In the first of 2024’s BV podcast we have all the January letters and politics, and Jenny talks to Fanny Charles about the planned creation of the new Bonham Forest near Stourhead – and the furore it has created locally.
Editor Laura Hitchock is looking for reasons to be cheerful during the longest month of the year
The Reader’s Letters this month include some wonderful memories of Iwerne Minster, triggered by last month’s vintage postcard which happened to show the very house the writer had grown up in, back when the village had a whole range of shops and enjoyed hourly double-decker buses (You can see the original postcard – from the Barry Cuff Collection – including the message on the back here).
Simon Hoare MP is sharing a little spring optimism and his hopes for what this new year might bring
Ken Huggins of the North Dorset Green Party uses a very personal recent experience to look at the need to invest in the NHS
Gary Jackson of the North Dorset LibDems is looking forward with optimism, and hopes of a General Election bringing a fair change
North Dorset Labour’s Pat Osborne talks about the need for Britain to become energy-independent
And Jenny sits down with Fanny Charles to look at the pros and cons of the new Bonham Forest plan at Stourhead, which is causing major ripples in the local community.
You can read the full January 24 issue of the BV magazine here – jam-packed with incredible Dorset folks doing magnificent things. There’s also farming, wildlife, a huge Dorset food & drink section… and if you like glorious photography you’ll be a fan. Did we mention it’s FREE?
With the seasonal excess, extravagance, sugar and waste firmly in the rear view mirror, our thoughts often turn in January to how to eat more healthily, and how to lower our carbon footprint. So this month I’ve picked two splendid titles that will help us do that – and save some money in the process. Happy New Year! Wayne.
Unprocess Your Life – Rob Hobson
January’s traditionally the time to re-evaluate what we eat. Following on from a year that saw the success of the book ‘Ultra-Processed People’ by Chris van Tulleken, the nutritionist Rob Hobson looks at our intake of food from another angle and examines the way ultra-processed food items can make up at least 50 per cent of the average family’s weekly shop. The term ‘ultra processed food’ doesn’t only include the obvious candidates like sweets and ready meals – so often a ‘healthy’ cereal or fruit drink falls into the category. So many things we eat have been through a multitude of procedures and places before we see it, even if we assume from clever packaging that it’s fresh. As our relationship with food convenience and cost evolves, this can be less obvious to spot. Helpfully, this book has an excellent breakdown of the official NOVA system of categorisation from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation. There are useful FAQs answered and then some really useful information on buying and storing various foods. The recipes are really well laid out – straightforward, with appealing photographs of what you could be making to eat this year. The roasted red pepper, pesto and hot sauces are all particularly tempting, along with the spiced aubergine stew, not to mention the sweet potato brownies and the orange, cardamom and honey polenta cake!
The Green Budget Guide: 101 Planet and Money Saving Tips, Ideas and Recipes – Nancy Birtwhistle
Saving money doesn’t have to cost the earth. How can you remove even the toughest stains? How can you make the best use of your microwave but keep meals healthy and tasty? How can you remove mould safely? Sunday Times bestselling author and Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle is here to answer all of these questions and more, featuring 101 thoughtful, cheap and time-saving tips and tricks on how to run a budget and home, all while protecting the environment
Dorset’s forgotten ordeal: Rupert Hardy explores the impact of Barbary pirate invasions on local seafaring and family histories
The Bombardment of Algiers, 27 August 1816 by George Chambers
In recent years, many have focused on the iniquities of the transatlantic slave trade – but it is often forgotten that for more than 300 years, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall were at the mercy of Barbary pirates from North Africa. Countries as far north as Iceland were attacked, with the west coast of England a particular target. Estimates of the slaves taken from Europe between 1530 and 1780 total well over a million men, women and children. The story is a complex one and most of these ‘pirates’ were actually privateers or corsairs, operating under the mandate of sovereign states. Their existence owed much to the rise of the Ottoman empire, which expanded rapidly in the 16th century, threatening Europe. Privateers were effectively part of the Ottoman navy, checking all shipping and enforcing trade agreements. Their aim was not just to capture valuable merchandise and slaves for the slave markets in North Africa, or to ransom their captives – they also paid tax on all the assets captured. It wasn’t just North Africans – privateers included English and Dutch nationals who had fallen foul of their home countries. One of the most infamous was John Ward, who led a mass desertion from King James I’s navy in 1604. He is said to be the inspiration behind Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. The Christian propagandists liked to convey a picture of dreadful deeds committed by Muslims, with no mention of the part that Christian Europe played. In the 16th century, the Knights of St John in Malta were attacking Ottoman ships and selling Muslim slaves. They were effectively privateers too.
