From dodgy tractor skills to a spitting alpaca, Andrew Livingston’s love story proves Abbotsbury swans aren’t the only ones who mate for life
May and June were always my favourite time of year as a child. No, not because it meant the summer holidays were around the corner (although that did help). It was always at this time that we would make our annual family pilgrimage to the Abbotsbury Swannery If you haven’t ever been – and you don’t have an aversion to a slightly aggressive avian species – then you must go this year! The cygnets will be hatching now and can be seen in the nests with their parents. Interesting fact for you: swans find their soulmate and will mate with them for life. It’s quite romantic really. Amazing to think now that when I visited as a child I would have seen the same swans each year, having babies with the same partner. It’s a tenuous link, but as I write this, in eight days I will be settling down with my very own swan soulmate. I am getting married! Slightly scary, slightly expensive … but ultimately it’s very exciting. We’ve already had two little cygnets of our own – which for me is quite handy. If the female swans fail to procreate they will bin off their not-actually-a-soulmate-after-all for a new partner that can get the deed done! My soon-to-be wife, Ellie, is also from farming stock. It wasn’t part of the criteria when searching for a partner, but ultimately it did help. Working nine to five is a rarity in agriculture, and a 12-hour day is often a requirement of the role, so an understanding partner is a must. For us, the hours are often made worse by then having to spend an extra two hours after work looking for our spaniel Wilf (every reader’s favourite) in the neighbouring farms, because he has done another runner.
With Ellie being of agri-stock, I thought I’d woo her by bringing her to the farm on one of our first dates. Unfortunately, my abysmal tractor driving was not that impressive and when she began to laugh at me I thought I was in trouble. I had to do something fast to save the future I had mapped out for us in my head. I was desperate. I’m not proud of what I did, but in rural communities, it’s hard to find a partner. Needs must. I parked up the tractor and walked her across the fields to show her the cattle – or at least that’s what she thought … As we stood in the end paddock the herd saw us and came bounding over with excitement. She liked the Aberdeen Angus, and the beautiful view of the Dorset coastline in the distance did me no harm either. But then, from behind the black beauties, came a terrifying monster. Dishevelled, unkempt and spitting with rage … and Ellie’s first meet with our old pal Peppa the Alpaca. Furious that we had approached his girls, he spat a cocktail of grass and phlegm in our direction, snarling his two buck teeth. Ellie looked frightened. My plan was working. Proudly (and bravely, I need to point out), I stood alongside the scraggy monster-beast. With both of us in her view, I broke a small, hopeful smile. She looked us up and down, sighed, shrugged her shoulders and blatantly thought to herself: “I guess it could be worse.” Six years later, Ellie will now become Mrs It-Could-Be-Worse. Thankfully for me, she forgot she could do better … much better.
CPRE’s Rupert Hardy looks at how James Thornhill brought the baroque to Britain: from Greenwich and St Paul’s to Sherborne’s staircase
In the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, on the Painted Hall’s west wall you can see George I with his extensive family: on the lower right hand side Thornhill cheekily included a self portrait
The recent restoration of Sherborne House in Dorset has refocused attention on arguably the county’s greatest painter. James Thornhill was an eighteenth-century painter of historical subjects, working in the Italian baroque tradition. He is best known for his spectacular mural paintings in the Painted Hall at the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, and various stately homes – including Sherborne House, now known as The Sherborne. Born in Melcombe Regis (now part of Weymouth), Thornhill faced challenges early in life. His father absconded shortly after his birth, and he was taken in by his great-uncle, the distinguished physician Thomas Sydenham of Wynford Eagle. It was Sydenham who provided the funds for Thornhill’s artistic training, arranging an apprenticeship to fellow Dorset man – and distant cousin – Thomas Highmore. The apprenticeship began in 1689 and lasted until 1696. Thornhill later worked under the Italian artist Antonio Verrio at Hampton Court, refining his skills in the grand baroque style. His breakthrough came in 1704 with a commission at Stoke Court in Herefordshire, which led to work at Chatsworth and Blenheim – and ultimately his great public commissions at Greenwich and St Paul’s.Thornhill’s key advantage? He was English and Protestant – unlike most of his competitors, who were Catholic Italians and Frenchmen. The Painted Hall at Greenwich Often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel, the Painted Hall is Thornhill’s masterpiece. Its allegorical wall and ceiling decorations celebrate the Protestant succession from William and Mary to George I, glorifying political stability, commercial prosperity and naval power. It took 19 years to complete. On the west wall you can see George I with his extensive family: but on the right hand side the artist cheekily managed to include a portrait of himself close to the monarch (see opposite). In 1715, he was commissioned to paint the dome of St Paul’s with ten scenes from the life of St Paul. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Tenison, reportedly said: ‘I am no judge of painting, but on two articles I think I may insist: first that the painter employed be a Protestant, and secondly that he be an Englishman.’ Thornhill nearly died while working on the dome: stepping too far back on the platform suspended from the dome, he was saved by his assistant pulling him back from a certainly fatal fall. These works cemented his reputation as the foremost figurative artist of his generation, and he became George I‘s court history painter, being knighted soon after – the first English painter to receive that honour.
