Welcome to November’s BV Puzzles page – your free spot for a quick brain workout. Complete the crossword, test your logic with a classic sudoku, or relax with our massively popular seasonal Dorset-themed jigsaw: this month we have a picture from a recent trip to Tyneham (for this month’s Then & Now ‘now’ images, of course) – we were so lucky with the weather that we enjoyed a saunter along the track to Worbarrow Bay and spent a delicious hour or so with the sea: we thought you might enjoy it too. No logins, no printouts – just free puzzles updated every month right here on The BV. Perfect for puzzle fans across Dorset and beyond, our digital puzzles work on mobile, tablet or desktop. Enjoy a quiet moment of challenge with new puzzles published every issue of The BV magazine.
This year marks 15 years since Wessex Internet first began connecting rural communities to reliable full‑fibre broadband: first just across Dorset, before stretching into Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
What began in 2010 as one farmer’s determination to get a decent internet connection has grown into one of the region’s biggest rural success stories. Faced with a costly and impractical quote from a national provider, local farmer James Gibson Fleming MBE decided to take matters into his own hands. He built a small wireless network to reach his home – and quickly discovered that neighbours, friends and nearby villages were desperate for the same service.
‘I’m incredibly proud of Wessex Internet – that’s what I’d like to be remembered for’ James Gibson Fleming MBE, 1958-2025
From that modest start, the company has now connected tens of thousands of rural homes and businesses. Its first 2,000 customers paved the way for a move to full‑fibre connections, and today Wessex Internet has laid more than 7,700 kilometres of fibre cable – enough to stretch from Blandford Forum to Cairo and back again.
Saved from 1Mbps
The company’s approach remains resolutely community‑based and focused on rural areas. Working with local landowners and farmers, Wessex Internet installs cables discreetly beneath fields, avoiding disruptive roadworks and preserving the landscape. The result is a network that serves more than 40,000 rural premises while supporting over 370 local jobs.
Projects have ranged from connecting an English Heritage property at Old Wardour Castle to running fibre under rivers to reach isolated homes.
One standout success was linking Cheselbourne Village School in just seven weeks – despite the nearest network point being 14 kilometres away. That project alone opened the door to Lulworth, Piddlehinton and beyond. Further schemes have transformed communities – such as Cripplestyle, where residents once endured internet speeds below 1 Mbps.
Within months of Wessex Internet’s arrival, the village had superfast gigabit broadband, and more than 80 per cent of the village households had signed up.
Who’d have thought?
Over the 15 years, the company has won 13 industry awards, including UK Fibre Provider of the Year 2023 and Best UK Rural Enterprise 2024. In 2022 Wessex Internet was the first winner of a Building Digital UK gigabit contract – since securing three more, together worth £72 million – plus £50 million from the National Wealth Fund to expand its reach to 140,000 rural premises.
The business also puts money back into the communities it serves, donating more than £350,000 to local charities and projects. Through its £1 Community Hub scheme, each new build area receives a free or heavily subsidised broadband connection for a local cause. Recent recipients include the Big Yellow Bus Garden Project in Shillingstone, which now provides schoolchildren with instant online learning resources and a thriving digital presence.
The late James Gibson Fleming MBE, founder of Wessex Internet, said: ‘Who would have believed, 15 years ago, that in an attempt to solve our own appalling rural broadband that we would end up creating a leading player in the region?
‘Our passion lies in the rural parts of the southwest that have no access to gigabit capable broadband: in connecting farmers and local communities left behind by major players. We’ve built our niche by not accepting the status quo and taking an engineering-led approach to full fibre rollout. It has stood us in good stead over the last 15 years and is one of the key factors that still defines us today.
‘I’m also proud of the team we’ve built at Wessex Internet. We’ve consistently employed people from outside the telecoms industry that think differently and have always worked extraordinarily hard for this business. They are the passion which drives us forwards and allows us to continue connecting some of the most challenging communities to ultrafast full fibre broadband.’
When editor Laura interviewed James just a few months ago on receiving his MBE, he poignantly told her, ‘I’m incredibly proud of Wessex Internet – that’s what I’d like to be remembered for. It’s changed people’s lives.
‘And it’s not just what we’ve built, it’s how we did it – community first, always.’