West Country attacks The impact of the raids on England by Barbary corsairs was noted from the late 16th century – partly as a result of an ineffective naval deterrent. The situation was so terrible that an entry in the British Calendar of State Papers in May 1625 stated: ‘The Turks are upon our coasts. They take ships only to take the men to make slaves of them.’ Barbary corsairs raided coastal villages as well as ships out at sea. In August 1625, corsairs raided Mount’s Bay in Cornwall, capturing 60 men, women and children. It was feared that there were around 60 Barbary men-o-war stalking the English coast the English coast. The situation was so bad that in that same year Charles I sent a mission to North Africa to try to buy back 2,000 slaves – it was reported that there were up to 5,000 English people in captivity in Algiers alone. Charities were also set up to help ransom the captives and local fishing communities clubbed together to raise money to free their own. In 1645, another raid by corsairs on the Cornish coast saw 240 men, women and children kidnapped. The following year Parliament sent Edmund Cason to Algiers to negotiate the release of English captives. He paid around £30 per man (women were more expensive) and managed to free some 250 people before he ran out of money. By the 1650s the attacks were so frequent that they threatened England’s fishing industry, with fishermen reluctant to leave their families unprotected ashore when they put out to sea.
These images are from a series by engraver Andreas Matthäus Wolfgang, who trained with his father and then, with his brother Johann, in England. On their return trip in 1684, the brothers were abducted by pirates and taken to Algiers where they were sold as slaves. They were only released, around 1691, after a ransom was paid. The series can be seen in the Lichtenstein Collection here – left is a Captain of an Algerian pirate ship and right is an Algerian pirate steersman.
Dorset Although the situation was worse in Devon and Cornwall, Dorset was hit too. In the 1620s the Mayor of Poole reported that 27 ships and 200 sailors were seized off the Dorset coast in a ten day period. There are documents in Lyme Regis Museum listing a number of mariners taken captive in the 1670s, and the large ransoms paid to free them. The Dirdoe family of Gillingham were also affected – two male members of the family were captured in 1636, but one was freed the following year thanks to the Admiralty organising a small fleet to rescue them and others. Oliver Cromwell declared that any captured “pirates” should be taken to Bristol and drowned. Lundy Island, which corsairs had made their base, was attacked, but despite this, they continued to raid coastal villages. There is a vivid account of the trade in Samuel Pepys’ diary in an entry from 1661: “Went to the Fleece Tavern to drink; and there we spent till four o’clock, telling stories of Algiers, and the manner of the life of slaves there! And truly Captn. Mootham and Mr. Dawes (who have been both slaves there) did make me fully acquainted with their condition there: as, how they eat nothing but bread and water. … How they are beat upon the soles of their feet and bellies at the liberty of their padron.“
The slave’s lot The ruling pasha had the right to claim one in eight of all Christians captured. The men were mostly used to row the slave galleys, but in winter they worked on state projects, such as quarrying stone or building new galleys. They were fed on bread and water, with only one change of clothing each year. The pasha also bought most of the female captives, who were either taken into the harem or ransomed. Slaves were of any skin colour or religion, but those who converted to Islam were normally saved from rowing the galleys. The rich were usually ransomed, while the poor would end their days dying of starvation, disease or maltreatment. Some have argued that North Africa was more of an interfaith-tolerant society than Christian Europe. Ending the trade There was no formal system for ransoming slaves until after 1640, when the Catholic clergy played the biggest role in repatriating the captives (the Protestants were more disorganised). Many countries found the best response was to pay a subsidy to the Barbary States – Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli. Eventually in 1675 Sir John Narborough, with a Royal Navy squadron, managed to negotiate a peace with Tunis. A naval bombardment by the British then brought about peace with Tripoli. Algiers was attacked not only by British warships but also by the French and Spanish. The 18th century saw reduced corsair activity, partly as the Ottoman Empire was on the retreat. But then the upheaval in Europe caused by the French Revolution triggered renewed attacks as the respective European navies were busy fighting each other instead. After Napoleon’s defeat, the focus shifted back to suppressing the corsairs. Even the United States fought two wars against the Barbary States. After a formidable final attack by the British and Dutch on Algiers in 1816, more than 4,000 Christian slaves were liberated and the power of the Barbary corsairs was mostly broken. It did not end until France’s colonial occupation of Algeria in 1830.
