The leather lads

10 November 2023

Tracie Beardsley meets Dorset craftsmen Chris and Ed, internationally recognised as two of the world’s best under-40 leatherworkers

Chris Holbrook (left) and Ed Waldron of Orris Leather
All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

It’s a late Friday afternoon when I interview Chris Holbrook and Ed Waldron. Both men have already worked an extremely long week, Ed as a community nurse supporting elderly patients in care homes and Chris helping run his family’s successful shoe repair shop in Dorchester.

Evenings all week have been busy too, designing and handmaking from scratch the beautiful leather products – handbags, bags, belts, wallets, dog leads and collars – in their tiny workroom. All weekend, and virtually every weekend between now and Christmas, these talented craftsmen will sell their luxury leather goods at craft and Christmas markets.
Chris explains: ‘Every year our home becomes like Santa’s workshop. We spill out from the workroom into the dining room to keep up with commissions.’

Ed Waldron using a traditional saddler’s clam to clamp his leather in place -–stitching leather is a two-handed process

Both men are self-taught, and their business, Orris Leather, was born out of a hobby. Chris, whose stepfather and step-grandfather are cobblers, went on an introductory shoe-making course. Ed, who is a gifted embroiderer from a family devoted to arts and crafts, also decided to turn his hand to working with leather.
Ed says: ‘It got to the stage where we had made so many wallets for ourselves and friends, it seemed a natural progression to start making belts. Then came dog collars, accessories and bags. We took the leap three years ago and launched our business.’

Chris Holbrook working in Orris Leather’s tiny workroom

And though both still have the security of “day jobs”, their business is booming. As well as making their own designs, they take commissions, do repairs and run workshops. Chris says: ‘We’ve just helped someone restore an antique sword case. It was such a privilege to work on it and share our knowledge with the owner.’
Their work has been recognised locally and internationally. They won the Perpetual Challenge Cup at Dorset County Show 2022 for best craft exhibit – a stunning suede-lined handbag. The same year, they were included in the prestigious 40 under 40, a scheme to find the forty best young leatherworkers in the world, organised by one of the UK’s most reputable leather producers, Abbey England in Cheshire. So how do the pair share the workload?

Orris Leather produce hand crafted belts, wallets, dog collars and bags

‘We make it as fair as possible,’ says Ed. ‘Some of our products are hand-dyed, which Chris is really good at it. I don’t have his patience, so I don’t get as consistent results – it is an art in itself. A slightly different part of leather yields slightly different colours, and Chris manages to get uniform results. I steer clear!’
Chris adds: ‘Ed is much braver than I am. He’ll give new techniques a go then teach me. We know each other’s strengths, which makes us a good team.’

An average-sized bag has between 800 and 1,500 hand-sewn stitches and takes about three days; more complex bags with lining will take six days to complete.

Are they critical of each other’s work? ‘Not of each other’s, but we’re overly critical of our own,’ admits Ed. ‘We’re dedicated to producing high quality products. Finish is so important to us. A lot of leatherwork out there is unfinished in terms of the hallmarks of quality. We won’t scrimp on those.
‘We spend time perfecting products rather than sending out anything substandard. Leather is forgiving – treat it well and it will treat you well in return.’
Steady concentration is key in leatherwork. An average-sized bag has between 800 and 1,500 hand-sewn stitches and takes about three days; more complex bags with lining will take six days to complete. Sewing machines are never used.
Ed says: ‘Stitching is beautifully repetitive and relaxing. I think I could stitch in my sleep. We must have made millions of stitches in the past three years.
‘And calloused fingers are just part of the job!’

orrisleather.co.uk

Quick fire questions:

Books by your bedside?
Ed: I’m a sucker for a 99p Kindle download so I couldn’t tell you what I’m reading as there’s no front cover image!
Chris: I don’t get much time to read but the last book I read was ‘The Secret Life of Trees’ by Colin Tudge.

