West Country Landmarks to Light Up in Support of Air Ambulance Week 2024

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4 September 2024

As Air Ambulance Week 2024 approaches, three of the West Country’s most iconic landmarks – Glastonbury Tor, Wellington Monument, and Corfe Castle – are set to light up in a dazzling tribute to the life-saving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. From the 9th to the 15th of September, this annual event aims to raise awareness and crucial funds for these essential services, with the festivities kicking off on the evening of Monday 9th September.

Following the success of last year’s illuminations at Corfe Castle and Wellington Monument, which drew attention to the work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, both landmarks have committed to lighting up again this year. Joining them for the first time will be Glastonbury Tor, one of the most renowned and spiritual sites in the country. Together, these three landmarks will glow brightly, sending a powerful message of support for the vital work done by the air ambulance service.

The Majestic Landmarks Set to Illuminate

Glastonbury Tor is more than just a scenic hill – it’s a symbol of myth, legend, and spirituality. Towering over the Somerset Levels, it offers sweeping views across Dorset, Wiltshire, and even as far as Wales. Its presence in this year’s Air Ambulance Week is particularly poignant, adding a deep sense of history and community to the event.

Standing tall and proud, Wellington Monument holds the title of the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. This striking structure honours the Duke of Wellington and his troops’ triumph at the Battle of Waterloo. Perched on Wellington Hill at the edge of the Blackdown Hills, it serves as a prominent symbol for travellers across the South West. Its involvement once again in Air Ambulance Week reflects the region’s commitment to supporting those who serve and protect.

Meanwhile, Corfe Castle, a towering remnant of the English Civil War, continues to captivate with its evocative ruins and dramatic setting. At over 1,000 years old, this iconic landmark has long stood as a guardian of the Purbeck landscape. Lit up for Air Ambulance Week, it will serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of both the castle and the vital services provided by the air ambulance.

A Lifeline for the Region

Emma Jones, Fundraising Manager for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, emphasised the importance of public support in sustaining their life-saving missions. “Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is your local air ambulance charity, funded by you,” she said. “Our incredible team of clinicians bring the equivalent of an intensive care unit to your home, the roadside, a field, a beach, and often to the most remote areas of Dorset and Somerset.”

Emma continued, “These are ordinary people providing extraordinary care, working tirelessly to save and enhance lives every day. This care is not available outside of hospital and can only be delivered thanks to public donations and support.”

Each air ambulance mission comes at a significant cost – approximately £3,500 – making the fundraising efforts during Air Ambulance Week more crucial than ever. The decision to light up Glastonbury Tor, Corfe Castle, and Wellington Monument, supported by the National Trust, is a striking gesture of support for the air ambulance’s mission. “We can’t thank them enough,”.

A Call to Action

As the landmarks shine throughout Air Ambulance Week, they will not only create a stunning visual display but also serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the indispensable service that the air ambulance provides. Every pound raised during the week will help ensure the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team can continue to deliver emergency care where it is needed most – whether that’s a beach, a remote rural area, or a bustling town centre.

In a region known for its rich history and strong sense of community, this year’s Air Ambulance Week promises to be both inspiring and impactful. The illuminated landmarks will stand as a symbol of unity, dedication, and the lifesaving work that continues all year round.

So, if you find yourself near Glastonbury Tor, Wellington Monument, or Corfe Castle during the week of the 9th-15th September, take a moment to admire their glowing tribute – and consider how you, too, can support this extraordinary cause.

To donate £10 today visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/AAW24 or call: 01823 669604
To join the Flight for Life Lottery: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/join-our-lottery
Become a regular donor: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/regular-donation

Official pre-show magazine for the 2024 Dorset County Show

By

LauraHitchcock

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1 September 2024

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Once again we have been working closely with the Dorset County Show team to produce their official pre-show magazine! Dive in to get a sneak peek behind the scenes of everything that awaits you at the year’s biggest celebration of rural life in Dorset… Want to know more about Ben Atkinson and his amazing horses? Find out what you can do for FREE at the show, once you’re in the showground? Discover exactly how big the Food & Drink area is this year (spoiler: it’s HUGE!)? We’ve got you!

