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Head Coach (Rugby) | Clayesmore School

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To commence September 2023

An enthusiastic and committed Head Coach for Rugby with a Level 2 or 3 Rugby qualification and experience of planning and delivering a Rugby programme for Senior

School pupils is required.

You will play a full and active role in delivering our exciting sports programme and coaching either Athletics or Cricket would be beneficial.

Experience of working with Prep school children

would be advantageous.

This is a permanent, part time, term time only role. We offer a competitive salary and benefits for the successful candidate.

For further information and to apply please go to:

https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/

Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in the commitment.

www.clayesmore.com

Sports Teaching Assistant (Cricket) | Clayesmore School

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Full time, fixed term contract until July 2024

To commence September 2023

An enthusiastic and committed Graduate Assistant with a Level 2 Cricket Coaching qualification and experience of coaching any major team sport, is required on a one year contract. You will play a full and active role in delivering our exciting sports programme.

The successful candidate will also have or be willing to attend a course for an NPLQ.

This position would suit a recent graduate looking for experience prior to teacher training or seeking a short-term post prior to embarking on another career path. As the role involves some out of hours coaching and attending fixtures accommodation

is available if required.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits for

the successful candidate.

For further information and to apply please go to:

https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/

Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

www.clayesmore.com

The Countess of Carnarvon answers the 19 random questions

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Countess Carnarvon, the chatelaine of Highclere Castle, will be giving a talk at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton this month about her latest book, The Earl and The Pharaoh. The Castle is, of course, the location for the ever-popular Downton Abbey TV series, and was the home of the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, famous for the discovery of the tomb of the young Pharaoh, Tutankhamun. 

Lady Carnarvon’s book is a biography of the explorer, who died from blood poisoning after being bitten by a mosquito, not long after the opening of King Tut’s tomb. She has been able to write the inside story on the fifth Earl, thanks to the family archive housed in Highclere Castle.
‘No-one’s ever written a book about him,’ she says. ‘It seemed to me so extraordinary. It’s been like a wonderful treasure trail – reading his handwriting in the diaries … I hugely enjoyed putting it all together and building his character, it was absolutely fascinating.

‘I very much hope I got to know the man. He was partly an invalid for much of his life.  In 1909 he was in a near-fatal car accident, from which he never really fully recovered. But he also had asthma – and he smoked! 

Yet that never stopped him. He truly was not at all well, but he refused to give in to it. He had been working in Egypt before the car accident and it nearly kyboshed his return, but he did make it back. He had really found his passion in Egyptology and archaeology.

‘Above all, his life was marked by many small acts of kindness. Those have stayed with me.

‘For some biographies you have all the pieces of the puzzle and it’s simply a case of constructing the outside edge, then filling in the middle pieces.

With this book, I had the feeling that I had a bag of pieces and had to painstakingly pull them together without knowing what the final picture looked like! I had no box image, no straight edges … it was such a journey of discovery.

‘I often found mis-filed letters, un-dated diaries, intriguing notes … they all added greater meaning, but I had to find where they fitted.’

Into the archive

I’m fascinated by the idea of an archive at Highclere. Is there a grand subterranean vault dedicated to these documents?

‘No, there’s an archive room on the top floor, and there’s two muniments rooms on a stone staircase. Then there’s another archive room with more recent archives along another corridor. I’ve recently created a new room, which I love. It’s coloured the yellow of Egyptian sand and sunlight and warmth – NOT like where I am at the moment! In there I‘ve begun to gather together the archive of everything relating to the fifth Earl and Egyptology. It’s really exciting to bring things together in an organised manner instead of wondering which box something might be in, then – having put it back – forgetting where I put it. Which is rather the story of my life!’

So by now, does Lady Carnarvon know the archive extremely well?

‘No! Not at all! I honestly find it mesmerising in its immensity. I will never ever be able to get through it all. Sometimes I feel quite upset as I think I’ve missed something – and I have. Other times I can be excited when I discover something. I can never spend enough time there.

‘Writing a book is an intense experience, and I become totally wrapped up – I’m not good company and probably not a brilliant wife! As I write I’m ONLY reading around the subject, my head is constantly turning round the latest paragraph. As a writer I try and bring people with me; across the Nile in a brightly coloured boat, or getting on a donkey to go to the Valley of the Kings. I’m trying to bring the colour and experience of history, as well as the facts.

Countess of Carnarvon

‘Being tucked away in the archives means I’m not distracted by interruptions. If someone makes it up all three flights of stairs, they really must need to speak to me. My husband doesn’t bother! He’s very patient. He’s also very passionate about the fifth Earl. The discovery of the tomb was the first truly global media event. It’s such a legacy. And without the fifth Earl, Tutankhamun may not have been discovered.’