James Thornhill’s self portrait on the Painted Hall’s west wall
Hogarth and Thornhill’s daughter Mural paintings played a vital role in British art history. They allowed patrons to express political ideals, dynastic ambitions, and philosophical messages – particularly in Whig country houses of the late seventeenth century. Thornhill established a drawing school in Covent Garden, where William Hogarth studied – and fell for Thornhill’s daughter, Jane. Thornhill disapproved, seeing Hogarth’s low birth and and keenness to paint ordinary people in the street as unsuitable. The couple eloped, and the need to earn money spurred Hogarth to paint The Harlot’s Progress series. Lady Thornhill urged her daughter to leave the newly finished pictures where her father might find them, and when Thornhill saw them he said: ‘Very well, the man who can furnish representations like these can also maintain a wife without a portion.’
Meleager presenting Atalanta with the boar’s head – James Thornhill’s panel on The Sherborne’s grand staircase
Sherborne and Beyond At the height of his career, Thornhill was commissioned by Henry Portman, builder of Sherborne House, to decorate the grand staircase of the Palladian-style mansion. The resulting mural depicts a dramatic scene from Ovid’s Metamorphoses – the Calydonian Boar Hunt. In the myth, the goddess Diana, slighted by King Oeneus’s failure to honour her, sends a monstrous boar to ravage Calydon. His son Meleager leads the hunt, joined by the famed huntress Atalanta. Though Meleager kills the beast, Atalanta draws first blood, and he duly awards her the boar’s head and pelt. His uncles, outraged that a mere woman should receive the prize, seize it from her – and Meleager, in fury, kills them both. Thornhill also painted locally at Down House and Eastbury Park (both now lost), Charborough Park, and created a reredos for St Mary’s Church in Weymouth. He illustrated books, undertook some architectural work, and repurchased his family’s estate in Stalbridge, rebuilding Thornhill House. From 1722 to 1734, he served as MP for Weymouth and Wyke Regis, and later helped repaint the Houses of Parliament – assisted by his son-in-law Hogarth. Thornhill was, undeniably, a Dorset success story. One well worth remembering.
This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards sent from Shroton – or Iwerne Courtney. The village delights in its two names – the Domesday Book lists a manor of Werne, and by 1244 it is Yuern Curtenay. It appears as Schyreuetone in 1337.
The postcard of Main Street was sent in August 1906 to Lewisham: presumably JW had been sent to Dorset to convalesce: I have been very busy trying to discover mushrooms for a little feed for Pa & me – but alas! In rain. Shall try again however so please be ready to cook for us on Friday evening. Had tea yesterday up on the hills. The weather is lovely & I look better already. Aunt h sends you her love. JW
In 1261 Shroton received a grant from Henry III for an annual fairs and a weekly market. The autumn fair continued into the 1960s and used to be one of the main Dorset events of the year. It was held under Hambledon Hill, on the field now called the Fair Field, and is said to be the inspiration for the opening scenes of the hiring fair in Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge – as well as the sale of horses, cattle and all manner of produce there was a hiring fair, and also entertainments such as roundabouts, swings, shooting galleries, fortune tellers and jugglers.
