The unusually warm, wet November has meant everything has kept right on growing, says Barry Cuff – though he has resisted the temptation of new seeds
Barry has continued to harvest both vegetables and salads throughout November. Image: Barry Cuff
Unusually for November, growth of weeds, grass and some vegetables continued through the month due to the unseasonal weather, with high daytime temperatures, mild nights and high rainfall (about 7½ inches recorded locally). The only frost during the month occurred on the 19th and it killed off a few of the most tender plants, the French beans and the courgettes. As a result of the long, dry summer, despite the high rainfall it was still possible to walk on the soil without doing any harm. Weeds could be removed by hoeing as some were still seeding, especially groundsel and the dreaded Gallant Soldier.
Muck spreading Five trailer-loads of two-year-old horse manure for the whole site was delivered by a local farmer on the 9th November, all of which had been ordered and paid for by plot-holders in advance. We spread the first of our part of the order on to the plot which had been potatoes, and will be legumes, squashes and sweetcorn in 2023. The remainder will be put in heaps waiting for the ground to be cleared. Of course some will not be spread until the crops, such as leeks, brassicas, parsnips and carrots, are cleared in the spring. Sturminster Newton Town Council carried out an inspection of our site early in the month to ensure that plot-holders are complying with the tenancy agreement which they sign annually. Back to the veg We continued to harvest vegetables throughout the month. Carrots, leeks and parsnips were dug as required, normally about every seven days to ensure a fresh supply for the kitchen. Celery and celeriac keep well in the fridge and are normally gathered at longer intervals. Salads are cut about every four days. These currently include mustards, wintercress, corn salad, rocket and radicchio together with the colourful and tasty autumn radishes. Due to the mild weather we had to chimp* our potatoes. They were dug back in August and stored in our garage, and some had 2-3 inch shoots!
A seedy habit Over the last month we have been inundated by the seed companies with offers of seed at £1 and 89p per packet. It’s very good value from some of the biggest seed houses – Kings, Thompson & Morgan, Suttons and Dobies. We only succumbed to buying a few packets of tomatoes and cauliflowers, as we are already well stocked up with seed for next year. A quick stock check showed we had packets of about 70 varieties covering a range of about 30 different vegetables!
*I asked Barry, who says ‘it’s an old Dorset dialect word – to chimp is the act of removing the sprouts (chits) from the taters.’ – Ed
The Headteacher and Governors are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirationalKey Stage 2 class teacher to join our team to work with us until the end of March 2023.
The successful candidate will:
• have high expectations of all pupils
• be passionate about teaching and learning
• have a thorough knowledge of the Primary Curriculum and a wide range of teaching strategies
• be committed to collaborative working and ongoing professional development
In return we can offer a warm and friendly school with hardworking and well-behaved children, dedicated and supportive staff and governors and opportunities for continualprofessional development.
Milborne Port Primary School is maintained by Somerset County Council and the number on roll is currently 162.
Milborne Port Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Milborne Port Primary 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. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Visits to the school are welcome. Please telephone the school to arrange a visit and obtain an application form, job description and person specification.
All applications should be completed electronically and returned to Mrs C Brown, School Business Manager: [email protected]
As the season turns, life in the Tarrant Valley slows. James Cossins finds it’s a time for looking ahead – to TB tests, feed stocks and some stability
With more than 200mm of rain (eight inches in old money!) in November, the Tarrant has finally decided to start flowing again; Tarrant Rawston had been dry for five months. I am sure that we will need more rain to top up groundwater levels as the borehole level on the farm is still below normal. The countryside looks particularly green for this time of year; the grass and winter crops are still growing as the temperatures remain mild with very few frosts to date. On the farm we are getting settled into our winter routine. With most cattle now housed there are the daily feeding and bedding up tasks to carry out. The cows are milking well with good quality feed stocks available, but there is a concern as to how long they will last through the winter. With the long, dry summer, our grass and maize harvest yields were down on average, and with winter feeding starting earlier than usual we will have to do some careful calculations to determine our feed stocks. There are local forage auctions in the area during the winter, so buying in feed may have to be an option.
