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!
There are some questions that come up time and again, says expert Karen Geary – so she’s decided to tackle them head on
Karen Geary with some healthy carolo Nero
This month I decided to tackle the questions I get asked most frequently, both in clinic and online. If you have a question about health and nutrition, do feel free to ask on my Instagram or Facebook feed or email me at [email protected].
Which diet is the best for weight loss? This one’s simple: the diet that you can do most consistently is the best one for you. If you check the research, all diets work, whether it’s keto, fasting, low carb or low fat. And there is often very little between them in terms of resulting weight loss over time. Most of them work because they have a calorie deficit of some kind – and no, that’s not a fashionable view in some circles. It is true that some people struggle to lose weight for medical reasons, even though they are counting calories; it is unusual, but it can happen. Many clients come to me as a last resort for weight loss and only very occasionally do we find an underlying medical reason getting in the way. It is easy to over-estimate calorie intake. With most weightloss clients, I’ll get them to weigh their food at the start of working with me to get a proper handle on portion control. One way to see if you can estimate a portion size is to weigh your food ‘blind’ – with the scale covered up, add the portion you plan to eat – and then look at the weight. Try it!
What do you think of the Zoe app? On the positive, I appreciate anything that raises awareness about gut health, which is precisely what the Zoe team has achieved. I particularly like their advice about the importance of fibre in the diet – the vast majority of my clients do not eat their 30g daily requirement (you can check that yourself by looking at the fibre score using a free app such as Cronometer or My Fitness Pal). On the other hand, you should absolutely not consider the Zoe app if you have a history of disordered eating. The app encourages people to eat food by colour code, and I have seen people become quite obsessed by it, leading to disordered behaviours. Personally I don’t want to be told what to eat by an AI algorithm. If your interest in Zoe comes from suffering with an underlying gut issue, my message is that there are more comprehensive gut tests available. They don’t come cheap – but they’ll cost far less than the Zoe test and annual subscription. It can be a revelation for people who have suffered for years to finally see objective data as to what might be driving their discomfort.
What supplements do you recommend? I don’t recommend supplements generally to the public, which is why you do not see me recommending them on socials. Supplements need to be tailored for need and condition. A simple example is vitamin D3, which behaves like a hormone in the body, but is commonly referred to as a vitamin due to its role in calcium absorption and bone health. Nearly everyone should take D3 over the winter, and some people should take it throughout the year. However, the dose needs to be targeted (by measuring current levels in the blood) and then tailoring accordingly. Additionally, I always like to recommend that D3 is taken in conjunction with vitamin K2, to ensure that calcium is properly absorbed into the bones. However I do not recommend it if someone is taking blood thinners, as K2 regulates blood clotting. Many supplements can be contraindicated with medications, and I always undertake a full analysis of this before recommending any supplement. You can calculate your own vitamin D3 needs here, but it is always better to consult a healthcare professional if you are considering supplementation.
What is the most important universal diet advice? 1. Protein and plants with every meal 2. Don’t snack (unless you are an athlete or have an underlying medical condition). Plants are essential for fibre and nutrient density – 30g a day roughly translates to seven cups of veggies and two cups of fruit. People over-rely on grains and potatoes for their fibre, so try and diversify with different colours and types of plants to encourage optimum gut health. Protein quantity depends on age, goals and overall health. However a decent amount of protein with each meal fuels brain, bone and muscle health and keeps you full for longer. Breakfast is the meal where most people under-eat protein. A bowl of porridge or muesli isn’t enough! It’s why you will see me posting a lot of breakfast recipes on Instagram. Three meals a day are sufficient for most people. However, individual dietary needs do vary, and some people – especially those with certain medical conditions or specific fitness goals – may benefit from more frequent, smaller meals.
Wimborne Minster has proudly maintained its status as a Fairtrade town, reflecting the dedication of the local business community to promote ethical trade practices and support global sustainability. John Spatchet, Chair of the Wimborne and Colehill Fairtrade group, expressed delight at the renewal: ‘We are thrilled that so many outlets in our communities support Fairtrade, and we in turn are supporting farmers and producers in the developing world to get a fair deal.’ The Fairtrade Communities Team lauded the local campaigners for their contributions toward advancing workers’ rights and fair compensation globally. Fiona Harwood, Chair of Wimborne BID, also applauded the local Fairtrade steering group for their efforts. ‘Businesses in Wimborne really support initiatives that promote a sustainable and fair future,’ she said. Wimborne BID sees an ongoing role in promoting important global issues like trade and climate justice.