A-lister dinner party guests? (once the dining table is clear!)
Ed: The Queen. She was such an interesting person, incredibly understated. I’d like to get below her surface. Also the charming Sean Connery and The Repair Shop’s Suzie Fletcher – we’ve been lucky enough to meet her and she’s so chilled.
Chris: Patricia Routledge and Angela Lansbury! I love Murder She Wrote. Also, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders – I’m a big Ab Fab fan, and they would be an absolute riot.

Gifts gathered in Shaftesbury for children’s hospital

Editorial team

9 November 2023

It’s a trio that could be the start of a bad joke: an armed forces charity, some motorbike riders and a funeral director … but instead of walking into a bar,m they’ll be riding to Dorset County Hospital with toys this Christmas.
Dan Skinner, a Funeral Service Operative in Shaftesbury, is currently organising the toy run to Dorchester on Saturday 16th December. The idea began during a local gathering of the Royal British Legion Riders – and Dan has already secured £500 in donations from Southern Co-op, which operates his own Co-operative Funeralcare branch.
The contributions will be presented to Kingfisher Ward, the children’s ward which offers 17 inpatient beds across various specialities. This year the ward will be brimming with Christmas gifts for all the young patients to enjoy.
Dan says, ‘I am currently trying to bring together as many people as I can muster. The more involvement we have, the more donations we can gather, and the more the children will benefit.
‘The hospital staff have sent me a list of items they would be very grateful for, so this donation will make a great difference. We have approached other motorcycle groups as well; I hope we’ll have a good attendance.’
The primary mission of the Royal British Legion Riders is to support the poppy appeal, but they are always willing to lend a helping hand in the community when opportunities arise.
‘We also do a lot of funeral escorts’ says Dan. ‘At the request of families, mostly for veterans who have passed away.’

To find out more about the Dorset branch of the Royal British Legion Riders, visit
facebook.com/RBLRDorset or email [email protected].

Taylor, Anthony (Tony)

Editorial team

9 November 2023

27/08/1936 – 01/11/2023

Anthony Taylor (Tony) Born in Mere 27/08/1936 Tony passed away on 1st November 2023 at Hays House aged 87 years. He will be sadly missed by his sisters Sylvia and Muriel, family and friends.

Funeral service at St Michael’s Church Mere on 22nd November 2023. at 2pm and afterwards meet with the family at Zeals Village Hall.

Family Flowers only. Donations if desired for Parkinson’s U.K.

Open Q&A with Chris Loder MP

Editorial team

9 November 2023

Last month in the BV the West Dorset MP offered to answer an open postbag – and here he has answered all the letters that were sent

Q1. What is being done to highlight the need for more NHS dentists – in West Dorset in particular? I, and many like me, am now faced with finding money which I haven’t got to go private. We’re building more houses. Where are these people going to go? We are just being forced into the private sector.
Kevin Morse, Buckland Newton
A: I am working hard to reform NHS dental services in West Dorset. This year, I led a Westminster Hall debate calling for the Health Minister to address the issue of poor access to routine and emergency dental treatment (see it here). I also hold quarterly meetings with our local NHS. I spoke in Parliament again to ask the Minister responsible for NHS dentistry when there would be action to resolve the situation. I am keeping up constant pressure to find a solution.
In addition, I have talked with local dentists and dental staff, and I am running a survey which I ask you to complete, in order to capture constituents’ personal experiences.

Q2. How important do you see the climate crisis? And what have you done already to try to get the Tories to address it?
Sarah Ryan, Milborne St Andrew
A: Climate change is very real, and we are starting to see this with recent weather extremes. We have had the fastest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the G7, and over-delivered on our targets over the last decade, including bringing in the Environment Act.
But we shouldn’t lose sight of the responsibility of other countries – China produces more than 30 per cent of all CO2 emissions, for example; the UK’s contribution is less than one per cent.

Q3. Can a woman have a penis? Karen Jump, Sherborne
A: No, a biological woman cannot. It is madness to suggest otherwise. But I presume the question is raising the issues surrounding gender self-identification which I am worried about, especially with young children. The LibDem’s “Menstruation is not just a women’s issue” undermines the biological reality of women, and protections afforded to them. It will be an important discussion point at the next General Election.

