Once again this December, Marlott Road in Gillingham (SP8 4FA) transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland, with a stunning light display raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity. The display runs nightly throughout December, up until New Year’s Day. Featuring talking props, a giant screen as part of the entertainment, and intricate decorations, this is no ordinary Christmas display – it’s a festive extravaganza that must be seen to be believed! All donations go straight to the Fire Fighters Charity, and donations can be made in person via a collection box: card payments are also accepted. The organisers cover all costs, including time and electricity, ensuring every penny donated goes directly to the charity. Whether you’re local or visiting, this is a wonderful way to support a worthy cause while enjoying a magical Christmas event. Gather your family and friends to see the lights and help make a difference. The display illuminates 4.30pm to 11pm every day.
December at the old railway station in Spetisbury, Dorset, from 10am to 2pm for delicious seasonal refreshments including mulled wine, mince pies, hot dogs and other festive treats and the chance to buy some last-minute presents from a range of good quality second-hand railway books (including children’s books), DVDs and other railway gifts. Live festive entertainment provided by The Quayside Choir (at midday) and Blandford Ukulele Group (at 1pm) All of this is available for a donation (cash only please) to the Spetisbury Station Project, every penny raised goes towards helping us maintain and improve the station site. If wet, find us in the Spetisbury Village Hall. More information at spetisburystationproject.co.uk
It may be midwinter, but Pete Harcom says there’s still plenty you can do in the garden if you happen to get a decent day for pottering outside
While things do slow down in the garden at this time of year, we can still seize a mild day in December and carry out some gardening, to keep on top of things ready for the spring.
Weed and prepare your borders, and if you use the no dig system, you can feed the soil and also improve its structure by spreading some garden compost and/or well-rotted manure and leaf mould over the borders.
Even with the milder winters we seem to get nowadays, it’s a good idea to bring any pots of fuchsias or pelargoniums into a greenhouse or potting shed to ensure protection from frosts (just make sure they are free of slugs and snails!).
Prune your climbing roses and also any tall roses to help reduce wind rock: cut back any old flowered rose shoots to a third of their length. Also check your climbers are adequately tied in and supported.
Leave the hydrangea spent flower heads on the plants as these help protect flower buds that form lower down the stems.
Harvest winter berries on plants (e.g. holly) before the frosts or birds get them if you intend to use them for wreaths or garlands for Christmas displays – just put them in buckets of water outside until you are ready to use them.
Bring half-hardy potted plants into the greenhouse: if you don’t have one, then group them together as this will help protect them from harsh winds and frosts.
Sow seeds of sweet peas and micro greens in the greenhouse.
If you have alpines in the flower borders, it’s a good idea to put some gravel around them to prevent waterlogging.
This month will probably be the last chance to protect with fleece any sensitive plants in exposed spots in the garden
Sow some alpine plant seeds – these can be very easy to grow in a cool greenhouse. Some alpine seeds need exposure to low temperatures before germination (an average UK winter should provide the right temperatures).
Avoid disturbing any large piles of leaves now – they are amazing for wildlife, providing shelter, food and a great nesting spot for hibernating animals such as hedgehogs, small mammals, frogs and countless insects.
Let them sleep!
Hang fat balls and bird feeders around the garden – but please do make sure the feeders are clean and regularly filled.
Lastly, now’s a good time to clean up those gardening tools! Bring them into the shed and clean, sharpen and oil them – then you will be ready for spring!
Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events
Its almost here: Christmas 2024 (where did the year go?) We hope you enjoyed the Christmas Event on the 30th November but there is so much more to come between now and New Years Day! The Real Father Christmas is working even harder than usual to meet as many children as he can in his grotto in 1855 each Saturday before Christmas (pre-book please by calling in, or phone 01258 475612) Be good, because he has a list and checks it every day … There will be free parking in the town each Saturday leading up to Christmas, thanks to SturAction and Dorset Council. The 7th December is Small Business Saturday – do come and support our local businesses … and also come and admire the vehicles at the Sturminster Newton Car and Bike Enthusiasts Event which will be making its monthly visit to town, between 9am and 12 noon in the Station Road Car Park.
