Spring has arrived, and Sturminster Newton is bursting into life with a basketful of Easter events for all ages. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a keen competitor, or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun, there’s something happening in town to keep the whole family entertained. Start your Easter countdown at one of the bingo nights beginning on the 2nd at yewstock School. The ever-popular Chocolate Fair is on 12th April, and don’t miss the colourful Easter Bonnet Parade on 19th April – always a town favourite. There are Easter egg hunts, more bingo nights, and a shop window competition with a twist: can you spot the hidden chocolates across town? Hop along and explore the full list of events and times at sturminster-newton.org.uk, and get ready for a joyful, chocolate-filled Easter celebration in the heart of the Blackmore Vale.
Meet the team at one of Dorset’s highest rated care homes – they have been here for decades and they know it’s more than just a job
Sue, Lisa and Rattiya swap memories of past residents at The Malthouse All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
We’ve all seen the headlines: poor pay, burnout, staffing crises and negative press. Care work, we’re told, is a thankless job – undervalued and overlooked. And yet, in Gillingham, we talk to those who’ve been doing the job for decades. Why do they stay? What makes a small Dorset care home somewhere they choose to stay, day after day, year after year? At first glance, they look like any tight-knit group of friends – relaxed, laughing easily together, teasing each other. But listen in for more than a minute and something quickly becomes clear. This isn’t just a job and The Malthouse isn’t just a care home. ‘I’ve been here 17 years,’ says Sue. ‘My friend found the job for me – I was a cleaner, and she said, “More hours, better pay … come give it a go.” I did – and I absolutely loved it! The residents, the staff… it’s just like home. It really is.’ Lisa nods: ‘This year is 19 years for me. I call everyone here my extended family.’ That theme – family – comes up again and again. ‘I’ve been here 12 years,’ says Rattiya. ‘I’m from Thailand and I’ve learnt so much from the residents – my favourite is when they teach me British idioms. Like “spend a penny” – I had no idea what they were talking about! I used to be a teacher in Thailand. I didn’t realise that working in care involved so much training. You learn things for yourself and you help other people. I feel like everybody around me will be safer now, because I learn so much.’
On the day The BV visited, residents were enjoying a visit from a local bird of prey sanctuary.
Kate, with 22 years at the home, agrees. ‘We’re more than carers. We’re emotional support. We’re a second family. You can’t fake it – either you care, or you don’t.’ The stories they share are full of humour and heartbreak. ‘My understanding of personal space was shaped early on by one lovely lady,’ says Sue. ‘And she was lovely … but she was … a character, shall we say? She had been a nanny. She always had loads of visitors. They loved her. But when she first arrived, she was a bit prickly. I went and introduced myself – she was sitting in a chair, and she couldn’t hear very well. There’s always a lot to learn with a new resident, so I got closer, and then leant in very close to introduce myself for the third time, very loudly. And she poked me with her stick for being rude! I no longer get too close, and always try and respect someone’s personal space!’ They talk about a retired banker with a rare form of dementia, utterly thrilled by seeing the last flight of Concorde on the news. He had travelled so much – the team eventually realised he was trying to tell them he’d been on Concorde many times. ‘Another resident, Doug, gets Classic Motorbike Magazine. He’s an avid vintage motorbike fan,’ says Lisa. ‘We’ve arranged for Dorset’s Vintage Motorbike Club to bring their group, with a load of motorbikes, to the car park so Doug can come and see them.’
The mood quickly turned sombre as (from left) Sue, Lisa, Kate and Rattiya talked about working through the COVID pandemic
The other side And then there are the quieter stories. The bed made up in the lounge for a resident’s son who couldn’t bear to leave. The late-night vigils beside someone in their final hours. Then there were the days spent arranging one last swim for a woman on end of life care who hadn’t been in a pool since childhood. ‘She was hoisted in as she couldn’t walk,’ says Lisa. ‘We were all crying. It just meant the world to her – and to us.’ Lisa loves that residents’ families become just as involved: ‘We build such a good relationship with the family members. I think it’s really important – they become extended family as well, and join in with everything we do, attending events and coming on days out. That does mean when you get to the other side of it, when residents pass away, we are here for the families. They’ll just throw their arms around us. A really good relationship does make the difficult part of the job a lot easier.’ End-of-life care, they all agree, is the toughest part – but also one of the greatest privileges. ‘You build that relationship, and it’s a true honour to deliver their end of life care,’ says Lisa. ‘Honestly, it’s a privilege to be able to do that. We try our utmost to make sure there’s a staff member present if the family can’t be with them, to make sure they’re not alone. ‘But sometimes … I remember we had a lady that we sat with for days, and then, when they had just popped out, she just …’ ‘I think sometimes they just wait for somebody to come,’ says Sue. ‘Often it’s a particular family member. Then they can relax, and you know they’ll go in the next day or two. But some people just want to be on their own. It’s deeply personal.’ Pandemic scars The conversation turns sombre when COVID is mentioned. ‘It was devastating,’ says manager Debbie, who drives an hour each way to work here. ‘I was managing another home at the time. We had a resident discharged from hospital, and they didn’t tell us she was COVID-positive. We lost two residents within 36 hours, and one of my staff was hospitalised. It’s something I’ll never forget.’ Justine, Healthcare Homes’ business manager, had been managing a different service during COVID, and has a similar story: ‘We had 34 residents, and lost 18 of them due to one resident coming back from hospital with COVID.’ Even now, the scars remain. ‘Some residents became completely withdrawn,’ Debbie says. ‘We’re still rebuilding confidence and trust. Families were so isolated too – it was painful for everyone.’ The entire team agrees that recognition for care staff is long overdue. ‘We’re certainly not doing it for the money!’ says Kate. ‘I just wish people grasped that there’s so much more to it than they think. Our work needs to be more recognised. When the pandemic hit us, it was all “Go NHS!”, but we worked all through the pandemic too. We were utterly exhausted and isolated, and I don’t think that’s ever been recognised. Care work is draining – mentally and physically – and yet it is always at the bottom of the pile. ‘It’s frustrating.’ ‘COVID showed who kept things going,’ adds Lisa. ‘It wasn’t the best-paid people. It was the lowest-paid – the least respected – who kept society going.’ Yet despite the challenges, they stay. Because they know that what they do matters.
Manager Debbie Wyke drives an hour each way just to work at The Malthouse
Being independent Having spent so long in one job, the team have witnessed significant changes over the last couple of decades. ‘There’s a huge recognition now of the quality of life in old age,’ says Kate. ‘People are understanding they need to do more for themselves, and they are keeping themselves fitter and stronger for longer.’ ‘What was a residential home ten years ago is more like a nursing home now,’ says Sue. ‘People come to us far older and frailer now, because they’re encouraged to stay in their own home for as long as possible.’ ‘People are definitely leaving it later now,’ says Lisa. ‘They’re coming in because the family need more help than they can get at home. And that can be really sad – because when people are at home, they don’t get all the things that they get here.’ ‘When new residents arrive, they’re often scared and withdrawn,’ says Debbie. ‘They’ve lost independence and they’re grieving their old lives. But over time, with the right support, they come back to themselves. They start laughing again. They find purpose. That’s when you know it’s working.