Q4. What is the point of investing money and time into a well-thought-out, locally-agreed Neighbourhood Plan if it is going to be entirely ignored by planning officials?
And what is the point of local planning if decisions are ultimately influenced by the fact that the council simply can’t afford the sheer cost of the appeal the wealthy developers will inevitably lodge against any refusal, resulting in a de facto approval – how is this in any way a working, effective and controlled planning system?
Karen James, Dorchester
A: The principle of a Neighbourhood Plan is to give communities direct power to develop a vision and shape the development and growth of their local area.
It is difficult to give a helpful view without understanding the exact example, but Karen is welcome to contact me direct to discuss

Q5. How can we stop our Dorset village communities being killed by the slow ‘death by a thousand-second homes’?
Annie Maples, Sherborne
A: In late October, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill came into law. Among many other measures, the Act enables local councils to exercise the power of increasing council tax on empty homes – in some cases by up to 200 per cent. Another solution involves stricter controls of short-term let companies such as Airbnb. I think very large housing developments absorb the life out of our smaller villages – I would like to see smaller developments across the area, and I am a strong supporter of Community Land Trusts (you can find out more about my work on housing and development here).
Q6. How, after so many years in government, can the Tories account for the fact that approximately 3.8 million people experienced destitution in 2022 – more than double that in 2017, and nearly triple the number of children? Specifically, what is being done regarding underestimated rural poverty?
Mary Coles, Dorchester
A: Of the figure quoted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, almost three-quarters are in receipt of social security payments. The government has provided unprecedented financial support to help people during the cost-of-living crisis, and has just announced that benefit claimants are eligible for an extra £900 payment.
In terms of rural hardship, I have been pushing for greater recognition from the government when it comes to calculating grants for rural areas, including a lowering of the council tax. I have made numerous interventions in Westminster about the imbalance of rural hardship compared with urban poverty (you can see them here and here).

Q7. He never answers my emails so why should he answer any questions from me on this?
David Edwards, Facebook
A: This is an untrue statement from David Edwards in Bridport – he has received numerous responses from me and his frequent social media statements like this are disingenuous.

Q8. What is his position on the World Health Organisation’s proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations which will remove national and personal control over medical decisions?
Phillip Jeans, Facebook
A: The International Health Regulations (2005) are a key part of the global health security system. The original International Sanitary Regulations, which preceded the International Health Regulations – were adopted in 1969 and amended several times. The third edition (2005) has been amended twice – in 2014 and 2022. The revisions illustrate their fluid nature, adapting to the health challenges that the world faces at any given time. I am unable to comment on the specifics of the latest amendments until they are officially confirmed by the WHO.

Q 9. Will Mr Loder make a public acknowledgement – preferably by way of an apology – for his fawning endorsement of Liz Truss?
Julian Andrews, Facebook
A: I have already publicly acknowledged my position on the former Prime Minister. It is not a secret that I supported Liz Truss to be Boris Johnson’s successor, and it was my view that Liz Truss’ intention – to avoid a recession – was right. Our local economy suffered greatly over Covid and has not yet fully recovered – we lost 18 per cent of our businesses.
But the pace of her policies was too fast. It caused ‘indigestion’ in the markets and became clear that the level of political turbulence was not sustainable and the drive to grow had to be balanced by stability – both political and economic.
This prompted Liz Truss’ resignation and the subsequent leadership election.

Q10. What is Mr Loder’s opinion of Mr Sunak’s U-turn on our Net Zero goals? How can it be defended that the government sets up an independent body to advise it on such things, and then defies the recommendations of that Climate Change Committee, simply ignoring the view of the official body it instigated?
Trina Lacey, Sherborne
A: There has been no U-turn on the aim of achieving Net Zero by 2050. But there has been a change to a more realistic route, in order to get there without pushing people who, for example, have oil boilers (as many of my rural constituents do) into spending significant amounts of money on a new ground or air source heat pump if they need to change their boiler.
The previous approach – which I did not advocate – risked burdening rural families and those with low-incomes with the most cost, with many rural people being pressed into paying thousands for a new heating system. That could not be justified during a cost-of-living crisis. But we have the best of both worlds, in that the government, at the same time, put forward a Boiler Upgrade Scheme to finance 50 per cent of the cost of a new air/ground source heat pump if you are in the financial position to do so.
The Climate Change Committee is actually an advisory, non-departmental public body.
On this topic, I have a survey active on my website which invites constituents to share their views with me on the topic of rural energy, which you can complete here: chrisloder.co.uk/ruralenergy

