Alec’s Field: the amazing story behind a legacy of cricket and kindness in Hazelbury Bryan
International bestselling author Victoria Hislop answers the Random 19 questions
Bad boy Wilf – Andrew Livingston shares his brilliant story of the unintended consequences of unconditional love
A foal named Lettuce – who probably had the wonkiest legs you’ve ever seen.
Inspired by craft ales and Coldplay, Steve Farrell’s Eight Arches Brewery has brought commercial brewing back to Wimborne after a nearly 80-year dry spell
From Michelin kitchens to chilli-fermenting ones: David and Mikka Tamlyn have a new home for award-winning Weymouth 51 in Sturminster Newton
Cat Harris takes the reins at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show
Get ready for a side-splitting comedy extravaganza as the acclaimed comedian Rhod Gilbert makes a triumphant return to the stage with his new live show, Rhod Gilbert & the Giant Grapefruit, scheduled to hit Lighthouse Poole on Friday, 4th October 2024. Widely recognised as one of the standout talents of a generation, The Book of John, Rhod’s last tour, was a resounding success that ran from 2019 to 2023, with extra dates added due to unprecedented demand, Covid-related delays, and Rhod’s own battle with cancer. This deeply personal and candid show saw Rhod perform to over 200,000 people, earning rave reviews.
When life gives you lemons Previously, Rhod was dealing with some pretty pungent life citrus, and an idiot called John. Little did he know that things were about to turn even more sour … But Rhod’s not bitter; he’s bouncing back and feeling remarkably zesty. Hilariously dark, passionate and way too personal, this is classic Gilbert, squeezing every last drop out of life’s latest curve balls… with a little help from an old adversary. In anticipation of his return to the spotlight, this new live show sees Rhod back on stage doing what he does best. Candid, hilarious and uplifting, it’s a show about navigating the dark bits and turning life’s giant grapefruits into something approaching lemonade. He says: ‘After the year I’ve had it’s wonderful to be alive and going back on the road. I can’t wait to get back on stage and I’m ready to get way too personal about life’s recent ups and downs. When life gives you lemons, you have to squeeze them ‘til the comedy juice flows, so prepare for some dark but funny s***.’ Tickets are on sale now, and will soon sell out, so don’t miss your chance to witness Rhod Gilbert’s comedic genius in action.
4th October 2024, 8pm Tickets from £38.50 at lighthousepoole.co.uk Concert Hall, Lighthouse Age guidance: 16+
It’s not near *anywhere*, and the paths appear to be forgotten or at best very little-walked. Yet the route passes through the typically pretty, neatly-folded countryside of West Dorset with sharp hills, hidden valleys, sudden surprise views and long shady walks in green lanes.
The small amount of road work wasn’t an issue – we didn’t encounter a single car. In fact, we didn’t see another person for the whole walk!
The original plan was to follow the Jubilee Trail into Wynford Eagle itself, but from the ridge of the last hill we could see the ridge opposite where the car was parked, and the weather was threatening (again).
So we opted to cut our losses and avoided another down-and-up climb, pretty though it looked. It’s an easy way to make up to the intended seven mile plan, if you’re wanting a little longer though!
The usual summer hedgerow stile vs nettles vs walkers battle in Dorset
The route was mostly clearly signposted. Being late summer, a number of the stiles were overgrown with nettles and bramble – a sturdy stick is a useful accessory.
Listen. If your path comes across a swing, the rule is you try it. Can confirm this is a good one.
One part of the walk was difficult – the valley bottom approaching Broom’s Farm appeared impossible to navigate. We followed an increasingly marshy steeply-sloped field down to the stream crossing(there was no visible path) – but the stream crossing wasn’t there.
On the ‘missing’ path – the stream runs through the tree line visible at the valley bottom; we jumped it in the ned, and then we climbed straight up hill, choosing not to break into the farmyard on the brow and going straight to the lane instead.
After tracking back and forth, we jumped over and fought the undergrowth on the opposite side, clambering up the opposite hill. We may have missed it, but there seemed to be no path at all, just abandoned scrubland on exceptionally marshy ground (possibly impassable in winter), and the footpath seems to go directly into the private farmyard. So instead we opted for the shortest obvious route, climbed through a horse fence to cut onto the lane.
Apart from this one small stretch, the rest of the route was easy – even where it looked like a field was a dead end a stile would magically appear among the overgrown hedge as we approached, just where it *should* be. Another bridleway seems to have been abandoned in favour of simply using the road – we did likewise!
All the Dorset Walks we feature have been created and walked recently by ourselves, so you know you can trust them – we aim for unpopulated routes with as little road and as many views as possible! You can always see the route and follow it yourself via the free Outdoor Active app – see all our routes here.
