Educators unite at Bryanston School’s annual summit

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13 July 2024

Amjad Ali, an experienced SENCo, gave a lively talk on inclusive teaching

More than 300 educators from across the UK gathered at Bryanston School in June for the eighth annual Education Summit. This year’s theme was The Times They Are A-Changing: Future Proof Your Teaching – inspired by Bob Dylan’s iconic song, the day focused on embracing the ongoing changes in the education system.
The summit featured a series of inspiring talks by expert speakers and leading educators, addressing the evolution of education in a rapidly advancing digital world alongside traditional teaching methods.
A standout moment was Mary Myatt, an education adviser, writer, and former teacher, delivering a compelling talk on the intellectual power of narrative. Mary presented evidence showing that simply reading well-chosen books to children in the classroom significantly enhances their reading abilities. She emphasised that curiosity is a significant motivator for learning.
Amjad Ali, an experienced SENCo, gave a lively and engaging talk on inclusive teaching, stressing the importance of the language teachers use with children and the need to avoid labels.
Dan Fitzpatrick, ‘The AI Educator,’ had the room talking as he demonstrated various AI tools that could reduce teacher workload and help engage and inspire pupils.
Stephen Davies, Education Summit Director, said, ‘We must run harder just to stand still in schools, let alone make progress and be at the forefront. Bryanston, with its ‘et nova et vetera’ motto, has always tried to look both forwards and backwards. The aim of the day was to look forward at how teaching – and being a teacher – could evolve in the coming years. AI is no doubt a big part of that debate.’

Reflecting on the overall event, Bryanston’s Head, Richard Jones, praised the unity of teaching colleagues from primary and secondary schools, both state and independent, especially in the context of the forthcoming General Election. ‘It is crucial for us all to come together to improve outcomes in our education settings. I sincerely hope that politicians recognise the strength of this collaboration, harness this collective strength, and allow us to continue building on the many successful cross-sector partnerships that already exist. The priority is, and must always be, to help drive standards up across all education for children in the UK.’

Stunts and spectacles at Dorset County Show

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Editorial team

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12 July 2024

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The Dorset County Show returns on the 7th & 8th of September this year, the county’s annual celebration of rural life with an exciting blend of new displays and beloved traditions. This year, the show introduces visitors to Atkinson Action Horses, the nation’s favourite IMPs Motorcycle Display Team, and brand new alpaca competitions.
The grand family day out marks Dorset’s end of harvest celebration and still serves as a major networking event for the county’s thriving agricultural sector. The Show combines everything the county has to offer, featuring entertaining new acts, livestock competitions, traditonal crafts, local food and drink and live music.
Atkinson Action Horses are set to thrill with their high-energy, breath-taking, and death-defying stunt show. Making their Dorset debut, the display promises to be a phenomenal exhibition of skill by both rider and horse.
The IMPs Motorcycle Display Team are a crowd favourite, the roar of engines matched by the cheer of the crowd as they perform their billowing fire jump, a suspenseful multiple motorcycle combination ‘cross-over’ routine and a rolling human pyramid.
New to the Woodland Area, visitors this year can try their hand at Tomahawk Throwing, completely free of charge.
And you can meet more than 50 alpacas at this year’s Dorset County Show, as they offer competitions for the first time. The Halter Show includes judging in both types of alpaca – the Huacaya and the Suri. There will also be demonstrations and activities across the weekend.
James Cox, Show Organiser, says, ‘We introduced new attractions and areas or last year’s show, and it was a huge success. This year we’ve built on those changes with even more brilliant new acts that celebrate Dorset agriculture and countryside while bringing fantastic, unmissable displays to the County!’

heart of the show, with visitor favourites including livestock, heavy horses, crafts, delicious food & drink and much more. Don’t miss the biggest weekend in the county calendar!
For further information and to book your Show Ticket, visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk.

Saddling up for success

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Editorial team

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11 July 2024

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Hard work paid off for Team Rimmer at Nunney and Kingston Maurward – but ongoing yard work shows it takes an army to raise an eventer

Jimmy (Talan Blue)
is just trying to stay awake – he had a big weekend at the Kingston Maurward event!