Some of The Malthouse care team outside what was originally an old farmhouse
‘It’s so much more than many people think about. I go out and visit residents in their own homes, to assess their needs before they join us, and I see that their so-called “independent” life has often become so very small: “I can pick this up. I can move this. I can watch the TV. But I’m not getting up. I’m not cooking for myself. I’m not doing anything that’s not in reach of my armchair.” ‘Then they move in and get support from the team – and their life opens up again. They’ve got these guys encouraging them out of their shell. At home, you don’t have people making sure you’re OK. You don’t have meals prepared with your diet in mind. You don’t have someone popping in every hour, doing your laundry, making sure everything in your room is lovely. ‘And on top of that, here you’ve got people of your own age to make friends with. You’re not lonely anymore. I think loneliness is a massive problem in today’s communities.’ ‘We’ve got a new lady, Valerie, who had lived in her own house up to two months ago,’ says Lisa. ‘She’d just lost her dog, and she realised that she’s 103 and she couldn’t cope at home any more. But she came here and she’s settled in really, really, well. And I think that’s entirely down to the team here.’ ‘We’re always learning,’ says Rattiya. ‘There’s so much training – and not just how to care, but how to spot problems, how to help families, how to navigate the system.’ ‘It’s like Kate said,’ says Lisa. ’It’s much more than people think. It’s skilled, complex, and often emotional, work.’ The Malthouse itself is modest – but that’s part of its charm. ‘It’s not the flashiest building,’ says Debbie. ‘But we’re proud of it. We’ve been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ in responsiveness from the Care Quality Commission, we’re rated 9.9 on carehome.co.uk, and our feedback is phenomenal … Not bad for a tiny rural place where everyone knows everyone and someone will probably remember you from when you were five!’ Good care work doesn’t often make headlines. But in this small corner of rural Dorset, it quietly changes lives every day – often more than once before lunch.
Henstridge residents launch legal challenge after Somerset Council’s actions raised questions about planning integrity and accountability
In parts of Henstridge, the A357 – with all its HGV traffic – narrows to just 13 feet
We’ve written about Henstridge and its planning issues on previous occasions: most notably the apparent disregard for safety on the A357. We left this story in late summer last year when residents were rightly angered that developers appeared to have secured planning permission for 130 houses on a technicality. However, recent developments show that the village of Henstridge is biting back, and the case could have implications for other communities across the country.
Why Henstridge is concerned Speak to anyone in Henstridge and you’ll hear the same thing: it’s not about opposing new homes – it’s about building the right homes, in the right places, at prices local people can actually afford. However, in Henstridge there’s an added complexity. The A357 cuts straight through the heart of Henstridge – and in places, there aren’t even pavements. Some houses open directly onto the road, built in an era when cars didn’t exist. That’s a world away from today. In parts, the road narrows to just 13 feet – yet it’s still classified as an A road and regularly used by HGVs following satnav directions. There’s barely room for large vehicles to pass safely, let alone for pedestrians to feel protected. It’s this – the genuine threat to public safety – that lies at the heart of the village’s challenge to a planning application for 130 new homes. The Townsend Green planning application was initially rejected by South Somerset District Council in January 2018. However, it was later approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate – with a condition: no construction could begin until pedestrian safety concerns on the A357 in Henstridge had been fully resolved. Over the years, developers proposed various solutions – including yellow boxes and traffic lights – but these were repeatedly dismissed by the parish council as unsuitable. The five-year time limit on the permission eventually expired, prompting the developers to apply for the removal of the key Section 10 condition. This request went back to Somerset Council, which unanimously rejected the application in April 2024. An appeal was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Inspectorate on 6th October. But the parish council then learned of a behind-closed-doors meeting between Somerset Council and the developers on 29th July. Just days later, on 6th August, a planning officer agreed to discharge key conditions – in effect, virtually granting permission to build before the appeal had even been heard. A public meeting was held between the local MP, councillors, planning officers and residents on 7th October, where the planning team accepted things could have been handled differently. Now, as developers continue to apply to build, the people of Henstridge are determined to fight on for road safety. The village is sending a clear message that pedestrian safety is paramount.