Join us to be part of the unfolding racing story of our young racehorses: helping shape their futures from birth and following their
progress on the track.
Part or full time days available for Stud Hands, to join existing team, either seasonal to the end of May or permanent.
The job involves working with well-mannered (mostly ) broodmares, foals and youngstock on the ground – leading in and out, mucking out, feeding, prepping for sales and assisting with stud maintenance. Helping with backing and riding young racehorses available for the right person but not essential.
‘Normal’ working hours and great conditions, a genuine 8am-5pm working day, with a half hour coffee break, a one-hour lunch break and paid holiday (29 days holiday this year!). Working pattern is a consistent five days on with two consecutive days off (and at least one day off is a Sat or Sun).
We have high standards, breeding quality racehorses and we all enjoy following the careers of the foals and youngstock we have raised.
Some previous experience with horses required, but main criteria is you are willing to fit in with, and become part of our happy team. We are easy to get to, in Glanvilles Wootton, five miles south of Sherborne – we’re even on the Dorchester/Sherborne bus route if that helps.
Please message us or call Doug Procter on 07974 314262 to discuss.
Are you looking to use your finance and fundraising skills to help others? We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed person to join the Mosaic Funding team. The successful candidate will be responsible for making Trust applications and looking for new funding opportunities. The role will also involve giving admin support to the Head of Funding and to ensure annual reports are sent to Trusts and funders and preparing the annual accounts.
Requirements:
Experience in fundraising, submitting Trust applications and reporting.
Experience in finance and preparing annual accounts.
Excellent organisational skills and time management.
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Closing date: 28/10/2023
Full job description and application form available from:
In the second of September’s BV podcast – still in the new longer format which has proved popular – Jenny talks to Jane Adams about how we welcome (or don’t!) bindweed, dandelion and ivy. And don’t miss Terry’s brilliant interview with Alex Stevens of the NFU, shedding a lot of light on the modern dairy farming business.
Resident wildlife columnist Jane Adams would like to see the term ‘weeds’ thrown out – if we use ‘wildflowers’ instead, perhaps we’ll stop fanatically removing them from our gardens and leave some for our wildlife to enjoy.
Driving community connections: how Paul Futcher’s fish and chip van The Pilgrim Fryer has become a weekly staple in some North Dorset villages
From desperation to media sensation – how one Tweet saved Dorset artist Anna Hamilton. Her quiet social media plea turned into an overnight sensation, shifting her from financial despair to overwhelming success
The mysterious journey of Alan Turing’s documents, from Sherborne to America – and back. An astonishing tale of undercover archivists, FBI involvement and the triumphant return to Britain of the stolen Turing documents
Swimming with blue sharks reveals their stunning beauty, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Julie Hatcher tells Jenny – but lack of regulation makes them deeply vulnerable
Dairy farm businesses are under threat, according to a recent NFU survey. In a fascinating interview with Alex Stevens of the NFU, Terry uncovers the reasons behind the growing uncertainty among the UK’s dairy farmers
Monday 9th October marks 200 years since the installation of an organ at St Peter’s Church in Dorchester. To celebrate this big birthday St Peter’s are delighted that John Challenger (assistant director of music at Salisbury Cathedral) will be giving a recital. John’s performance will be preceded by a brief introduction from the eminent historian, Max Hebditch CBE FSA, and there will be a glass of wine to follow. Redshark media will be relaying live images of John at the organ to screens around the church, so you will have a great view wherever you sit! The performance begins at 7pm and tickets (£12 including wine) are now available to buy online here.
Fairmead School transforms the lives of young people aged between 4 and 19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD).
We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic and dynamic Classroom Teachers who have the flexibility to teach a range of curriculum subjects across the school. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, creative, fun and inspirational teachers who have a desire to build meaningful and positive relationships with all the young people they encounter. They will need to approach curriculum subjects in a purposeful, age appropriate and exciting way, engaging young people through first hand experiences. They will have high aspirations for our students and will be committed to, and passionate about, preparing them for successful, independent and happy futures in adulthood.
This is a temporary position covering a maternity absence – The successful candidate will join our committed, passionate and dedicated staff team and play an integral role in building an exhilarating future for our school community.
We welcome applications from teachers with all levels of experience and from a range of education backgrounds in both mainstream and special sectors.
Successful candidates will benefit from:
Joining a strong and committed staff team with a bright future.
Excellent CPD opportunities.
Outstanding opportunities for pedagogical development, working with specialist practitioners and experienced leaders.
The opportunity to make life-defining differences for an amazing group of young people.
Full details (Job Description, Person Specification and application form) can be obtained by clicking the Apply Now button below or from the school website www.fairmeadschool.com or by email to [email protected]
Closing Date: Monday 16th October Interview Date: Wednesday 18th October
Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS
