Of, Shaftesbury formerly of Farrington sadly passed away on 16th November aged 81 years.
Loving Father and Grandad.
Funeral Service at St Peters Church Shaftesbury on Thursday 7th December at 10am, followed by a reception at the Grosvenor Hotel, Shaftesbury.
Family flowers please, but donations if desired for the Lullaby Trust and the Terrence Higgins Trust may be sent to Grassby and Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BB, Tel: 01258 471024.
Donkeys are a frequently misunderstood desert animal, says Sally Cooper, owner of Mr Pebbles, the man-donkey who steals hearts as well as glasses
The time has come – I have to accept that my latest baby is now not a boy, but a man … ish.
Mister Pebbles is a 14-month old donkey. We initially called him Fluffy – yes, due to the long white hair of the tiny fluffball. Now, however, it is becoming eye-wateringly clear that he is very much a man-donkey. Confirmed recently when the visiting arborist asked me why I had a five-legged donkey!
I don’t think that it is an exaggeration when I say that as a country we are very much under the spell of the donkey. Most of our visitors stop to speak with the donkeys before knocking at the door to see us mere humans.
but as a nation we really don’t know much about the real life version of this much-loved cartoon creature. For starters they are equids, not equines – far better described as more like dogs than horses.
It is naturally a desert animal, so it’s not a good idea to treat donkeys in the same way as a horse. For a start, they aren’t waterproof so they always need access to a roof over their head. Grass is not their natural choice of fodder, either – they need a lot of fibre, so tree branches and leaves (mine prefer willow), cut nettles and lots of thistles (apparently delicious).
Woe betide any unknowing donkey owner who doesn’t feed them enough chunky fibre – they’ll soon start to eat the stable, the fence and the gate …
The noise, the naughtiness
Influenced by their desert background, donkeys are also great stampers. If they find a dog that is not a family member in their field, they latch onto it like an Exocet missile and will stamp at (or on) it with their front legs. To be fair, you never know when you will need to stamp on a snake do you?
Then there is the bray, that Eeyore sound. The noise, the volume, the pleading eyes … our neighbour’s donkeys are a mile away and they can talk quite happily to ours without leaving their field. Well, deserts are big places! This of course also explains the huge ears.
Bonus fact: once they start to bray they can’t stop!
Their absolute favourite pastime is humans. In order to keep you engaged they will try anything – removal of your glasses and dropping them in the water trough … standing in the middle of your exit route … shadowing your every side-step … or simply putting your coat zip in their mouths and walking in the opposite direction.
I challenge anyone having a bad day not to feel more upbeat after a donkey chat.
Always a double act
So the time has come for Rodney, our older donkey, to escort Mister Pebbles to the vet for castration. Donkeys are relaxed when in pairs and should never be separated – the vets always expect a double act. I can’t help thinking that Rodney will have a wry, knowing smile on his face as they go in!
Hours of work: 11.25 hours per week. 1:00pm- 3:15pm
Monday-Friday
Term time, fixed term only
Salary: Grade 15.3 £11.79 p/hr
We are seeking to appoint a part-time teaching assistant to join our team of dedicated teaching support staff. This is on a fixed term basis until 31st March 2024 (Longer term available, pending additional funding). The role will involve running interventions, under the direction of the SENCo, on a 1:1/small group basis to support Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils with learning in core subjects. The successful applicant will be adaptable in their role and able to show the necessary initiative and subject knowledge to support pupils.
Previous experience working in a school is preferable. You will be part of a happy, positive and inclusive learning environment. The applicant must be self-motivated with good communication skills.
The school welcomes applicants who are motivated to positively impact and enrich children’s lives and support the wider life of the school.
Application form and further details are available from the school website: www.milborneport.somerset.sch.uk
Milborne Port Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all staff/volunteers must share this commitment. All appointments are subject to the necessary DBS and pre-employment checks. No CVs accepted.
Completed application forms should be returned by email to: [email protected]
Closing date: Wednesday 29th November at 12 noon
Interview Date: Monday 4th December
Start date: Tuesday 2nd January 2024
Toots Bartlett reflects on the highs and hurdles of the 2023 eventing season, with decisions to make about her talented horses’ futures
And just like that the 2023 eventing season is over! Perhaps a stranger season then most with the weather effecting a huge part of the spring campaign, but we managed to have a successful last few events.
After a bad fall at Cornbury horse trails we had a few weeks off before Cor Y Taran finished his season with a win at Swalcliffe in Oxfordshire. He went on to jump clear at his first CCI3-S at Bicton last weekend. He’s an incredibly exciting horse! Being only seven and with very little time and experience behind him he coped amazingly in all three phases, and he made the tough cross country course with its long hills and sticky, muddy ground feel very easy. He will now have a very deserved month off out in the field (where he will be joined by my lovely four-year old) for a holiday, allowing tired muscles time to repair and relax. My plan for next year is to get Cor Y Taran to Blenheim for the 8/9yo CCI4 Championship next Autumn – I will make a proper winter plan with both my trainers on how and what we need to do to achieve this goal.
