David John Rose – Obituary

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19 June 2023

David John Rose died peacefully at home on Tuesday 6^th June 2023. He is survived by his wife, Isabel, and his children; Heloise, Megan, and Erin and six grandchildren. David and Isabel lived in Blandford Forum from 2003, before moving to Colehill, Wimborne in 2021.

David was born in Edinburgh but moved to Kenya at the age of 6 weeks. His father, a water engineer, returned to the UK at Kenyan independence. He has three sisters and a brother. He eventually went to school at Pocklington, where he excelled at sport, coming 2^nd in English Schools 800m, and playing for the England Schools rugby at under 16 and under 19 level.

He joined the army in 1979 and was commissioned into the Green Howards, serving with them in Northern Ireland, UK, Cyprus, and Germany. David also served with 10^th Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong and Brunei and the 1^st Kings Regiment in Cyprus and UK. He served the United Nations in Cyprus and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and with NATO in Macedonia and Kosovo. David and the family spent a very happy year at the Indian staff College in South India. He was also involved in operations in Guyana, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sierra Leone in 2000, where he ran the Information Operations campaign that was one of the main reasons for the defeat of the Revolutionary United Front and for which he was awarded an MBE. He retired in 2014 and worked for Babcock International Group.

In Blandford, he was very active in the community. As a member of Rotary International, he ran the Clean-Up Blandford Campaign for 14 years and the Blandford Hidden Gardens open day for 12 years. He was a member of the Blandford Town Team.

In 2020 he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. David and Isabel moved into a house with his eldest daughter and mother-in-law, and they converted it. The age range in the house was 90 years to 3 years, and there was never a dull moment. David was very pragmatic about the disease and whilst he could, he did as much as he could for the MND Association, including raising over £20,000 on a charity walk. He was so brave, and his family and friends are so proud of him.

The Loving Earth comes to Wincanton

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Editorial team

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18 June 2023

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Touring Quaker exhibition uses textile art to explore the threats to the natural world

Inspired by Hurricane Grace and the idea that Grace should have been chosen for the name of such a destructive natural event.

ooks at the threats to the natural world from environmental and climate change – and human behaviour – is coming to Wincanton over the weekend of 7th to 9th July.
Loving Earth is an international touring exhibition of panels by artists of all ages, some highly skilled textile experts and others total novices. Originally shown in 2019, it has toured widely, from Quaker meeting houses and the House of Commons to venues across Europe and the USA.
It has previously been seen in Dorset and Somerset and is now in its final year olf touring, returning to the south west and makiing its first visit to Wincanton’s Quaker Meeting House. Of the more than 400 panels that have been made since the start of the project, around 60 are exhibited at the smaller venues.
The exhibition at the House of Commons earlier this year was the result of the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, seeing it in his own constitutency of Chorley. The panels have also been exhibited internationally in Ireland, France, Slovenia and the USA. The show at the Scottish Maritime Museum was praised as one of the best cultural events in Scotland for COP 26.

Some of the textile panels which will be displayed at the Meeting House.

A need for action
The Loving Earth project, initiated in 2019, was aimed at helping individual and communities in the UK and further afield to consider and respond to the climate crisis in a personal and original way. Each textile panel addresses threats to our environment from a different perspective, and is accompanied by details from the artist on why a theme is close to their heart and what responsive action they have taken. Places, people and wildlife are all highlighted and numerous questions about the climate emergency are raised.
‘The project aims to help people engage creatively and constructively with loss and environmental breakdown, without being overwhelmed,’ says Linda Murgatroyd, clerk of Quaker Arts Network and project co-founder. ‘It illustrates a variety of actions individuals are taking, and their concerns that much more is urgently needed.’
One important aspect of the exhibition is the deep care and concern it displays for the survival of our planet and an awareness that, while none of us can solve the climate crisis alone, we can all be part of the solution

For more information about this Quaker Arts Network exhibition, see the Loving Earth website

