To celebrate the stellar line-up of the 8th Dorchester Literary Festival this October, we’re giving away 10 tickets (worth £100) to one lucky winner.
DLF are known for their eclectic and ambitious programming; this year audiences can delve into the lives of our Queen, the Marine Commandos, the celts, Constable, Ronnie Archer-Morgan and Mary Seacole. They’ll meet bushcraft and survival legend Ray Mears, Keith Brymer Jones of The Great Pottery Throw Down as well as Justine Picardie, whose novel Miss Dior brings together fashion and the French Resistance.
Minette Walters shares her Desert Island Books, and bestselling novelists including Robert Harris, Natasha Solomons, Elizabeth Lowry and Ben McIntyre will immerse us in their stories.
And thanks to Dorch LitFest, one lucky person will win a set of ten tickets to use at any of the events they choose! To be in with a chance to win, just answer the first three questions in the widget box below. There are more chances to win by completing the other entry options if you so wish – they’re entirely up to you! The closing date for this competition is 25th September 2022 and only entries received on or before that date can be included. The prize will go to the first randomly chosen entry. Good luck!
We all feel better after a walk in the fresh air. Izzy Anwell of Dorset Mind explains how ecotherapy leads to good mental health
here are countless benefits attributed to connecting with nature and being outside. However, the lack of research makes it hard to know how effective the treatment is, from a clinical perspective. Ecotherapy is the name given to healthcare which draws on the benefits of nature-based activity to support people with mental health problems. Even just taken at face value, ecotherapy encourages socialising, exercise, sunlight exposure and learning and sharing emotions, all of which aid ‘good mental health’.
Good mental health Characterised by a person’s ability to fulfil several key functions and activities, the markers of good mental health include the ability to learn, to feel, to express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions and the ability to form and maintain good relationships with others. Ecotherapy supports all five stages of the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ as it encourages its participants to connect, to learn, to get active, to give back and to take notice.
Connect Ecotherapy encourages those who may have become isolated due to their health to socialise with others, to build connections and relationships and regain social skills. There is strong evidence that feeling close to, and valued by, other people can contribute to a person’s daily functioning and act as a buffer against mental ill health.
Garden As part of Dorset Mind’s ecotherapy project, users are taught how to tend to and maintain a garden or plot, supporting the concept of hands-on learning which provides the opportunity to safely make mistakes and learn through trial and error. It also ensures the participant really has to take notice of their surroundings.
Keep Active Ecotherapy actively encourages exercise and activity, which we all know helps to release those feel-good hormones like adrenaline and decreases the stress hormone cortisol. Interestingly, it has recently been suggested that the act of digging and disturbing soil releases a microbe called ‘mycobacterium vaccae’ which acts as a natural anti-depressant. The validity of this research has not yet been confirmed but most gardeners would emphatically agree. And what if it were true? Another benefit that comes from being active outside is that participants get regular sunlight exposure. This prompts the body to produce Vitamin D, vital for bone and muscle health but also a general mood-booster.
Give back As part of Dorset Mind’s Eco in Mind ecotherapy project, all the produce grown is harvested and donated to local food banks. Having this knowledge as a participant evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s National Allotment Week between 8th and 14th August. This gives us the perfect opportunity to get outside and connect ourselves with the earth around us, whether you have an actual allotment or just a small patch of garden. If you do make it outside, try and be mindful as you work, making yourself aware of your surroundings and how they make you feel.
If you are struggling to cope with your mental health in general, please talk to your GP. If you’re in a crisis, treat it as an emergency. Call 999 immediately or The Samaritans, FREE on 116 123. Dorset Mind offers group support that can also help with your wellbeing. The group offers peer support and helps to reduce stigma by normalizing conversations about mental health. You can also check out further support for stress and mental health here. You’ll find links for 1-2-1 and groups mental health support we offer here.
In this week’s episode we take a peaceful stroll through the wildlife and farming sections, along with a fascinating article from the health section on why you’re never too old to ‘keep moving’ – and why exercise isn’t such a stupid idea even if you’re in your 70s or 80s:
The latest Winterborne Kingston dig reveals the lifestyle and habits of our Dorset forebears more than 2,000 years ago, says Roger Guttridge
When she was young, wildlife writer Jane Adams was told ‘you can’t hear bats’ – and she believed it for 30 years … But you can.
Trail cams have now captured sightings of the first beaver kits born in Dorset for more than 400 years says Hazel Ormrod from Dorset Wildlife Trust; for two weeks it was thought there was only one.