Andrew Livingston highlights a recent Channel 4 documentary exposing the concerning food safety and standards at a Bernard Matthews’ factory
Talking turkey in January is probably a bit of a sacrilege. Mind you, if you are actually still eating a Christmas leftover turkey, brie and cranberry sandwich as you read this, I would be seriously concerned about your oncoming bowel movements! Despite its synonymity with Christmas, turkey is, in fact, available all year round – most children grow up eating breaded frozen turkey, probably in the shape of a dinosaur (although I’m thrilled to report you can now buy turkey unicorns too!) One of the biggest producers of turkey in the country is Bernard Matthews. If you’re over 45 you’re probably already hearing a throaty Norfolk voice booming ‘Boootiful’ from your TV set. If you’re younger and denying all knowledge … where have you been? For a start, I know you know the turkey dinosaurs. The firm also employs more than 2,000 people at its farms and factories, most of which are in Norfolk. My reason for talking turkey today is simple; I feel as though the news that broke last month about Bernard Matthews just didn’t make the noisy splash it definitely should have done. On 8th December, Channel 4 aired How Safe is your Turkey? In its dispatches series. The 30-minute documentary included under-cover footage from inside Bernard Matthews’ Suffolk-based factory.
Utterly inadequate As a farmer, I hate it whenever programmes like this are shown – in almost every case the featured farmer (or farmers) is labelled as cruel or at very least uncompassionate and uncaring for the welfare of the animals. It is only ever true about a tiny, tiny minority, but naturally they grab the media’s attention. This programme, however, was different. Rather than animal welfare, the reporters investigated food hygiene and standards within the factory where the birds are butchered and processed. I have worked in the turkey industry and I have been around factories of similar size and scale. I was shocked with what the footage showed. Inadequate training, inadequate food hygiene, inadequate equipment and testing. We clearly saw food contamination from the factory equipment, with bits of blue plastic mixed in which food that it on its way to be sold on supermarket shelves. Staff were even seen falsifying records to say that meats were correctly frozen to be safe for consumption. The most shocking moment came towards the end of the 25-minute programme when a worker gets their fingers caught and crushed in an operating machine. You can see the full episode on YouTube (video above) – it is worth the watch.
Not what Santa ordered Since its release, the Bernard Matthews company has hit back. A spokesman told The Grocer that Channel 4 ‘set out to create a food scare where none exists’. The company was founded in 1950 when Bernard Matthews (the man) bought 20 turkey eggs and an incubator from a farm auction. He had a dream of making turkey affordable for the masses at Christmas, and his bussiness year on year. Mr Matthews died in 2010 and, in 2016, the company was bought by Ranjit Singh Boparan, founder and owner of 2 Sisters Food Group – the second largest poultry producer in the country, after Moy Park. To be frank, it’s not bootiful – and it’s not good enough.
Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events
Thank you everyone for your support with the ‘Make Stur Sparkle’ events, which SturAction helped to underwrite – we are already planning for next Christmas …
1855
The next main event in town is the Wedding Festival starting with a display of wedding dresses in St. Mary’s Church on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd February. The Wedding Fair itself is in The Exchange on Saturday 3rd February from 10am til 3pm, and is free to attend. For more information on the fair please email [email protected]
The FREE school uniform exchange inside the old Barclays Bank
The Car and Bike Enthusiasts will also be in town on the 3rd and there will be free parking on that first Saturday of the month, paid for by SturAction from funds raised by your support to our community shops.
There’s a sale on at The Furniture Store
The Boutique is restocking after its pre-Christmas sale of posh frocks; come and treat yourself to a new look! The Emporium, Art Gallery and Dapper Chaps continue to be bursting with a range of fascinating things at knock down prices, and The Furniture Store is holding a sale. Time for a fresh new look for your home as well, perhaps? There are some amazing bargains so do come and look – yes you can afford it … Upstairs in the Furniture Store is the free school uniform exchange. We have enough school uniforms for a host of children, all sizes and pretty much all local schools.
The new season is in at the pre-loved Boutique!
1855 is proving a great attraction to the town, as we always hoped it would be. More than 80 traders means a constant turnover and something new every day. SturAction is your local charity, working to make Stur a good place to live, work and play – our only aim is to raise funds to invest in the town. We are always looking to welcome more volunteers to work as part of our family, whatever your skills. Can you spare even an hour a week? Please get in touch with Cheryl, our shops manager for a chat. She’s usually found in 1855 or via [email protected]
James Cossins reflects on Rawston Farm’s adaptive strategies in response to climatic shifts and evolving agricultural policies
The river Tarrant taken in the summer of 1965, showing its more typical flow Images: James Cossins
As I write this in the farm office, the rain is beating against the windows in this seemingly never-ending spell of wet weather. As a family we have measured the daily rainfall since 1960 – in 2023 we received 49 inches (1,225mm in new money) of rainfall. This figure is only to be beaten by 2012 with its 50 inches, and 49 again in 2014. Interestingly, prior to the year 2000 we have generally never reached above 40 inches. Between 1960 and 1980 we rarely went above 35 inches. Maybe there is something in the climate change debate! We are clearly experiencing more extreme weather patterns. I know that I shouldn’t tempt fate but it does seem a long time ago that we experienced any significant snow fall … So with all this rain, how have we been coping at Rawston Farm? This year we only have one group of cattle who are outwintered. We have to be careful to pick a field that drains well, is far away from any watercourses and has hedges all around the field for shelter. They strip graze a forage crop and have access to straw or silage. Their electric fence is moved daily so they have a new piece of ground to go to. So far they are doing ok – with the presumption that it will not rain every day this winter!
The same spot of the river Tarrant almost 60 years later; it’s in full flow this month.
Incentive schemes with down sides January is a good month to reflect back on the last year, and also to prepare plans for the new year coming. 2023 was certainly a challenging year for all farmers and growers. We finally received some stability in the prices of the foods we sell, but most prices we received were considerably lower than the previous year. This made the harvesting of our crops – which largely needed drying due to the wet conditions last summer – even more costly to grow, with a lower price received at the point of sale. Even now, the prices of cereals appear to be static, with the traders telling us there is little evidence for any reason why they should increase. We were able to sow most of our winter crops, although some were a little late going in the ground. They have, however, begun to germinate so it looks as though we will get a crop from them. In many parts of the country there are still winter crops to sow – many growers have given up and decided to grow spring crops instead, which has lead to a shortage of seed. As we make our plans for 2024 we have joined DEFRA’s Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. This involves land managers being able to choose from various environmental land management options, for which we can be financially rewarded for executing – things like sowing pollen and nectar mixes in parts of fields, creating winter bird food crops and taking part or all of a field out of production, sowing a legume crop to be left fallow for two years or just leaving grass areas untouched. There is also an option for reducing the amount of fertiliser used on grassland and managing the grass so the grass is less intensively farmed. The management of hedges can be included too, ensyring they are only cut on alternate years, and cut late in the season. Generally I support the scheme – it gives us flexibility on how we manage the land, while increasing benefits to the environment. At Rawston we have taken some poorly productive parts of fields which were uneconomic completely out of our cropping rotation. I am concerned, however, that on some farms – even though the soil and land is productive – large areas have been taken out of food production. If this is carried out on a large scale, the country’s food security will be at risk, and the consequence will be yet more imported food. There has been concern in the UK farming world over the running of the Red Tractor Scheme. Currently we pay a membership to have our milk, beef and crops assured with the Red Tractor logo on the packaging, demonstrating the goods have been produced to a recognised standard. To achieve this we get audited every year to ensure that we are meeting the standards set out by the Red Tractor Board, thereby giving consumers the confidence that what is bought with the Red Tractor logo is produced in this country, to a high standard. It appears that without any consultation to the members, a ‘green standard’ was going to be imposed at an extra cost. A review is now taking place as to the running of the scheme – the last thing we want to create is uncertainty among consumers as to what the Red Tractor means. Consumers should be able to look for the red tractor and the union jack, safe in the knowledge that the food inside has been produced to a high standard and has come from this country. Many imported foods simply will not have been produced to a similar standard. I wish you all a happy New Year – let’s certainly hope we have a less challenging one!