Piddlehinton village fete

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Editorial team

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17 June 2023

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Saturday 15th July

The lovely English country garden of The Old Rectory, Rectory Road,
Piddlehinton will be the setting for the village’s annual Church Fete this year.
There is to be a display by Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club, children’s races, a coconut shy, skittles, the obligatory ‘welly whanging’ and pony rides.
The popular fun dog show will have classes for every dog!
Not to mention there wil of course be the chance to buy from the many well-stocked stalls;
bric-a-brac, plants, cakes, preserves and books.
And of course, the Silent Auction and Raffle will b oth have wonderful prizes on offer.
After all that you’llhave earned a sit down – and perhaps partake of the hog roast, enjoy an afternoon teas, an ice cream … or just head for the Pimm’s stall?!
Join the villagers and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of entertainment for the whole family. Set in the beautiful Piddle Valley, just five miles north of Dorchester (DT2 7TE), everyone is welcomed to the lovely village.
Entry is £1.50 Adults, free for under 16s. All profits to charity.

‘Too much like a dragon…’

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Editorial team

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16 June 2023

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This month, Barry Cuff has selected cards published by J R Green, Evershot. Green is not listed in either the 1895 or 1923 Kelly’s Directories. There was a Green who had a photographic studio in Abbotsbury around 1880, producing cartes de visite – a format of small photograph card which was used as a forerunner of social media, commonly traded among friends and visitors.

This postcard of Leigh School was posted to Holmfield, Manitoba, Canada in 1911

The 1911 Coronation decorations at Evershot Station – posted to Glastonbury in 1911

This postcard of the Abbotsbury Swans was posted to Lambeth in 1910

The above image was posted to Yeovil in 1906. On the card are Lady Ilchester, Lady Powis, Lady Guiness, Lady Crewe, HRH [Princess] of Wales (Princess Maud of Wales) and Sir Donald Wallace.
Part of the message on this card reads ‘thought you would like this spiffing card. It is good of Lady Ilchester but HRH is too much like a dragon to please me’.

Dennis Chinaworks OPEN DAY

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Editorial team

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16 June 2023

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Celebrating 30 years

Sunday 2nd July 11.00 – 5.00

Demonstrations, Original trials, Discontinued designs

Vintage glass shop, Delicious free refreshments

[email protected]

https://www.dennischinaworks.com

01460 240622

Shepton House, Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset, TA19 OJT

‘UK fibre provider of the year’ – Wessex Internet wins TWO national awards

By

Laura

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16 June 2023

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Blandford-based Wessex Internet has been named the national ‘UK Fibre Provider of the Year’ in recognition of its exceptional achievements in the broadband industry. The company won two prestigious national awards at the recent UK Fibre Awards ceremony held in London – including the coveted title of ‘UK Fibre Provider of the Year,’ surpassing competitors from across the country. Additionally, the company was honoured with the ‘Best Rural Provider’ award for the second consecutive year, highlighting its dedication to connecting rural communities across Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire and closing the digital divide.

At the awards ceremony, Wessex Internet stood out among other providers due to its customer-centric approach, its industry-leading customer satisfaction scores, and a strong commitment to network upgrades. The company’s substantial investments in customer service and infrastructure improvements have propelled its rapid growth and made it a trailblazer in delivering full fibre connectivity to rural areas.

Far left is Richard Coles (broadcaster, television presenter) who presented the awards. Then *from Wessex Internet* L to R: Jez Allman, Tessa Young, Chloe Parry-Jones, Charis Nelson and Geraint Evans .

The judging panel, consisting of seven industry experts, recognised Wessex Internet’s impressive accomplishments. The company’s innovative network build approach and collaborative efforts with the community were acknowledged, particularly where Wessex Internet successfully brought full fibre to vastly underserved areas that have been neglected by traditional providers.