A favourite spring flower is a surprise forage in late summer, and expert Carl Mintern has the real reason for those pucker-up sour blackberries right next to the sweet ones
Understanding biennials has led to a nostalgic flower patch full of scent and colour, says flower farmer Charlotte Tombs
Ragwort is a menace to all animal owners, says Andrew Livingston – but he suspects his passion for picking the poisonous plant isn’t popular with conservation groups
Dry crops aren’t always a good thing, says fifth generation farmer James Cossins, as he explains late night combine harvesting and reducing the fire risk
Too old? Absolutely not, says expert Mel Mitchell, as she explains why you should never stop – and why it’s never to late too start
Great skin is rarely about what you put on it, says nutritional therapist Karen Geary – instead try looking at what you’re eating
Meyers, the groundbreaking home-based estate agent with no traditional shop windows, is on the coveted shortlist for the number one spot
Over 15,000 estate agencies are assessed by Property Academy and the UK’s leading property portal, Rightmove, for the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards. Meyers Estate Agents, having been judged on marketing, results and customer service, are now officially in the top two per cent of estate agents in the UK. Mark Meyer, Principal, Meyers Estate Agents comments: ‘Every year since the Best Estate Agent Guide was set up in 2017, Meyers has featured in the top five per cent. This year, though, we are one of the small number of agents shortlisted for the number one spot (to be announced at a special ceremony in September)! This honour is a reflection of the consistency and professionalism of our teams across all our branches – we are incredibly proud.’ The Best Estate Agent Guide was established to help consumers make informed decisions about which Estate Agent to work with when selling their home. Each office is scored against a unique set of criteria, using a whole market assessment including a combination of data analysis and mystery shopping. The guide also provides agents throughout the UK with an opportunity to compare their service against competition nationally. Mark Meyer continues: “We pride ourselves on being the estate agents that care, who always go the extra mile to ensure we look after every detail of the transaction, through what can be a stressful time in our customers’ lives. Our close involvement with the communities which our branches serve means we get to know our customers better and can offer a more personal service. We genuinely want to give back to the communities in which we live and work too. “For example, earlier this year Brad Hansford our franchisee for Shaftesbury and his team arranged a 10KM Wellbeing Walk raising £650 for Dorset Mind. These kinds of projects are typical of all our franchisees’ level of community contribution.’ Despite building a new business through Covid, Brad and his team have still made time to ‘give back’ and contribute to several local projects including: The Blackmore Vale Partnership, The Headstrong Project and the GAP project. ‘That’s the essence of what Meyers is all about.’ Mark said ‘setting the bar higher to look after customers better and support the communities that support us at the same time.’
A growing number of women are entering the traditionally male world of steam. Rachael Rowe asked local steam enthusiast Coral Goddard why
Coral Goddard is one of a growing number of women working on steam engines. She appears regularly at local shows and steam-ups with her husband (look out for them at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show). Most of us are familiar with the classic steam engines at shows but I’m curious as to how the then Coral Fookes first got involved. ‘Through my now-husband. One of our first dates was to a steam fair! He has a strong interest in steam engines, and that’s how I got into it. It was an interest-at-first-sight.’ Coral is fortunate to have friends with a steam engine who allow both the Goddards to take it out to shows. But what is it about steam that appeals? ‘The first time I did it, it was the engine. I knew immediately that I wanted to do it again. It’s part of our history and heritage. ‘It’s really interesting to see all the machinery in front of you. It is so different from driving a car, for example. There’s such love that goes into just getting it to move. You’re putting fire into the engine and boiling water for the steam. It’s the smell and the physical presence of the machine. You’re actually putting life into it. It’s really therapeutic.’
Coral’s day job is working at an equine veterinary practice in Salisbury. ‘Horses are my first love. The team at work think I’m a crazy lady!’ She steers the engine while her husband drives it. ‘You have to know your journey, so you have enough steam to get up a hill, for example. The classic one is coming out of the G&S Show and making sure you have enough steam to get up the hill into Shaftesbury. ‘Usually we do a recce of any unknown journey or route. You really have to know your hills.’
Breaking the rules There’s a certain stereotype associated with steam engine enthusiasts. So how has Coral found it? ‘There is still a bit of that around, especially the older generation who are a bit old school. They’ll say “well done, well done”. However, I know lots of women in steam who do a brilliant job. For example, Jenny Duncan Coles has been with the Great Dorset Steam Fair all her life. Laura Kimber is another example. Many more are coming through, so we must keep people interested. Women’s football is a great example of how stereotypes have been transformed.’ So how can women and newcomers get involved with steam engines? ‘Ask questions. Engine owners love nothing more than explaining how their engines work! Then, during winter, ask if you can help with lots of engine maintenance. The Steam Apprenticeship Club is another way younger people can get involved. Sometimes it is difficult as most engines are privately owned, so it is important to show an interest. And there’s such a great community in the steam world.’ How long did it take Coral to learn the basics of engines? ‘I’m very much still learning and don’t have a mechanical mind! My husband is the mechanic. But I’m always learning about the steam engines.’