Get your Christmas Presents in 1855 There will be a book signing by local authors in 1855 on Saturday 7th December (of course the books themselves will be there at any time that 1855 is open – unless they are sold out, so do think about shopping early!) If you have any thoughts about going to London in the near future, and any interest in science, then treat yourself to Okeford Fitzpaine author Rachel Rowe’s book The Science Lovers Guide to London. Chris Oswald has been steadily writing away in his Fiddleford farmhouse – and has now produced quite a range of locally-based stories which are all available in 1855.
Mary Van Coller has produced a lovely guide book to Dorset which is being sold in 1855, and 25 per cent of the proceeds is going to support the Air Ambulance (but please don’t forget Mappowder when you do your next edition Mary, a remote village which is especially grateful to the helicopter). Paul Cosway is a Dorset writer who is hoping to make the beautiful area of North Dorset the next Midsummer – a district that people turn to for thrilling crime stories! His books focus on the problems faced by D.I. Ken Jones and his loyal assistant Sergeant Jenny Grace. We’re also pleased to have Jim Carter’s history of his grandfather’s time in the Navy, Hearts of Steel, in the shop. It is an exciting but sobering read. Life was hard.
More on 1st January Don’t forget that Stur’s fun doesn’t end on Christmas Day – the Classic Car and Bike event will be back for their annual Vintage & Classic Vehicle Run on the morning of New Year’s Day. It’s the biggest event in their calendar, and once again it will be raising money for the Air Ambulance, and is kindly supported by Harts and SturAction.
A new “third space” for North Dorset offers a sustainable, community-driven solution which is reshaping rural business for local entrepreneurs
The-sitting-room
Tucked away in the North Dorset village of Hinton St Mary, Hinton Workspace offers a new, practical solution for Dorset’s small business owners who face the challenges of working in rural settings. Built around 1880, the workspace building was once the old carpenters workshop for the Hinton St Mary estate. In the late 1990s it was let to a global furniture maker, Poisedale, which continued the carpentry tradition, making furniture there until 2015. Since then, the building has remained empty and near derelict. Led by Alice Fox-Pitt, the innovative co-working space transforms the disused building into more than just a place to work: it’s a community-focused response to the loneliness and limitations of rural homeworking, providing an affordable and practical alternative to traditional office rental. ‘When you’re looking at renovating and trying to do a business plan for a building like this, it feels completely insane,’ Alice says. ‘The biggest hurdle is just starting, actually – it’s so overwhelming. I’m surprised we weren’t locked up just for the sheer craziness of what we proposed.’ That ‘crazy’ plan made a stunning facility, marrying functionality with aesthetics, while maintaining a deep respect for the building’s industrial roots and rural heritage. ‘I really believe that Dorset business and Dorset entrepreneurs deserve to have a space like this,’ says Alice. ‘It’s not obvious – it’s not until you step inside that you realise what it is. It’s actually almost impossible for us to really showcase what we’ve achieved unless you come!’ Despite the challenges, Alice pushed ahead with the aim of creating a space where Dorset entrepreneurs could work and connect.
The Long Room
A better version Hinton Workspace is part of a growing trend of regeneration of old farm buildings, giving them a new lease of life. At its core is a focus on sustainability. Powered by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, it operates as close to carbon-neutral as possible. ‘Future-proofing was really important to us,’ says Alice, explaining the environmental considerations behind the project. The workspace started as an idea addressing a key lesson from the pandemic: the need for social connection and accountability. ‘If we learnt anything from COVID, it’s that we’re not our best selves at home,’ Alice says. ‘As humans, we need accountability, social connection and a reason to brush our hair and get out of our pyjamas. When we step out of our houses, we present a better version of ourselves.’ Drawing on the Victorian concept of a “third space” – not home, not office, but something in between, where the Victorian businessman would have had his club – Hinton Workspace offers exactly that: a welcoming, well-designed space that encourages focus and collaboration. Larger communal hot-desking areas provide an opportunity for company and networking, while soundproof pods and break-out rooms provide privacy and space for meetings. The Long Room on the top floor can seat 30, and has full digital conferencing facilities.
Dogs are very welcome
A YES space Membership is £225 a month, offering 24/7 access to a range of features tailored to improve productivity. ‘Obviously the kitchen is fully equipped, and there are always pastries and fruit available,’ says Alice. ‘We’ve got the practical office stuff like a printer that prints A3. But it’s more than that. We’ve got an associated dog walker (and dogs are always welcome!). We’re putting in padel courts. We’ve got electric car chargers. We’ve got showers, so you can cycle in. We’ll take your laundry … We’re a “yes” space. We’ve tried to counter all the reasons why you wouldn’t come.’ Unlike traditional office rentals, which can feel just as isolating as your kitchen table, Hinton Workspace encourages community and connection. ‘It’s not intimidating or exclusive,’ Alice says. ‘I hope it’s a place where you can come, feel comfortable, and focus.’ For many, leaving the distractions of home behind and working in a thoughtfully designed space has a direct impact on productivity and creativity.