Rachael Rowe visits the cosy hub of community, coffee, and culinary delights which is building a reputation for its fresh fare and warm welcome
Coffee and cake at the Green Cafe in Henstridge
When you open the door to the Green Cafe in Henstridge, you’re immediately greeted by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baking – and warm smiles from the team. On a wet, wintry day, the cafe is a welcome haven – but there’s a lot more to the menu than food. The Green Cafe is located at Henstridge in the Rainsford family’s Grassroots Garden and Aquatic Centre, a popular business owned by the Rainsford family; Misha Rainsford owns the cafe
Misha Rainsford (r) with Linda image: Rachael Rowe
‘We took over the cafe in September 2023, when the previous occupants left, so we’re in our fifth month. My family owns the site and my husband has done loads of work to build up the business. When I took on the cafe I really wanted to make it somewhere for the community. Some people come in every day, others pop in weekly as part of their routine. And I want to make things affordable, especially for families. For example, festive afternoon teas were a big success. I’d like to expand to cream teas outside in the warmer weather. We’ve also drawn in people who are just passing on the A357. ‘We make our paninis and toasties from scratch and everything is fresh on the day. We have freshly-brewed coffee and a range of cakes – and we cater for vegans, gluten free and dairy free. The menu of light lunches changes seasonally. ‘We’re very much here for the community. We have a support group for parents and carers of children with special needs that meets here. I also work for the local authority, and have an awareness of the needs for people with disabilities and those who need support. For example, one of our tables has been raised so wheelchair users can sit around it comfortably. We’re also trying to get a knit and natter group set up.’ One of the issues with setting up a cafe is always finding the right staff. Already, Misha has built up a good team. ‘I have Linda and Alana who are local. And we have younger team members who live in the village to help at busy times like the weekends. ‘Our best sellers are definitely the toasties – especially cheese and red onion, though the brie and cranberry, and ham and chutney come in close seconds! Our soups are also popular. We do also ask customers for suggestions. Kids love our milkshakes, which we have in loads of interesting flavours including biscoff. ‘We source a lot of our supplies locally and as we’re so new we’re still tasting samples! The cakes come from Hunts – using a supplier like that helps us guarantee something is gluten free or complies with allergies. We get our macarons from Emily Rose Patisserie in Sherborne. Our coffee comes from Bomo Roast in Bournemouth – and of course we use Dikes up the road. ‘One of the biggest challenges we faced initially was that people thought we were closed! But we’re not, of course. Our signs helped with that – and also using social media. ‘We’re proud that the cafe is a nice, safe place for people – and that we’ve built it up from nothing. We really started from scratch; we even had to get crockery from the Honesty Jar! I’m also very proud of the team. Local people have told us: “This is what the village needs” and that’s how we want it. We want to support the community. ‘In the summer, we are planning an open area next to the cafe, where we can also have live music.’
