The March BV podcast begins, as always, with this month’s letter from the editor and all the latest reader’s letters. This month we move swiftly into politics, with the contributions from all four local party representatives. Then it’s on to this month’s Dorset Island Discs – our castaway this month is local shepherd and Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show organiser Bonnie Cradock. Lastly, Tracie Beardsley went down to the woods to meet Toby Hoad one of only 12 working horses loggers in the UK.
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In politics, The Windsor Framework isn’t just good news for businesses, says MP Simon Hoare. It shows a return to adult politics and better relationships. Mike Chapman of the LibDems says it’s time to stop the hand wringing and resolve the energy crisis. Ken Huggins of the Greens takes a long hard look at ethical consumerism, and Pat Osborne is looking ahead to the 2024 election, comparing ‘the missions versus the pledges’ of the leading parties.
As event organiser at the Turnpike Showground, shepherd Bonnie Cradock is facing a doubly busy spring, thanks to one over-excited fun-loving ram. From Lizzo to Quo via Busted, her Dorset Island Discs are a suitably personal, eclectic mix.
It may be 10,000 years old, but Toby Hoad believes the ancient skill of horse logging is vital in shaping and saving our woodlands. One of only 12 full-time horse loggers in the country, Toby talked to Tracie Beardsley when she went to meet him and his three sturdy Comtois – Ettie, Celine and Fleur – French mountain draft horses known for their steady and sociable natures.
Passed peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on 20th February 2023 aged 84.
Much loved wife to Alan, loving Mum, Nana/Grandmother and friend to many.
Funeral service taking place at Our Lady of Lourdes & St Cecilia, Blandford Forum on Friday 17th March at 9.30am.
Family flowers only. Any donations in memory of Maureen, if desired, to the Stroke Association, may be made online at www.close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to Stroke Association c/o Colin J Close Funeral Services, Peel Close, Blandford Forum, DT11 7JU
Wildlife writer Jane Adams is looking forward to her own personal sign of spring – the Mary Quant of the insect world
The dark-edged bee-fly, with a fluffy round body, ridiculously long legs and a protruding tongue All images Jane Adams
What marks spring’s arrival for you? For some, it’s golden daffodils swaying in the breeze or the haunting call of a cuckoo newly arrived from Africa. For me, it’s a weird but wonderful insect: the bee-fly. I never go looking for this little creature, it just seems to magically appear. On a sunny March day, when warm sunshine entices me into the garden, I’ll be kneeling, cutting back dead plant stems, and one will suddenly just be there, buzzing frantically. There are ten species of bee-fly in the UK, but the one you’re most likely to see in March is the dark-edged bee-fly. With a fluffy round body, ridiculously long legs and a protruding tongue, it’s admittedly quite weird-looking. Occasionally, one might land on a dead leaf or patch of bare earth to sunbathe. That’s when you might spot the dark, jagged pattern on the edge of its wings that gives it its name. And although this fly might look similar to a bumblebee, it has no sting, it’s harmless – to humans, at least. It’s also very refined – you won’t find these dainty insects bumping into flowers, like a clumsy bumble. They’re the Chanel catwalk model of the fly world, oozing precision and poise, especially when feeding. With their long delicate tongues, bee-flies delve into the deepest spring flowers for nectar and pollen. All while still hovering. I’ve seen them feeding on primroses, green alkanet, cowslip and dandelions, but you’re likely to find them on other flowers.
The dark-edged bee-fly enjoys sunbathing
The dark side However, this seemingly benign fly has a dark side. In common with at least 40 percent of the world’s insect species, bee-flies are parasites. Instead of making their own nests and laying eggs, females flick their eggs towards the entrance hole of ground-nesting solitary bees. Once hatched, these larvae trundle into the bee nest, eat the food supplies left for the bee’s young and then consume the bee grubs. But don’t worry. It doesn’t harm bee populations and has been happening for millions of years. It’s all part of a healthy ecosystem.
The dotted bee-fly
There is another species of bee-fly you might spot in your garden in late March, and that’s the dotted bee-fly (image above). Not as common as the dark-edged Chanel-look-alike, the dotted bee-fly, with its flamboyant spotted wings, is a raving Mary Quant.
• Jane Adams has a book out this month: Nature’s Wonders: Moments that mark the seasons, published in conjunction with National Trust. You can see our review of it in Book Corner
Would you like to join an enthusiastic, friendly team, working for a children’s charity in Dorset? The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Referral Team, dealing with schools, local authorities, parents and counsellors. Processing referrals and reports.