Pride Month is an important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Queer, with the + added to include other non-traditional identities. Each year, on Saturday 1st June, Pride Month begins all over the world. The focus is for people and their friends, families and allies to celebrate, honour and support the LGBTQ+ community. The iconic Rainbow Flag is often used in parades and was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978. The flag is usually seen with six colored stripes, each imbued with meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity, and violet for spirit. Apart from the Rainbow Flag there a number of other flags that are used to celebrate Pride Month. The Pink Union Jack Pride Flag was created by UK artist David Gwinnutt in 2005, as something “both gay and British!” There is also a Progress Pride flag, created in 2018 by Daniel Quasar to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, that hangs in the V&A Museum. If big marches and parades are not your thing, you could always have a Pride celebration at home! Have your own dance party in the living room – find a good LGBTQ+ mix on Spotify and maybe bake a rainbow layer cake. If you need help to explain Pride Month, Strong Family Alliance has some excellent age-appropriate suggestions for sharing Pride with younger (or older!) people. Happy Pride Month everyone!
Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs and disabilities. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her work experience with us, and now writes a regular column – Ed
Gardening has its own large vocabulary, and when you first encounter it, it can feel intimidating, says Charlotte Tomb
Parrot tulips are not a species but a group of cultivars with the name Tulipa Parrot Group – they are the result of natural mutations to single late tulips and triumph tulips caused by the tulip breaking virus. Images: Charlotte Tombs
Why do most jobs come with their own vocabulary? Wherever you work, you will inevitably encounter a whole new language, with abbreviations and acronyms for things you have no clue about. Slowly all becomes clear as you learn the ropes. I thought it would be fun to compile a basic gardening vocab cheat sheet of the odder words – you hear so many of these being flung about and I wasn’t sure of some myself. Hopefully I can clear some up for you: Amending: Adding organic matter or other substances to soil to improve its structure, fertility, or drainage. Biennial: Plants with a two-year life cycle, typically producing foliage the first year and flowers and seeds the second year. Bolting: Premature flowering and seed production in plants, often caused by stress or environmental factors, usually making them unusable. Cold stratification: A process of exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break dormancy and stimulate germination – home growers do this with a kitchen fridge. Companion planting: Growing different plants together, including for pest control or nutrient enhancement; planting garlic among roses or chives among chrysanths to deter aphids. Damping off: Fungal disease affecting seedlings, causing them to wilt and die at soil level. Direct Sowing: Planting seeds directly into the ground rather than starting them indoors. Espalier: Training plants to grow flat against a wall or trellis in a specific pattern. Foliar Feeding: Applying fertiliser directly to plant leaves for rapid nutrient absorption. Green manure: Cover crops grown and then tilled back into the soil to improve fertility and structure. Half-Hardy Annual: Plants that are able to withstand light frost and cooler temperatures but may require protection during the harshest weather conditions.
Hardening off: Gradually acclimatising indoor or greenhouse-grown plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting. Hardy annual: Plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season, withstanding frost and cold temperatures. Hardscape: Non-living elements in a garden, such as paths, patios and walls, that provide structure and functionality. Hybrid: A plant variety resulting from the crossbreeding of two different parent plants, often selected for specific traits. Marcescence: The retention of dead leaves on trees and shrubs throughout the winter – think beech hedges. Mulch: Material spread over the soil surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Overwintering: Protecting plants from cold temperatures to ensure their survival until spring. Perennial: Plants that live for more than two years, regrowing each spring from the same root system. pH Level: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, affecting nutrient availability to plants. Pricking out: Transferring seedlings from a densely sown container to individual pots to allow for proper growth and development. Propagation: The process of creating new plants from seeds, cuttings or other plant parts. Rejuvenation pruning: Severe pruning to remove old or diseased growth and stimulate new, vigorous growth. Sucker: Shoots that grow from the base or roots of plants, often removed to prevent overcrowding or maintain desired growth. Thinning: Removing excess seedlings or plants to provide adequate space for healthy growth. Underplanting: Planting low-growing or shade-tolerant plants beneath taller plants to maximize space and visual interest.