June has been a really busy, fun month for Team Rimmer. Early in the month we competed at Nunney International Horse Trials. Mattie and Henry both made successful 3* debuts – Mattie in particular really moved us with his performance. With minimal runs due to cancellations, his preparation was less than ideal, but he gritted his teeth and gave each phase his absolute best efforts, finishing in the top third. It is a very special feeling when a horse really tries like that for you!
Henry, being the anxious worrier that he is, slightly let the atmosphere get to him in the dressage. He jumped really well, though, and made lots of the cross country feel easy peasy. These two horses are like chalk and cheese – Henry has all the ability in the world but struggles to really get his head down, whereas Mattie is just the kindest, grittiest trier! That’s what makes working with horses so fascinating – no two are ever the same.
The young guns have been flying round their events too, with Jimmy and Max both doing well at Nunney, and Max finishing fifth in a lovely, brand new event right on our doorstep at Kingston Maurward.
To make it all the more special, the title sponsors, Andrews Plant Hire, are also Max’s owners. It was a really lovely moment when his owner, Peter, was able to present a prize to his own horse at the prize giving ceremony! Kingston Maurward was a beautifully run competition – one we will definitely be returning to.

Jess takes Max through his paces under the watchful eye of Georgia the saddle fitter

Checking the basics
Behind the scenes, the horses have had their mid-season MOTs, all being checked over by our Spillers Horse Feeds nutritionists Katie and Leah,, and our wonderful Devoucoux saddle fitter, Georgia. She came to our yard, and we spent time checking the fit of each horse’s dressage and jump saddles, updating any padding as she found necessary.

Sir Henry Hall is a big fan of a chin scratch

Not only is each horse’s body a different shape, width and length, but they also change throughout the season as they build muscle, so it’s important to keep checking the fit of the saddles to ensure the horses have maximum comfort and freedom. All my horses are ridden in Devoucoux saddles, and they absolutely love them (as do I, obviously!).
A day later, our local Spillers reps Katie and Leah came by the yard. We spent lots of time with each horse, assessing their weight and condition, chatting about how the horses are feeling as well talking through their current individually-tailored diets. Similar to the saddles, we had done this at the start of the season, but the horses have all changed a lot, so a few tweaks were made to make sure they are all receiving a balanced diet with the correct vitamins, minerals and protein.
So much goes on behind the scenes in any equestrian yard – they say it takes a village to raise a child, but I’ll admit it feels like it takes an army to raise an eventing horse!
Hopefully they are all now feeling absolutely tip-top, and ready for the next few months of competition.

All my horses are ridden in Devoucoux saddles, and they absolutely love them (as do I, obviously!)’

Hoofing good time at the G&S Show Show

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Editorial team

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11 July 2024

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The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is on Wednesday August 14th and Thursday August 15th this year, staying with the two day format which has proved so popular with visitors for the last two years. North Dorset’s biggest agricultural event celebrates 30 years at Turnpike Showground this year, and show organiser Cat Harris has lined up two full days of entertainment for the whole family.
This year, stars of the show will undoubtedly be Joseph’s Amazing Camels – you’ve no doubt already seen them in Disney and Marvel movies – who will be entertainig the crowds in the main ring with some spectacular camel racing.
The main ring will also be the place to enjoy the Shetland pony racing, competitive showjumping and everyone’s favourite, the Grand Parade of Livestock. Agriculture has always been the heart of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, and the Grand Parade allows visitors to see the show champions and all the prize-winning livestock parade around the ring – it is a spectacle not to be missed. Plus there’s ferret racing, skilled gun dog demonstrations, falconry displays and heavy horses!
Everyone enjoys a wander through the Horticulture Marquee – last year more than 1,500 entries across the flowers, vegetables and cookery competitions.
Due to popular demand, the show has expanded its opening hours this year, and after the main gates close at 6pm on the Wednesday, visitors on a day ticket can stay into the evening to enjoy live music from great local bands while the bars and pop-up food stalls stay open until 10.30pm
Adults £18, 5 to 16s £3. Family ticket at early-bird prices £41 (two adults and two children). gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk
The G&S Show welcomes dogs on leads and offers mobility scooters for hire.

Kipps, the new Half a Sixpence, comesto Shaftesbury!

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Editorial team

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10 July 2024

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A burst of sunshine comes to Shaftesbury this Summer in the form of Kipps, the new updated Half a Sixpence, reworked by Cameron Mackintosh and Julian Fellowes. Shaftesbury Arts Centre has chosen this joyous musical for its summer show, on at the Arts Centre from 11th to 20th July.
With catchy music and a whirlwind of dance, you’ll walk away afterwards with a smile on your face as you hum the tunes.
Older readers will remember the original starred Tommy Steele as the hero, Arthur Kipps, who worked for a penny-pinching draper. A chance meeting with a stage impresario reveals Arthur Kipps as the heir to a fortune, and he attempts to become a gentleman – in the process falling for the daughter of a customer. His intended love’s brother has his eyes on Kipps’ fortune, of course, and cheats him. Ann, his childhood sweetheart, helps Kipps to see where his true self lies.