Some houses on the A357 open directly onto the road, built in an era when cars didn’t exist
The bite back Local resident Paul Dimishky has assembled a legal team to fight the case for Henstridge. Just before Christmas, legal proceedings were issued against Somerset Council as the defendant. Barratt David Wilson Homes are the Interested Party. Somerset Council declined to defend the case and have conceded action. Naturally, Barratt David Wilson as the Interested Party have lodged a statement of resistance (defence) against the claim versus Somerset Council. The final decision will be made by Judicial Review. Paul outlined his reasons for taking legal action: ‘I’ve been involved in this since 2017. I am not against development and this is not a NIMBY issue. The Town and Country Planning Act (1990) Policy applies here, in that pedestrian safety is paramount. When the planning inspector came to Henstridge in 2018 he walked the road to see the situation for himself. And he actually said to me “This is too dangerous. I will walk this on my own. You stay here.” ‘He could see the danger of the road and where people from the south side of the village would have to walk to get to the facilities at the north side of Henstridge. The development was agreed but subject to a Section 10 condition where improvements had to be made before developments commenced. ‘I’m doing this because it is a far wider issue than Henstridge, and has implications for councils and the way they work with large developers all over the country. It’s also about the way that councils working with these large developers cave in to demands. If the developers get away with this … well, it just isn’t right. Unless people stand up to this sort of thing, all hell will let loose.’ The legal campaign is expected to last a year, and Paul says fundraising is already in progress, with a decision on the Judicial Review imminently expected. ‘Our crowdfunding appeal has a target of £10,000 – and we’ve already raised nearly £6,000 through direct donations from more than 100 local households. The level of support from the parish has been incredible. We’ve also got more fundraising events lined up, including an afternoon tea at the village hall on 4th May, and a live music concert in September. A spokesperson for Somerset Council told The BV: ‘Once the ongoing Judicial Review process has concluded the council can consider what the appropriate actions are in terms of ensuring that the related developments proceed in accordance with planning law and the requirements of planning permissions.’ The situation in Henstridge is something all parish councils should be observing closely, especially those in rural areas. Pedestrian safety and infrastructure are critical to any development and should be in place before large building works begin. It’s time more people started biting back where the safety of pedestrians is compromised and key infrastructure is not forthcoming.
Titan the Robot – the 8ft-tall, talking, joke-cracking, crowd-pleasing giant – is heading to Dorset this May Bank Holiday as the headline act for the second Dorset Spring Show. Known internationally for his high-energy performances at festivals, stadiums and even royal events, Titan brings his unique mix of entertainment and awe-inspiring animatronics to the new Birch Lane Showground near Puddletown on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May. Back for its second year, the Dorset Spring Show is fast becoming a springtime favourite. Run by the experienced team behind the Dorset County Show, the organisers say more attractions and entertainment at this year’s event mean it’s shaping up to be bigger, busier, and even better. The 2025 edition moves to its new home on a working farm, with scenic views and plenty of space for a full weekend of rural celebration. And while the countryside setting is traditional, the entertainment is anything but. Titan – the futuristic comedy sensation – will be performing on both days. Equal parts street theatre and special effects show, Titan’s act combines voice, music and motion in a way that has delighted audiences from Glastonbury Festival to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Whether dancing, singing or gently mocking the crowd, Titan brings something completely unexpected to a rural show – and is likely to be a major draw for families and visitors of all ages. But he’s far from the only highlight. This year’s Dorset Spring Show offers something for everyone: farming, food, flowers and family entertainment throughout the weekend.
Celebrating spring From Shetland Pony Racing to heavy horse logging, sheepdog displays to terrier racing, the Spring Arena – sponsored by Handelsbanken – will showcase traditional skills and rural spectacle across both days. The Sheep Show returns, with its ever-popular blend of shearing demonstrations and sheepy humour, while a new poultry tent brings madly-feathered friends to the fold. Spring Farm will once again be packed with new life – lambs, piglets, calves and chicks – while those seeking peace and shade can head to the Gardeners Avenue and Demonstration Theatre, where local food producers and horticulturists share seasonal inspiration. Visitors can browse more than 90 trade stands, and this year’s food hall – stretching an impressive 50 metres – is already fully booked, promising an abundance of Dorset-made food and drink.