The Honesty Jar Entirely separate from the Green Cafe, The Honesty Jar focuses on sustainability – you bring clean, reusable things you don’t need, and leave with new items. When we spoke, manager Samantha Flanders was busy co-ordinating various donations streaming into the shed: ‘We handle 70,000 tonnes of donations each year. We base ourselves on the old barter and exchange method. Kids actually get it more than adults! Some families are in a routine where they’ll get the kids to drop off an old toy or book and pick up a new one. You donate a sum that you are happy with, no questions asked.’ Inside there are filing cabinets of crafting material, shelves of books, children’s clothes and toys. Rows of kitchen utensils and crockery, adult clothes and shoes, and ornaments fill the space. The more you look the more you see – there’s a real danger you’ll come out with more than you donated! In fact, it’s perfect for anyone looking to reduce their consumption, it’s useful for items for art and school projects, and it’s ideal if you are trying to stick to No New January, of course. Even the building has been recycled. Its previous life was as a primary school in Wales! The timber holding up the roof in the entrance comes from sustainable logging on Ham Hill. To get people thinking about how they can be creative with used items, the team also holds craft and sustainability workshops. With good walks in the area, the Green Cafe is ideal for a day out – get good coffee and a light lunch, plan your seed planting in the Grassroots Garden Centre and hunt for bargains in the Honesty Jar – all in one place.
Grassroots Garden Centre, Henstridge BA8 0SA Mon, Tue, Thu to Sat – 10am to 4pm Sun – 11am to 3pm Wed – Closed. Find them on Facebook here
Embarking on a fitness journey when living with a disability can be a challenging yet rewarding decision. It requires a unique approach, one that embraces adaptability, resilience, and self-compassion. This guide offers practical advice and motivational insights for those seeking to enhance their physical well-being despite physical limitations or challenges.
The first step in boosting fitness levels is understanding and accepting your body’s unique requirements. Every disability presents its own set of challenges and limitations, so it’s crucial to acknowledge these differences. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as a physical therapist or a doctor specialising in physical medicine, can provide valuable insights into what exercises and fitness routines are safe and beneficial for your specific condition. You should also find out more about the kind of technology and equipment that could help you achieve your goals, such as power wheelchairs or visual and audible aids.
Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals
Setting realistic goals is pivotal in maintaining motivation and tracking progress. Whether improving flexibility, building strength, or increasing stamina, your goals should be tailored to your abilities and limitations. Celebrating small victories is equally important, fostering a sense of achievement and encouraging continual effort.
Adaptive Exercise: Finding What Works for You
Adaptive exercise is about modifying traditional workouts to meet your needs. This can include using assistive devices, altering exercise techniques, or engaging in activities specifically designed for people with disabilities. For instance, seated yoga or Pilates can improve flexibility and core strength, while hand-cycling or wheelchair racing can be excellent for cardiovascular health. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and can perform consistently.
The Importance of Consistency and Routine
Consistency is the cornerstone of improving fitness. Establishing a routine that fits into your daily life makes sticking to your fitness plan easier. This could mean setting aside specific times for exercise, joining a fitness class designed for people with disabilities, or incorporating physical activity into everyday tasks.
Nutrition: Fuelling Your Body for Success
A balanced diet is essential for anyone looking to improve their fitness. Nutritional needs can vary based on your disability, so it’s advisable to consult a dietitian. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the energy needed for exercise and aid in recovery and muscle building.
Mental Health and Fitness: A Dual Approach
Physical fitness and mental health are closely linked, especially for those living with disabilities. Exercise can be a powerful tool in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to monitor your mental health and seek support if you’re struggling. Activities like mindfulness, meditation, or joining support groups can be beneficial alongside your physical fitness routine.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any fitness journey. It’s crucial to stay patient and keep a positive mindset. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community, whether friends, family, or fellow fitness enthusiasts, can provide the encouragement needed to overcome obstacles.
Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Boosting your fitness levels while living with a disability is more than just physical improvement; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You can make meaningful progress in your fitness journey by understanding your body, setting achievable goals, and embracing the resources available. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.