With numbers such as If The Rain’s Got To Fall and Pick Out A Simple Tune you will find it hard to decide on a favourite … until the iconic Flash Bang Wallop starts!
The cast of 32 ranges in age from ten to 80 – there are more than 100 costumes, 24 musical numbers and an orchestra under the steady baton of David Grierson. What more could you want?
From 11th to 20th July. Tickets are £15, £12.50 for members and £10 for under 18s, available from Shaftesbury Arts Centre shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk or from the box office 01747 854321, open from 10am to 12.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Film Festival has a starry line-up for summer open-air movie season

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Editorial team

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10 July 2024

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This year’s Cinema Under the Stars has a starry line-up! Programmed by Purbeck Film Festival, the 2024 season runs across August with seven box office hits at stunning locations including Corfe Castle. The series begins on Saturday 3rd August with Barbie at Knoll House Hotel, Studland – can you picture a more appropriate setting for this clever, funny and utterly sunny film? Totally deserving of its box office success – and disappointingly unrecognised by the big awards for its brilliant satirical script (and fabulous performances by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling). The screening begins at 8.45pm, and “pink-themed drinks” (what else!) will be available.
Next up is Ghostbusters (the original) at Durlston Country Park, Swanage, on Saturday 17th August, once again at 8.45pm.
Corfe Castle is the atmospheric setting for two films at Corfe Castle, starting with the first Harry Potter – 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – on Friday 23rd August. It’s amazing how young Daniel Radcliffe looks. It’s followed on Saturday 24th by the eternally boyish Timothee Chalamet as Wonka. If you haven’t seen this musical prequel to Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, it is delightful, with Olivia Colman as a thoroughly unpleasant character. Both are at 8.45pm.
On Saturday 31st August at 8.15pm, Careys Secret Garden, a magical location near Wareham, is the venue for Calendar Girls, the original film, which is so much better than both the stage play and the musical, with a matchless cast headed by Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Linda Bassett and Celia Imrie.
The series ends at an iconic Purbeck location: the Blue Pool near Wareham.

On Friday 6th September, the film is A Room with a View – the beautiful adaptation of one of EM Forster’s finest novels, starring Maggie Smith, Daniel Day Lewis and Helena Bonham-Carter.
On Saturday 7th, Baz Luhrmann’s glorious Moulin Rouge, with Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, will light up the Purbeck night. Both screenings at 8pm.

Blooms and Bargains

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Editorial team

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9 July 2024

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Thorngrove Garden Centre’s summer update from Kelsi-Dean Buck – soaking up the garden, new town troughs and the plant of the month

With Summer finally in motion, we’ve been soaking up every possible ray of sunshine, and – like many of our customers – finding any opportunity to enjoy our garden spaces! For me, some of the housework has been dangerously close to being forgotten over the last couple of weekends as I spent more time drifting away on the lounger. As someone who’s only had their own garden for a couple of years now, I can assure you the novelty is showing no signs of wearing off, and my wife has made jokes about turning into her mother as she fully immerses herself in the world of gardening, creating mini havens in every corner, experimenting, and learning, trying to make the most of what we’re so fortunate to have … though we did lose the sweet peas to the wind in the middle of June. Silly us for expecting normal weather in England!

Sturminster Newton Town Council workers collecting the town’s hanging baskets and troughs

We all love a bargain
There’s lots happening at Thorngrove Garden Centre here in Gillingham as of late. We’re planning for some summer events including Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and Dorset County Show – we will be attending both, looking forward to meeting visitors, not only offering some amazing plants, but talking about the work we do as Employ My Ability in offering opportunities for young people with SEND. We hope to see you there!
Plus we have more on-site events in the works – keep your eyes peeled for news on those soon too. We also wanted to extend a big thank you to Sturminster Newton Town Council who came by in June to collect their hanging baskets and troughs which are now out in the wild! Have you spotted them yet while out in the town?
Speaking of the weather, it’s time for your regular reminder to keep on top of your watering. Whether you prefer to use a can or a hose, ensuring your kit is in tip top condition will make your life easier (and we have lots of options in the shop, naturally!). Water early in the morning, or later in the evening when temperatures are lower in order to maximise efficiency. How’re your roses looking with the fluid weather? If any TLC is required, we have a full range of rose care products at Thorngrove to help ensure they’ll continue to reward you with blooms through the coming month (or two, if you’re lucky!)
Looking to fill a gap (or a new pot)? Our plant of the month for July is hydrangea. It makes a versatile and visually striking addition to any garden, offering lush blooms in a variety of colours from vibrant blues and pinks to soft whites and purples. You can also create a hydrangea garden – consider mixing different varieties to achieve a dynamic colour palette with lots of structure and texture.
July will see a few sales in the garden centre so there’s even more reason to pop in this month! Cottage garden plants will have big reductions, and house plants will be 20% off – come and grab a bargain.