Requirements: • Minimum 1yr administration experience • Excellent communication, telephone and networking skills • Excellent organisational skills and time management • Ability to work as part of a team • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook)
Inside one of the oldest properties in Blandford you will discover an authentic taste of the Himalayas, Rachael Rowe reports.
All images: Rachael Rowe
Prayer flags flutter as I open the door to Namaste Gurkha on a cold wintry day. The building is one of the oldest in Blandford Forum – dating from before the Great Fire of 1731, it is one of the few houses that survived. Gurkha regimental badges and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks decorate the historic timbers and brickwork, bringing Nepalese culture and hospitality to North Dorset. Namaste Gurkha’s owner Bhuwan Thapa told me: ’The business has been in Blandford for 14 years, but I bought it in 2020 two weeks before the first lockdown. It was a difficult beginning as we could only do takeaways! ‘Before that I was in Tidworth, and before that I was in Newcastle working as a chef. I was actually involved with Latin American cuisine then. ‘This is my first restaurant business and I’m quite new to Blandford. Like most small business owners, I do everything – I run the business but also help in the kitchen, and today I’m doing some of the deliveries for the takeaways too.’
Everyone loves the momos
From the street the restaurant looks very small, but in fact has more space than first appears. ‘We have 42 covers with larger tables upstairs.’ The restaurant serves traditional Himalayan cuisine – Nepalese-style daal, traditional sukuti (spiced dried meat) and Gurkha thali (a mixed platter), momo (steamed dumplings) and grilled meat. Nepal is famous for the Gurkhas – soldiers native to the Indian subcontinent but chiefly from the mountainous Himalayan country. For the past 200 years they have been recruited into the British Army. Gurkhas are known to be as fearless in combat as they are good natured. Bhuwan explains the connection between the restaurant and the regiments. ‘My dad is a Gurkha. And of course we have a lot of people coming from Blandford Camp, where there are Gurkhas. We’re very popular with the Camp!’ Staff member Riya was working as front of house when I visited and is also from Blandford Camp, where her father is a Gurkha. The restaurant feels like an integral part of the Blandford community.
Some of the Namaste Gurkha team: (from left) Jaidee, Bhuwan Thapa, Riya
The most popular dish? ‘The momos. Everyone loves momos!’ says Bhuwan. Momos are famous in Nepal – a traditional steamed dumpling filled with minced meat or vegetables with spices, and dipped in a hot tomato chutney. Jaidee and Riya both recommended a couple of dishes. ‘Everest Khasi is a really spicy dish and people also really like the sizzlers.’ (Purely in the interests of research, on behalf of the BV Magazine readership I tasted the momos at Namaste Gurkha and can honestly say they were delicious. The dumplings are handmade, and very filling. They instantly brought back memories of my days trekking in the Himalayas.)
The Gurkha thali is typically eaten in households all over Nepal as a hearty dinner. Served with vegetables, daal, rice, naan, pickle and a dessert of gulab jamun with yoghurt – an absolute must-try in the restaurant
Tell me about your suppliers? ‘We shop locally where possible: our meat is from Mato (the Blandford butcher), and our vegetables are fresh and locally purchased too.’ I also noticed Gurkha, Tiger and Cobra beers from Nepal and India.
Your biggest challenge? ‘Starting up in the lockdown! It was very difficult as we could only do takeaways, it’s a small kitchen and we got really busy.’
What are you most proud of? ‘The food! And also our strong connections with the Camp, we do obviously get a lot of customers from there. I also own Solti Grocery in the town.’ If you haven’t visited it before, the Solti Grocery store is on East Street, and a visit is recommended to try some of the Nepalese foods.
It’s packed with interesting produce, and the staff are very welcoming. My personal tip – the bags of spices are great value.
Sizzling meat grills fill the restaurant with their sound and smell
So what’s next? ‘We are always looking at the menu, how we might change it. There’s always something to do.’
namastegurkha.co.uk (order online for takeaway) 11 East Street, Blandford Forum. Opens Tuesday to Sunday 5pm to 11pm.
On 13th March 2023, died peacefully in hospital in Salisbury aged 91.
Beloved husband of the late Ann, much loved father of Peter and father-in-law of Gisela. Michael will be much missed by all his family and many friends.
A service will be held at 1.00 pm at the Grove Building, Church Street, Mere BA12 6DS followed by a private family burial at St Michael’s Church on Thursday 25 April.
Family flowers only please but donations, if desired to the RNLI on the day or via LC Hill & Son Funeral Directors, Mere, 01747 8603.
