Early harvest, fuel costs down, yields beat expectations … but another wave of TB positives has overshadowed everything for James Cossins
James Cossins watches the Rawston Farm harvest get under way. All images: James Cossins
Here at Rawston Farm, harvest came to a close in the middle of August – one of the earliest finishes we’ve known. The hot dry weather meant that very little drying of the grains had to take place, resulting in a considerable saving in fuel costs to keep our produce safe in store. Mechanical interruptions were kept to a minimum, too, due to good crop conditions during harvesting. We did have an issue with the combine which meant losing a day when a broken part had to be sourced from Germany. The yields were above expectations, in spite of the drought conditions during the growing period. The winter-sown crops yielded well, but the spring crops, such as the barley and the beans, were much more variable, with some fields disappointing due to the lack of moisture. The other disappointing factor this harvest is the low prices for all of our combinable crops: it seems that there is an abundance of good crops world-wide, leading to an over-supply and hence the lower prices. Here in the UK, the yields have been very variable, with the Midlands being badly affected. Normally in years with poor yields, we would expect higher prices to compensate, but it seems not this year. At the time of writing, the rain has finally arrived – too late to help the harvested crops, but it will hopefully revive the grass and ease the shortfall faced by many livestock keepers in recent months. We are also turning our attention to sowing our oilseeds and grass seeds, now that the moisture is available to get them growing.
Harvest was finished by the middle of August – one of the earliest the Cossins family can remember
TB update During harvest we also had to fit in our 60-day TB test, with not only the regular skin test but also the gamma blood test on all cattle over six months. The test took up most of one week, with the afternoons and evenings left free for harvesting. We also managed to give all the high-risk cattle their first bluetongue vaccine, recommended by our vets to prevent milk drop in the dairy cows. The results from the TB skin test were encouraging, with just one inconclusive animal, so we waited for the blood test results in a positive mind … only to find that there were 28 positive cases. Obviously we were very disappointed with the results, which included 20 milking cows and both of our Aberdeen Angus stock bulls. It took two lorries to take all of them to the abattoir. As I write, the official results have just been received: there appears to be no evidence of TB lesions in the carcasses. Yet all we can do now is hope that the next 60-day skin test can give us a better result. I have been contacted by other farmers in a similar position, in absolute despair at the circumstances. I can only reassure them that they are not alone in this thoroughly desperate situation, with just the hope that eventually we will go clear one day … but it’s difficult to see when.
End of harvest in the Tarrant Valley
I should add that farmers do get compensated for the loss of the animals – at the tax payers’ expense – but this does not make up for the loss of milk value. We are, as an industry, pressing the government to roll out a TB cattle vaccine to protect our animals. In Dorset, the NFU has set up a TB advisory group to look into how we can help fellow farmers with TB issues and to see what further trials and controls can be put in place to reduce the incidence of this disease. I’m sorry to close on a negative note, but it’s been a frustrating month.
From a childhood in Kenya to high-end shoots in Mallorca, photographer Graham Pengelly has always been drawn to the moments others miss
Graham Pengelly
‘It’s funny,’ Graham says. ‘I’ve always had a camera in my hand. But it’s only in the last few years I started thinking – maybe I can actually do something with this.’ It’s not said with ego. In fact, Graham is as self-deprecating as they come. But behind the modesty is a quietly determined photographer with a growing portfolio and a clear creative eye. He specialises in travel, lifestyle and automotive photography, and his work has already appeared in major brand and marketing camnpaigns. Now, he’s looking to grow. Graham was born in Mombasa, Kenya, and spent his early years surrounded by colour, contrast and wildlife. ‘I think that kind of upbringing makes you visually aware without realising it,’ he says. ‘You’re noticing light, movement, everything. We moved to Dorset when I was seven, and it’s been home ever since.’ He didn’t follow a creative route at school: being dyslexic, education was a struggle, and Graham moved into the family business: ‘I’ve learned a lot about running a business over the years, from buying stock to running the accounts. But I was always the guy with the camera,’ he says. ‘On holidays, at events, I’d always be the one documenting it all. I’d go away with my friends, and they’d constantly be saying “Put the camera down, Graham” … but I’d come home with 1,600 photos, and they always wanted to see them afterwards!’ He’s entirely self-taught, learning by endless trial and error. ‘I got my first “proper” camera just before Covid,’ he says. ‘A mate of mine was doing brilliant drone and travel photography – really sharp stuff – he was a big influence. He recommended a Sony A7 with a basic 28–70mm lens, so I ordered one. When it arrived, I thought I’d broken it – the screen was pitch black. Turned out I’d set the ISO to zero. I didn’t even know what ISO was! He came over, pressed a couple of buttons, and that was that.’ From there, it was hours of YouTube, practice, and trial and error. ‘Lots of errors,’ he admits. ‘The technical side matters, of course – knowing your gear, understanding light – but I think the instinct comes from experience. It’s about anticipating moments, not staging them.’