Hinton Workspace is celebrating its first anniversary by hosting its first-ever Dorset Business Expo on Wednesday 12th November – a day dedicated to ideas, inspiration, and collaboration.
Held at the award-winning co-working hub in North Dorset, the event will feature a diverse line-up of exhibitors, talks, and workshops aimed at connecting and strengthening Dorset’s business network.
“This year’s theme is all about Better Together,” says the Hinton Workspace team. “We’ve seen first-hand the power of shared ideas and supportive networks. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a growing team or an established business, this event is about celebrating collaboration, because we’re just better when we work together.”
The Expo is sponsored by ActionCOACH West Dorset, whose mission is to help businesses grow through clarity and accountability.
“We’re proud to support the Hinton Workspace Business Expo — it’s where Dorset’s doers come together. Local businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and helping them grow isn’t just our job, it’s our passion. If we can help a few more owners sleep better at night and feel back in control of their business, that’s a win for everyone.”
– Duncan McKechnie, Executive Coach, ActionCOACH West Dorset
A key highlight of the day will be The Growth Room, sponsored by We Are Chain, featuring a packed schedule of short, insightful sessions. Topics range from AI-driven SEO and leadership to sales strategy and cyber protection, with speakers from We Are Chain, Evolve Advisory, and NFU Mutual North Dorset.
For those needing a moment of calm, The Wellbeing Room, sponsored by The Strange Apothecary, offers a quiet retreat to recharge. Speakers include Zest Lifestyle, The Strange Apothecary, and author Libbla Kelly, who will introduce her new journalling project Write to Rise – Pages to Lean On.
The day will conclude with a Lunch & Learn panel, hosted by Alice Fox-Pitt, featuring Lisa Lane (Southwest Wills & Probate), Simin Suleri (Prima Insurance), Simon Fowler (Fowler Fortescue Estates), and Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber. The discussion will explore the value of collaboration and connection across Dorset’s thriving business landscape.
Throughout the event, visitors can also take advantage of professional headshots by photographer Amelia Johnson, and meet BV Magazine, who will share insights on maximising local advertising impact and building meaningful community engagement. ActionCOACH will also be on hand to discuss how business coaching can transform the way owners plan and grow.
“This is really something special,” says the Hinton Workspace team. “The Expo brings together Dorset’s doers — people who care about their craft, their community, and their businesses. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve observed this year as a co-working space, and something we look to grow and develop over the coming years.”
The Dorset Business Expo takes place on Wednesday 12th November at Hinton Workspace, North Dorset.
Entry is free, but tickets must be booked in advance. Book your free ticket now at http://www.hintonworkspace.co.uk/businessexpo and be part of Dorset’s biggest business get-together.
Wimborne’s much-loved independent home electronics store, Dacombes of Wimborne, is celebrating national recognition after winning not one but two top titles at the 2025 ERT Awards – known as the ‘Oscars’ of the UK’s electrical retail world.
The family-run business, which has been part of the town for over a century, was named Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer for the second year running, praised for its bold environmental strategy and commitment to energy efficiency.
A trio of awards for Dacombes of Wimborne – Mark Winton with Matt Renaut and Helen Potter
Judges commended Dacombes for its impressive move to solar power, with 99 panels now covering the showroom roof on Leigh Road. During working hours, the store is completely self-sufficient, generating the power needed to run everything from televisions and home cinemas to hundreds of domestic appliances. The business has also installed EV van chargers, a Tesla battery and a heat pump for heating and cooling, alongside energy-efficient lighting and a new digital price tag system that’s done away with the need for paper and ink.
There was more good news when Dacombes was also named Best Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer (Small Business) – recognition of its enduring focus on customers and service in a sector increasingly dominated by national chains.
Managing Director Matt Renaut said:
These two awards are like receiving two huge, big ticks for what we really care about as a business. As an independent, customer service and highly trained staff has always been at our core. Alongside this proud recognition is our eco strategy and commitment to moving Dacombes forward for another 100 years in the most sustainable way possible.”
The celebrations didn’t stop there. Dacombes also picked up a Highly Commended in the Best Independent Kitchen Retailer Showroom category, thanks to its collaboration with fellow Wimborne business MK Interiors. Judges were particularly impressed by the fully working in-store kitchens, which not only showcase high-end design but are offered free of charge to local community groups for cookery classes and events.