Awaiting the vaccine We will be carrying out a TB test on all our cattle early this month, having been clear for six months. Fingers crossed that we do not have any reactors. It seems that with the current control measures in place there has been a 50 per cent reduction in new cases and where there is a breakdown, fewer cattle appear to become infected. I certainly can’t wait for the cattle vaccine to be available, so that cattle can be protected and not needlessly infected and then have to be slaughtered. I believe the vaccine is still three to five years away, although trials are happening now.
Paying the price A lot of media attention has been given to the shortage of eggs in the supermarkets. Egg producers have been saying for many months that there will be a shortage of eggs unless a realistic price is paid to them. Feed and energy costs have risen considerably but the supermarkets appear unwilling to pay more. What is even more frustrating is that the price to the consumer has actually risen but that increase has not been passed on down the chain. Many egg producers have either stopped producing entirely or have cut back production, which is all about completing the cycle. If farmers feel it is not economically viable to produce then they won’t start the next production cycle. A certain supermarket (which proudly ‘supports British Farmers’) are now importing eggs from Italy.
Hoping for stability More than 80 members of Dorset NFU heard President Minette Batters going through the issues we face and how we are trying to address them. She said she was on her fourth Prime Minister and third Minister for the Environment – let’s hope for some stability and some clear agreed policies on the way ahead for food and farming.
It’s not always the most wonderful time of the year. Mental health blogger Melissa Boyle has some reminders for those who find it more stressful than joyful
The food, the friends, the twinkly lights and laughter … Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Right? Well, no, not always. As an introvert and someone with OCD and a phobia of vomiting (sorry), for me, like many others, the festive season can be challenging for a whole host of reasons. With a social battery that needs recharging more than most, coupled with anxieties that are naturally heightened during the winter months, Christmas for me is sometimes far from the picture-perfect scene depicted in Hallmark holiday movies. So here are my top tips for enjoying Christmas without getting overwhelmed.
Want to, not should do Over the coming month, do things because you want to … not because you feel you should. The films you watch, the dishes you cook, the events you attend – sometimes Christmas can feel like you’re ticking off a giant to-do list. So stop. Are you doing these things because you genuinely want to? Just because something has become a tradition doesn’t mean you can’t drop it when it stops bringing you joy. Similarly, don’t reject an activity because it doesn’t feel ‘festive’ enough. Fancy watching a horror movie or playing video games instead of roasting chestnuts on an open fire? Go for it! Christmas is about unwinding and being happy, whatever that looks like for you.
No unnecessary pressure Christmas, when you boil it down, is just another day of the year, and everything doesn’t have to go perfectly for it to be a success. So what if you ruin the gravy or forget to take a perfect family photo by the Christmas tree? Those aren’t the things you’ll remember when you look back – or if you do, you’ll laugh about it. It’s those little pockets of easy contentment, your first cup of coffee on Christmas morning or a spontaneous hug from someone, that end up standing out in your memory. So ask yourself this. Does every single moment of Christmas Day need to be spectacular? No. Does it matter if things go slightly wrong? Again, no. Do your celebrations need to look like something out of a Christmas movie? And once again … really, no!
What do you choose? Family pressures and feelings of obligation crop up a lot this time of year. Of course, spend time with loved ones and do things that make other people happy. But you should also think about what will make you happy. Why not let yourself be the one to choose the Christmas film, board game, or location for the Boxing Day walk? Remember that your wants and needs are just as valid as anyone else’s.
Set your boundaries There’s no way around it – December always ends up being a busy month. Especially after everything we’ve been through over the last few years, it’s only natural that people are going to want to let their hair down and really go all out this year. As the invitations start to pile up, remember that you don’t have to say yes to everything. Do the things you want to, and spend enough quality time with the people you truly care about. For everything else, you’re entitled to be selective. It’s perfectly OK to say no to a night out or a shopping trip.
Navigate your own stress Personally, one of my biggest challenges at Christmas is the food. Specifically, a buffet – with all the double dipping and unwashed hands potentially touching everything – is my worst nightmare. I often find it overwhelming going to events where I know food is going to be the focus. So to manage this, I try to always eat before events if I’m unsure what the food situation will be or whether I’ll be comfortable with it. I also remind myself that it’s OK to turn down food – again, it’s all about exercising boundaries. Christmas can be tough if you suffer from any sort of disordered eating. I appreciate it’s also a tricky one to navigate if, for whatever reason, you’re not drinking alcohol or have one of a myriad other anxieties. There’s no easy solution that I know of, I can only say what works for me: Please don’t be afraid to say no – to food, drinks or just an invitation Bring your own food or a bottle to parties if the option is there If in doubt, eat beforehand so you don’t end up going hungry! Most importantly, if you feel uncomfortable, talk to your friends and family about how you feel. My friends are all really understanding and do whatever they can to make me feel more relaxed.
