Corton Denham, Sandford Orcas and Poyntington Hill | 10 miles

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6 October 2022

The area was new to us for walking – like many locals we would generally shoot past on the A30, on our way elsewhere. But a recent unplanned detour through the beautiful quiet valleys north of Sherborne persuaded us to go back and explore properly. So we plotted out a 10 mile route and gave it a go – and we’re so pleased we did!

To follow this route using the Outdooractive App, please find the route here.

Corton Denham is a lovely village to start (the excellent Queen’s Arms – Taste of the West Gold and Five AA Stars – is open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm. An excellent plan to look forward to at the end of the walk!), and parking should be simple on the roadside.

The route is easygoing and well marked, and takes in parts of both the Monarch’s Way along Corton Ridge, from which you get those spectacular views of the Levels, and the Macmillan Way through the pretty village of Sandford Orcas.

The view across the Somerset Levels from Corton Ridge. Image: Laura Hitchcock

Unusually for us there are small sections of lane walking, but none were busy or too long. Sometimes, going through the villages is an interesting alternative!

A good bridge should never be underestimated (nr Stafford’s Bridge). Image: Laura Hitchcock

We walked on a warm but overcast day, with drizzle constantly threatening the nearby hills. On a clear day I suspect the views will be utterly stunning.

The weather was closing in fast as we descended from Corton Ridge back into Corton Denham to finish. Image: Laura Hitchcock

The path along Poyntington Hill. Image: Laura Hitchcock

Stacey, Patricia Ann (Pat)

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Editorial team

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6 October 2022

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Died peacefully at Fernbrook Lodge, Gillingham on 1st October 2022.

Until 2017 Pat lived at Motcombe Grange with her late husband, Ivor Stacey who died in 2020.

There will be no service at the request of the family.

Assistant Headteacher – Curriculum (full-time) L8-L12 | Fiveways School

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Editorial team

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5 October 2022

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Assistant Headteacher – Curriculum (full-time)

L8-L12

Start Date: To start January 2023 or earlier

The Headteacher and Governing Body of Fiveways School are looking to appoint a committed, motivational and dynamic Assistant Headteacher to form part of a newly structured leadership team. As an Assistant Headteacher we will look to you to help drive school improvements and make a real difference for our staff and pupils. We wish to find someone who will be committed to further developing our ‘school offer’ through outstanding curriculum knowledge, an understanding of pedagogy and passion for supporting pupils to achieve their best. We wish to continue to foster and develop our reputation for being an open friendly, inclusive and nurturing school that welcomes and supports our children and their families.

The quality of all our staff lies at the heart of our very high standards. Outstanding OFSTED 2005, 2008, 2014 & 2017. Qualifications, commitment and experience of working with SEND pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties, would be desirable but not essential.

As a key member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant Headteacher will significantly contribute to the overall leadership and management of the school, be active in developing the school’s curriculum, promoting its aims, and supporting an ethos that promotes achievement and high standards. The post will include some teaching commitment up to 0.4.

Fiveways School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo Child Protection screening, including checks with current and past employers and an enhanced DBS clearance. References will be requested before interview.

The school employs a rigorous “safeguarding” approach to recruitment.

Fiveways School strives to ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of age, disability, race, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex or pregnancy and maternity.

We highly encourage you to arrange a tour of the school. Please contact the school office.

Job Description/Person Specification and Application Forms are available from the school website: https://www.fivewaysschool.co.uk/school/vacancies/

Deadline for receipt of applications: Friday 14^th October 2022

Date for Interview: Thursday, 20^th October 2022

Lost grasslands, the waste of wool – and letters to the editor | BV Podcast

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Laura

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2 October 2022

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In this episode, we have the equestrian, wildlife and farming sections, plus the Letters to the Editor:

Laura Wilson watched a therapist treat her horse – and gave up accounting to train as a McTimoney animal chiropractor
As weaning begins for this year’s foals, the stud begins to focus on sales, says Lucy Procter of The Glanvilles Stud
The August ground was so hard that Team Bartlett headed north in search of softer going for Equador MW and Cor y Taran, says Toots Bartlett
Autumn is the season of abundance, even after a summer drought, says foraging expert Carl Mintern as he enjoys the literal fruits of the season
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer Julie Hatcher shares the story of work to monitor the recently arrived furrowed crab.
We’ve lost a staggering 97 per cent of our species-rich grassland since the 1930s. Growing a wildflower meadow in your back garden isn’t quite as simple as you might think – but it’s important to try, says writer Jane Adams
Once a major business, English wool is now a wasted opportunity – the industry needs an urgent rethink, says Andrew Livingston
Letters to the Editor – listen to what others think (our postbag is always open – send emails to [email protected] )

PURCHASING ADMINISTRATOR | Rose Engineering & Construction

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Editorial team

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30 September 2022

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We are looking for a full-time Purchasing Administrator to join our lovely team based at our rural offices near Sturminster Newton.