Here’s a taste of what to expect:

Atkinson Action Horses
Dorset County Show is excited to welcome, for his first ever appearance in Dorset, internationally renowned Ben Atkinson and his Liberty horses
The Imps
Meet the charity project transformed into a world-renowned motorcycle display team with a reputation for breathtaking stunts, disciplined teamwork, and a legacy of inspiring young riders.
Alpacalypse Now!
We’re all set for a woolly good time at the County Show’s alpaca section. New to Dorset County Show this year, we’re excited to welcome around 120 alpacas! Watch them compete and then come and meet the gentle, curious relative of the camel.
Dorset’s biggest larder
With a super-sized new Food Hall and more than 100 producers, we’re thinking that this might be the best place in the county to find a bite to eat
Free Fun and Fabulous
The team have rounded up their no-cost favourites of what to see and do (we’re just going to presume you’ll be watching the Main Ring and won’t miss seeing some livestock classes – both of which are free, of course)…
The Forge
A hammer, a fire and a piece of iron: welcome to the hot, dirty, stamina-draining – but fun – world of blacksmithing. As well as live forging demonstrations and static displays, the County Show is hosting the final heat of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ National Blacksmith Championship Competition.
Dorset’s waggiest tail?
Bringing your dog to the show? Of course you are – they’ll have a great day out too! This year sees the County Show’s first ever Fun Dog Show. Kindly organised by St Giles Animal Welfare, Starting from 11am both days, there will be a class for everybody’s four-legged friend to enter: do you own the loveliest lady, the waggiest tail, the best biscuit catcher, the most appealing eyes or the dog with the best talent?
The map and the timetables
Download or screenshot it, keep it in your phone and you’ll not miss a thing – you’ll always know where to go and when
Harvest, chat, repeat …
Everyone knows it’s a great family day out – but the County Show is also an important date in the agricultural business calendar. Ben Best from C&O Tractors tells us why …
These are the champions…
We’ve a rogue’s gallery of just some of last year’s livestock champions

Farming frustration, Sturminster Cheese Fest, Riversmeet and a refugee family’s journey

By

LauraHitchcock

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1 September 2024

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This month we hear from farmer Andrew Livingston – frustrated with a new government showing the same poor understanding in their approach to subsisides. Helen Lacey, town mayor and member of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival committee, fills us in on what’s in store for the event this year.

Terry talks with Phil Silvester, the chair of trustees of Riversemeet, Gillingham’s not-for-profit leisure centre, about the difficulties they’re facing – some of which were borne out of embracing new tech just a little too quickly.

Lastly, Jenny chats to Stuart Twiss about the Shaftesbury Refugee Group, with a warm and insightful look at the case of one of the local refugee families, the Hammouds.

Andrew Livingston on why Labour’s silence on farm subsidy payments is a huge worry: ” … the way supermarkets currently dictate shelf price it’s impossible for farmers to make enough money to keep the farm running, get the bills paid and pay their staff. Subsidies keep the farm ticking over, allowing them to plan forward. “Payments used to be done by the amount of land that you owned, but that’s changed: the new scheme encourages farmers to farm in the right way, supporting nature and adding benefit to the local community. That could be maintaining footpaths or hedges, or increasing the biodiversity in and around your farm. So if you’re a potato grower, you’re not just growing potatoes, you’re encouraging bees onto your land, and you’re even encouraging people to walk onto your land – which is something that that most farmers probably don’t really want to do! But it’s important that farming is for everyone in the community, and not just the farmer.”
Sturminster Cheese Festival is not to be missed! Jenny talks to Helen Lacey who was involved in the very first show back in 1997, about how the event has evolved over the years. The first was over four days, Sturminster Creamery was still in business and running tours, and on the rec there were two scout tents! There was a tea dance, cookery comp, and a fashion show on Saturday night in the scout marquee – they had to clear it for a catwalk!
Now it’s possibly one of the biggest food festivals in the South West! As always, the weekend will feature a wide variety of food and drink from across the West Country, including (you guessed it) the star of the show – cheese! The festival is an amazing showcase, with 18 award-winning cheesemakers from across the South West.
But it’s not all about the cheese – with almost 40 local artisan food producers to discover, from chillies to jams, doughnuts to fudge, pepper to brownies, curry sauces to local trout … and of course there’s gin, vodka, rum, liqueurs and plenty of locally brewed cider and beer too.Outside the food marquees there will be aisles of local crafts to tempt you, as well as free children’s entertainment provided by the utterly brilliant Betty Boffin and Strawberry Jam (plus there’s a traditional Punch & Judy show too). The Real Ale & Cider Tent provides plenty of refreshment and places to sit and enjoy the live bands who will be playing throughout the two days…
- cheesefestival.co.uk
Riversmeet is a non-profit, community owned, community-managed leisure centre in Gillingham. Run by a board opf trustees who manage the centre and its team of 70+ staff for the local community.
“We were early adopters of air source heat pumps in 2020 and that’s another important feather in our green credentials. Unfortunately, the company that installed those went bankrupt a year or two afterwards, and we’ve since discovered they have some design flaws – when the weather is too cold, the air source heat pumps can’t cope! Through crowdfunding we’ve now raised enough to purchase the gas boilers needed to provide a back up, but long term we need to replace them. We don’t want any more breakdowns and loss of refrigerant gas – it’s the equivalent to 40 trees each time. Engineers tell us it might happen once in 10 years: it’s been happening to us once every four or five months! We have ‘wasted’ almost £100,000 on repairs and maintenance due to the equipment being poorly designed.”
This month’s BV has a moving account of the Syrian refugees who arrived in Shaftesbury in 2017, knowing no one, not speaking the language and not knowing what their life would be. Stuart Twiss of the Shaftesbury refugee Group tells a little of their story:
“they had had a small farm, and in many senses, it was an idyllic existence. But the war moved closer – the government forces took most of the men, kidnapped them, killed many, tortured others – obviously without trial – and they were held for unknown periods of time. When Amar was finally released, he and his wife samar and their two children, one a baby in arms, the other just six, walked from Malula to Lebanon, sleeping in ditches, literally walking with what they could carry. And when they finally arrived in Lebanon, they slept in a bombed-out building …”
Read the Hamoud’s story in the BV here – bvmag.co.uk/SyriatoShaftesbury