Be organised I have a confession to make. This one might be a little controversial, so I can only apologise in advance. I start my Christmas shopping in July. There. I said it. Hear me out here. There’s reasoning behind this that goes beyond just really, really enjoying buying presents for people. I hate battling the crowds in December. I also hate having a big chunk of money leave my bank account in one go. And I truly can’t think of anything less enjoyable than frantically wrapping presents two days before Christmas. So, I just start early. I gradually wrap as I go and try to keep a record of what I’ve bought for people. It saves me so much stress, spreads the cost, and helps me feel in control. I’m too late to help much this year, but set a reminder for next summer to make a start! In the meantime, lists are a great way of staying organised – and that means feeling in control, which is great for keeping the feelings of being overwhelmed at bay.
Don’t spend beyond your means Especially during these difficult and uncertain times, please don’t feel like you need to spend beyond your means on gifts for other people. Your loved ones care more about your wellbeing than what’s sitting under their tree on Christmas morning. You could jointly agree a price limit, suggest homemade gifts, or do a family Secret Santa so you’re buying one main gift rather than something for everyone. Ultimately, Christmas isn’t about how much money you spend. Prioritise the things that matter more, like spending quality time with the people you love.
‘Tis the season to be jolly kind to yourself Above all, remember that you’re human. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or sad sometimes, and Christmas is no exception. Don’t beat yourself up for not being full to the brim with Christmas cheer 24/7 and acknowledge that the festive season can be a lot to handle. Give yourself some quiet time if you need it and don’t be hard on yourself. I’d like to wish you a happy and restful festive season – whatever that may look like for you! Come and chat to me on Twitter: @geekmagnifique
Dorset Mind has 1-2-1 and group support that you can access via their website: dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support/
November saw the seventh annual Back British Farming Day with support across Westminster, says NFU county advisor Gemma Harvey
On Wednesday 2nd November, the NFU hosted the seventh Back British Farming Day at Westminster. Throughout the year we ask MPs to show their support for farming, and Back British Farming Day is a chance to celebrate all things great about the British agricultural industry, with politicians, NFU members and the public. As part of the day, the union asked MPs to wear the NFU’s iconic lapel badge to show their support for British farming. During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) a sea of wheatsheaf badges could be seen on MPs’ lapels on both sides of the chamber, signifying their support for the role that British farmers play as food producers and caretakers of our environment. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced his support for British farmers and everything they do for our rural communities both during PMQs and on social media. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also showed his support for the day by wearing the wheatsheaf badge throughout PMQs. On social media thousands of farmers and members of the public posted photos and messages to say why they value British farming so highly, the hashtag #BackBritishFarmingDay reached more than six million people, helping us trend at number five on Twitter in the UK. As part of the day, the NFU hosted a breakfast reception in the Houses of Parliament, with more than 100 parliamentarians in attendance, including North Dorset’s Simon Hoare MP. During the reception, the regional winners of the NFU’s Community Farming Hero awards were announced. DEFRA Secretary of State Therese Coffey and Farming Minister Mark Spencer presented the awards. The Community Farming Heroes, farmers who have gone above and beyond for their communities, were nominated by their MPs. A wealth of nominations were received from across the South-West region, with Andrew and Alison Musson declared the winners.
NFU President Minette Batters at the Community Farming Hero awards
Beef and sheep farmers from Devon, the couple foster children and have played an invaluable role in providing a safe and supportive home for some of Devon’s most vulnerable children. Over the years they have looked after around 90 children.
It’s the first episode of the month, so it’s of course the front section this week – starting as always with Letter from the Editor, then the lead feature stories, plus this month’s reader’s letters:
In her end-of-the-year round up, Laura thanks the team – and you.
A swift look at the baking aisle in your local supermarket will tell you that the UK egg industry is in crisis.