image by Graham Pengelly
Always learning Now in his mid-30s, Graham has quietly built an impressive freelance portfolio. His work spans everything from Silverstone and Goodwood to The Game Fair and wildlife in Namibia, along with commercial shoots for brands like Fortis Clothing and luxury holiday properties and yachts in Mallorca. His toolkit includes drones, top-tier lenses and a clean, recognisable style that blends commercial polish with natural, candid energy. ‘What I’m aiming to do is create atmosphere,’ he says. ‘You want people to look at a photo and feel it. Whether that’s the dust kicking up behind a vintage car or the stillness of a villa at sunrise, I want to show the moment in a way people will remember.’
image by Graham Pengellyimage by Graham Pengelly
He’s especially passionate about subjects that combine technical precision with aesthetic impact – from travel and automotive to high-end homes, horses and luxury lifestyles. ‘You can photograph the same object in ten different lights and it tells ten different stories. I like finding those perspectives.’ Dorset, with its coastline, chalk ridges and wide skies, still provides the grounding. ‘I love it here. You’ve got all these textures – old buildings, farm tracks, wild skies … It’s a brilliant place to shoot, and to live.’ When he’s not behind the lens, Graham is a dog-dad (‘There’s always a spaniel somewhere nearby’) and someone happy to admit he’s still learning the craft. ‘I’m not pretending I’m the finished product. I want to grow, work with new people, keep improving. The great thing about photography is there’s always another level to aim for.’
image by Graham Pengelly
image by Graham Pengelly
He’s open to new commissions – from equestrian events and high-end property shoots to car shows, commercial branding and lifestyle work. Most of all, he’s looking for clients who value the details. ‘I’m not a “spray and pray” shooter. I want to produce stuff people are proud to share. Whether it’s for a brochure, a website or a wall.’ So what’s next? ‘Just more,’ he says. ‘More stories, more travel, more work that matters. I’m not in it for Instagram followers – I just want to make good images, meet good people, and do this full-time.’ You get the sense he will.
St Gregory’s Church in Marnhull has a full season of music planned, with concerts running through to December. The Autumn Series, held at 3pm on alternate Sunday afternoons, continues on 7th September with Jon Pickard performing on the rare harp guitar, followed on 21st September by a recital from celebrated composer and organist David Bednall.
The programme is varied, stretching beyond classical repertoire. The Salisbury Cathedral Girls Choir will sing at 7pm on Monday 22nd September, while October brings organist Gordon Amery, Louise Cousins with Movies and Musicals and folk duo Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig. Stephen Binnington will showcase Ian Jordinson’s compositions on 2nd November. December offers two festive highlights – the Marnhull Community Choir Christmas Concert and the Village Carol Service with the choir. Admission is free for most concerts, though the harp guitar and folk evenings are ticketed (£10 and £12 respectively). Refreshments are provided, and donations towards church funds are warmly welcomed.
For full details see the ‘Music at St Greg’s’ Facebook page, or call organist Gordon Amery on 07817 379006.
It’s here! The official Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show Magazine is live – and it’s packed with everything you need to know for one of the South West’s oldest and grandest days out, THIS WEEKEND!
From the world-famous Global Cheese Awards and the Grand Auction of Champion Cheeses (and yes, there’ll be 15 cheese producers at the show for you to try and buy too!) 🧀🔨 to daredevil stunt bikes, the Wessex Bloodhounds, The Hammervilles on the music stage, and the brilliant Sheep Show – new to Frome this year – this is Somerset’s big September finale.