The 9th February finally arrived, and we were able to reveal all the winners, the runner-ups and highly commended, share the judges comments and just have a joyous get-together with all the lovely small independent businesses that make Dorset great. As I said in my speech, I know that entering awards is easy to put off. It is hard putting pen to paper and giving up time in your busy working days. Sadly, all too often I hear people say ‘I don’t think we’re good enough’ too. But it is important that businesses get recognition for what they are doing – no brand succeeds while they’re the ‘best kept secret’ in Dorset! The standard of all the 2022 Love Local Trust Local (LLTL) awards entries was outstanding. The innovation, diversification, conservation and business growth were some of the most inspiring stories in the most challenging times we have ever lived through. With little support from our government, we need to continue to work together and support each other.
What a party! More than 100 people came to the awards ceremony at Kingston Maurward and it was entirely due to them that the evening was so wonderful. The splendid surroundings really set the scene for the celebration of the LLTL 2022 Awards. Loose Moose Catering put on a terrific meal, followed by a wonderful cheese board supplied by the award-winning The Book and Bucket Cheese Company and Open Air Dairy, along with milk, butter and cream from Meggy Moo’s Dairy. The Kingston Maurward floristry department did the most beautiful flower displays; on the steps as you came into the great hall as well as on the tables in the dining area, they certainly set the scene. A big thank you to all the sponsors, too – nearly everyone was there to celebrate the achievements, give out the awards and say a few words about our worthy winners and runner-ups. Our sponsors don’t just support the awards financially – they give up their time to go and visit each entry, to learn all about their business and what they are achieving. It was a joy to see our Dorset businesses getting recognition and Love Local Trust Local will keep working tirelessly to spread their stories.
We are a not-for-profit organisation so if you would like to help us and get involved please contact us on 07831 184920. The next LLTL awards will open in March 2024.
The winners of the Love Local Trust Local Awards 2022!
Bakery Winner – The Little House Runner up – Dorset Artisan Macarons
Dairy Cheese – The Book And Bucket Cheese Company Dairy – Eweleaze Dairy
Dorset Drinks Winner – Little Waddon Vineyard Runner up – Dorsetshine Distillery
Honey Winner – Honey by Ian & Co. Runner up – Tarrant Valley Honey
Meat Winner – Dirtydogdorset Runner up – Enford farm shop
In 2022, almost 37,000 estates included a gift to charity. Gifting to charity is a well known strategy for minimising an Inheritance Tax bill, but recent case law shows the importance of getting your will professionally drawn up to ensure there are no nasty surprises for your loved ones.
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You may recently have read about Caroline Burke who thought that a will left by her aunt left money equally between charities and other beneficiaries. Unfortunately the will had not stated who should pay the inheritance tax. Silence on this point meant that the beneficiaries did not inherit equally – instead the inheritance tax came out of the shares which did not include the charities, meaning the charities received more than the others. Gifts to charities are exempt from inheritance tax, so when an estate is divided equally between charities and non-charities, the entire inheritance tax comes out of the non-charities’ shares, unless the will specifically states otherwise. Many people leave money to charity and it is a nice way of doing good while reducing the tax payable. However, without careful consideration it could result in the charities receiving more than intended. That is not to say don’t leave to charity; in some circumstances not only is the gift to charity inheritance tax free, but leaving some of your estate to charity can result in the tax on the rest of your estate being reduced from 40 per cent to 36 per cent. If you are considering leaving money to charity in your will, it is important take legal advice. Trethowans can help with this, please call us on 0800 2800 421 or get in touch here.
The BV first featured Barry Cuff’s collection in The Gardener with 10,000 postcards in April 2022. Each month the local postcard collector shares a selection of rarely-before seen images from his archive. This month Barry has picked local photographer Nesbitt from Blandford.
Salisbury Street, Blandford. Nesbitt’s studio is bottom left, where Symonds & Sampson are today. Posted to West Pennard (nr Glastonbury), August 1910Iwerne Minster – posted to Keynsham nr. Bristol in June 1906.The crossroads at Tarrant Keyneston, with the True Lovers Knot in the centre. This was posted to Exeter in August 1910Milton Abbas – posted to Barry Cuff’s grandfather at Winterborne Whitechurch, December 24th 1909
Tom Nesbitt is listed in the 1889 and 1911 Kelly’s Directories of Dorset. His shop and portrait studio were at 7 Market Place Blandford – where Symonds & Sampson are now, at the bottom of Salisbury Street. As well as publishing postcards of Blandford itself, Nesbitt covered most of the villages within a ten mile radius. Each of the cards shown have been sent through the post.
