sixpenny Handley, Salisbury SP5 5ND, on Saturday 27th September at 2pm. For those who would like to join the tractor procession and follow the hearse, ample parking provided at church farm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal. https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/salisburyhc/donation-amount
When Sturminster Newton’s 778-year-old livestock market closed, the ringing of its bell marked the end of an era. For centuries the market had shaped the town, but suddenly seven acres in its heart lay empty – and Stur soon faced one of the biggest upheavals in its history. What followed was a decade of plans, plots and protest meetings, of political battles and planning disagreements.
Stur Exchange
The much-loved Sturminster Hall, home to community life for forty years, was lost along the way. Yet out of the arguments and uncertainty came The Exchange – the wonderful community building and arts centre the rest of Dorset wishes it had. That journey, and the story of how the old market bell now hangs inside The Exchange, is one of the themes explored during Sturminster History Week (20th–28th September). Visitors will also find out why the building is called The Exchange, how it was paid for, what it is for, and why it matters. Drop in during History Week to see the Market Signal and bell, the river-themed staircase, and an art exhibition in the café. Learn what goes on inside The Exchange today, pick up a brochure, and enjoy exploring a pivotal chapter in the town’s story. Entry is free and everyone is very welcome.
Everything you need to know about veteran showing – as told by someone towed round the ring by a veteran with delusions of youth and grandeur
The Sass Queen (aka Stella) with Tamsin Doar, winning first at Dorset County Show
Every year, towards the end of August, you’ll find equestrians up and down the country united in denial that the nights are closing in and autumn is fast approaching. This year it’s safe to say we have most definitely had a lovely long summer, and the consequently hard ground conditions have been a universal concern. Due to this, The Sass Queen’s summer plans have been revised slightly to avoid injury from working consistently on ground that’s currently closer to concrete than turf.
Tamsin and The Sass Queen’s career highlight (so far) was competing in the Pre-Veteran class at the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show
One thing she has continued to enjoy, however, is showing. Or, in her eyes, ‘prancing around the ring having a right old jolly’ – with me being unceremoniously towed along behind her. Our personal career highlight (so far) was competing in the Pre-Veteran class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last year. While we were there, The Sass Queen spotted the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery out exercising and immediately decided that she too was destined to pull a gun carriage in front of the Royal Family (little did she know she was going back to her muddy field at the end of the day). Judging by the number of social media posts asking for tips on ‘how to get into showing’, it seems the showing world still feels like a bit of a mystery to those yet to dip their toes (hooves?) into it. It is broad and diverse: the breed or type of your horse dictates which classes you can enter. The best way to get a feel for it? Head to a local show and watch the classes your horse might suit – you’ll learn far more by seeing it all unfold ringside.
Tamsin Doar and The Sass Queen, veteran
Showing 101 Showing is split into two categories for each type of class: ‘in hand’ or ‘ridden’ classes. To really strip it back to basics, in hand consists of walking and trotting your horse up for the judge so that they can assess their movement, mannerisms and conformation and judge (place) you accordingly against others in your class. Ridden shows consist of competitors walking, trotting and cantering around together before being pulled into a line up where a ridden show is performed (usually a simple trot, canter and extension on each rein) before ‘stripping’ the horses of their tack to walk and trot them up in hand. In some classes, such as hunter classes, a ride judge will also ride each competitor’s horse to assess their manners and way of going under saddle. Being a Welsh Cob, The Sass Queen started out her competitive showing career in the ‘large breed Mountain & Moorland classes’ which consists of ponies native to the British Isles (Welsh section C & D, Fells, Dales, Connemara, New Forests and Highlands). Horses should be turned out naturally, according to their type – generally hairy, but tided up to be presentable, with no plaiting involved (a big win for me: I have not been blessed with the gift of expert plaiting skills!). More recently, however, we’ve taken to entering veteran classes – not that anyone dares to tell her she is technically an OAP. We recently received feedback in a different discipline that she was “well behaved for a youngster, and once she matures and quietens down will make a lovely horse.” I didn’t have the heart to tell the judge she’s 18 and entering her ‘cantankerous old lady’ phase of life … Veteran showing is a great way to still be able to enjoy days out with your golden oldies, and most shows offer these classes. Entering local unaffiliated shows is one of the best ways to find your feet and get feedback and – most importantly – have fun. If you don’t do well, just remember that it’s only one person’s opinion! If, however, you wish to take veteran showing more seriously, there are two official organisations in the UK you can affiliate under: The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) and the Senior Showing and Dressage League (SSADL). Each offers its own championship shows which you can qualify at across the country: the nearest to Dorset being The Mid Somerset Show and the Bath & West for VHS and The Wessex Horse Show and Dorset County Show for SSADL. They each also have specific rules, such as not showing any extended canter and not wearing spurs – I highly recommend reading each rulebook before entering. SSADL also offers qualifications for the LIHS (forever known to most equestrians as Olympia) and the Royal International Horse Show. It’s amazing that these big international shows are supporting veterans, demonstrating that age really is just a number!