Q11. What boards of which companies has Mr Loder got lined up for joining after the next election?
Nicholas Greenhough, Facebook
A: … None.

Q12. Why doesn’t Mr Loder upload onto his website a list of all the places around his constituency where he will be holding a surgery? Why doesn’t he hold open debates at places he holds a surgery?
Annie Webster, Facebook
A: I hold weekly surgeries around the constituency, and they are attended by appointment. They are not publicly advertised, regrettably, because of security risks. But Ms Webster is a regular correspondent, so I am comfortable she has plenty of communication with her MP.

Constituents are more than welcome to contact me at: [email protected]

To lift or not to lift?

Editorial team

8 November 2023

It’s the annual dahlia dilemma: flower farmer Charlotte Tombs looks at the pros and cons of different ways to protect your tubers from a frosty fate

What shall I do with my dahlia tubers? Do I leave them in? Do I dig them up and store them over winter? As with life, there are no easy answers, and pros and cons to both methods.
Dahlias are from Mexico – the tubers help feed them, but the tuber is fleshy and can rot or freeze. I like to think of them as tender perennials; with the right care they will come back year after year.
Coming from Mexico they don’t like continual freezing temperatures – they will rot very quickly if they are left to sit in water or those fleshy tubers are touched by frost.

The pros of lifting
By lifting dahlia tubers, you can check them over for disease. You can also firmly compost that one which was sold to you as ‘palest apricot with a hint of peach’ but actually turned out to be the most hideous yellow. Do that now; you’ll only forget and then regret it when it flowers next summer!
Split the tubers when you lift them and you make more plants for free – how is that not a win win situation?
You’ll know by early spring if the tubers have survived, giving you time to replace them with new dahlias.
You can plant them somewhere different each year, trying new areas.

The cons of lifting
It’s time-consuming to lift if you have lots of dahlia tubers!
Lifting isn’t risk-free: the tubers need to be properly stored or they’ll rot. They also need to be kept somewhere frost-free, and checked every so often. But if they’re kept too dry and warm, they can dry out completely, never recover … and still die.

The pros of leaving
You don’t have the hard work and worry of storing them correctly. All you need to do is add a thick layer of mulch over them.
Tubers left in the ground will start to sprout sooner, flower earlier, and have even more flowers as the tuber hasn’t been disturbed.

The cons of leaving
They will rot if they have not been sufficiently mulched or left to sit in water.
You won’t know if they have survived the winter until they start to sprout again. If they have rotted, you may find it hard to replace them.

Hedge your bets?
So whether you lift or leave your dahlias, there is a risk of losing them if you don’t do it correctly.
What do I do?
I hedge my bets!
I lift some, but I do leave the lion’s share in the ground – meaning I lost a lot of varieties last winter, as it was a particularly harsh one.
I am in a frost pocket, but I have free draining soil and I put down a thick layer of mulch after we’ve had two frosts, which will put the dahlias into dormancy. I also over-plant with my ranunculus corms once they are sturdy plants and these have a low tunnel over them, which also helps to protect the dormant dahlia tubers.
Any questions please ask!

I’m running various Christmas wreath
workshops. Spaces fill fast, so don’t delay
and avoid disappointment. If you’d like to organise a workshop for friends or work colleagues, the minimum is six. Contact me for more information – see full details on Facebook.

King Lear with Oddbodies

Editorial team

8 November 2023

Armed with only a drum, a guitar, a knife and a chair, the trajectory of Lear’s demise is presented to you from the point of view of his long suffering and ever-loyal fool – fast paced, funny and ultimately heartbreaking.