Not to mention the totally FREE kids’ play zone, now bigger and better than ever – with a brand-new petting zoo, Junk Jodie’s eco shows, sand art, pottery painting, crazy golf, circus skills, face painting … a full family day out without breaking the budget.
Saturday 13th September, West Woodlands Showground, Frome £19 Adults (£21 gate price), £6 Children, £40 Family Ticket Buy your tickets here – fromecheeseshow.co.uk
Farming, food, fun – and of course, some of the finest cheese you’ll ever taste.
Colour and creativity filled the Pamela Hambro Hall in Winterborne Stickland on 16th August, for the Valley Gardening Club’s annual Summer Show. Independent judges praised the quality of entries, with more than 190 exhibits from 23 competitors across horticulture, cookery, handicraft, photography and children’s classes.
Several names shone through the prize list. Hazel Steele took home both the Gladioli Cup and the Dahlia Cup, while also sharing in family success with Sophia Steele winning the children’s award for most points. Richard Osborne was another multiple prizewinner, lifting the Hans Hennicker Trophy for best vegetables alongside the RHS Banksian Medal. Philippa Smith showed her versatility by carrying off three trophies in handicraft and cookery, while Amanda Gotham impressed in the photography section, winning both the cup and the W.I. Plate. Other winners included Karen Marchant with the Sweet Pea Shield, Lynne Rainford for the Murray Simpson Trophy, Caroline Cooper with the Sid Smith Trophy for dahlias, Rose Hennicker claimed the President’s Vase, Hazel Harlock the General Cup, and Chris Fielding who collected the Jubilee Bowl for vegetables. As the club rounds off its 91st anniversary season, members are already looking ahead: the next Spring Show will be held on Saturday 21st March, followed by the Summer Show on Saturday 15th August 2026. More details and photographs are available on the club’s website: sites.google.com/view/valleygardeningclub
Barry Cuff takes a look back at what happened on his Sturminster Newton plot last month
Images: Barry Cuff
There was only one topic of conversation down on the plots thoughout August: the lack of rain. When will it rain? How much water is in the well? Will we need to switch to mains water if we run dry? Is it worth making new sowings? How are your runner beans, are they setting seed? Plot-holders checked the forecast daily for any hint of rain. After such a long dry spell, our allotment plots were an oasis of green amid the parched lawns, pastures and bleached stubble of North Dorset – the local cereal harvest was one of the earliest on record. Luckily our well did not dry up and continued to supply much-needed water for our vegetables and fruit, though an estimated 500 gallons was pumped daily to the holding tanks and troughs.
August notes: Watering Most of our vegetables were watered daily, especially runner and French beans, the cucurbits, celeriac, newly-planted leeks and brassicas, newly-sown carrots and beetroot. Needing slightly less water were our sweetcorn, parsnips, older brassicas and the fruit bushes and strawberries.
Badgers For the first time in years badgers have attacked our neighbour’s sweetcorn, knocking over the plants and eating the cobs. Our block of 60 plants was not far away … to protect them, we erected a fence of chicken wire and stakes, plus a sprinkling of natural repellent (male pee). The combination of both worked.
Last croppings We completed harvesting our onions on the 1st. All are now dried off and stored. The last of the potatoes were dug on the 4th. They were the Desiree, and we had plenty of spuds per plant but they were generally small due to the drought. The peas and mangetout gave up the ghost around the middle of the month as they succumbed to powdery mildew caused by drought stress.
homemade coleslaw from allotment in Dorset
First harvests Sweetcorn – we had three cobs on the 14th, and four on the 18th. Red Cabbage – One head on the 15th for coleslaw. Celeriac – We had a decent-sized root on the 21st, used for salads and stir fries.
Harvesting as needed We are harvesting the following daily (or as required): Carrot, beetroot, gherkin, cucumber, courgette, French beans, runner beans, tomatoes, sweet peppers and lettuce.
Planted From plug trays we have planted out lettuce, radicchio and Chinese cabbage. We’ve made direct sowings of carrot, beetroot and the first of the autumn salad leaves and radish, and sown lettuce, Chinese cabbage and Spring onion (winter hardy) into plugs.
RAIN! As I write this it is raining (29th)! We have had more than one inch since the first downpour on the 26th. Many of our autumn and winter vegetables will benefit, together with the fruit bushes.