Has he been given enough credit for the discovery?

‘He’s been given no credit at all. He’s normally written off as the financier. Part of this book is trying to give him a larger place in history. He wasn’t recognised by anyone in this country for what he achieved. He was a humble, modest man, and then he died at the hour of his triumph, at just 56. What a legacy he left us.

‘I hope, to a small extent, I have completed Lord Carnarvon’s wish; he intended to write about his discoveries, but died not long after the discovery of the tomb. His book would have been full of more colour than mine, full of everyday credit to those around him, far more than I was able to include. It would have been a different book, but I hope I’m part way to telling the story of an extraordinary man and his extraordinary discovery.’

And so to the 19 random questions…

1. What’s your relationship with Dorset?

It is a beautiful county of cliffs, fossils, sea and hidden valleys. Growing up I remember a number of summer holidays playing tennis on grass courts, going for walks and I took my son down there when he was little to look for fossils.

2. The last film you watched? 

In the cinema? It was the latest Mission Impossible, which was great fun.

3. It’s Friday night – you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do?

Have a long bath with a book.

4. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car?

 It always seems to be ABBA!

5. What would you like to tell 15 year-old you?

Just to try your best.

6. Tell us about a sound or a smell that makes you happy?

Always roses and birdsong

7. The best crisps flavour?

Popcorn!
(I mean, that’s cheating, but I’ll allow it – Ed)

8. What’s you’re secret superpower?
I really don’t think I have one?!

9. What would you like to be remembered for?

Being kind.

10. What shop can you not pass by?

A bookshop with coffee inside. Who can resist?

11. Chip shop chips or home-baked cake?? 

Homemade cake, every time, thank you!

12. Tell us about one of the best evenings you’ve had?

Burns Night at Highclere – a night just filled with friends and dancing and laughter.

13. Your favourite quote?
Impossible to answer. I don’t have a single quote – I have many quotes and many poems. I refuse to pick just one! 

14. Your most annoying trait?

I work too much!

15. What was the last gift you either gave, or received?

I don’t actually remember – I love to do it, I am always giving little presents.

16. Your top three most-visited websites (excluding news and social media)?

I really only use the web for work or news – it’s not a very exciting answer is it? 

17. What in life is frankly a mystery to you?

Coincidence.

18. You have the power to pass one law, uncontested. What will you do with it?

Sorry, I’m going to choose not to answer this one – there are just too many laws that need reform for me to narrow it down to one. 

19. Cats or dogs?

Dogs!

Lady Carnarvon and Dorset’s poisoned birds of prey | BV Podcast

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Just click play above to listen. In politics this month, Mike Chapman, for the North Dorset Lib Dems, is looking at the innate risks involved when one party stays in power too long. Pat Osborne, for North Dorset Labour, discusses the need for a clear roadmap for change on climate action. And Ken Huggins from North Dorset Greens is calling ‘total greenwash tosh’ on the government.

The Countess of Carnarvon is our Random 19 guest this month – Jenny chatted to her about her latest book ‘The Earl and The Pharoah’ – exploring the fascinating life of the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, famous for the discovery of the tomb of the young Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.

Lastly, Terry spoke to journalist Andrew Livingston to hear more on his story about the numbers of birds of prey being posioned in Dorset, following the news that the RSPB say Dorset is one of the worst counties for raptor persecution.

The BV podcast brings you highlights from the latest issue, as well as exclusive extras you won’t find in the magazine. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to take a look at the April issue of the BV here or explore the website to find articles and stories featured. But don’t forget, our podcast goes beyond the pages of the magazine, providing you with exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and in-depth conversations with our guests.

Sherborne Second Hand Book,Postcard, Map & Ephemera Fair

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Saturday, 20th May 2023
9.30am – 4pm with free entry


Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road. Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3NL


Our fair attracts sellers from the West Country, selling second hand to antiquarian books on many subjects,
together with local maps and ephemera.


A warm welcome awaits and entry is free!


For more information email [email protected] or call Ed Bailey on 07967643579

It’s not a Chamber of secrets

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With a new manifesto for the new financial year, Dorset Chamber’s Ian Girling takes a look at what the Chamber does for Dorset businesses

shutterstock

Hello and welcome to my April column. As I write this, the sun is actually shining and it feels like spring is finally in the air!
This month will see Dorset Chamber publish our manifesto for the year April 2023 to March 2024, setting out our priorities for the year ahead. I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a very brief overview.