24th Nov Buckland Newton Village Hall
25th Nov Powerstock hut
Tickets (£12) and details on artsreach.co.uk

Michael Partington, classical guitarist, returns to his roots

Editorial team

8 November 2023

Sherborne and its surrounds have a rich tradition of nurturing highly talented musicians and singers, counting luminaries like Ruth Rogers (violin), Dame Emma Kirkby (soprano), and Chris Martin (Coldplay) among their ranks.
Michael Partington arrived in Milborne Port as a young teenager when his parents owned a shop on London Road. He pursued his passion for the guitar locally, and began teaching it while completing his A-levels. He was employed by the council to teach in several local schools and Yeovil College.
In 1991, he chose to move to America, where he has since thrived as Artist in Residence and director of the guitar programme at the University of Washington in Seattle. In addition to teaching, Michael’s musical journey has seen him performing as a soloist and with ensembles across North America, Europe, Scandinavia, as well as on BBC Radio 3 and national public radio in America.
His 11th solo CD, Concoctions From the Kitchen, was released in October this year dedicated to American composer Bryan Johanson. Classical Guitar magazine has lauded Michael for his ‘lyricism, intensity, and clear technical command.’
Sherborne Douzelage is fortunate enough to have Michael Partington performing a fundraising concert in support of the Douzelage General meeting involving 27 countries, set to take place in Sherborne in April 2024.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, November 25th, at Cheap Street Church in Sherborne, commencing at 7:30 pm. Tickets priced at £15 are available from Winstone’s Bookshop in Sherborne, or you can contact Mary [email protected]

Night Worker – Mental Health (Shaftesbury, Dorset) | Bournemouth Churches Housing Association

Editorial team

8 November 2023

(Permanent, Full – Time, £21781.50 – £23,380 per annum)

Based Shaftesbury, Dorset

Company Description

BCHA is a forward thinking, dynamic and vibrant place to work. We employ great people who are committed to our values and want to achieve the best outcomes for those most in need of our services to ‘find a way forward’.

We look for enthusiastic, passionate, caring people who thrive on delivering effective services and going the extra mile. In exchange for your commitment, we will make sure you get the rewards, training and benefits you deserve. Our aim is to create a professional environment in which you can thrive: we want you to be able to be your best self in the workplace.

Position

Are you passionate about mental health and ready to take on a role where you can directly impact the lives of those facing mental health challenges? Join our team as a Night Intensive Housing Officer specializing in Mental Health Support. In this crucial role, you will provide essential support to individuals with mental health needs, empowering them on their journey to recovery and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

Night Shifts with a Mental Health Focus: As a Night Intensive Housing Officer, you will work night shifts, including bank holidays, with a strong emphasis on providing specialized mental health support.

Comprehensive Mental Health Training: Our organization is committed to your success. We offer a comprehensive training program tailored to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in providing mental health support.

Empowering Mental Health: Your primary mission is to empower individuals facing mental health challenges to overcome obstacles, including substance abuse and housing stability.

Trauma-Informed Approach: Apply trauma-informed approaches to ensure that individuals receive compassionate and effective mental health support.

Safeguarding and Collaboration: Gain expertise in safeguarding and collaborate with external agencies to ensure the well-being and mental health recovery of our clients.

What We Offer:

Join a Supportive Team: Become part of a dynamic and inclusive team dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in our community.

Specialized Mental Health Training: Access training in various mental health areas, including trauma, addiction, and domestic abuse, to enhance your expertise.

Promote Mental Health Change: Play a crucial role in raising awareness and driving positive changes in the mental health journey of our clients.

Personal Growth: Enjoy a fulfilling and varied role that combines your interpersonal skills with your passion for mental health advocacy.

Career Progression: Explore opportunities for career growth and development while making a significant impact on the mental well-being of those we serve.

Job Satisfaction: Experience genuine job satisfaction as you make a meaningful impact on individuals’ mental health and overall quality of life.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking individuals who have a positive attitude and a strong desire to make a difference in mental health. This role is also suitable for shift workers seeking a change of environment, students seeking valuable work experience, recent graduates eager to launch their careers, and volunteers or relief workers transitioning to full-time permanent roles.