The image was taken in 1911, and the card sent from Shroton Post Office to Appin in Argyllshire: Shroton Dearest Brother. Thank you so much for sweet p.card although rather wild looking, I don’t think I should care to live there. We are beginning to look forward so much to your holiday, Hope you are keeping well, am sorry to say Bob has a bad cold on his chest again, have had to keep him in since Wednesday. Best love from us all, your affectionate Alice.
If there was a popularity ranking for insects, wasps would probably occupy the bottom spot. However, the vast majority of the more than 7,000 species of wasp found in Britain are completely harmless to humans and, in most cases, highly beneficial as effective pollinators and predators of pests. Even the handful of species considered as ‘stinging pests’ are an important part of the overall ecosystem. Firstly, not everything that looks like a wasp is, in fact, a wasp. Many other insects – including moths, sawflies and hoverflies – have evolved colours and markings that resemble wasps. This is known as Batesian mimicry, a strategy in which a harmless species gains protection by resembling an unpalatable or harmful species. Yellow-legged clearwing moth and figwort sawfly are two examples of wasp imitators. Wasps are a fascinating group of insects that exhibit an enormous variety of colour, shape and lifestyle. Here are just a few of the many species to be seen in Dorset:
Heath potter wasp This scarce solitary wasp can be found on heathland sites where there is a supply of water and suitable soil from which the female can construct a nest (pot), in which she lays a single egg. The pot will be provisioned with several moth caterpillars to feed the developing wasp larva before it is sealed. Each female will construct around 25 pots, usually attached to gorse or heather plants. The distinctive shape of the wasp’s abdomen makes identification relatively easy.
Purbeck mason wasp
Purbeck mason wasp Found only on a few heathland sites in Purbeck, this attractive wasp is one of the UK’s rarest insects. The Purbeck mason wasp frequents areas of open ground which have a nearby source of clay and water for nest building. A plentiful supply of bell heather is also required – it provides a source of nectar for the adult wasps and is also the chosen food of the heath button moth caterpillar which, in turn, is the sole food of the mason wasp larva.
Ichneumon wasp
Ichneumon wasp The ichneumon wasps are a huge family, comprising more than 2,500 parasitoid insects in the UK alone. They vary enormously in size, shape and colour but are generally narrow-waisted insects with extended antennae and long female ovipositors. Identification of species is often very difficult in the field and, despite many species being large and colourful, ichneumon wasps still tend to be the subject of specialist study.
Purseweb spider wasp
Purseweb spider wasp There are 44 species of spider-hunting wasps in Britain. As their name suggests, they specialise in catching and paralysing spiders to feed their young. The purseweb spider is the only known prey of the purseweb spider wasp. Both species are designated as Nationally Scarce and found mainly in southern England, including along the Dorset coast where it has a particular liking for wild carrot.
Beewolf
Beewolf This large and impressive solitary wasp was once considered an extreme rarity in Britain, but since the 1980s there has been a huge expansion of its range and it is now a familiar sight among Dorset’s heathland fauna. The female beewolf captures honeybees and carries them under her body back to the nest burrow to feed the developing young.
Broad-banded digger wasp
Broad-banded digger wasp There are 120 species of British digger wasp and many of these have the same black and yellow colouration, which can make identification extremely difficult. The broad-banded digger wasp is a rare species which preys on small bugs such as froghoppers. It has characteristic broad bands on the abdomen and extensive yellow face markings.
Hairy sand wasp
Hairy sand wasp One of four species of British sand wasp, the female hairy sand wasp overwinters as an adult and emerges on warm days in March, long before the other three species make an appearance. The wasp’s nest burrow is provisioned with a single large caterpillar to provide food for the larva. Despite being designated as Nationally Scarce, hairy sand wasps can be found over much of Dorset’s heathland and are often seen feeding on fleabane and other nectar-rich flowers.