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Alice’s long-term vision for Hinton Workspace extends beyond providing desks and meeting rooms. ‘We want to deliver for Dorset business,’ she says. ‘We’re listening and adapting. How can we help you as an individual, you as a business? What can we deliver for Dorset business? The goal is to build a genuine community of rural entrepreneurs, offering not just facilities but a support network.’ Hinton Workspace is an example of how unused spaces can be re-purposed to meet the changing needs of rural workers. For business owners in North Dorset, it offers a chance to move beyond isolation and find a better balance between work and life.
A small town with big punches – how SNABC moved from a scout hut to the world stage, becoming a world-class boxing powerhouse
all images Courtenay Hitchcock
Amid the unmistakable smell of stale sweat, old wraps and worn gloves, Sturminster Newton Amateur Boxing Club (SNABC) is a place where young athletes don’t just learn how to throw punches – they discover discipline, resilience … and the strength of the community that stands firmly behind them. Last month, the club joined an elite group of organisations recognised by England Boxing for producing a World Champion in Ruby White. At the heart of this achievement is Shaun Weeks, the founder and driving force behind the club, but it was a moment of deep pride for Shaun’s whole team – and the entire community. Presenting the award, England’s national coach Mick Maguire said: ’This certificate acknowledges the input and the hard work that happens unseen here at the club.‘ Boxers get their accolades on the day, at every tournament, but people forget the amount of work and sheer dedication that goes on back at the home club … week in, week out, year in, year out. ‘I was out in Colorado with Ruby and the rest of the England team, and I’ve worked with Shaun and SNABC over the last four or five years. Everywhere I go, I see Shaun – he is always there! He’s at every tournament, he’s at the training camps. He’s acting as chauffeur … I’ve driven down from Birmingham to Sturminster tonight, and I tip my hat to him. Just getting in and out of North Dorset is not the easiest thing! It takes real dedication, and that’s what we’re acknowledging. ‘This award is only given by England Boxing to clubs that have produced a World Champion – of which there are very, very few. Sturminster is now in that elite group of World Championship clubs.’ But Shaun is quick to point out it’s not a solo act. ‘This award is for the whole team,’ he says. ‘Ruby gets all the plaudits, and I get a lot of acknowledgement, but there’s nine other coaches here, all unpaid volunteers, all giving up long hours away from their families. That’s why I’ve asked them all to be here tonight – they all deserve this pat on the back.’
World Champion Ruby White (centre) and Shaun Weeks (holding the certificate) with the team of coaches at Sturminster Newton Amateur Boxing Club
Humble beginnings The club’s story is one of grit and determination. Shaun founded it in 2001, starting out in the town’s scout hut where equipment had to be packed up after every session. ‘The numbers were going up and up,’ he says, ‘but it wasn’t sustainable. I knew we needed a place to call our own.’ The journey wasn’t without setbacks. In the early days, Shaun lost several key members and coaches to a rival club. ‘It left me on my knees a bit,’ he admits. ‘But then I thought, “I managed before, I can manage again”.’ By 2009, the club was thriving, and Shaun began looking for a permanent home. After almost signing on a less-than-ideal location, fate intervened when a local property owner showed Shaun a larger unit on the Butts Pond Industrial Estate in the heart of Sturminster Newton. ‘It already had a mezzanine floor,’ Shaun says. ‘I saw the potential immediately.’ The move was a gamble. The rent was a significant jump from what they were paying at the scout hut – but the club filled out the space, adding facilities and renting unused areas for personal training to ease financial pressures.