We have an exciting opportunity available to join Milton as the School’s HR Officer. This is a full-time role based at our beautiful site in the village of Milton Abbas working all year round.
We are looking for someone who has technical knowledge and experience of the full range of HR requirements consistent with a small independent school employing just over 100 staff. You will be part of a friendly and supportive team and training will be available to enhance skills.
The successful applicant will:
be responsible for all stages of an employee life cycle — from recruitment to exit
act as liaison with the school’s external payroll provider
largely autonomously manage routine HR matters such as staff absences (sickness, maternity, paternity), flexible working requests
provide HR guidance together with procedural and administrative support to school senior managers including occasions where contentious HR matters arise such as disciplinary procedures
be the owner of all HR filing and administration records and processes
Experience of school HR processes and an understanding of the Single CentralRecord would be desirable, but full training will be given to a successful candidate whose experience has been gained in sectors other than education. Remuneration will be dependent on experience and skills, but likely to be in the range £30-35k. Our staff also benefit from free parking, free refreshments, and a free lunch.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from the school’s HR department on 01258 880484 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Monday 17th November 2025.
Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants may be subject to online and other searches and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced disclosure check from the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to appointment. Please note that our school is a no smoking site.
Dorchester will mark Remembrance weekend in 2025 with a major War Poetry Conference, exploring the human cost of war through the words of Thomas Hardy, T.E. Lawrence, Siegfried Sassoon, Edward Thomas and Wilfred Owen.
Wounded German prisoners receiving medical attention at first-aid station of 103rd and 104th Ambulance Companies. WWI. Sept. 1918.
The weekend begins on Friday 7th November at Athelhampton House – Thomas Hardy and his second wife Florence were dining with Alfred Cart de Lafontaine at Athelhampton on the day that the first world war was declared. To set the scene for the War Poetry Conference, in WW1: Hardy at Athelhampton, local actors will re-create that fateful dinner in the very room it took place, with the audience moving to other historic rooms to watch events unfold. The production sets the scene for the days ahead. Organised by the Thomas Hardy Society with the War Poets’ Association and others, the main conference runs on Saturday 8th November at the Dorford Centre. It will explore the nature of war poetry, and read and discuss the words of First World War poets and writers. The readings will cover themes of war – courage, despair, patriotism, loss and sacrifice, and tell the stories, experiences and reflections of the writers. There will also be the opportunity to view the Poets Tribute book dedicated, and given, to Hardy by Siegfried Sassoon, as well as personal letters to Hardy from that time, at a special viewing at the Dorset History Centre. Saturday evening brings a Remembrance concert: War, Words and English Song, blending Great War poetry with early 20th-century English song. On Sunday, attention turns to Dorchester’s own wartime story, with an exhibition, Remembrance services, the town’s Poppy Trail and a staged performance of Strange Meeting. Full details from the Thomas Hardy Society: hardysociety.org/events
There’s a new face among the artefacts at the Museum of East Dorset. Millie Lake, 29, has joined as the museum’s new Curator – and she’s already rolling up her sleeves.
A Fine Art graduate from Arts University Bournemouth, Millie comes with both creative flair and practical experience. As Assistant Curator and Operations Officer at The Gallery at AUB, she led a busy programme of student and external exhibitions, and curated her own shows celebrating local artists and emerging talent.
Millie Lake at Museum of East Dorset
Now, she’s turned her attention to the museum’s remarkable collection of more than 30,000 artefacts – from everyday household pieces to items of deep local significance – and she’s on a mission to make them resonate with everyone who walks through the door.
“I want to create bridges between people and objects,” says Millie, “using language and storytelling that invites everyone in.”
That focus on accessibility and connection is central to her vision. Millie is keen to reimagine how the museum tells its stories, making the experience more conversational, lively and inclusive.
Her appointment also comes at a particularly exciting moment, as Wimborne prepares to be Town of Culture in 2026. Millie is enthusiastic about the opportunities this brings – both to collaborate with community groups and to celebrate the town’s creative identity.