It’s an overlooked village which everyone drives through to get to Stur – but Hinton St Mary has olde worlde Dorset charm by the bucket
Photo of the village regulars supporting Gardens Open 24.
Nestled amid the lush greenery of Dorset’s rolling countryside lies the tiny village of Hinton St Mary – a hidden gem just a stone’s throw away from the charming town of Sturminster Newton. With its picturesque landscape, historic manor house, Tithe Barn, interesting 17th and 18th century thatched houses and tranquil surroundings, Hinton St Mary offers a quiet retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle of modern life. At the heart of the village stands St Peter’s Church, rebuilt in 1846 but retaining its 15th century tower and 12th century font. Built of locally-quarried stone, the church’s sturdy walls and tower dominate the skyline, drawing visitors and residents alike towards it.
Photo of Prince, a Fowler BB1 Ploughing Engine Built in 1918.
Wandering through the narrow lanes that criss-cross the village, it’s hard to avoid feeling as though you have slipped back to a bygone era of rustic charm. Properties exude Dorset character, from timber-framed facades adorned with climbing roses to the beautiful gardens overflowing with blooms. The village’s Millenium Garden was created by a community collaboration in 1999, and its construction was filmed by BBC2 for Charlie Dimmock’s show ‘Charlie’s Garden Army’. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the surrounding hills, the village comes alive with warmth and camaraderie. Villagers gather at the pub, The White Horse, to share stories and laugh over a pint, a wine or the pub’s outstanding food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Visitors are of course welcomed with open arms! For history enthusiasts, Hinton St Mary boasts a wealth of heritage. In 1963 the remains of what was thought to be a fourth century Roman villa were discovered here, complete with a mosaic pavement of over 90m2 with a centre roundel thought to depict the head of Christ. (you can read more about the Hinton mosaic in the late Roger Guttridge’s article in the July 2022 issue of the BV here). The mosaic is now held at the British Museum in London – recent excavations have shown that the Roman area was much larger than originally thought, and may have been an early Christian settlement rather than a single villa.
Annual open village This year’s Gardens Open event is anticipated to be the best yet. Including the manor house gardens, there will be more than 20 individual gardens open to visitors, plus a classic car show situated close to the manor gardens, and a working vintage steam traction engine near to The White Horse Inn at the centre of the village. There will of course be an abundance of delicious homemade cakes, with hot and cold refreshments in the Tithe Barn, and a generous plant stall. A weekend ticket costs £6 per person (under 12’s are free), with complimentary parking next to the cricket ground – accessed through the main Manor House gates.
Gardens Open Event: 15th and 16th June £6 per adult, under 12s free Hinton St Mary, DT10 1NA Tickets will be available at the Manor House gates each day. Disabled parking available close to the Manor Gardens entrance. Please no dogs
Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events
Well, what a quick month April was – I can’t quite believe that it’s May already! Below you can find just a little taster of some of the things happening in Stur throughout the (hopefully!) sunny month of May and into June. First up, the Car and Bike Enthusiasts are back in the Station Road Car Park on the morning of the 4th May 9am to 12 noon. Unfortunately the Recreation Ground is still far too wet for them to drive on. But to make things easier there will be free parking in both town car parks all that day, courtesy of SturAction’s donors and customers.
When you have finished admiring the cars, why not come along to 1855, where the traders will be happy to great you and offer some tasters – there are almost 100 different small artisan and craft business under one roof! On the morning of Sunday 5th May, the car park behind The Exchange will see the return of the Stur Car Boot Sale, come and have a rummage and help raise much-needed funds for charity. On Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May, the Emporium and The Boutique in town will both be open from 10am to 2pm for anyone wanting a gentle holiday browse – and perhaps a purchase or two!