We discussed her over-exuberance while she ate her recovery mash. I’m not sure she was listening.
The Sass Queen and I typically stick to in hand showing: previously, she’s seen either the show jumping or the working hunter ring and, understandably unable to differentiate between coloured poles and solid jumps, instantly assumes we must be team chasing and turns utterly feral (or “a bit lively” as one judge politely commented). Both ridden and in hand classes are split according to age: 15-19, 20-24 and Over 25 (though each society has slightly different upper age brackets). The SSADL also offers a dressage league, from Prelim up to Medium levels, and the VHS organises additional dressage and performance awards. In all classes, regardless of affiliation, horses are scored according to Presentation, Manners, Way of Going, Movement, Condition, Type, Breed, Equine History, Equine Age and Suppleness. Sadly, The Sass Queen let the side down a few weeks ago for being “a bit too exuberant” which unfortunately cost us some marks for manners.
Tamsin Doar and The Sass Queen M&M class
We had a discussion about it afterwards, while she devoured her recovery mash. I’m not convinced she was listening. One of the best things about these classes is that there is the shared enjoyment of spending time showcasing your golden oldie – I love the friendliness between competitors in the line up, chatting about the history of their horses and swapping stories. Equine welfare is very much at the forefront of each society’s ethos, and they discourage competitors from travelling up and down the country in order to try and bag a qualification. As the SSADL says, it gives “equines of all breeds … the chance to compete against animals of a similar age and on a level playing field”. Similarly, the VHS was created initially to research and address age-related welfare issues. Although the showing season is coming to an end, if showing has piqued your interest and you want to find out more about it – or would enjoy watching the classes – then heading to one of your local shows is a good start. Dorset County (6th-7th September) is usually one of the last ‘big’ shows of the season and always has a large array of classes on offer to either compete in or just observe. The BV is sponsor of the Equine Ring this year, so it would basically be a bit rude not to stop by. And there’s practically guaranteed entertainment in the pre-veteran class on the Sunday, where I’ll once again be wrangling my over-exuberant, juvenile veteran and pleading with her to just tone it down a notch … Hopefully we’ll see even more of you out and about next season!
St Eustace Church, the 14th-century Grade II* parish church at Ibberton, is in the midst of a busy programme of repair and conservation. Perched above the village with sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale, the church has stood for more than 650 years – but time and weather are taking their toll. The major task in recent months has been stabilisation of the north aisle walls, where specialist contractors used anchors and concrete beams to secure the structure. Heavy machinery had to be coaxed up the steep church path, with water hauled from the village hall to cool drills. During the work some slow worms, a toad and a newt were carefully rescued and released from the damp ground around the foundations. Inside the tower, rotten timbers and a collapsed threshold had left the top steps to the roof unsafe. These have now been rebuilt in concrete, ensuring safe access once again.
St Eustace Church, the 14th-century Grade II* parish church at Ibberton
Alongside the structural works, the PCC secured two grants from the Pilgrim Trust to fund surveys of the church’s historic monuments and its medieval stained glass. The glass includes a panel believed to be linked to Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife and Queen of England for just eighteen months. Surviving examples of Tudor-period stained glass are rare in Dorset, and the Ibberton window provides a tangible connection to one of the most dramatic episodes in English history.