As Dorset councillor Carole Jones warns that Sturminster has lost ‘a wealth of experience’, Rachael Rowe tries to understand what is happening at Sturminster Newton Town Council
Pauline Batstone
What looks like a culture of silence within Sturminster Newton Town Council and apathy in the community has meant that one of Dorset’s most experienced councillors has stepped down as Mayor – and no-one is asking the questions that beg to be asked. Pauline Batstone, a long-standing county councillor and former chairman of Dorset Council (2019-2020), with more than 30 years of service to the community, has resigned after just four months as the Town Mayor of Sturminster. How – and why – did this happen? At first glance there was nothing out of the ordinary on the agenda for the town council meeting on Wednesday 3rd September … but significantly, just four months after electing a mayor, there was an election for a new one. In due course, Cllr Joe Rose was unanimously chosen. But the question remains – why has the town council lost a mayor so quickly, especially an experienced person who knows how the systems work? There were few members of the public at the council meeting to try and understand – most people in Sturminster Newton are probably oblivious to the situation. The meeting continued with discussions on the new youth club and repairs to Sturminster’s famous mill – and how the council could afford the bill for this heritage building.
Locked out Anything that might have provided a clue to the mayor’s departure had presumably been shifted to the confidential section of the meeting agenda. There were brief thanks to Cllr Batstone for her service to the town council, but no indication of why she had stood down. Sometimes it is what is not said, rather than what is actually voiced at a meeting or an organisation – a look across a table, raised eyebrows or confrontational body language can indicate that there is more going on below the surface. The culture of an organisation may dictate how things work and get done (or not) – and understanding the culture can be critical to changing processes or embedded procedures. As a new mayor, Cllr Batstone was keen to work alongside the council’s staff, particularly after council meetings, to ensure that decisions taken were actioned. However, she and the deputy mayor, Cllr Debbie Mantock, found it hard to meet with staff to discuss operational matters. ‘We found the office was locked, and were told they were too busy,’ says Cllr Batstone. ‘Last year I was deputy mayor and Helen Lacey was mayor. Then I was elected mayor in May and Debbie Mantock became deputy.’ Debbie is a relatively new councillor – ‘The first thing that was said to Debbie was “I suppose you think you’ll have power but you won’t. You won’t have any power.” Then somehow the question of Debbie sitting alongside me in meetings came up. We asked the councillors whether there was an issue with three people sitting at the top of the table and they didn’t have a problem. However, we were told there was no room as the clerk had to work. The next meeting, the chairs had shifted and there were just two places. Other councillors told me the staff didn’t like the way I wanted to work.’ There are additional issues in this case which cannot be reported for legal reasons. However, there is now a vacancy on Sturminster Newton Town Council which will lead to an election. Local residents who want to make a difference in their community can stand, and the people of Sturminster Newton can decide who represents them.
Sturminster Newton Town Council offices are located on Old Market Hill at the rear of The Exchange
A massive loss Carole Jones, the Sturminster ward councillor on Dorset Council, is concerned about the mayor’s resignation: ‘I am extremely sad that Pauline felt she had no choice but to step back at this time,’ she says. ‘With well over 30 years representing her community, she had a wealth of experience and a real ‘can-do’ attitude. Frankly, she has done more for Sturminster Newton than all of the other town councillors put together. ‘Without Pauline, we would have three empty bank buildings ** – and that’s just for a start. The town council should be a leading light in our community – it should be taking projects forward, garnering support, with all councillors taking the lead in different areas. In reality, this simply doesn’t happen. ‘Getting good people to stand for election is near-on impossible … getting people who get stuck in is rare. It is so frustrating to lose the best we had – and why? Well, I can only guess at the frustrations. It must have been like pushing water uphill.’ Surely Sturminster people should be asking more questions – not one member of the public or councillor asked why a new mayor was being elected at this September meeting. This should be a wake-up call for residents to take a proactive interest in their community and call the council to account for its actions.