Ever been to the races? Me neither. My first visit to a racecourse – on a windblown and wet November day in Wincanton – wasn’t at all what I expected, says Laura Hitchcock.
Letters to the Editor – listen to what others think (our postbag is always open – send emails to [email protected] ).
Hidden away in a fold of Cranborne Chase outside Shaftesbury, Guy Ritchie’s Gritchie Brewery is crafting a fine reputation.
1855 has opened in Sturminster Newton, and the eclectic new browsing bank of artisans and traders has proved an instant and massive hit in the town.
I’m not a massive fan of winter. With the onset of colder, shorter days and lower light levels, it isn’t long before I’m itching to see some summer wildlife again. I miss the insects. The very thought of bees humming and butterflies flickering across the veg patch is enough to make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. But did you know you can still get a wild bee fix in the depths of winter? Even on Christmas Day? You just need to go in search of winter active bumblebees. This isn’t as barmy as it sounds, I promise. Typically, bumblebee nests die out at the end of summer; the new queens have hatched, left the nest, mated, and gone into hibernation.
A rather soggy buff-tailed bumblebee queen
Surviving winter But one species of bee has been trying something different. Since the late 1990s, people who study insects have been spotting buff-tailed bumblebees flying and feeding in the middle of winter. It appears that if they have a reliable source of food, a safe place to nest and a mild winter, some buff-tailed queens can set up a winter nest instead of hibernating. Although severe and prolonged cold weather would doubtless kill them, these tough bees can fly at temperatures of nearly zero degrees centigrade, so they can survive short cold snaps. One problem they do face is a lack of wild native flowers. But as luck would have it, we’ve been unintentionally solving this problem for them. Planted in our gardens, parks and around supermarkets, and bearing a mass of yellow pollen-rich flowers throughout winter, is a veritable bumblebee-buffet called Mahonia. It’s a common, non-native, rather prickly, winter-flowering shrub. Now, if you were to trundle ‘up north’, you’re still unlikely to bump into a winter-active bumblebee. But in the climate-changed south, especially here in Dorset where we’re experiencing very mild winters, with fewer and fewer days of snow and frost, you stand a very good chance of seeing one. So, the next time you encounter some bright yellow flowers, take a closer look. You might find a black, white and yellow-striped reminder of summer softly humming to itself. Even on Christmas Day.
What to look for and where to see buff-tailed bumblebees in winter: Try to spot the large queens in October, November, and December Look for smaller worker (female) bumblebees from November onwards Fairly small drone (male) bumblebees can be seen from January (did you know that male bumblebees don’t sting?) Look closely at winter flowering plants such as Mahonia, various winter-flowering heathers and winter honeysuckles where bees might be foraging for pollen and nectar Look in town gardens, parks, car parks, around supermarkets, garden centres and various amenity shrubberies. For the best chances of seeing one choose a bright, sunny but mild day.
As the Love Local, Trust Local Awards closes, founder Barbara Cossins is excited that the serious business of judging has begun
LLTL judges in action
Heading out to judge the entries is one of the best parts of running an award. As you can imagine, tasting and sampling all the delicious Dorset creations from our food and drink producers is a total pleasure. And it’s at this time of year that the Love Local Trust Local judges head off to the four corners of Dorset to do just that. One team has been visiting the new farm shops category, for which there is stiff competition. Lots of inspiring and innovative ideas for small, independent businesses that are offering something more special than your local supermarket. Then there’s the hospitality category, another new one for 2022. The judging team have already been out to visit Les Enfants Terribles and Black Cat Catering, both seriously impressive entries.
Here at Love Local we are all about telling the amazing stories behind our local food and drink producers, promoting their businesses, and helping spread the word about Dorset’s produce in these very challenging times. There’s lots of exciting things coming in 2023! Over the next few weeks, we will be out seeing every single one of our entrants in person and then gathering up our thoughts to shortlist the finalists for February.
LLTL founder Barbara Cossins
Awards night! Whilst we’re talking awards night – put Thursday, 9th February 2023 into your diary. It’s the night of fine frocks and celebrations at the Love Local Trust Local Award Ceremony, which this year will be hosted at Kingston Maurward College. A night NOT to be missed! We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a very happy Christmas – let’s hope 2023 will be a great year!