Last year, the BV reported that a £6 million contract is bringing the government’s new Project Gigabit to 7,000 rural properties across the district over the next three years.
Forget super-fast or even ultra-fast broadband – Project Gigabit aims to bring the fastest and most reliable internet connections to hard-to-reach rural areas, to enable families and businesses to take full advantage of technological advances in the coming decades.
For North Dorset, the contract with Wessex Internet will result in vastly improved connectivity for businesses and individuals outside the market towns and larger villages. The first homes have already been connected, with an expected completion date for all by 2025.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet CEO said: ‘We’re thrilled to have won these two awards. The hard work and dedication of so many people across our business is the reason we’ve managed to beat the majors in our industry from across the UK to win these fantastic awards.’

The UK Fibre Awards recognises industry leaders in technical advancements, business strategies, and outstanding achievements. The judging panel consisted of experienced professionals from the telecommunications and ICT sectors.

Wessex Internet’s accolades at the UK Fibre Awards further solidify its position as a pioneering broadband provider, committed to bridging the digital divide and connecting rural communities to reliable, high-speed internet services. With a customer-focused approach and continuous investment in network infrastructure, Wessex Internet continues to lead the way in delivering full fibre connectivity throughout the Wessex region.

“Shaftesbury Arts Centre Sets Sail Once Again with a Stunning Maritime Exhibition, ‘Boats, by the Yard’”

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Editorial team

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16 June 2023

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Once again, Shaftesbury Arts Centre emerges as a haven for lovers of nautical life. It’s a spot to dock your stormy sea gear, shake off the saline sweat, and immerse yourself in an oceanic journey. Even if you’re not a maritime enthusiast, Kim Pragnell and Hilary Ball have concocted an exhibition, “Boats, by the yard”, guaranteed to fascinate the masses. It boasts an impressive array of boat paintings, both functional and leisurely, capturing everything from active trawlers to beached freighters in an assortment of environments.

Kim with one of his new ‘romantic’ paintings – Wool on the wire image: Edwina Baines Oct 2021 BV Magazine – https://www.theblackmorevale.co.uk/2021/10/15/in-the-studio-with-kim-pragnell/

Prepare for a visual feast of charcoal sketches, the vibrant hues of Cornish trawlers, fishing nets, and harbour scenes. Despite the exhibition’s brief run (Wednesday 28th June 2023 – Tuesday 8th July), there’s ample opportunity to soak up the spectacle before the tide rolls in.

You can find us at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Bell Street, Shaftesbury. Our gallery doors open from 10:00 to 16:00 daily. You can reach us at 01258 446441.

Further enhancing the experience, Shaftesbury Wines has kindly agreed to sponsor the Preview on Wednesday 24th June from 17:00 to 19:00, offering a selection of their exquisite house wines. It’s a perfect pairing, a true delight. We eagerly anticipate your visit.

https://kim-pragnell-theseascapepainter.co.uk/

No10 summit and Sherborne West

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Editorial team

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16 June 2023

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A balance of environmental concerns with food security – and local people must be at the heart of local politics, says MP Chris Loder

I have for some time believed that we have to balance our environmental concerns with our food security needs. As the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ministers in DEFRA, I was therefore pleased to be at an early morning meeting with the Prime Minister in May to discuss food security issues as part of the Farm to Fork Summit. I was also very pleased to see that Dorset Cereals, one of our major local businesses – previously based in Dorchester and now operating from Poole – was a stallholder at the event.
To address the criticisms I have heard levelled at the Summit as being ‘non-inclusive’, it is important to remember that there are only so many people you can fit into 10 Downing Street; I was actually impressed by the good number of important representatives who did attend. On another note, while it was good to have the NFU in attendance, it is worth noting that they only represent around 50 per cent of those working in the farming industry. It was great to see that other groups, such as the Tenant Farmers Association, were also present.
Fundamentally, this was a Summit about the UK food supply chain and its self-sufficiency, incredibly important topics. There were also lots of focussed discussion groups, each one having key government advisors in attendance to get opinion and feedback. As the Dorset MP present, and especially being from a tenant farming background, rest assured that Dorset’s voice was heard loud and clear.