You will be responsible for purchasing all materials and services required for construction jobs as well as general administration and stock taking. Training will be provided.
If you’re looking to progress your Purchasing career in a varied role with a supportive team then we’d love to hear from you.
For more information or to apply with your CV, please contact us via [email protected]

Tel: 01258 472866

rose-engineering.co.uk

Closing Date: 14th October

It’s a bad new world …

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Editorial team

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29 September 2022

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Business owners face crushing costs on all sides, says CEO Ian Girling, as Dorset Chamber works to help where it can and lobby where it should

A warm welcome to my September column and I hope you’ve had a good summer.
It’s clearly a very challenging time for both households and businesses as we all continue to face significant cost-of-living increases as well as soaring energy costs.
Recent statistics are worrying:

Inflation is at a 40 year high at over 10 per cent now and forecast to be at over 13 per cent in October. Some are predicting this could more than double next year.
The latest increase of 1.75 per cent is the largest interest rate rise in 27 years and the rate is expected to increase further yet.
We are seeing energy costs increase five-fold for some businesses – and households are also facing substantial cost increases.
UK real pay has fallen by
3 per cent between April and June, the largest drop ever recorded – businesses are facing huge upward wage pressure.
Insolvencies are on the increase, up by 63 per cent in the manufacturing sector since last year, and 60 per cent among UK restaurants.

As a Chamber, we continue to do our best for our members and Dorset businesses. Through our membership of the British Chambers of Commerce, at a national level were are pushing for increased support to include emergency energy grants for businesses, giving Ofgem further powers to strengthen regulation of the energy market for businesses, a temporary cut in VAT to 5 per cent to reduce energy costs for businesses and for the Government to temporarily reverse National Insurance contributions and put money back into the pockets of businesses and workers.

Help with resilience
We are also launching a new programme for businesses – a series of themed virtual workshops, free to attend, aimed at building the resilience of businesses. Our aim, as always, is to do our very best to support Dorset businesses.
I am very keen to hear how Dorset business are faring in the current climate. I’d like to hear about your specific concerns – and to see where we can help, whether through our lobbying or business support. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we will do our best to help.
Contact the Chamber on
01202 71800 or you can message Ian via LinkedIn here

House Pastoral Assistant | Clayesmore School

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Editorial team

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28 September 2022

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House Pastoral Assistant – Full time, term time, Permanent

This role requires an enthusiastic, well organised individual with a warm and welcoming nature to assist the House parents in Devine, one of our boys’ boarding houses, with the duties associated with the boarding operation, and to oversee the pastoral wellbeing of all the pupils in their care.

The successful candidate will have experience of working with young people and an understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities, along with the ability to deal calmly with sensitive situations.

This is a term time role, working 37.5 hours per week.

For further information and to apply please go to:

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

Closing date: 8:00am on Tuesday, 11 October 2022

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

Assistant Chef | Clayesmore School

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Editorial team

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28 September 2022

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Assistant Chef – Full-time, all year round

Clayesmore has an exciting opportunity for an assistant Chef to join our team of talented and experienced staff in the heart of Dorset. Clayesmore prides itself in providing a comprehensive, in-house fresh food service to its pupils and staff.

The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in high volume catering and be flexible, and able to work as part of a team.

Benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, Death in Service benefits, a free lunchtime meal and free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Centre.

For further information and to apply please go to:

https://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

Cleaner/Caretaker | Milborne Port Primary School

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Editorial team

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28 September 2022

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Cleaner/Caretaker

Hourly rate of £9.79 – £9.98

Grade 15, point 3

Permanent

Part time, 15 hours per week

Term time plus an additional 90 Hours to be worked over the course of the year during school holidays.

Hours: 15.00 – 18.00 Monday-Friday

To start Monday 31^st October 2022

We are seeking a hard-working and dedicated School Cleaner/Caretaker to work in our friendly school. The successful candidate will have responsibility for locking the school, general cleaning and light maintenance.

Experience in cleaning duties and knowledge of best practices in cleaning are essential as well as the ability to work under your own initiative without supervision.

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.

To obtain an application form, job description and person specification, please contact the School Business Manager, Mrs Claire Brown via email on: [email protected]

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please telephone the school on: 01963 250366

Closing date: Friday 14th October 2022

Interviews will be held the week beginning the 17th October 2022