Day out for everyone There’s plenty of space to unwind too. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, soak up the live music, and perhaps enjoy a pint from one of the many local brewers on site. And if you’ve brought the dog, they won’t miss out – there’s a dedicated Dog Barn Hunt, have-a-go agility and plenty of shade and water around the showground. New for 2025 are steam engine trailer rides, poultry displays, and a revamped Demonstration Theatre with an expanded line-up of speakers and chefs. And of course, Titan’s appearances across both days promise to deliver something completely different – and completely unforgettable. Show Organiser James Cox said: ‘The excitement is building, especially for showing people our beautiful new home. There are new attractions and areas, too, but being set on a working farm makes the site even more unique – it absolutely brings the countryside to life in the spring!’
Get involved There’s also a chance for the public to take part – more than 90 competitions will be running across the weekend, from baking and photography to crafts, vegetables and flower displays. These are hosted in the Gardeners Village, sponsored by Nantes Solicitors, with loads to browse through even if you’re not taking part. With an early May bank holiday date, the Dorset Spring Show is perfectly timed to make the most of the longer days and the new season. Whether you’re there for the animals, the crafts, the food or just a good day out with the family, it promises a packed and friendly weekend with something to suit every age and interest.
Early bird tickets are on sale until 26th April. Adults £14, children just £2, and family bundles available. dorsetspringshow.co.uk
We’re shortlisted! Again! No pressure, but we are the reigning champions of Regional Publication of the Year … Is it possible to do the double? Who knows – but we’ll be brushing the biscuit crumbs off our posh frocks just in case.
This year, the shortlist has taken a personal twist. We’re up against the mighty Liverpool Echo (frankly bonkers), and – oddly – our childhood local paper, the Southend Echo. The announcement triggered a long-buried memory: aged eight, I apparently won a competition I had no recollection of entering. My parents had to take me to the prize presentation, and the Southend Echo captured the moment in full photographic glory: me, being handed a four-foot tall doll at the exact moment I realised how truly horrifying she was …
Elsewhere in this issue, equestrian fans might want to brace themselves. Not only do we have an extended profile on the president of the British Blacksmiths and Farriers Association, Dorset farrier Abby Bunyard (and yes, you may detect that Courtenay really struggled to enjoy photographing her…), but the glanvilles’ foals are back! Long-time readers will know our annual joy: whiskery noses, daft ears and those glorious, ridiculously long wobbly legs. (if you’re an equestrian fan, don’t forget to sign up to The Tack Room, our new free equestrian newsletter here)
Also, the anonymous Grumbler – always a fun read – is a bit of a star turn this month
And finally, a note on this month’s farming columns. They are some of the most read in the magazine, and rightly so. Andrew Livingston is on a short break with a poorly child, but George Hosford writes this month with a barely-contained fury that’s impossible to ignore. His anger is real – and entirely justified. The latest decision from government to pull the plug on the SFI has dealt a significant blow to the farming community – but the very real consequences will be felt far beyond the fields. Please read his column on page 38. It matters.
Laura x
On Dorset Insider I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoy the Dorset Insider column – it has quietly become my favourite read in the magazine. Last month’s piece (Build, Baby, Build) was another excellent example: clear-eyed, thoughtful, and obviously written by someone who actually understands how things work beyond the headlines and the social media noise. It’s incredibly refreshing to hear a knowledgeable, experienced voice talking sense about local government and planning. Whoever the anonymous councillor is, I hope they know their insight is appreciated. More of this sort of thing, please. Catherine Ellis, by email
I don’t usually write in, but I’ve taken quite a shine to that Dorset Insider column – last month’s one on housing was spot on. I’ve sat through enough parish meetings in my time to know when someone’s talking sense, and this writer clearly knows their stuff. No fluff, no politics, just proper knowledge from someone who’s actually been in the thick of it. It’s become the first thing I turn to when the magazine lands. More of that, please – it’s about time we heard from people with real experience. Geoff L, address supplied
On the White Hart Link As a keen walker and proud North Dorset resident, I was genuinely excited to discover the White Hart Link – a long-distance trail celebrating our lovely patch. But having studied the route, I’m left scratching my head. It’s billed as a ‘circular trail linking the five market towns’ and ‘encouraging tourism and engagement with local businesses’. So why does it avoid the centres of Stalbridge and Blandford? Stalbridge has some lovely independent shops, yet the route skirts the edge. Blandford’s Georgian heart is bypassed altogether, with walkers left to simply turn around when they reach the nothing-here-end of the trailway. And where are the hill forts? North Dorset’s most impressive historic landmarks and walking views, and yet the route manages to swerve around them. We’ve ended up with a trail that seems determined to avoid the very best bits of the area it’s supposed to showcase. While no route can please everyone, this one feels like a missed opportunity. Judith K, Shillingstone
On the tofu tyranny I read your Meat Tax & Tofu Tyranny piece with a mix of frustration and exhausted recognition. As a young farmer, I’m more than used to being painted as some sort of villain every time someone wants to make a political point about climate change. But this constant pitting of livestock farming against the environment is lazy, divisive and – as your article rightly pointed out – utterly counterproductive. We need genuine, nuanced conversations about sustainability, not headlines designed to stir outrage. British meat – especially from small mixed farms like the one I work on – is nothing like the intensive feedlot systems of the US. We’re part of the solution, not the problem. Regenerative farming, pasture-fed livestock, soil health – we’re working on all of it. But that means support, not sweeping taxes and guilt campaigns. Demonising meat doesn’t help the planet. Supporting better farming does. Name and address supplied
I found your Meat Tax & Tofu Tyranny article predictably defensive and disappointingly one-sided. No one is trying to take away your Sunday roast or force tofu into anyone’s shopping basket. But we do need to face facts: animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Pretending otherwise because “British farming is different” doesn’t change the science. Yes, industrial meat production is worse – but that doesn’t give smaller farms a free pass. A meat tax isn’t about punishing farmers, it’s about acknowledging the true environmental cost of our food choices and helping consumers make more sustainable ones. Change is hard, but it’s coming. And if we’re serious about climate action, we can’t keep romanticising the past. The future of food must be plant-based – for the sake of animals, people and the planet. Tamsin Reed, Bridport
On elderly drivers I read Joanna Spencer’s letter with great sympathy – it struck a real chord. Having had the same difficult conversation with my father a few years ago, I know how painful it is to balance safety with independence. But as your recent piece on rural transport showed (Stranded: Dorset is one of the worst in the country), we’re not just dealing with stubborn ageing drivers – we’re dealing with a system that gives them no safe alternative. If you take the car keys away in much of Dorset, you take away the ability to shop, see friends, get to appointments … It’s no wonder so many of our parents keep driving longer than they should. Until we address the gaping holes in our rural transport system, we’ll keep having these quiet crises on our country roads. Margaret F, Milborne Port
Trailway website help needed We are looking for a volunteer to help us with the North Dorset Trailway network website. We are a charity so pennies are tight. Is this something you could help us with? If you do and you have web experience in build and design – we need your help. This is a volunteer role. Please call Rosie 07711 089403
Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to [email protected]. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.
Planning scandal, angry farmer, the UK’s top farrier – it’s all go this month. Plus … THE FOALS ARE BACK! And you know this bit by now – we’re digital only. You won’t find us in a shop. Just right here online!
The village bites back – Henstridge residents launch legal challenge after Somerset Council’s actions raise questions about systemic planning integrity and accountability
We have a profile on the president of the British Blacksmiths and Farriers Association, Dorset farrier Abby Bunyard. She never set out to break barriers, she just forged her own path by refusing to accept them
The green farming dream lies in tatters – George Hosford writes this month with a barely-contained fury that’s impossible to ignore. The Government pulled the plug on the SFI, and George explains why the very real consequences will be felt far beyond the fields.
In local history, we’ve the genuinely fascinating trail of five centuries of lives lived in what is now the Museum of East Dorset, plus the BRUTAL CONDUCT OF A STEPMOTHER (in 1906)
Meet Jim Freer, 100 this month. He’s had a busy century, but he’s not done yet: ‘Be nice to people – it’s infectious! I don’t really have any ambitions now … Well, I suppose I have, actually. I want to enjoy life with people. And there’s always something new to see or to learn.’
The foals are back! Wobbly legs, daft ears, whiskery noses – brace yourselves, equestrian fans.
Defashion Dorset’s Jennifer Morisetti has sparked a grassroots fashion movement in rural Dorset rebelling against the fast fashion industry.
The Farming Community Network were thrilled to receive a cheque for £10,000 this month. Dorset Training was set up as a farmer-owned membership in 1998 to provide training to the agricultural community. The money donated to FCN is the remaining membership funds following its merger with Newlands Training, and recognises the ongoing strong links with the farming community. Newlands Training, run by Anna Chambers, provides rural and agricultural training throughout the south of England, including on pesticides, plant and machinery, Health and Safety, forestry and horticulture. BASIS Soil and Water and FACTS agronomy courses are also run each autumn/winter.
Working closely with the relevant accrediting body each course is led by a fully trained instructor, and the students receive recognised industry certificates. All courses can be held on site or at one of their training centres across Dorset. All enquiries 01305 848454 or to [email protected]
The confidential, national helpline is open every day of the year, from 7am to 11pm. Volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help: call 03000 111 999
We are seeking to appoint an HR Officer who has the technical knowledge and experience of the full range of HR requirements consistent with a small independent school employing just over 100 staff.
The role will be based on our school site working 40 hours a week all year round with remuneration dependent on experience and skills, but likely to be in the range £30-35k.
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 including the Single Central Record and related safeguarding checks
You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Our staff also benefit from free parking, free refreshments, and a free lunch.
Experience of school HR processes and an understanding of the Single Central Record would be desirable, but full training will be given a successful candidate whose experience has been gained in sectors other than education.
Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 23rd April 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applications should be made direct to the school.
Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Please note that our school is a no smoking/vaping site.
Director of Finance (for: payroll, contracts & legal HR matters)
JOB PURPOSE:To undertake all HR duties consistent with a small independent school employing c100 staff and act as payroll liaison with external payroll provider
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Human resources
• Management of all staff recruitment (from authorisation to recruit through to appointment)
• Drafting to agreed templates and distribution of
o Offer letters, contract of employments and variations
o pet license agreements
o service license agreements
• Working closely with line managers, supervise all aspects of the lifecycle of the employee within agreed policies including (without limitation):
o Induction and probation
o Appraisals
o Flexible working requests
o Sickness absence
o Maternity and paternity
o Retirement
o Leaver protocols
• Owning employee data and files (electronic and hard copy) to include annual audit and archive of ex-employee files together with ownership of the School’s Single Central Record of safeguarding information as required under statutory guidance KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education).
• Preparation of and issuing references when requested in compliance with school policy
• Ownership, organisation, maintenance and distribution/publication of the employment manual and HR policies (subject to senior leadership approval) and other HR documents.
• Management of the online DBS disclosures site.
• Issuing annual leave cards for relevant staff members and recording annual leave carry forward entitlement.
• Preparation and submission of DFE workforce census and provision of information as required during inspections and audits (e.g. Independent School’s Inspectorate).
• Acknowledgement and response to ad-hoc vacancy requests.
• Management of HR@miltonabbey email inbox.
• Taking advice on routine HR legal matters from the school’s appointed legal advisors, acting consistent with such advice and recognising when to refer contentious matters to Head of Operations and/or Director of Finance
Payroll
• Maintenance of the staff pay database
• Central liaison with the school’s external payroll provider to ensure all staff are paid correctly and on time to include
o starter information
o leaver information
o statutory leave (maternity, paternity etc)
o sickness
o variations
o timesheets for additional pay, subject to authorisation procedures and protocols
o liaison with accounts as regards staff expenses
o net pay deductions (e.g. staff common room subscriptions)
• Administrative oversight of school pension schemes working closely with school payroll provider who will manage joiners, leavers and monthly contributions to include
o Opt outs
o Periodic auto-reenrolment
• Supporting the finance director in the annual pay review and awards, preparing and distributing pay review letters
Budgets
• Manage HR and payroll budgets within agreed limits, always assuring best value.