Meet Coral in the steam area at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. She will also be at the Berwick St John Fair, a local event raising money for the Salisbury District Stars Appeal, on 17th and 18th September. Further information on traction engines can be found on the National Traction Engine Trust website at www.ntet.co.uk.
Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs and disabilities. One of their students, Maddie Walters, has spent the last term working on her journalism skills with the aim of writing a column for us, highlighting aspects of life in Dorset for a young disabled person. Below is Maddie’s first work, in which she has been considering seasonally relevant content – Ed
Hello there and how are you doing on this sunny day? Since summer is here and the weather’s getting warmer this article is going to be about the best sandy beaches to visit in Dorset. While you can enjoy going on holiday or traveling to another part of the UK, why not find a local beach near where you live?
Studland – Shell Bay The Studland Shell Bay is a beautiful beach in Dorset, and it is a fantastic place to go during the summer holidays. It has amazing scenery.
Lulworth Cove Lulworth Cove is a rocky beach that has a rockpool so you can search for several types of creatures that live in the water or go for a swim in the sea.
Sandbanks Beach Sandbanks Beach is a good place to visit in the UK during the summer and it’s a beautiful seashore. You can do water sports during your visit like swimming in the sea, surfing, going for a walk and searching for different rocks if special needs people can feel the texture of the rocks.
How Much Does It Cost? The Studland Shell Bay car park costs £3 if you travel by car or if they have a disabled parking spot. Some travel organisations can help find the right cost or look up the National Trust website and you will find something for more information https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ I hope you enjoy this article and enjoy your summer holidays. Maddie Walters
Margaret Millward agreed to help with the show’s equestrian classes – temporarily – in the 1990s. She’s still there and does most of the organising, reports Rachael Rowe
Margaret Millward with event horse Garfield Big Idea – she has worked with him since he was four
‘They said: “Can you just help out for a year or two?” That was back in the 1990s, and I’m still here!” British Eventing coach Margaret Millward is vice-chairman of the horse committee and a familiar face in the equestrian ring at Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. But behind the scenes she organises the schedule, decides the classes for the horse section and helps the stewards. Margaret agrees that majority of the work goes on behind the scenes, unseen by the public, ensuring the equestrian events run smoothly each year: ‘We work on the principle that we are an “agricultural show with horses” and not a horse show.’
Margaret in 1991 when she first got involved in G&S show with daughter Phillippa competing in the leading rein class
What’s in, what’s out I’m curious about how much planning is needed for an event like the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. Margaret explains: ‘When we first started out I was handing out rosettes from a brown paper bag. There were no proper jumps. It was total chaos! We have worked hard to improve things. Our planning for the following year starts as soon as the show is over – we look at what was supported and any issues that we experienced. For example, this year, we have taken out some of the classes that had low support. However, people liked the large ring last year, so we have kept that in. “We have built up a really good band of stewards. Some have been with us for years. We all work well together. We’re always trying to get younger people involved, to build the team.” So what is it that makes Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show special? Margaret is clear in her answer: “The people – from every section. The camaraderie of the whole team really makes it. If I didn’t do this, I would really miss it.”
Who let the bull out? Margaret says one of her funniest show memories was when a bull got loose and ran around the ground. ‘It ran amok around the stands and rings. Fortunately, no one was hurt,’ says Margaret, ‘And today, health and safety would certainly have an issue with it. My children were with me and they thought it was just hilarious!’ Another year, Margaret got Radio DJ and local resident Johnny Walker and his wife Tiggy to be guest judges. ‘We had a fancy dress class which we all enjoyed, it was a bit of fun. Johnny and Tiggy were great and judged the class for us (to be honest Tiggy did most of it!).’
Skill classes I wondered if shows like the Gillingham and Shaftesbury inspire riders of the future? Margaret is not sure they do. ‘The horse shows are very different now. We encourage local people to come, but it is different from what it was. We have a lot more skills-based classes. It can be difficult to get competitors to come, as we are more about activities than pure showjumping. We do get native breeds and hunters, but not that many show horses. Like I said, we are primarily an agricultural show.’ It is people like Margaret who make the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show happen, working in the wings to organise classes, find judges and ensure everything is in place for the big day – support is vital for events to continue. As you watch the equestrian classes at Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, spare a thought for the work behind the scenes that makes the day a positive experience for everyone.
A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues
A: Firstly, you should do a benefits check to ensure that you are claiming everything to which you are entitled. You can use an online benefit checker such as EntitledTo but if you need more help, don’t hesitate to contact your local Citizens Advice. You should also contact your energy supplier and ask what assistance they can provide.