Javelin wasp
Javelin wasp With its ridiculously long, white-tipped ovipositor, clubbed hind legs and strange posture, this is certainly a distinctive insect. The ovipositor is, in fact, a very effect tool for laying eggs in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. Javelin wasps occur over much of Dorset, sometimes appearing in gardens.
One of the hidden delights of south west Wiltshire, the walled garden at Hatch House near Tisbury, has a starring role every July in an event that has become a hugely anticipated date in the summer social calendar, particularly for lovers of classical and contemporary ballet and dance. The garden of Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold’s beautiful old stone house is a glorious setting for three evenings of exciting dance, performed by some of the world’s leading dancers and complemented by fine dining. It is little surprise that over its 15 year history, Ballet Under the Stars has become known as “the Glyndebourne of dance.” This year it runs from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July. Founder-director Matt Brady created a unique formula in 2010, when he first brought world-class dance to this rural corner of Wiltshire. While offering guests the glamour and panache of international dancers in an intimate setting, the evening also included a gourmet dinner – a feature that is unique to Hatch (patrons at most country house opera seasons bring picnics or enjoy a separately-billed dinner at an on-site restaurants). Over the three nights, principal dancers and rising stars from some of the greatest ballet companies in the world, perform on a stage set in the romantic 17th century walled Dutch garden.
This year, the performance programme will, as always, take place in three 30-minute sections, between courses of gourmet dining with paired wines. The walled garden is covered by a bespoke roof to create a dinner theatre, allowing the audience to enjoy the mixed bill of classical, neo-classical and contemporary dance, come rain or shine. Post show, guests are invited to continue their evening with cocktails and dancing in the Café Folle cocktail bar late into the summer’s night. In March, Matt Brady took his ballet creation to the Bahamas for the second time, and in an exciting programme for this year’s local audience, he is bringing two of the Bahamian dancers to Hatch – the celebrated Courtney Celeste Fox and Vernal Adderley.
A stellar cast Four principal dancers from two of the most prestigious British ballet companies, English National Ballet and The Royal Ballet, will be performing under the stars at Hatch – Lauren Cuthbertson, guest principal with the Royal Ballet, makes a long-awaited return, partnered this year by Gareth Haw, an ENB principal, making his Hatch debut; Sarah Lamb and William Bracewell, both Royal Ballet principals, are also making their Ballet Under the Stars debut. Lauren Cuthbertson studied at The Royal Ballet School before graduating into the company in 2002, becoming a principal in 2008. In 2022 she performed in the Platinum Party celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II. She is vice president of the British Ballet Organisation and Patron of London Children’s Ballet and the National Youth Ballet. Gareth Haw trained at both the lower and upper schools of The Royal Ballet. He joined ENB in 2023 and was promoted to principal last year. American dancer Sarah Lamb joined the Royal Ballet as a soloist in 2004, and was promoted to principal in 2006. Her repertoire includes leading roles in ballets by Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, August Bournonville, Kenneth MacMillan, Alastair Marriott, Jerome Robbins, John Cranko and Liam Scarlett. William Bracewell, like Gareth, is a Welsh dancer. From the age of 11 he trained at The Royal Ballet School and joined the Royal Ballet as a soloist in 2017, and has been a principal since 2022. The 2025 line-up is completed by Hatch audience favourite, Xander Paris.
Grace Noelle and Andrew Parfitt. Choreographer James Bamford. Photo Alice Pennefather
The 2025 premiere Every year, through the Dicky Buckle Fund, a charity created by Matt to support young dancers and choreographers to bring new works to the stage, a new work is premiered at Hatch. This year, two young, talented dancers, Faye Stoeser and Hannah Ekholm of Ekleido, will perform Clinquant, the work they have created and choreographed, supported by the charity. Ekleido’s distinctive choreographic voice combines contemporary dance with street dance style including voguing, threading and bonebreaking.
Ballet Under the Stars is at Hatch House on 25th, 26th and 27th July. Tickets start at £195: coventgardendance.com
Based in rural West Dorset, Future Roots is a long- and well-established provider of complimentary education and re-engagement services for children and young people. Working with schools and Dorset and Somerset’s Children’s Services we use a farm environment and our animals to offer young people learning and therapeutic experiences to help them overcome traumaand challenges.
We are now looking for someone to join our team as a Manager, to manage key aspects of our Young People’s Service and to deputise for the Director. We need someone who can bring demonstrable skill and experience from a background of working with children and young people, and who has an affinity with the outdoor environment and animals.
The role will cover: Strategic Leadership in key aspects of the Service, Safeguarding, Quality Assurance, Contract Management, Compliance and Relationships with commissioners and funders as well as generating new business and income streams.
Please read the job description for the specific detail of the role.
For further information about the role contact Julie Plumley (Director Future Roots) on 01963 210703 or via email: office@futureroots.net.
Expert Karen Geary’s quick guide to the most common therapeutic diets, designed to support your health, not just your waistline
We often think of diets as a way to lose a few pounds before summer, but some diets serve a far more important role – supporting chronic health conditions. From gut health to autoimmune disease, therapeutic diets aren’t about trends or quick fixes. They are targeted nutritional approaches designed to reduce symptoms, manage conditions and, in some cases, improve long-term health outcomes. But here’s the key difference: many therapeutic diets are not meant to be followed forever. They often involve elimination phases, careful reintroductions, or a specific nutrient focus – and using them without personalised guidance can do more harm than good. This is where professional support, such as a registered nutritional therapist or dietitian, becomes essential, especially when dealing with complex issues such as gut health, thyroid conditions, certain cancers or autoimmune disease. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common therapeutic diets and when they might be appropriate:
Gluten-free What it is: A diet that eliminates all gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye). Essential for those with coeliac disease and often adopted by people with autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, due to potential gluten sensitivity. Some people also choose to eliminate gluten “mimics” such as corn, oats and even dairy, as these can cross-react in sensitive individuals. What it’s great for: Managing coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and may help reduce inflammation in autoimmune thyroid disorders. Watch outs: It’s not inherently healthier or designed for weight loss. Many gluten-free packaged foods are highly processed. Focus on whole, naturally gluten-free foods and seek testing before self-diagnosing gluten intolerance or removing entire food groups unnecessarily.
Low FODMAP What it is: A short-term elimination diet that reduces fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols), which can trigger bloating, pain and IBS symptoms. It is designed to be followed in phases, with gradual reintroduction. What it’s great for: Clinically proven to reduce symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and some functional gut disorders, eg bloating and diarrhoea, where no ‘disease’ is identified but symptoms persist. Watch outs: It’s restrictive and not designed for long-term use. Without proper reintroduction, it can negatively impact gut microbiome diversity. Best followed with professional guidance to ensure gut health is supported throughout.
Ketogenic What it is: A very low-carb, high-fat diet that switches the body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Originally developed for epilepsy management, it now has broader therapeutic applications. What it’s great for: Neurological conditions like epilepsy and cognitive decline, managing chronic fatigue, blood sugar regulation and as adjunct support in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. It is also showing promise for supporting mental health and neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD. Early research suggests that by providing ketones as an alternative energy source for the brain, keto may help stabilise mood, focus and cognitive performance. Watch outs: Can be nutrient-poor if not carefully planned. Long-term keto may not suit everyone and should be monitored.
Modified Mediterranean What it is: A diet rich in olive oil, fish, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, with minimal processed foods and moderate dairy, meat and wine. The Med diet is known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. What it’s great for: Supporting cardiovascular health, managing type 2 diabetes and blood sugar balance, reducing risk of cognitive decline and lowering overall inflammation. It also promotes gut microbiome diversity thanks to its fibre and polyphenol content. Watch outs: While flexible and sustainable, weight management still requires attention to portion sizes – especially with breads, pasta and wine. It’s a lifestyle, not a prescriptive “plan”, so some people need guidance to avoid slipping into too many refined carbs.
