In this issue: William Fox-Pitt says goodbye to 5* Eventing – he tells us what he loves most about eventing, and his plans for the future … plus he answers 19 Random Questions. He’s NOT A DUNKER! | Page 14 Can wildlife at Lyscombe aid the housing crisis? Andrew Livingston looks how the Nutrient Neutrality Scheme bought the farm in a strategic approach to saving Poole Harbour | Page 4 Spring Countryside Show is on 8th and 9th June – we’ve got everything you need | Page 30
Plus a too-short wingwalker, some Jolly Good Company, a round up of ALL the open air theatre on in Dorset this summer (hint: A LOT), everything you need to know about Dorset cheese, stupid ducks, local history’s moved to the back … and approximately a bazillion pages of What’s Ons. Oh, and in case you missed it, the small fact that The BV magazine has been awarded ‘Regional Publication of the Year’ at last month’s NMA’s in Mayfair. Why are you still here? Go! Grab a coffee, and have a READ!
One of our all time favourite walks, this is a day hike we return to again and again. There are probably better titles for a walk with such great views and varied landcsapes, but when we’re deciding where to go, the conversation will usually go: ‘Folly Round?’ *questioningly raised eyebrow* ‘Sure. I’ll pack some sandwiches.’
And Folly Round it has remained for all the years we’ve been walking it. There’s easy parking in a small roadside layby at Folly, then it’s almost all Dorset National Landscape on a circular route out to Mappowder and back up and over the always-magnificent Dorsetshire Gap.
Despite using some of the Wessex Ridgeway and passing across the spectacular Dorsetshire Gap, it’s still rare to meet many people on the route. The views are worth the stiff huff up the hills, we promise!
One word of warning – in the winter months it can be a little tough going with the chalky mud. However, on an early summer’s day? I defy anyone to find a more beautiful walk in Dorset. NB – Do follow the route outlined, not the actual footpath: in a couple of places the path has been moved, or is impassable and we had to find a workaround. Most notably, the bridleway through the copse at Noake Farm simply doesn’t exist anymore, as far as we can tell – instead you need to enter the field and walk up the hill in front of you to the gate at the top, and then back down the other side to rejoin the route. From there you enter a green lane which in summer is usually shoulder high in nettles – instead of whacking your way through sting alley, simply use the gateway to enter the field on your left, and continue on the outside of the hedge to rejoin the path further along.
Milton Abbey is seeking an organised, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to support the Deputy Head (Development and Admissions) who will contribute to the day-to-day running of the admissions.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive person, with excellent communication and IT skills and a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in their work and capable of dealing confidently with a range of people and situations, and able to work independently and as part of a busy team.
The department can become very busy, therefore the capacity to work effectively under pressure in a busy office is a must. You will work in a supportive team and full training will be given.
The successful applicant will be required to assist in ensuring that all admissions enquiries are handled professionally, courteously, efficiently, and effectively.
You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, free parking and a free refreshments and three course hot lunch during term time.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Monday 24th June 2024. Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applications should be made direct to the school.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Please note that our school is a no smoking site.
Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please note that our school is a no smoking site. | www.miltonabbey.co.uk | Registered Charity No 306318
A well organised, skilled professional and versatile team-player is required from September 2024 to run the School Office and to assist the Head.
This is a part-time term time only role: 0830– 1700 two days a week; 0900-1300 Saturdays. Work pattern and hours may be flexible for the right candidate.
Closing date 9am Friday 14 June 2024 Interviews w/c 17 June 2024
Terry speaks to Ian Girling to discover just what the Dorset Chamber of Commerce does – and also to find out the insider guide to the prestigious Dorset Business Awards.
Jenny visits Alex Woodhouse to find out about the popular summer pop up restaurant at Supper at Pleck
Terry spoke to Dick Bennet about the Sherborne Squat Thrusters, a 50-year-old circuit training group with an average member age of 73: ‘the circuit has admittedly got a little more gentle as we’ve got older… and the rehydration in the pub afterwards is just as important!’ They are always happy to welcome new members – they get particularly excited if it drops their average age a bit. People in their 50s and 60s and even younger are very welcome – it is requested that they just don’t show up the older members too much.
Wakely Cox is a fourth generation farmer just outside Dorchester – and a hugely respected advocate for Dorset farming. He’s the current chair of Dorset NFU, and one of his other roles is as chair of the Poole Harbour Agricultural Group, challenging the Environment Agency and the apportioned ‘farmer nitrate pollution’ of Poole Harbour. He talks to Jenny about how farming has changed since his grandparents time.
Chloé van Soeterstède with Mark Wigglesworth Photo by Mark Allan
The distinguished conductor Mark Wigglesworth has been announced as the new chief conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He will take up the role at the start of the orchestra’s 2024-25 season in September, when Kirill Karabits, the BSO’s inspiring Ukrainian-born chief conductor for the past 15 years, becomes Conductor Laureate and artistic director of the Voices from the East programme Wigglesworth, who has been the BSO’s principal guest conductor since 2021, is one of the world’s leading conductors, recognised for his outstanding musicianship, extraordinary interpretations and breadth of repertoire. He has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras and performed at the world’s most prestigious opera houses. He will be the first British conductor to hold the BSO post in more than 60 years, and he is expected to conduct five weeks in his first season, increasing to nine weeks from 2025/26. He says: “The BSO embraces the role of a 21st century orchestra with talent, experience, passion and care. The commitment the entire organisation shows to the many thousands of music lovers across the South West of England is inspirational and I am extremely excited to be joining them at a time when classical music’s undeniable force for good has never been more vital to the quality of our communities.”
An exciting journey The new principal guest conductor will be Chloé van Soeterstède. The announcement follows her recent guest appearances, where she has won praise from the BSO’s musicians and audiences alike. She was appointed the Taki Alsop Fellow 2019-21 by former BSO principal conductor Marin Alsop and was a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in its 2021-22 season. She trained as a viola player before turning to conducting, and is a passionate advocate for music education. Matt King, the BSO’s principal percussion and musician trustee, says: “Concerts with Mark are a highlight in the schedule, and we’re delighted at his appointment as chief conductor. We have enjoyed a broad mix of repertoire together in recent years, with music from Mahler and Mozart to Sibelius, Shostakovich, and Wagner – it will be exciting to continue this journey. Chloé has been a real revelation and brings energy and fresh insight to the podium; we are looking forward to the next few years together.” BSO chief executive Dougie Scarfe says: “We’re excited to share the truly world-class live performances that both Mark and Chloé will undoubtably bring to people throughout the South West over the coming years. Life-empowering live music is at the core of what we do, and we’re thrilled Mark and Chloé share our vision for how an orchestra can proudly serve communities in and beyond the concert hall.” bsolive.com
Incorporating movement into your daily routine can really lift your spirits and sense of wellbeing, says Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard
For the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week, from 13th to 19th May, we\re focusing on movement and how it can affect the way you feel. Many of us take how our body moves for granted, but day-to-day life can take a huge toll on us if we don’t regularly check in with how our bodies feel. Despite what the current weather would have you think, summer is just around the corner, so now is a great time to start practising tuning in to your physical body. No matter how small the movement, it can benefit you to get active.
Mindful moving If you’re a fan of exercise, you probably already know how great you feel after a good workout. But some of us are restricted by mental or physical issues, so if, for whatever reason, you can’t go to the gym, the next best thing is stretching or moving mindfully. This can be done however you like – but the focus should be on your body and how it feels in the moment. Yoga is perfect for this, but you can start with some simple stretches. Focus on how it feels to be able to move, and try to think of things about yourself that you’re grateful for. You’ll feel much lighter and more relaxed afterwards! It’s also a great opportunity to address any aches and pains you may have not noticed before.
The great outdoors It’s no secret that going outside and spending time in nature boosts your mood – don’t ever underestimate it! Even on cloudy days, taking in fresh air and looking at trees will help you feel more connected to yourself and the earth, especially after the winter months. Having a short walk or run outside to disconnect from work and your phone will benefit your mental health massively. Not only will it boost your energy and wellbeing, but a gentle bit of sun will help you appreciate and feel grateful to be outside. Pay attention to how your body wants to move – some days you may not feel up to something energetic and it’s fine to honour your body by listening to it. You could also ‘stack’ your activities by doing some yoga or other exercise outdoors in the garden.
Boost your mood If you feel like going a bit further, a fun way to get yourself moving is by putting on some music and having a dance! You could do it while ironing, making dinner, whenever – it’s a sure-fire way to release your happy hormones and energy, without feeling like a big effort. Moving your body for fun helps you relax and, most importantly, feel better! Prioritising and appreciating your body’s ability to move will undoubtably boost your mood and keep you mentally healthy. Getting Active is one of the proven steps of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ that you can find out more about here.
Support for you: Visit Dorset Mind for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy The Samaritans are there to listen 24/7, call them for free on 116 123 Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on 0800 652 0190
Race you to the Spring Countryside Show! Celebrate rural life with racing pigs, comedy car acts, equestrian displays, exciting dog shows, free tractor rides, interactive farm exhibits, local crafts and lots of local food and drink. Join us June 8th and 9th at Turnpike Showground! Click below to take a look at the Spring Countryside Show magazine – find everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of your day!
The map and timetables are here! Check what’s happening and make a note of what you don’t want to miss this year
What not to miss – the 2024 Spring Countryside Show is set to be a Grand Day Out for the whole family – from holding a chick to watching a slapstick clown car act, from racing pigs to a world-renowned landscape photographer, a bonsai expert or the heavy horse team, there’s truly something for everyone!
As one of the world’s leading landscape photographers, Charlie Waite’s career has included solo exhibitions at top venues in the UK, the USA and Japan, countless awards, and he is a sought-after speaker, frequently invited to share his insights on landscape photography all over the world. We’re excited to have him at the Show!
Jake and Tom, two long-serving Turnpike Showground volunteers, tell us just why they love to give up their free time to help out at the Shows.
‘Bonsai are tender, sensitive indoor plants? Total fallacy!’ Meet Geoff Hobson, chat to him about his plants and listen to his talk in the Potting Shed.
Don’t forget to save the Spring Countryside Show magazine – – and make sure to screenshot the map and timetable on your phone to make sure you have a copy with you. Signal on the showground can be erratic on a busy show day!