August’s BV can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography.
Did we mention it’s FREE?

Why *wouldn’t* you want a flick through?

(*don’t forget, we’re proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)

Frankly, it’s so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it’d be rude not to.

The BV is the ‘glossy’ rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset, this year awarded ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’
(Newspaper & Magazine Awards)

Labour’s subsidy silence is a worry

By

Editorial team

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1 September 2024

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From a blue family to red concerns: Andrew Livingston discusses Labour’s approach to farming subsidies and potential pitfalls ahead

’m not going to disclose how I voted in the General Election, but I will say I come from a pretty blue family – not only the fact that we have lived in West Dorset for the last 25 years, but also because my Grandad used to be the Conservative Party area manager. Thanks to his connections in the party, we have a drawer of Christmas cards from the likes of John Major and Margaret Thatcher (and no, this is not something I shouted around the streets of Liverpool during my time at university!).
It was Albert Einstein who defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. With that in mind, I think it was time for a change. But the new Labour administration has already hit its first stumbling block with the people that feed the nation – where is the money?

They don’t get it
Labour didn’t push hard for the votes of the farmers. In the run-up to the election, Steve Read, now DEFRA Secretary, wouldn’t commit to maintaining the agricultural budget that is so vital for farmers. Those government subsidies are a lifeline for farmers and landowners – the difference between keeping your farm afloat or packing it all in, selling up and making the land someone else’s issue.
Currently, £2.4 billion is dished out as a reward for using the land in a way that benefits the environment while producing food. That subsidy assurance finishes at the end of the year – and the Labour Party has said that no announcement will be made on the continuation of payments for farming until the autumn budget on 30th October. It’s a worrying start from the new government, suggesting that Ministers don’t6 understand how farms work. Farmers don’t operate month to month: you can’t just plant crops, pull them out the next month and make a shedload of money. We all wish it was that easy! The government money gives security to our landowners. It means that they have money coming in no matter what disasters occur in the market for their crops and produce.
If true, Rachel Reeves’ announcement of the £22billion debt that the Conservatives have hidden from the country could be a bad omen for farming. Many projects have already been cut to try and save a few coppers – the Stonehenge A303 tunnel, winter fuel payments and the social care cap have all been axed in the first round of cash-finding.
However, someone should warn the new Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Labour government to tread carefully when it comes to cutting funding to agriculture: farmers know that losing that money will mean many of them will be forced to sell up.
You just have to look across the Channel to see what happens when farmers’ backs are against the wall. I wouldn’t want the new Cabinet to end up with egg on their faces … literally.