Miscellaneous Assistance
• Support line managers with HR knowledge and experience across full range of HR issues
• Support to the Head of Operations relating to whole staff wellbeing
• Support the Head of Operations and Senior Leadership generally in meeting all statutory and otherHR compliance requirements (including particularly inspection readiness and policies).
Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Operations and Finance Director.
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Skills, Experience and Personal attributes required:
• Significant experience of HR processes.
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• Ability to work accurately with attention to detail and an understanding of the role and importance of appropriate procedures and policies and compliance therewith.
• Discretion and clear understanding of confidentially requirements.
• Polite manner and smart appearance.
• Excellent IT skills across several relevant platforms, including word, excel, zoom, teams, outlook,and PowerPoint.
• Attend relevant training courses internally or externally as requested.
• As for all staff responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people in School.
A Dorset songwriter is celebrating the ‘miracle’ release of a new album on 4 April – more than 50 years after it was recorded.
Graham Dee 1973
Mr Super Cool is the long lost 1973 album by Graham Dee, an unsung hero and fixture of the 1960s London session scene, as well as a prolific songwriter and producer.
“I thought only a couple of tracks had survived on a battered old acetate disc that was made at the time – but by some miracle we now have the entire album,” says the 82-year-old musician who lives in Bere Regis.
Graham has been enjoying a 21st century career reboot after signing to Acid Jazz Records for the 2011 release of The Graham Dee Connection: The 60s Collection and its follow up Carnaby Street Soul & West Coast Vibes in 2020. Both collate recordings made during the 1960s and 1970s, mostly from his time as an in-house producer for Atlantic Records in the UK.
Graham Dee Super Cool
He made other recordings as well before relocating to the United States, where he combined successful songwriting sessions with Prince Phillip Mitchell and work at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound studio in Alabama, moonlighted with The Allman Brothers Band, and even spent time as a snake wrangler!
With his record label eager to release more archive recordings Graham shared the acetate of side one of an album he had recorded in 1973.
“The master was in a state and, at best, only two tracks would be salvageable,” explains Acid Jazz boss Eddie Piller.
“This is where events took a weird turn…”
Around the same time, Piller was contacted by a record collector after coming into possession of 15 master tapes in a house which had once belonged to the songwriter Gerry Shury, whohad worked with the likes of The Bee Gees, Barry Blue, Lynsey De Paul, The Rubettes and Graham Dee whose name appeared on some of the tapes. Only a few of the tapes were good enough to be digitised.
“Remarkably, what came back were both sides of Graham’s original lost album!” adds Eddie.
“It sounds like some long lost film soundtrack. Highly evocative of its time, it offers a fascinating insight into early 70s record-making and is a reminder of Graham’s unique talent, and the joys of serendipity.”
Graham had recorded the album, titled Mr Super Cool, in 1973 at Sarm Studios in East London. It featured the talents of guitarist Colin Pincott (Eric Burdon, Joan Armatrading), bassist Phil Chen (Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart), and drummers Barry de Souza (Lou Reed, Labi Siffre, Kate Bush) and Henry Spinetti (Bob Dylan, George Harrison).
Graham Dee a little older!
“I could hardly believe it, hearing those songs again after all this time has been such a thrill,” says Graham. “I’ve always felt very at home in the countryside, especially now in Dorset where I live pretty quietly these days with my friends in the village, but this blast from the past reminds me of another life.”
Graham Dee was a prominent guitarist for hire throughout the 1960s, moving alongside the likes Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck with his skills as a session player. After beginning his career playing on the Small Faces’ first single, stints followed playing for John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Jerry Butler, Them, The Walker Brothers and Carl Perkins. He filled in for Syd Barrett in the early Pink Floyd, appeared on TV with The Rolling Stones, and played in front of The Beatles as part of the Bobcats, the house band at famed 60s night spot the Scotch of St James.