Museum Director Francesca Hollow said: “Millie brings a dynamic approach and a real passion for connecting people with history and art. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we look ahead to a landmark year for Wimborne.”
With her mix of artistic insight, curatorial skill and a genuine passion for local heritage, Millie looks set to help the Museum of East Dorset step confidently into its next chapter.
The award-winning Teddy Rocks Festival has unveiled its first wave of acts for 2026, with The Hoosiers confirmed as Saturday headliners – marking ten years since they first topped the bill at the festival’s field debut. Founder Tom Newton said bringing them back was ‘an amazing celebration of how far we’ve come’. Joining them at Charisworth Farm, Blandford, from 1st to 3rd May are Elvis–Nirvana mash-up favourites Elvana, guaranteed crowd-movers Dreadzone, and Coldplay tribute Viva La Vida. ‘There’s loads more exciting announcements to come, and we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve for the Friday main stage line up, too,’ says Tom.
What began as an intimate pub gig in 2011 has grown into one of the South’s best-loved family festivals, now welcoming thousands each year to raise vital funds in the fight against childhood cancer. Teddy Rocks has now raised more than £800,000, supporting children’s cancer charities, funding research, and helping families during treatment. As well as live music across the weekend, the festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with food stalls, bars, fairground rides and children’s activities alongside the main stages. Titled one of the UK’s ‘Best Festivals for Families’, it offers something for everyone.
Think winter’s a quiet time for wildlife? Hamish Murray from Dorset Wildlife Trust says otherwise – from firecrests to spoonbills, this is birdsong season
After a summer full of colourful sights and sounds, winter might seem a relatively quiet time for wildlife but, as birds take centre stage, there are still plenty of exciting things to see in and around Dorset. As we move into autumn, the last few swallows and other summer migrants head south. Meanwhile, from the north, redwings and fieldfares begin to arrive to spend the winter with us. Fine conditions at this time of year can see spectacular early-morning movements of wood pigeons and stock doves past coastal watchpoints – I once counted more than 70,000 birds flying over Anvil Point Lighthouse in less than two hours – an awesome sight! Late autumn is also the time to see large flocks of finches, wagtails, pipits, larks and other small birds passing through Dorset as they escape the oncoming winter in northern and eastern Europe. These birds might look like unidentifiable ‘black dots’ moving across the early morning sky, but fortunately, each species has its own distinctive flight call – an invaluable aid to identification. The website xeno-canto.org is my go-to resource for finding recordings of birdsong (and also a fascinating place to hear, for example, what larks in Zambia sound like – Ed).
Watching the wetlands For many birdwatchers, wetlands provide the greatest interest between November and March as thousands of waders make the most of Dorset’s relatively mild winter climate. Internationally-important numbers of black-tailed godwits and avocets overwinter on the Brownsea lagoon, along with dunlin, ringed plovers, spotted redshanks, greenshanks, grey plover and many other waders. Once considered a rarity in Dorset, the aptly-named spoonbill is now a regular visitor to the county, with counts of more than 50 birds recorded in some winters.
Go down to the woods With the trees largely bare of leaves, winter is a good time to look out for woodland birds. Large flocks of long-tailed tits forage through the leafless branches, incessantly calling to keep in close contact. A careful search through holly and other evergreen trees might reveal a firecrest – one of my favourite birds, and a real woodland gem. Also listen out for the loud ‘chek’ calls of the handsome great spotted woodpecker – a very different sound to the laughing ‘yaffle’ of their green woodpecker relatives.
Although most warblers will have left our shores by December, Dartford warblers stay with us, surviving the heathland winter on a diet of spiders and other small invertebrates. In recent years, blackcaps have become an increasingly common sight in Dorset gardens – especially those with well-stocked bird tables. Ringing studies have shown that many of these birds will have, in fact, bred in Germany.
Around our towns and villages, the familiar territorial hoots of male tawny owls can be heard in December and by January, the ringing ‘tea-cher’ song of great tits is a common sound. During a winter stroll, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for birds of prey. Resident kestrels, sparrowhawks and buzzards are the most likely to be encountered, with an increasing population of red kites. With some luck, a tiny merlin might be seen dashing across the winter sky, while spotting a ghostly hen harrier quartering over open ground is always a red-letter event. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