Against the odds The club has now grown into a powerhouse, producing national champions and competing internationally. A highlight came earlier this year when the team travelled to Sweden for the prestigious King of the Ring competition, the largest boxing tournament in Europe. ‘We took ten boxers over,’ Shaun says. ‘Out of those, we picked up three gold medals, two silver and two bronze. It’s a tough competition – there were around 670 competitors from 19 different countries – but our boxers held their own.’ The victories weren’t just about medals: for some young athletes, it was their first time abroad or even staying in a hotel. ‘It’s never just about boxing,’ Shaun says. ‘It’s about giving these kids experiences they’ll carry with them for life.’ But with success comes challenges. Financial pressures mean the club can’t always take as many athletes to international competitions as they’d like. ‘This year, we had to dip into our reserve funds,’ Shaun admits. ‘Next year, we’ll have to be more selective, which is tough when everyone is working so hard in the gym.’
Freddie Norman winning his second gold medal at King of the Ring
A vision for the future Despite the obstacles, Shaun has big dreams for the club. ‘We’ve probably outgrown this building now,’ he says. His vision is for a purpose-built facility that could serve as a hub for combat sports across North Dorset. ‘Imagine a space where boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and taekwondo could all come together. That’s the next step for us.’ It’s clear that Shaun’s passion isn’t just about creating champions in the ring but about building a community. ‘We’re a little club,’ he says, pausing before correcting himself. ‘Well, we’re quite a big club now, actually! But it’s all from this tiny place in the back end of nowhere.’ As for the future, the club is already looking ahead to January, when three of its boxers will compete in the England Boxing National Youth Championships. Shaun is also preparing for the day when their brightest star, Ruby, transitions to the national GB squad. ‘We’ll lose her to GB full-time, but that’s always the goal – to see our boxers grow and achieve at the highest levels.’
A community effort SNABC is clearly more than just a place to train: it’s a lifeline for many. Shaun’s leadership has steered it through challenges, but it’s the collective spirit of the coaches, athletes and community that has made it what it is today. ‘This award,’ Shaun says, holding the certificate with quiet pride, ‘is for everyone who’s been part of this journey. It’s proof that hard work, even in the smallest places, can lead to great things.’
Rachael Rowe investigates how a festive protest finally got Belchalwell’s road repaired – and the story behind Dorset’s pothole problem
It took a Christmas tree to finally get a huge crater-like pothole fixed in Belchalwell. The hole had been causing havoc for motorists since last winter and accidents were only avoided because someone placed a large barrier around it. Although the enormous hole had been reported numerous times, no one had got round to fixing it due to the demand on services elsewhere. That is, until a helpful resident planted a Christmas tree in the pothole during October and posted a photo on social media. Naturally, the offending photo swiftly came to the attention of Dorset Council. A team was sent to investigate and immediately agreed that it was indeed awful! The pothole is now fixed and the good people of Ibberton and Belchalwell have a smoother drive. But should it really take a Christmas tree to get a pothole mended? What caused the wait?
A witty local planted this Christmas tree in a longstanding Belchalwell pothole, finally prompting a repair
How potholes got their name What did the Romans ever do for us? Apart from underground heating, gladiators, sanitation and, yes, the aqueduct, they also created roads. Beautiful, straight roads connecting towns across the Empire started appearing in Roman Britain in an attempt to modernise the place. Local English tribes were quick to spot that the clay the Romans were using to fix the stones in the new roads was of particular high quality, and the potters soon paid attention. While the English tribes had little use for roads, the potters scooped up clay for their pots, leaving holes behind them … and that is how the pothole was born. Today, at any time, there are thought to be more than a million potholes in Britain, according to the RAC. Last year was a mega year for potholes with more than 750,000 reported in 2023 by 60 per cent of local authorities (many more holes go ignored and unreported by the public). The RAC attended 29,300 breakdown incidents as a result of pothole damage to cars during 2023 in England. The plague of potholes has even driven Rod Stewart to filling in holes himself and considering selling his supercars. Roads in the UK are so susceptible to potholes because of the wet, cold climate. Traffic levels also increase road wear, adding to the problem as roads are more likely to become damaged and cracked. Increased building, more cars and climate change bringing more adverse weather mean the problem will only increase.