Winter fuel Once people reach state pension age, they are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, which is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter. You should start getting the Winter Fuel Payment automatically once you reach State Pension age, but sometimes you might need to apply. You can find out how to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK.
Pensioner support Dorset Council’s Household Support Fund is now open to every Dorset household which includes someone of state pension age, provided that person doesn’t have savings of more than £10K. Households can apply online and the application must be made in the name of the person who is the pensioner. Applicants will need to provide evidence of age and ID. If you are doing the application yourself, you will need to be able to upload the documents via the website. If you are struggling with the application process, get in touch with Citizens Advice, who will be able to suggest a way ahead.
Council Tax If you pay Council Tax and your home is in band A-D (or E if you get the disabled band reduction discount) you may have already received the £150 energy discount via your council tax. If you have not received this or have received a letter telling you that you are entitled but have not made a claim, you should take action now.
People who receive means-tested benefits, including Pension Credit, may get a Cost of Living payment of £650 paid in two lump sums of £326 and £324. You do not have to make a claim – the payment will be made automatically. The first of these payments should have been made in July with the second due in the autumn. If you are eligible for pension credit, that may act as a passport to other payments, such as the Warm Home Discount Scheme and discounts such as a discount on your water bill.
Energy support The government plans to give every household in Great Britain £400 off their electricity bill – it is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme. You don’t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back. £400 will be automatically added to your energy account over six months starting from October. If you have a prepayment meter, the £400 will be added to your meter or you’ll be given vouchers – the government will confirm how you’ll get the money nearer the time.
Are you concerned about the integrity of food labelling?
Do you believe that all UK producers should be working to the same ethical standards?
Would you like to see more support and promotion of local produce?
Do you think it’s time for a new initiative to help UK producers fight back?
Please allow us to introduce ourselves and Love Local Trust Local. We are:
Putting consumer trust back into buying local
Promoting products with genuine provenance and full traceability
LOVE LOCAL TRUST LOCAL; a label you can trust
Our Story We, the Cossins family, are fifth generation farmers. As well as our farm we own a freehouse pub, a butchery, and a farm shop in the Tarrant Valley, just outside of Blandford Forum in Dorset. The Langton Arms, Rawston Farm Butchery and Farm Shop are well-known for their fantastic, local Dorset produce. Every third year we host Open Farm Sunday (OFS) on the farm and take the opportunity to talk to as many local people as possible. Our visitors love knowing the story of the food they buy form us, the miles it has travelled and also that they are buying and eating genuine local produce. We were frequently asked “how do we know that the food we buy really is what it says it is?” At the 2018 OFS it became clear the scare stories in the media had created doubt in many of people’s minds, and the Cossins decided to do something about it. Love Local Trust Local, Dorset’s very own produce label and awards were born.
What We Do We are passionate about Dorset, advocates of promoting British farming and the collaboration of small local businesses working together. Cheap imported food flooding our British market puts our British farmers and producers at an unfair disadvantage. Better food labelling is vital. While we created the label by farmers for farmers and producers here in Dorset, our aim is to roll out this movement nationwide. It is important that consumers start to recognise the county flags, see at a glance what is grown or produced in their own county, and what is in season. To achieve this, education is key. We need to tell the stories of where our food is grown and produced. Hospitality and farming need to work closely together – naturally helping our health and wellbeing, and our carbon footprint will automatically be reduced. We currently import 50% of our vegetables and 75% of our fruit; unnecessary when we could be eating with the seasons. As the creator of the Love Local Trust Local label, I (Barbara Cossins) have appeared on Channel 4’s Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast and also Escape to the Country, helping to raise awareness to a wider audience.
The 2022 Awards In the summer of 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the inaugural Love Local Trust Local Awards were launched for Dorset producers. The third Love Local Trust Local Awards opened for entries on the 1st May this year. There are 14 categories to choose from, with some new ones added for the first time this year. The Love Local Trust Local Awards are FREE to enter and entries close on the 1st September 2022. After this, judging and tasting will take place through the autumn and there will be an awards ceremony in early February hosted at Kingston Maurward College, one of the Love Local Trust Local sponsors.
Work with us Raise the profile of your business Become a champion of the Love Local Trust Local Promote your own business and services to local, forward thinking other businesses Be an early adopter and become part of the Love Local Trust Local family Associate yourself with multi-award-winning Dorset businesses, The Langton Arms and Rawston Farm Butchery & Farm Shop 12 months of promotion and coverage for your business via our social media channels A beautiful plaque bearing the Love Local Trust Local logo to display
The Love Local Trust Local Awards are championed by sponsors who also make up the judging panel. Small, local businesses supporting each other.