Anti-inflammatory diet What it is: Less a formal diet, more a way of eating focused on reducing inflammatory triggers – emphasising colourful vegetables, omega-3-rich foods (like oily fish and flaxseed), nuts, seeds, herbs and spices (like turmeric), while limiting processed foods, sugar, refined carbs and trans fats. What it’s great for: Managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, skin issues (eczema, psoriasis), cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions and as supportive care alongside cancer treatment. Its focus on low glycaemic index (GI) foods, antioxidants and moderate healthy fats makes it a strong foundation for reducing systemic inflammation. Watch outs: It can feel vague without professional input, as there’s no strict rulebook. Some people focus too much on “superfoods” without addressing hidden inflammatory triggers like stress, poor sleep, or food sensitivities.
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) What it is: Originally developed to lower blood pressure, DASH focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy, while reducing sodium, red meat and processed foods. What it’s great for: Clinically proven to reduce high blood pressure, support heart health and lower risk of stroke and kidney disease. It’s a balanced, sustainable approach for anyone managing cardiovascular risk factors. Watch outs: Some versions still promote low-fat dairy and higher carbohydrate intake, which may not suit everyone, especially those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Sodium reduction should also be personalised – not everyone benefits from ultra-low salt diets.
Autoimmune protocol (AIP) / modified paleo What it is: An elimination diet designed to reduce potential dietary triggers of autoimmune flare-ups. It removes grains, dairy, legumes, nightshades, eggs, nuts, seeds and processed foods, focusing on nutrient-dense meats, fish, vegetables (except nightshades) and healthy fats. After a period of elimination, foods are carefully reintroduced. What it’s great for: Individuals with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or psoriasis who are looking to identify food triggers, reduce symptoms and support gut healing. Watch outs: It’s highly restrictive in the elimination phase and not intended as a permanent diet. Without guidance, it can lead to nutritional gaps or an overly fearful relationship with food. Functional testing and personalised reintroduction phases are key to making it effective and sustainable.
Plant-based / whole food plant-based (WFPB) What it is: A diet centred around unprocessed plant foods – vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds – while minimising or excluding animal products and processed foods. What it’s great for: Supporting cardiovascular health, type 2 diabetes management, kidney health and reducing cancer risk. Rich in fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients, it’s known for its role in chronic disease prevention. Watch outs: Going plant-based doesn’t automatically mean healthy – ultra-processed vegan foods are still processed. Nutrients like B12, iron, omega-3 and zinc may require careful planning or supplementation.
A final note These diets are powerful tools designed to manage or support specific health conditions – not trends to follow blindly. Many involve elimination phases, reintroductions, or nutrient focus that require expertise to get right. Used incorrectly, they can lead to nutritional gaps or make symptoms worse. If you’re considering a therapeutic diet, especially for gut health, autoimmune conditions, or chronic disease, work with a qualified professional to personalise the approach – and remember, food is just one part of the bigger picture.
Wessex Internet, the independent broadband provider founded on a family farm in North Dorset, has announced a major funding boost that will significantly expand its reach across the rural South West. On 23rd June, the company confirmed a £50 million investment from the National Wealth Fund, supporting its mission to connect some of the hardest-to-reach homes and small businesses in the country.
Wessex Internet’s success lies in working with the land, not around it: laying cables through fields in partnership with farmers and landowners
The investment – combined with £72 million in public subsidy through the government’s Project Gigabit scheme and further capital from shareholders – will enable Wessex Internet to grow its full-fibre network from 40,000 to around 137,000 premises. Many of these are small businesses, community projects and isolated farms in areas long neglected by larger national providers.
While the numbers are impressive, the company’s approach remains grounded in its local roots. From its base near Blandford, Wessex Internet has grown carefully and independently – resisting buyouts and mergers – choosing instead to build a business focused entirely on rural communities. Its success lies in working with the land, not around it: laying cables through fields in partnership with farmers and landowners, avoiding unnecessary road disruption, and tailoring each connection to the realities of rural life.