Both The Exchange and the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival have their new brochures out this week, so pick up your copies from various outlets around the town. Tickets for the LitFest are available online here, and can also be purchased from 1855. The event is not to be missed, with the opportunity to listen to a collection of authors covering a wide range of styles and subjects. On Thursday 6th June, the 80th anniversary of D Day, at 7.30pm there will be a civic service followed by the lighting of the beacon in the Railway Gardens as dusk arrives. As part of this commemoration, Sturminster Newton Literary Festival is devoting the 9th of June to military history, including talks and the opening of a special D-Day testimony exhibition at The Exchange.
Part-Time Carer/Pa needed for capable woman in a wheelchair based between Shaftesbury & Salisbury.
As part of a friendly team you will be required to carry out a variety of duties. Your character rather than qualifications is far more important to us, however being a non-smoker is essential!
It’s a slice of wellness in the Dorset downs: Rachael Rowe talks to the sibling duo who have crafted a culinary haven of hearty whole foods
All images: Feed the Soul
Tucked away in the heart of the Dorset downs at Godmanstone, Feed the Soul is a place where people are passionate about whole foods. It’s a well-kept secret – those in the know have usually found it via another friend’s social media post raving about the wonderful salads. The small cafe south of Cerne Abbas on the A352 is a “chilled out haven of healthy food” run by brother and sister Alex and Nick Beer.
Alex (right) and Nick Beer
I was a trained chef, and Nick and I had both worked in hospitality for years,’ says Alex. ‘One day we just thought “we can do this ourselves!” Nick was working in a coffee shop in Dorchester at the time, learning to roast coffee beans. I’d returned from Australia, and had a cake stall at local markets. We had always shopped here at Longmeadow when they had organic fruits and vegetables, so when the cafe came up for rent, of course we were interested. ‘I was 25 at the time, and Nick was 23. It’s a fun location, and we thought: “if we don’t do it now then we never will.” So we took the plunge – that was seven years ago! We started out with a vegan approach, but we have broadened that to simple whole foods and now include eggs and cheese too. We’re both incredibly passionate about organic and whole foods in a healthy diet.
Fresh bread sourdough, using local organic flour, is baked every morning
‘In Australia, the whole food scene is really big – Bondai Beach is health food central. I totally got into it, but when I came home there’s just not that same emphasis here in Dorset.’
Building a community The eclectic team at Feed the Soul all have other jobs too, Alex says. ‘There’s seven of us altogether – the two of us plus Josh, Nick, May, Lily and Jo, and we’re all really good friends. Everyone has their own business too, and works here part time. May upcycles clothing, for example, and Lily is a market gardener working with her mother. ‘We used to grow all our own food, but as we got busier it was harder to manage everything – and I’ve recently had a baby. Motherhood keeps me very busy! So we’ve stopped growing our own, and instead use suppliers like Lily at Edible Acre and also Riverford Organics.
Regular events such as this Indian Night are held at Feed the Soul throughout the year
‘Our bestsellers in the cafe are probably the avocado on toast with homemade sourdough and cashew aioli. We also make kombuchas. Another popular dish is the gluten-free kimchi pancake. We have daily fresh seasonal salad bowls. If you were visiting for the first time I’d definitely recommend a Buddha bowl, every time. Plus one of Nick’s shrubs – delicious and so refreshing.’ A shrub is a traditional sparkling cordial. The method dates back to the 17th century and involves infusing a cider vinegar syrup with fruits, sugar and sparkling water.
‘We’re hard workers,’ says Alex. ‘People have called us workaholics. But we love it. You never know how a day will be here – each one is so different. We make everything from scratch, from the peanut butter and the aioli to our own granola. And there’s a health food shop here as well as the cafe. ‘‘I think we have such amazingly loyal customers. Even through COVID we managed to stay open because of our local customer base. It’s a brilliant, friendly community and we’ve made a little haven where people feel safe and happy. ‘We’re very laid-back, but we’re always thinking about the business. I’ve been out of it for a few months because of the baby, but we’re planning for the summer to be fun! We cater for yoga retreats and I’ll be back teaching yoga soon. And we run workshops, including fermentation. ‘It is all about getting people to slow down – this place does that I think. When you are here, the sense of time just melts away.’
‘If you are visiting for the first time I’d definitely recommend a Buddha bowl’
Feed the Soul is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm at Longmeadow in Godmanstone, DT2 7AE. feedthesoul.co.uk