The issues in Dorset Dorset Council’s highways department, which includes an emergency team and gritting lorries, is constantly working to maintain the road network. The team found time between fixing problems caused by snow and Storm Bert to send a response to the BV Magazine. Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services said: ‘Every year we maintain our whole road network (2,400 miles), fixing approximately 20,000 potholes across Dorset. At any given time, the number of potholes varies depending on factors such as weather conditions and road usage. Our team prioritises repairs based on the pothole’s location, size, depth and the category of road it is on. A defect on an A-class road is addressed more quickly than one on a less heavily used road. ‘One of the key challenges is weather conditions – particularly the freeze-thaw cycle. Water enters small cracks in the road surface, and if it then freezes it expands, worsening the cracks and eventually leading to pothole formation. ‘Preventing this requires sealing road surfaces early, but this isn’t always possible across the entire network. The sheer scale of Dorset’s road network also presents logistical challenges. Balancing urgent repairs with preventative maintenance to avoid future damage requires careful planning and allocation of resources. We aim to repair high-risk potholes within 32 hours and complete most repairs within 28 days, whether they are identified by our inspection teams or reported by the public.’
Looking to the future If potholes are on the increase because of weather conditions and high traffic volume, innovative solutions will be needed. The University of Surrey is conducting a research trial, led by Dr Benyi Can, into thermo-active treatments for roads. Dr Cao is working with National Highways to test using geothermal energy to keep road surfaces at a controlled temperature. Ground source heat pumps are being used to cool roads in summer and warm them in winter. If successful, the work could provide a cost-effective solution to a significant challenge. Dr Cao says: ‘At the moment, a typical motorway or A-road surface lasts 20 years, but this is likely to reduce as extreme weather increases. By regulating the temperature of road surfaces, they should last significantly longer. Aside from the safety benefits and reduction to car damage, think of the reduction in expensive, inconvenient roadworks.’ In Dorset, the highways team has a busy time ahead. Councillor Andrews says: ‘By April 2025, we will have renewed or replaced more than 120 miles of road surfacing and fixed around 20,000 potholes across our network this year. This approach ensures we address both immediate hazards and long-term road durability, providing better value for money and improving road safety for all users. We appreciate the community’s assistance in reporting issues, helping us keep Dorset’s roads safe and well-maintained.’
Shaftesbury celebrated in style on 5th December as Fairfax & Favor unveiled its eighth UK store, a new jewel in the crown of this rural vogue favourite.
The beautifully designed boutique showcases the brand’s signature shoes, boots and bags, all perfectly arranged to exude understated luxury. Guests, including many of Dorset’s most stylish, enjoyed fizz, delicious canapés, and a warm welcome from the Shaftesbury team alongside Fairfax & Favor’s HQ crew. Felix Favor Parker, co-founder of the brand launched in 2013, joined the celebrations, greeting guests and sharing the story of the brand’s meteoric rise. Fairfax & Favor has built a dedicated following, with many loyal customers collecting multiple designs. One guest even made the journey from Lancashire to attend the opening – proof of the brand’s irresistible appeal.
Adding to the day’s excitement, the social media team busily filmed the next instalment of The Boot Room – a hugely popular feature on Fairfax & Favor’s Instagram. As the festive season approaches, the Shaftesbury store is set to become a must-visit for those seeking the perfect gift. Welcome to Shaftesbury, Fairfax & Favor – you’re already making waves in Dorset!
On Sunday 15th December, a 14-piece ensemble from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing ‘Curious Creatures’ at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. The programme includes music ranging from Elgar to Vaughan Williams, from Mancini to Miranda, and from the Flight of the Bumblebee to the Baby Elephant Walk. The Exchange is pleased to have combined with the BSO and Artsreach to create a package which will take BSO musicians to primary schools in Durweston, Shillingstone and Sturminster Newton in the week before this performance at The Exchange, a venue accessible to the whole of North Dorset. The selection of music is designed to be family-friendly, but the programme is as much for seasoned concert goers as well as those looking for their first live music experience. This will be an opportunity to hear the musicians of the BSO in an environment more relaxed than a grand concert hall. Ticket prices have been kept low with the help of support from the Pitt-Rivers Charitable Trust. The performance will be at 3pm and lasts for one hour.
West End to Hollywood In February, The Exchange will be welcoming a return of a BSO ensemble, this time entitled ‘West End to Hollywood’. A brand new concert of film and stage inspired music, you’ll hear familiar tunes from Chocolat, James Bond, Toy Story, Harry Potter and Moulin Rouge, performed by 14 musicians from across the orchestra. The BSO is one of the UK’s best-loved orchestras, with a national and international reputation. Their ensemble performances give the opportunity to hear the highest quality musicians playing together in a local space. A partnership with Artsreach is what has made it possible to bring these much sought-after performers to The Exchange and make them available to audiences in North Dorset.