Renovation echoes This isn’t the first time the village has rallied to safeguard its church. As Roger Guttridge wrote in his BV column in January 2021 column, a local diarist wrote the ‘roof had fallen in and the knave was expected to folow’ in 1892. Between 1902 and 1909 St Eustace underwent a major restoration under Rev. L.S. Plowman, with worship held in a temporary building – now the village hall – until the Bishop of Salisbury reopened the church in July 1909. Modern attention now turns to the roof, where slipped tiles, leaks, rot and corroded nails mean a complete re-lay is once again urgently needed. Planned future works include trimming back the yews to protect the fabric of the building, repairing the bell tower louvers and eventually replacing the tower roof. The church community remains grateful for local support, both in donations and volunteer help, as it works to secure the future of this much-loved landmark.
On the 3rd September 2025, peacefully in Salisbury Hospice, aged 83, of Mere, formerly Gillingham. Reunited with his late wife, Pauline. Much loved dad, grandad & great grandad, friend to many. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 24th September at 2pm. Donations in memory of Norman for Salisbury Hospice https://norman-john-davis.muchloved.com/ or may be sent to L C Hill & Son, Mere.
eweston School is proud to announce that its Boys Rugby Team will compete in the National U18 Continental Tyres Schools Vase for the very first time since the school became co-educational in 2019. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the school’s sporting journey.
Over the past six years, Leweston has focused on building a competitive boys rugby programme, cultivating a squad renowned for their exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The team’s dedication and hard work this season have earned them a coveted spot on the national stage, highlighting the commitment and vision of both players and coaching staff.
Leweston School’s Boys Rugby Team 2025-26 – image Leweston School
In their opening match, Leweston will face The Thomas Hardye School away in Dorchester, with the winner advancing to meet either Bryanston School or Clayesmore in the next round. The competition begins with eight regional groups, each producing a quarter-finalist, before moving into the national knockout stages.
Head Coach Frazer Wilford praised the team’s preparation, saying: “The boys have exceeded all expectations in training and shown outstanding commitment. We are the most prepared we have ever been at the start of a season, and our success will be measured at the end of the term on how much the boys have enjoyed their experience.”
Recent investments in new team kits and a state-of-the-art rugby pitch have generated further excitement and pride within the squad. With 90% of Leweston’s rugby-playing boys representing the school in fixtures, the programme continues to thrive, further strengthened by Leweston’s partnership with the Bath Rugby Development Programme, which offers specialist coaching, masterclasses, and development opportunities. Looking ahead, the school is also planning to launch a girls rugby team next term.
Leweston’s Rugby Coach Frazer Wilford – image Leweston School
Sport at Leweston – Excellence, Opportunity, and Inclusion:
Sport lies at the heart of life at Leweston, where every pupil – from our youngest in Nursery participating in activities like Rugby Tots, to Sixth Form athletes – is encouraged to explore a wide range of activities and pursue the sports that inspire them. Regular PE lessons, a diverse extracurricular programme, and personalised training opportunities ensure that all children can develop their skills and reach their full potential.
We support pupils in competing at their desired level, whether it’s enjoying friendly fixtures or representing the school in local, national, and international competitions. The broad and inclusive range of sports offered includes rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, pentathlon, cross-country, athletics, fencing, sailing, and more.
Leweston athletes consistently achieve outstanding results, with both girls and boys earning selection for District, County, and Regional development centres, reaching National Athletics Finals, and securing top performances in County and Regional cross-country events.
With recent success, new signings, big ambition and a community behind them, Sturminster Newton’s football club means business this season
The Cherries
Five seasons ago, Sturminster Newton Football Club – affectionately known as The Cherries, but not to be confused with bigger AFC Bournemouth down the road – were celebrating a Dorset Senior Trophy win under manager Nick Squires. Since then, they’ve barely paused to catch their breath. Back-to-back successes followed: the Dorset Premier League Cup, then the league title itself, and promotion into Step 6 of the football pyramid. Now playing in Western League Division One, the club exceeded expectations in their debut season, finishing 8th in a tough 21-team league – just two places outside the playoffs.