Member benefits
This year will see us continue to add value to our member businesses, as well as maintaining our focus on increasing membership as the leading business support organisation in Dorset.
We will continue to work on enhancing the whole range of benefits we offer that protect, connect, promote and save our members money.

International trade
One of our key roles as a Chamber accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce is building a global economy through international trade. We will continue to encourage Dorset businesses to consider international trade opportunities and seek new overseas markets through our general advice and training programme. We continue to offer a first class documentation programme for Dorset exporters.

Lobbying
One of our most important roles is our voice for businesses: we lobby at both a local, regional and national level. We’ll continue to provide media comment and campaign for business on key issues.

Networking
This year our busy events programme will include a wide range of networking opportunities and the opportunity to learn from expert speakers on a range of critical business issues. Our successful sector-based events will also offer business leaders the opportunity to meet and discuss common issues on an industry basis.

The Festival
Finally, April sees the official launch of the Dorset Business Festival in association with Lester Aldridge. The three day celebration of Dorset businesses is taking place in October. Consisting of a conference, a business exhibition and the return of the Dorset Business Festival, this promises to be the business event of the year in Dorset.
If you’d like to find out how Dorset Chamber could help your business, please visit dorsetchamber.co.uk or call us on 01202 714800. We’d be delighted to hear from you!

I’m calling ‘total greenwash tosh’

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I understand the desire for politicians to take every opportunity to talk about their achievements in order to persuade voters that they are worth voting for. But politicians have a reputation for being careless with the truth, and too many modern politicians are taking their carelessness to the extreme. It starts with exaggeration and can quickly descend into downright lies. Lies told with a straight face, and repeated over and again even when challenged.
It says something about our political system that you won’t be turfed out of the House of Commons for lying, but you will be ejected if you point out that someone has just lied.
During his recent budget speech, the Chancellor attempted to take the credit for 90 per cent of the UK’s solar power having been installed in the last 13 years. He said: ‘It’s this government who fix the roof while the sun is shining’ – to loud cheers from the Tory backbenches.
Total greenwash tosh.
The truth is that solar power infrastructure has progressed in spite of the government, rather than because of it. And it is still just a fraction of where it would have been with proper support. After all – 90 per cent of Too Little is still Too Little. The Tories pulled the rug out from under the expanding domestic solar panel industry just as it was taking off. They trashed the zero carbon house-building regulations in 2015 before they could come into effect. They’ve failed to reduce the UK’s energy demand by, for example, insulating our notoriously outdated and leaky housing stock.
Since 2015 they’ve given £20bn more in support to fossil fuel producers than those of renewables. They’ve blocked onshore wind projects, and instead announced more than 100 new oil and gas licences.
They’ve even approved the opening of a new coal mine in Cumbria, claiming that the coal will be used by the UK’s steel industry when the truth is it’s too high in sulphur and 90 per cent of it will have to be exported.
As the climate and environmental crisis grows ever worse, we need honesty and integrity to address it, not greenwash.
Ken Huggins, North Dorset Green Party

ADMISSIONS ASSISTANT | Milton Abbey School

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Part time or Full time

Milton Abbey is seeking an organized, efficient and enthusiastic individual to join our busy Admissions team to support the Admissions Registrar with the smooth running of the Admissions Department by providing administrative support.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive person, with excellent communication skills and a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in their work.

The successful applicant will be required to assist in ensuring that all admissions enquiries are handled professionally, courteously, efficiently and effectively.

The department can become very busy, therefore the capacity to work effectively under pressure in a busy office is a must. You will work in a supportive team and full training will be given.

The successful applicant will ideally have previous administration experience, be a great team player and will relish the opportunities and challenges of working in a school environment.

Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the School’s application form.

Closing date: Friday 12th May 2023 with interviews to follow shortly thereafter.

Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Please note that our school is a no smoking site.

Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please note that our school is a no smoking site. | www.miltonabbey.co.uk | Registered Charity No 306318

Shared Ownership in Dorset | OKEFORD-FITZPAINE

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COMERWICKE FIELDS

Aster have a selection of 2, 3 & 4-bedroom shared ownership homes* at the lovely Comerwicke Fields development, situated around 3 miles from the town of Sturminster Newton.

Situated within the Blackmore Vale in Dorset, Okeford Fitzpaine is surrounded by outstanding rural countryside in the North of Dorset and could be the idyllic little village you call home!

The Comerwicke Fields development and its shared ownership homes give you the chance to jump on the
property ladder in Dorset.

Register yourinterest today, scan the QR code in the advert below or call 01258 787 438

Aster.co.uk/ComerwickeFields

ASTER GROUP