Join our team and become a Night Intensive Housing Officer specializing in Mental Health Support. Apply now and be an integral part of our mission to make a real impact on mental health recovery. Together, we can empower individuals and foster mental well-being.

Requirements

Strong understanding of mental health assessment and intervention techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Empathy, compassion, and a commitment to customer confidentiality.

Apply today form immediate interview – https://bit.ly/BCHANightWBV

Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment:

Safeguarding individuals remains our top priority. We follow stringent safer recruitment procedures to ensure that individuals seeking help receive the best care possible. Background checks, including DBS checks, are a requirement for all team members.

Despite funding hurdles, emotional backing grows for Octagon Theatre expansion

Editorial team

8 November 2023

Hundreds of people from Yeovil and the surrounding area showed their backing for the Octagon Theatre at a meeting at Westlands entertainment centre on 10th October. The Yeovil Town Council was called to discuss a possible partnership with Somerset Council to ensure the future of the project to refurbish the Octagon Theatre and enable it to host bigger touring shows, bigger audiences and to support more small scale local productions and companies.
The Arts Council has promised £10 million towards the ‘cultural hub’ scheme but Somerset Council has put the £30 million project on hold because of the impact of rising interest rates.
After strong statements from council leader Graham Oakes and the majority of councillors, with a small minority calling for the theatre to ‘just reopen’, the town council voted by 12 to two in support of Cllr Oakes’ motion to work with Somerset Council to get the project back on track.
There were emotional speeches from the floor. Yeovil-born Liz Pike is one of the founders of the successful Yeovil Literary Festival. She recalled that the original Johnson Hall had been opened in 1974 – when inflation was running at 23 per cent and mortgage interest was 14 per cent. The hall was expanded into the Octagon and has been even more important since the closure of the arts centre in 2002.

Time to be ambitious
Founder and artistic director of Project Dance, 19-year old professional dancer James Bamford said the plans were necessary to attract bigger companies and productions, and the project would be ‘an investment in education, culture and the local economy. It is time to be more ambitious,’ he said, to great applause.
The planned work includes expanding the main auditorium from 622 to 900 seats, back-stage improvements and the construction of a fly tower for bigger sets.
The aim is to transform the Octagon into a flagship cultural hub – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has already announced its plans to make the reopened theatre its home in Somerset.
Somerset councillors have asked for alternative, affordable, plans to be drawn up – even if construction costs stayed the same, the rise in interest rates would increase the costs. It was anticipated that the council would borrow £16.3m at 1.5 per cent; the rise in interest means costs grow from £245,000 to more than £1m a year.
Graham Oakes proposed: ‘This council seeks the opportunity to work in partnership with Somerset Council to ensure the future of the Octagon Theatre project. The council wishes to financially support the plans and ensure that it progresses in accordance with the support of the people of Somerset.’

A flagship venue
Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, told the estimated 400 people present that the unitary authority wishes to work in partnership with Yeovil council and other bodies to keep the project alive as a ‘flagship venue for Yeovil and Somerset.’
Independent town councillor Tareth Casey, who is opposed to the Yeovil Refresh town centre regeneration scheme and the Octagon refurbishment, claimed the budget was under-estimated. But he raised an important question about why two of the three original prospective developers had withdrawn from the tendering process.
Adam Burgan, Somerset’s entertainment manager who has been at the Octagon for 15 years, explained the particular need for improved facilities. Somerset Council wanted to explore the opportunities, he said. ‘Please have a bit of patience.’
Graham Oakes said the Octagon had become regionally important, thanks to Adam Burgan’s leadership. Many audience members ‘came over the border from Dorset – perhaps Dorset Council should be asked to contribute,’ he suggested. A refurbished and enlarged theatre would attract a wider range of acts and companies, putting on shows which currently require a trip to Bristol or Southampton.
‘If you can put on the big shows, you can afford to put on the local shows – you need one to keep the other going.’

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