In 2021-22 under the management of Nick Squires the club won its second Dorset Senior Trophy, beating Merley Cobham Sports 2-1 at The County Ground, Hamworthy
This season, the Cherries have picked up right where they left off – at the time of writing they had won all four of their opening games and are sitting confidently at the top of the table. ‘Last year we just wanted to make sure we stayed in the division,’ says Ian Myall, vice-chairman since May 2022. ‘Finishing eighth was a great result. This year, we’ve strengthened the squad with four new signings and set our sights on the playoffs – or better.’
To compete at Step 6 SNUFC had to meet strict FA ground grading requirements, which included installing a new 50-seat stand – image Courtenay Hitchcock The BV
Grassroots to league standards Most of the squad have stayed with the club through its rise, with strong local roots in Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Shaftesbury. ‘Once players come here, they tend to stay,’ Ian says. ‘That in itself says a lot about the club.’ To compete at Step 6, the club had to meet strict FA ground grading requirements. That meant installing a new 50-seat stand, upgrading standing areas, adding perimeter pathways and refurbishing changing rooms. And if promotion to Step 5 becomes reality, there’s more work to come: expanded spectator areas, a PA system and more infrastructure. Off the pitch, the club has increased its committee to 14 active members and introduced new roles such as Director of Operations and Director of Football. The clubhouse has also expanded its offer with darts, skittles, televised matches and a thriving membership structure – all for just £15 a year for individuals, or £6 for concessions.
Community at the core In 1874 the club, which was then known as the Panthers FC, became the first ever club from the West Country to participate in the FA Cup, reaching the second round on three occasions over its history. The Cherries currently field seven youth teams across a range of age groups, plus the popular Tiny Cherries sessions on Saturday mornings for the youngest players. A ladies’ or girls’ side remains an ambition, but recruitment has been a challenge with other clubs nearby: ‘We’d love to offer girls’ football again,’ says Ian. ‘But with Shaftesbury and Blandford already fielding teams, we’d need more numbers than we have to make it sustainable.’ Home matches now regularly attract more than 100 supporters, with some derby games drawing more than 300 through the gate. Vale Coaches provide travel for up to eight away games a season – with fans and players travelling together to keep the club spirit high as they travel.
Backing the climb Promotion comes with pressure, of course – and not just on the pitch. The club is actively seeking sponsorship for kits, players and perimeter boards, and encourages locals to join the club or become members. ‘It’s a friendly club,’ Ian says. ‘Stability’s been key – the management, the squad, the committee: we’ve all built something that’s moving in the right direction. We’re working hard, doing things the right way, step by step.’ As the Cherries chase another season of success, the call is simple: get behind your local club – they’re going places. snufc.com
The 34th Stur Half Marathon saw 331 runners cross the finish line in Sturminster Newton on 3rd August, with entrants travelling not just from across Dorset but from as far afield as Europe and Texas. This year the race formed part of the Dorset Road Race League, and doubled as the county half marathon championships.
331 runners at the start line
Lester James of Team Bath AC was first man home in 1:10:59, while Isabel Zanconato of Purbeck Runners took the women’s title in 1:28:06. There was plenty of local pride too. Dorset Doddler Emma Mogridge finished as first Dorset woman in 1:19:12, and fellow club runner Rich White was the first Sturminster Newton resident in 1:16:21. Ages ranged from 17 to 85, with milestones including 40th and 70th birthdays – and even a wedding celebration – marked on the course.
stur Half
The companion 5K event continues to grow, attracting 50 finishers this year. Wins went to Wilfred Hughes in 17:08 and Emily Shaw in 18:03. Proceeds from the day go to the Vale Family Hub, with thanks due to the many marshals, volunteers, the High School, and local sponsors including Honeybuns, Root & Vine, Harts of Stur, Oltra, Running Free and Symonds & Sampson. The Doddlers’ next race is The Stickler on 26th October – details at thestickler.co.uk.