Tough business decisions
Freestyle R has taken a new path recently and we are exploring the route of pure dressage with him – an area he has always specialised and excelled in. I’m having an interesting time learning pure dressage movements such as multiple changes and pirouette work. He achieved a very exciting 70 per cent at an Advanced Medium recently, givingh him the win. He is now training towards Prix St George and he is such a quick learner. Sadly Freestyle is going onto the market – although I am loving learning new tricks on him my focus will always be eventing, and I know he will give someone a huge amount of pleasure and success in pure dressage. Horses like Freestyle – safe, sound, kind, rideable and with a balance of mind and action – are incredibly rare and although I know he can fly in a new career and partnership it will break my heart to say goodbye. I feel this is the first proper ‘business’ decision I have had to make as I try and establish myself and it has not been an easy one!
Charlie has won 11 out of 11 of his recent competitions, whether dressage or combined training, and this little horse has so much talent and scope. He is a stunning horse to look at and is jaw-droppingly beautiful under saddle. He belongs to my sister and he too needs to move on to a new partnership to allow me to bring in some youngsters to produce to event.
It is very hard producing such lovely animals to then sell them, but as I grow older and understand more about building a business, it has slowly become a sad inevitablity.
As the 2023 event season draws to its close I have more time on my hands for more freelance riding. If you have any horses you would like schooled/ jumped or merely exercised please do get in touch. I have had many seasons schooling hunters and improving them as well as youngsters.
tootsbartletteventing.com
Formerly of Wincanton.
Taken suddenly after a short illness on the 20th November 2023.
Aged 81 years
She will be greatly missed by all her friends.
Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and forever dear. Gone yet not forgotten.
Donations if desired to MacMillan Cancer support
Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard provides an insight into supporting the many complex emotions of suicide bereavement
Trigger warning: this article contains themes of suicide that could be distressing. Please seek support via signposting at the end.
International Survivors of Suicide Day is 19th November – a day which unites those who have lost a loved one to suicide and are navigating bereavement, those who are finding their way after a suicide attempt and those caring for a loved one struggling with suicidal thoughts. It is an important day in the fight to draw attention to those affected by suicide – a topic we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about.
Bereavement is a complex subject – the process is different for different people. Losing a loved one to suicide can bring up so many unanswered questions and feelings. These can include wondering if you could have done more to prevent it or could have stopped it entirely.
You may be more like to have feelings of guilt when grieving a death you feel could have been preventable. While these difficult feelings are best discussed with a professional therapist, it is always important to remember you cannot blame yourself for the actions of another person and it could damage your own mental health.
Take your time
Grieving is an important part of healing and you must allow yourself to take time. It might be weeks, months or even years before you feel back on track. There is no set time-frame, and accepting this could help put you at ease.
However you choose to grieve, make sure you stay in touch with those who care about you. Having a support system is important in helping you to feel less alone and you will be able to open up about what you’re going through.
Both you and others who may also be grieving will benefit from staying connected.
While grief may never go away, it will change and evolve during your life. In the early stages of bereavement it may be very painful and difficult to remember good times you shared with the person you’ve lost. But, in time, you may be able to remember them fondly, and without finding it searingly painful.
If you are supporting someone who is grieving a loved one lost to suicide, the best think you can do is give them time and treat them with patience, kindness and sensitivity.
It can be tough watching the grief of someone you care about, but do make sure you discuss how you are prepared to care for them – ask them what they need, whether that is time and space, or if they perhaps want more company than usual, even if that is just a text to check in every day.
Support for you:
Visit dorsetmind.uk for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy
Call Samaritans on 116 123 for free 24/7 emotional support
Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on NHS 111
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Young learners explore farming and food at 10 Downing Street in a special Lessons at 10 event connecting children with British produce
Forty local schoolchildren were recently lucky enough to join NFU Education at 10 Downing Street for a tailor-made lesson on food and farming.
The Year 5 and 6 pupils from Countess Gytha Primary School in Yeovil, Somerset, were invited into Number 10 to explore the world of agriculture as part of the ‘Lessons at 10’ series, an initiative organised by the Prime Minister’s wife, Akshata Murty.
The lesson introduced the children to British food and farming through NFU Education’s Farming STEMterprise project and challenged them to invent their own finger foods using a range of British ingredients. And the challenge didn’t stop there – the children also had to market their creations and explain the many benefits of using homegrown British produce.