Win Green to Tollard Royal Circular – 8.5 miles. | Dorset Walks

By

Editorial team

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31 August 2024

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Win Green Down, the highest point of the Cranborne Chase, is just outside Shaftesbury and always worth a visit – on a clear day you can see The Needles. There are many walks from the top – the easiest being straight along the Ox Drove itself for constantly spectacular views, it is one of the longest and most ancient routes in the country, going all the way to Salisbury. Our favourite route is below: drop off the Drove to walk a circular route through the Rushmore Park to come in the back of Tollard Royal and then a stiff climb up from beautifully peaceful Ashcombe Bottom on the Wessex Ridgeway.

To follow the Win Green to Tollard Royal route using the Outdooractive App, please find the route here.

The route is a straightforward loop on well-maintained paths, taking in ancient tracks and the Wessex Ridgeway. Parking is easy on Win Green, but also available at points along the Ox Drove: you could also start at Tollard Royal (finishing with a pint in the King John!), which would mean a downhill finish rather than the sharpest climb at the end.
*eta – One commenter says they prefer using the Win Green start, but reversing the route to avoid the stiff uphill climb at the end. The dodgy knee dictates downhills are worse, so this isn’t our own preferred solution, but I’m guessing it will be better for many!

The above images were the few taken on a re-walk of the original route in August – it’s great to do at any time of year, but is truly spectacular in summer sunshine! The below images give more of an idea of various parts of the route, but are rather dull by comparison as they were taken in early spring …

Win Green to Tollard Royal Circular Walk

Following the ancient track down into Tollard Royal (you can just make out the church ahead). There were a lot of Yew trees on this track – am I the only person to greet them with “Hello Yew!” and a gentle pat as I pass? – Ed”

“The quiet airy valleys of the Rushmore Estate are always a pleasure to stroll through, even on a flat grey March day”

“The waymarkers on Rushmore Golf Course are not easily spotted (far right of picture) – check your map and be confident. And simply follow the fence line!”

“The view of Rotherley Bottom from the Ox drove”

“The last climb up from Under Win Green. Yes, C is often that far ahead on the uphill stretches!”

We have always created and recently walked the routes we feature (See all previously-published Dorset walks here), so you know you can trust them. You can see all our personal routes (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on Outdoor Active here, and all include a downloadable gpx file.
All images © Laura Hitchcock.

Every month in the BV Magazine we publish a Dorset walk in the beautiful Dorset countryside under the heading ‘Take a hike’. Not always in the heart of the Blackmore Vale perhaps, but always within reach for a day’s walk.

Above all, we hope you enjoy reading about the walks that we do and enjoying the pictures of course, but if you are taking them on yourself, we would love to receive your feedback on how you found the individual route and any suggestions you might have. Oh and of course we would love to receive your pictures to share as well!

Experienced housekeeper required nr Fontmell Magna

By

Editorial team

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27 August 2024

0

Experienced housekeeper needed for family house near Fontmell Magna.

Must be happy to work independently, whilst being part of a wider team.

Three mornings a week, 10 to 15 hours.

Good references essential.

Please apply to [email protected] with CV or phone Susannah on 07979 806146

Regeneration plans move forward for Dorchester offices

By

Editorial team

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25 August 2024

0

RTI Estates Ltd, part of Dorchester-based Redtale Holdings, is planning Dorchester’s first open-market build-to-rent project by converting Vespasian House into 37 apartments for up to 144 people. The £11m project is part of RTI’s ongoing regeneration of the historic Barrack Quarter. The development will include one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, providing high-quality, flexible rental accommodation.
The conversion comes as NHS organisations currently based in Vespasian House are exploring relocation options.
The project follows RTI’s previous developments in the Barrack Quarter, including key worker apartments for NHS staff and the conversion of former stores into townhouses and apartments.
Since 2013, national policies have facilitated the conversion of commercial properties into homes, with over 100,000 new homes delivered in England. The easing of criteria, especially post-pandemic, has further encouraged such conversions

Dorset takeover: business as unusual

By

Editorial team

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24 August 2024

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Dorset Chamber CEO Ian Girling looks to engage with new MPs to tackle business challenges in a new, multi-coloured political landscape