Sherborne West
Later this month, on 29th June, polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm for residents of the Sherborne West ward, as more than 2,200 households face a by-election this month for a new Dorset councillor. It follows the resignation last month of Liberal Democrat councillor, Matthew Hall – who moved to Devon almost a year ago.
This by-election provides the opportunity to restore a Sherborne voice to Dorset Council. Participating in local government can be a rewarding and insightful opportunity; I was the local councillor for the Cam Vale ward following a by-election in 2013, and the experiences I gained from local government were formative in developing my interest in national politics.

Modern governance
At the time of writing this article, only the Conservatives have formally adopted their candidate to contest the by-election. Rebecca Burns, who is a lifelong Sherborne resident and award-winning town business owner, was selected on 13th May by the West Dorset Conservative Association. Rebecca has pledged to improve communication between electors and their local councillor and she has allready been out on the doorsteps, delivering letters, talking to residents and listening to their concerns.
As someone who was born in Sherborne and who knows the town and its people well, I’m relieved that the community has Rebecca as a candidate. It genuinely makes a difference when a person born and raised in the area is the candidate representing the interests of local people.
One of Rebecca’s main priorities is to re-open the enquiry desk at Sherborne Police Station – which has the backing of Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick. Being able to talk to a police representative in-person can make reporting crime less intimidating; a welcome move considering there were 74 incidents (including business-related crime and anti-social behaviour) reported in Sherborne in March alone. I am also pleased to hear that Rebecca is committed to respecting the town’s values and heritage, while wanting to introduce a more modern, refreshed approach to governance and representation. Local politics should be about local people, and in Sherborne West Rebecca certainly has my full support.

My bathroom tiler has let me down

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Editorial team

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15 June 2023

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A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.

Q: ‘I’ve just had my bathroom re-tiled, but I’m not happy with the work. At first, things seemed to be going well, but then the tradesperson left to do another job and I had to chase them for updates. They did eventually come back and finish the job, but the work was pretty rough around the edges. They also left all the old tiles and plaster for me to dispose of, which I wasn’t expecting. I’ve now got the invoice, but I don’t think the price reflects the work done or the service I got. Can I challenge this?’

A: It’s always frustrating when you run into problems with home improvements. You mention that the job looked “rough round the edges” – if this is to a degree whereby you could consider the job unfinished or unsafe, you should be able to get the tiler to come back to fix it. You could also suggest to him/her that moving the old tiles might be considered as part of finishing the job.
If the tiler considers the work complete, it’s worth knowing you’re protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which says the tiler should have completed the work with ‘reasonable care and skill’. If they haven’t done this, they’ve broken the law.
The Act means you’re legally entitled to ask the tiler to fix the problem (if they provided the tiles as well as the service) or get money refunded (if they just provided the service and you bought the tiles).
They should fix the problem or refund you in a reasonable amount of time, without causing too much inconvenience.
As you’ve received the invoice for the work but not paid yet, now would be a good time to ask them to fix the issue or you could negotiate a lower price for the work. Let the tiler know you understand what you’re entitled to. Speak to them in person, or contact them in writing/over email – there are template letters on the Citizens Advice website. Either way, make sure you have a written copy of anything agreed. Before you contact them, it’s a good idea to take photographs to use as evidence of the problem. Make notes about what happened, including dates and times.
You should also gather any paperwork and receipts – was there any prior written agreement about who would dispose of the old tiles? Was the final cost in line with estimates or quotes given to you at the outset of the work? If not, there is advice on the Citizens Advice website about steps you can take.
If you’re struggling to come to an agreement with the tiler, there are other steps you can take to solve your problem, including using ‘alternative dispute resolution’, which is a way of solving disagreements without going to court. There are full details about how to do this on the Citizens Advice website.