‘As many broadband providers scale back, we have continued to grow by focusing on rural, hard-to-reach areas that others overlook,’ said Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet. ‘Our focus has always been on ensuring that these regions can access reliable full fibre broadband, which supports local economic development and long-term community needs. Our success is rooted in that purpose.’
The impact is already being felt. Voiceover artist Natalie Cooper moved to her dream home near Shaftesbury in Dorset, complete with her own studio – but with barely any mobile signal and broadband under 1Mb. ‘Now, thanks to Wessex Internet, we have full fibre direct to the property,’ she said. ‘I can confidently deliver a consistent, high-quality service to my voiceover clients around the world.’
The Big Yellow Bus Garden Project, a volunteer-run community garden in Shillingstone, Dorset, could not afford broadband access until Wessex Internet stepped in to sponsor the project. Now it has the connectivity to support school visits, share resources and stay in touch with supporters.
Wessex Internet have received £50m NWF investment
Wessex Internet’s expansion comes at a critical moment. With rural businesses under pressure, digital connectivity is no longer a luxury – it’s the backbone of modern rural life, supporting everything from small-scale manufacturing and online services to family farms and voluntary organisations.
Ian Brown, Head of Banking & Investments at the National Wealth Fund, said: ‘Every home and business in the UK deserves access to fast, affordable and reliable broadband. Our financing for Wessex Internet will ensure that under-served rural communities benefit – areas where connecting homes and businesses to fast fibre makes the greatest difference, improving connectivity and supporting local economies.’
Wessex Internet has won continued backing from its major investors, including Aberdeen, the global investment company and a key equity partner. Their original investment highlights the growing role of independent providers in delivering rural broadband infrastructure. Wessex Internet is proving that rural deployment can be both technically feasible and commercially attractive.
‘Everyone in the business is proud of the huge impact that Wessex Internet has had on the communities we serve – connecting families, strengthening businesses and empowering local organisations,’ said Gibson Fleming.
With barbecue season in full swing, this month I thought I’d suggest some tips on making a great salad. I’ve also included an example of a salad I’ve made using the tips below – Heather x
The key for any good salad is to layer the salad with flavours and textures. If you try and hit the main areas mentioned below, it will transform your average, lettuce-heavy, empty-flavoured dish to a delicious and complex accompaniment that will stand up to the strong flavours on the barbecue.
Creamy/fatty This is usually in the form of a dressing, but it could be avocado too. Cheese can also help here. Bitter Usually some fresh rocket leaves or kale helps, you don’t need too much of this. Sharp A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or perhaps some pomegranate seeds or orange pieces. You can also include pickled items here too, like pickled radishes or onion. Tangy Use some feta cheese or sour cream/yoghurt in the dressing Crunchy Add some croutons, carrots, sweetcorn or roasted nuts (a lovely sprinkle of hazelnuts or cashews really help make a salad sing) Salty/Umami Consider sardines or tuna, soy sauce, or even roasted tomato halves Sweet This might be chopped dates or roasted sweet potato. You can also try some fruit: peaches often work well Fresh This is your traditional salad ingredients – your chosen lettuce (whether that’s iceberg, Romaine or Little Gem), cucumber, bell peppers and peas. Earthy Roasted vegetables, especially root vegetables, work well. A traditional UK option is beetroot, but be adventurous by trying other root veg like carrots. Grains/pasta/beans/pulses can make up the base of the salad: do experiment with options that have a flavour of their own, such as cooked lentils or wild rice.
Heather’s salad for barbecue
Ingredients
No need for measurements here because it’s a very relaxed dish – just use roughly equal amounts of the above ingredients.
Cucumber
Sweet peppers
Rocket leaves
Dates
Pomegranate seeds
Cashews
Feta cheese
Sweet potato
Method
Peel, chop and roast the sweet potato in a little oil in a hot oven, probably 180º fan, for about 25 minutes until soft but still holding shape. Roast the cashews for a couple of minutes in a hot dry pan until golden, just to enhance the flavour. Then it’s just chop everything up and mix in a big bowl until you are happy. You could also add wild rice if wanted to make it more substantial. I added the feta cheese for both the creaminess and the tang!