**Statement of clarification from Cheryl Basten Manager, The Boutique/Founder of The Emporium, Marketplace, 1855: ‘Without Pauline, we would have three empty bank buildings’
This statement is factually incorrect and misrepresents the history of how these shops were established. For accuracy, the facts are as follows:
• As Manager of The Boutique, I approached John Romans regarding the use of Lloyds Bank as additional storage when we had outgrown our original shop. During the viewing, I asked whether we could open it as a shop, and John agreed. We opened The Emporium in July 2020, two weeks later. At this point, Pauline was not on the Committee, Mike Woods, the original founder, was still in charge and the organisation was called SNEDLS.
• Pauline only became secretary after Mike Woods resigned. She had no involvement in acquiring Lloyds or establishing The Emporium.
• Later, when we again needed more space, John allowed us to use Barclays, which became ‘The Marketplace’ after we began selling pre-loved furniture there.
• Through managing these shops, I met many artists, makers and creators who wanted a space to sell without the full responsibility of running a shop. This led to the creation of ‘1855’, originally NatWest, another John Romans building, which myself and volunteers redesigned. 1855 now holds approximately 115 ‘Traders’.
Cheryl Basten
Further comment from Pauline Batstone:
“I am honoured to have Carole and Cheryl fighting over my reputation. To clarify, so that I am not credited with anything I am not due – I was one of the four original signatories back in 2018 to set up the Community Benefit Society nicknamed “SturAction”. We aimed to raise funds to be spent on the town through a charity shop, our first all inclusive shop being what has now become The Boutique. Two of us invested our own money when we needed matched funding. I was a Board Member, Secretary and general dogsbody from the start, stepping back from the Board in 2023 to allow a change of blood in the form of the redoubtable Sue R to take my place. I subsequently handed the Secretary role to Sue but continued as Minutes Secretary until last year. Apart from occasionally helping out as a shop assistant, when I was Secretary I have been a “behind the scenes” person in conversations with our landlords, the local authority and media, whilst Cheryl, as Shop Manger, worked on acquiring and making the former bank buildings into the splendid shops they are today, and all credit to her.”
Six locomotives spanning half a century of steam power will take centre stage at the Swanage Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala from 12th to 14th September. Star of the line-up is Southern Railway ‘Schools’ class express engine No. 926 Repton, visiting Dorset for the first time since it was based in Bournemouth during the Second World War. Joining it is S15 class freight engine No. 30506 – the first of its type to appear in Purbeck in more than 20 years.
Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Alexander Atkins said: ‘With steam locomotives from the 1890s to the 1940s hauling passenger and demonstration freight trains, as well as bracing brake van rides, the Autumn Steam Gala will be an exciting spectacular not to be missed. Some of the passenger trains will be running over our four mile line beyond Norden to Furzebrook and the River Frome – within sight of Wareham.’ The railway’s company chairman – and volunteer signalman – Gavin Johns praised the chance to see two fine examples of Southern Railway design working again in Dorset’s landscape. The visiting engines will of course be joined by Swanage Railway’s own fleet, including Victorian London and South Western Railway T3 No. 563 and two Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacifics, Manston and 257 Squadron. Advanced adult tickets start at £29, and full details and ticket sales available at swanagerailway.co.uk
Wimborne Food Festival returns on Saturday 20th September, bringing a full day of flavour, community and food-focused celebration to the town centre. Running from 11am to 4pm, the event is organised by Wimborne BID and Dacombes of Wimborne, with cookery demonstrations, producer stalls, talks and pop-up experiences taking place across Willow Walk, Wimborne Square, Minster Green, Church Street and East Street – the latter two of which will be closed to traffic for the day to make space for café seating and live music.
Wimborne Food Festival
One of this year’s highlights is a live cookery demo from George Williams – a full-time doctor from Sturminster Marshall who recently impressed viewers as a contestant on MasterChef. George will be creating three quick, Dorset-inspired recipes using ingredients sourced from Wimborne’s independent shops. His demo will showcase dishes from the frying pan, oven and air fryer, each built around late-summer produce. ‘It’s been a joy to connect with so many wonderful independent food and drink retailers around Wimborne to create these Dorset dishes,’ George said. The event’s focus is firmly on local – celebrating the ingredients, producers and retailers that give the town its distinct flavour. George will also share behind-the-scenes stories from the MasterChef kitchen and reflect on the surprising differences between medicine and cooking under pressure.
More details and the complete festival programme is available on the website wimbornefoodfestival.com