Working in teams, they were supported by an NFU Education Farmers for Schools ambassador, who offered firsthand insights into how they produce high quality, climate-friendly, nutritious food. Hailing from Lancashire to Sussex, they were able to share their expert knowledge of their sectors in dairy, arable, horticulture and sheep farming.
NFU Education Manager Josh Payne said: ‘This event provided an exceptional learning opportunity for these children to understand the importance of the vital world of British farming. It’s a brilliant programme, and it’s wonderful to see Mrs Murty recognising the value of teaching key STEM subjects through the lens of food and farming.
‘It’s important to make agriculture relevant and interesting to young people so they can become more involved in the countryside and rural areas as they grow older.
‘It’s been great to run this session and hopefully it has not only excited the children about food and cooking, but also got them thinking about where ingredients come from and the work that goes into their production. This experience is also a chance to meet real-life farmers, which is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between the field and the plate.
‘I’m sure this ‘Lessons at 10’ event will leave a lasting impact on these children, and we hope to inspire them to appreciate the importance of British produce.’
Ms Murty said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome pupils from Countess Gytha Primary School to Downing Street today for a special farming and food Lessons at 10 event.
‘It’s so important for children to connect with where our food comes from and experience great British produce. Thank you to everyone for coming and highlighting why we should back British farming.’
Fairmead Community Special School transforms the lives of pupils aged between 4-19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD). The school works in partnership with parents/carers and other stakeholders to develop our pupils in becoming positive individuals who make a valuable contribution to their community.
FULL OR PART-TIME LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS (LSA)
Full time based on 34.50 Hours per week, Term Time only (39 weeks).
Part-time hours are negotiable, Term Time only (39 weeks)
Grade 15-14 – £18,456 – £19,078 (full time annual gross salary). Part-time salary reflective or hours worked.
Working hours Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Fri 8.30am-3.45pm and Tues 8.30pm-4.30pm – 34.50 working hours. We can also offer supply hours for those who do not want to conform to a routine working week.
We are seeking to appoint outstanding Learning Support practitioners who are compassionate, dynamic and resourceful individuals to join our dedicated and hardworking team of skilful support staff to work across the whole school. A desired element to this role would be experience of supporting young people with Autism and moderate learning needs. For more details please refer to the application information pack.
FULL OR PART-TIME HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (HLTA) – Level 4
Full time based on 37 Hours per week – Term Time only – 39 weeks
Part-time hours are negotiable, Term Time only (39 weeks)
Grade 12 – £22,937 – £25,262 (full time gross annual salary) subject to the relevant qualifications and experience. Part-time salary is reflective of the hours worked.
Working hours Mon- Thurs 8.30 – 4.30pm, Fri 8.30 – 4pm – 37 working hours. We can also offer supply hours for those who do not want to conform to a routine working week.
We are seeking to appoint a professional HLTA’s (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) responsible for learning activities under a system of supervision involving planning, preparation and delivering learning activities to an individual or small group. To monitor, assess and record pupils’ achievement, progress and development. Experience with complex ASD/SLD pupils is essential. This position will be overseen by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. For more details please refer to the application information pack.
To obtain an application pack please view http://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies or contact [email protected]
Prospective candidates are warmly invited to visit our school; this can be arranged by contacting [email protected]
Closing/Shortlisting Date: Friday 8th December Interviews: Thursday 14th December.
Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS
Apply Link: https://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies/
STARTING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 (SUPPLY ALSO CONSIDERED)
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Fairmead School transforms the lives of young people aged between 4 and 19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD).
We are seeking to appoint both Full & Part time enthusiastic and dynamic Classroom Teachers who have the flexibility to teach a range of curriculum subjects across the school. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, creative, fun and inspirational teachers who have a desire to build meaningful and positive relationships with all the young people they encounter. They will need to approach curriculum subjects in a purposeful, age appropriate and exciting way, engaging young people through first hand experiences. They will have high aspirations for our students and will be committed to, and passionate about, preparing them for successful, independent and happy futures in adulthood.
The successful candidates will join our committed, passionate and dedicated staff team and play an integral role in building an exhilarating future for our school community.
We welcome applications from teachers with all levels of experience and from a range of education backgrounds in both mainstream and special sectors. We would also welcome a teacher with a specialism in ICT. Whilst we will consider both full and part-time hours we can also incorporate supply options, for teachers who not wish to conform to routine working hours.
Full details (Job Description, Person Specification and application form) can be obtained by clicking the Apply Now button below, or the school website www.fairmeadschool.com or by email to [email protected].
We welcome school visits, please email [email protected] to make an appointment.
Closing Date: Friday 8th December Interview Date: Tuesday 12th December
Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS Apply Link: https://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies/
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