As anticipated the July 4th General Election unsurprisingly saw a huge Labour victory with the Labour Party gaining more than 200 seats – a total of 412, with a majority of 174. The Conservatives suffered their worst result, in terms of seats, in their history, with a loss of 251 seats. There are just 121 Tory seats now remaining in the House of Commons.
Within Dorset, only two of our eight Conservative MPs survived the election – Simon Hoare and Sir Christopher Chope, and both with significantly reduced majorities. Now, a previously Blue Dorset consists of four Labour MPs, two Liberal Democrats and those two Conservatives.
I think it’s absolutely vital that MPs engage closely with business – I have written to all the Dorset MP’s and encouraged them to work with us in making sure the business voice is always heard. I have also written to our new Prime Minister and congratulated him on his election and stated we’d be delighted to welcome him to Dorset for a visit to businesses.
So what does this mean for business? Does this change in government threaten or bolster economic stability? Only time will tell. It’s true that after several challenging years of record-high inflation and rising interest rates, things are a little more stable now – inflation down to 2 per cent from a high in 2022 of 11 per cent. We’ve yet to see the Bank of England reduce interest rates, but I’m confident this will come. It’s going to be absolutely vital for the new government to maintain this path of economic stability and recovery.
Within Dorset, recruitment challenges and the cost of housing are two linked and significant issues – and something that we will be pushing on.
I am very keen we closely engage with our new MPs to develop a strong relationship with the Dorset business community. As the County Chamber of Commerce, we will do our absolute best to facilitate this.

It’s time to eat purple!

By

Editorial team

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23 August 2024

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Summer fruits are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients – add these health-boosting foods to your meals, with tips from Karen Geary

I hope by the time you read this, summer will finally have materialised in our corner of the world – as I type it’s still raining …
This month I thought I’d take a look at summer fruits, as some are better options than others. Berries and stone fruits tend to have a lower sugar content compared with tropical fruits like mango, banana and pineapple. They offer a burst of flavour and colour to our diets and they also pack a nutritional punch. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, making them essential for maintaining good health. Here’s a closer look at their nutritional benefits, and some tips on how to incorporate more of them into our diets.

Small but mighty berries
Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and blackberries, are tiny fruits packed with vitamins C and K, manganese and fibre. Berries are a great choice for people watching their sugar levels and usually suitable for diabetics, as they are the fruits with the lowest sugar content.
Berries are celebrated for their high antioxidant content as they contain anthocyanins. These are anti-inflammatory compounds and have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases by helping to neutralise harmful free radicals which can damage cells and contribute to ageing and disease.
Anthocyanins are a type of natural flavonoid, water-soluble pigments found in many fruits and vegetables. These pigments give berries, cherries, red cabbage, red onions, purple carrots, beetroot, black grapes, purple sweet potatoes and other colourful plants their vibrant red, purple, and blue hues.
Consuming anthocyanin-rich foods has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, enhanced brain function and even better vision.
Anthocyanins are not only responsible for the beautiful colours in many fruits and vegetables but also contribute significantly to their health-promoting properties. It’s why I always ask my clients to eat something purple every day!

Chia Jam

450g bag of mixed frozen berries (or fresh if you are lucky enough to have loads)
3 tbs of chia seeds
A little water (about five tbs)
Juice of a lemon

Add the frozen fruit, water and chia seeds to a pan. Warm through until gently boiling, then take off the heat – the chia seeds will naturally thicken the cooked fruit.
Once it’s cool, stir through the lemon juice.
This jam will keep well in the fridge for a week – add it as a fruity topping to cereals and yogurt, spread it on toast or throw some into your smoothie.

Juicy and nutritious stone fruit
In ancient Chinese folklore, peaches were believed to be a symbol of immortality and they were often associated with longevity and good health.
Stone fruits, including peaches, plums, cherries and apricots, are named for their large, hard seeds. These fruits are also quite low in sugars, are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium and fibre. Vitamin A is crucial for eye health, while vitamin C boosts the immune system and aids skin health. The fibre they contain supports digestive health and also helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
To enjoy more stone fruits, try slicing them into salads with mozzarella and basil, grill them for a unique dessert – or simply eat them fresh if you can find nice ripe ones!

My personal favourite grilled peach recipe is here.
Incorporating summer fruits into your diet can enhance your overall health thanks to their rich nutrient profiles and various health benefits. Boost your vitamin intake, improve your digestion or simply enjoy a delicious snack – summer fruits are an excellent choice. Embrace the season’s bounty and enjoy these fruits as they contribute to your well-being!