Dorset and Hampshire clash in annual Pro fixture

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Editorial team

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9 July 2024

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The annual match between the Dorset Men’s first team and the professionals of Hampshire CCC takes place on Sunday 21st July. This regular fixture is the only opportunity to see professional cricket in Dorset each year.
As part of Dorset’s membership to the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA), the team are offered an opportunity to play a first-class county in a single game each year to showcase the talents that exist in the NCCA – and in Dorset Cricket! Dorset’s relationship with Hampshire is strong and they are always happy to visit Wimborne for this annual match.
Dorset’s talent pathway is very closely aligned to Hampshire’s and has been used as a supply line to their professional ranks with five players moving from Dorset to Hampshire into first class cricket in the past nine years. Last year, four of those players took part in the match for Hampshire.
Currently, Dorset has two former Dorset Pathway players involved with Hampshire’s Academy – both hope to be the sixth successful graduate!

A grand day out
‘Last year, the weather reduced the length of the match to 22 overs,’ says Dorset Cricket Managing Director, Ben Skipworth. ‘But we counted ourselves lucky – we were one of only two NCCA Showcase matches in the country to see any cricket on the day!
‘Our ‘old boys’ did not disappoint last year: Tom scored a half-century, Joseph hit a massive six, Scott bowled accurately and Eddie grabbed four wickets with some fine fast bowling.
‘Despite the weather, around 250 people watched the match last year. We are firmly aiming for 500 spectators this year! There will be food and drink for purchase on the day and our Community Team will be running an interactive zone for our younger spectators to visit during the match.
There will also be opportunities to purchase Dorset Cricket merchandise and for visitors to come and talk to staff and players during the day.
‘The match has been supported by the Hendy Group – our main match sponsor – and No More Stumps, who are the match ball sponsors. Wimborne Cricket Club will be operating a barbecue all day and Pamphill Dairy will be selling ice-cream. Should any other local businesses want to attend, please do get in touch with me –
[email protected].

Grab your chairs and come along to support The Leopards (or The Hawks!). Enjoy the cricket and everything else on offer during the day in what will be a great opportunity to showcase the best of Dorset’s cricketing talent.’

The 2024 NCCA Showcase match – Dorset Leopards v Hampshire Hawks
Sunday 21st July
11am to 7.30pm.
Wimborne Cricket Club
BH21 1DY
Advance tickets now on sale at £10 per adult, under 18s free when accompanied by a paying adult. Gate price £12, card payment only on gate
ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Celebrates Successful 5K Twilight Shift Event at Henstridge Airfield

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Editorial team

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8 July 2024

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For the third consecutive year, the life-saving charity Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance held its 5K Twilight Shift on Saturday, 6th July, and what an amazing day it was. Supporters of the charity participated by running, walking, or jogging the 5km route around Henstridge Airfield, the home of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team.

There was a light breeze as the participants began at 5.30pm, coinciding with the crew of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance starting their ‘twilight shift’ to continue their life-saving work into the night.

Off-duty crew members joined DSAA supporters and businesses, who ran, jogged, or walked in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team. Some of the more experienced 5K challengers also carried extra weight on their backs, mirroring what the air ambulance team needs to do when attending an incident.

Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Events Officer, praised the efforts of the participants and everyone who supported the event:

“What an amazing day we had for our third Twilight Shift! It’s such a special event filled with fun and laughter, and there were so many wonderful stories of determination shared on the day. We were delighted that so many people came to support the charity and raise funds for our life-saving service. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the event or took part; we hope to see you all next year!

“Our next fundraising event is our fantastic ‘Race from the Base’ ultra-cycling challenge, which takes place at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, 7th September 2024. The event offers three distances to choose from (30km, 60km, and 100km), and all routes will start and finish at the airfield. We’re really excited to build upon the success of last year’s challenge and will be opening online registration via our website on Monday, 15th July.”

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including: Henstridge Airfield Clubhouse and Café, Albert Goodman, HK Law, 918 Coffee, Devon Freewheelers, Events Crew, Dorset Police, and Life Support CPR Awareness and Training.

Photographs taken on the day can be viewed and downloaded by visiting: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CxL7mzj4MJUvh36V6

More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Race from the Base event can be found by visiting their website https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk