Despite the wet ground, there’s been a lot to do on the allotment, and plenty has been achieved this month, says Barry Cuff
On the last day of March, a line each of Maris Bard and Jazzy potatoes were planted, only possible by working from the path as soil was very wet. April 1st – Collected leeks and purple sprouting broccoli 2nd – Plug tray of Little Gem lettuce placed outside to harden 5th – Cut spicy salad leaves and pea seedlings for salads (trays in greenhouse) 7th – Planted line of Charlotte potatoes 8th – Sowed plug tray of Brendan Brussels sprouts, planted out lettuce under cloche, sowed patch of radish. Pulled sticks of rhubarb for the kitchen. Sowed a plug tray of Neon celeriac and two plug trays of Golden Self Blanching celery. Planted six lines of potatoes – Sagitta, Caledonian Rose, Caledonian Pearl, Jazzy and Desiree (made possible by standing on scaffolding boards to avoid soil compaction) 9th – Dug more ground for more potatoes. It dug well, despite being fairly wet 10th – Removed all of last year’s brassicas. The last of the broccoli plants were covered with snails 11th – The forecast finally looks good, with no rain for at least 10 days but still some cold nights. Planted two lines of Desiree, and noted the Conference pear is in full flower 12th – Pumped water on site, mainly to check the pump as it was last used in September! Planted four rows of Picasso potatoes
Four lines of onions were planted out, 40 stations per row, with one to three seedlings per station Image: Barry Cuff
14th – Cut the hedge: a mixture of hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn, elder, snowberry, ivy, blackberry and dog-rose. This hedge is on our northern boundary and gives protection from cold winds. 15th – Planted out a line of Red Drumhead cabbage and covered with cloches to protect from pigeons. Pulled more rhubarb. 16th – Sowed two 3-litre pots of Musselburgh leeks. Weeded strawberry bed – the early varieties are in full flower. Broad beans also have their first two sets of flowers. 17th – Sowed part lines of Early Nantes carrot and Boltardy beetroot. Potted up sweet peppers in the greenhouse. 18th – Dug the ground for onions and parsnips. 19th – Tidied the mint area which has spread during the wet winter. Covered the skulkers* with pots and the strawberry bed with fleece to protect from the forecast frosts 20th – Potted up tomatoes in both greenhouses (we have 14 varieties) 21st – Broke down the large soil lumps on the onion and parsnip plot 24th – Planted out four lines of onions from plug trays: about 40 stations per row, with one to three seedlings per station. Have planted Bonus and a few Red Brunswick 25th – Dug out the weeds in the fruit bush area – mostly grass weeds, with some willowherb and bindweed. Planted a line of strawberries from pots (some of last year’s runners). Depending on the weather, at the time of writing, we hope to sow two lines of peas by 30th April
Skulkers – a Dorset term for ‘volunteer’ potatoes accidentally left in the ground from the previous year.
Regular readers will have noticed the absence of election-focused content in our latest issues (to be fair, it’s probably a refreshing break given the local election results dominating every news outlet as we publish!). It’s not that we’re anti-politics – FAR from it. In fact we strongly believe in listening, learning and building opinions. But we’ll never partake in party politics – instead we prioritise firmly balanced, factual reporting around important local issues. For what it’s worth, though, I don’t see local elections as a mud-slinging warm-up act for general elections – they are crucial chapters in our democracy. This month we heard we have been shortlisted in a SECOND major award – the AOP’s Grand Prix award of ‘Small Digital Publisher of the Year.’ To any business, simply being considered in the top five for a major national award – which is judged by the leaders of your industry – is a massive achievement. For our tiny team it’s like getting an invite to the cool kids party. It also tells our current clients and potential new ones that we’re among the best at what we do. So I want to take this opportunity to encourage other small businesses to enter the Dorset Business Awards (see Ian Girling’s column on p100). Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned applicant, these awards offer a chance to showcase your hard work and creativity to your peers and your community. Don’t underestimate the value of the recognition — it can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities. Finally, with those judges looking at us right now, it would be a really good time to leave a nice review on Google for us! It’s a small act that can make a huge difference, just by clicking this link, and leaving us some stars (whispers five happens to be my favourite number, obviously…) Did you know that from a starting audience of zero in 2020, more than 250,000 people* every single month see something we’ve written? Over the last almost-four years The BV has grown and developed into a publication we’re incredibly proud of. Hopefully you love reading it as much as we love creating it.
Laura x
*And because we’re purely digital, there’s no guesswork in our stats!
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.
On the dead lamb Should the farmer have displayed the lamb carcas? Yes. The dog’s owner should see the damage they have done, and other irresponsible owners should see what could happen. Not that we see the suffering or mental state of the ewe, or the other sheep in the field. Why protect people from the hurt they inflict on animals and the farmers? There is nothing that melts your heart more on a spring day than the baby lambs skipping, feeding and playing in in the green grass among the spring flowers. It spells out new hope, new life and gives your spirit a lift. Shirley C, by email
I’m writing this with a fair share of frustration. As a shepherd who has faced similar ordeals with sheep worrying here in Dorset, I understand all too well the toll it takes—not just financially, but emotionally as well. Our sheep aren’t just business assets; they’re creatures we nurture and care for. The recent incidents of dogs attacking livestock highlight a dire need for greater awareness and stricter controls. We must protect our livelihood but also the animal’s welfare. Name and address supplied
I recently visited your beautiful region (and happened across your publication via a local Facebook group. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality, and wish we had something similar in Kent). However, it was disheartening to read about the sheep worrying incidents. In a rural area where animal welfare is clearly highly prioritised, it surprises me to see such issues still rampant. While I understand that dogs will be dogs, the responsibility ultimately lies with the owners. It’s crucial for the community to foster a culture of accountability to prevent such distressing events. Well-being of all animals should be a collective concern. Well done to the farmer in question. George Kittle, Dymchurch
I am writing to express my concern over the recent reported cases of sheep worrying by dogs. It’s incredible that such incidents STILL occur, despite ongoing discussions about animal control and responsibility. I believe more can be done to enforce leash laws and to educate dog owners about the consequences of negligence. We need to ensure our local laws are upheld not just for the safety of our livestock but for the safety of all other dogs and people using our footpaths and trailways. Ginny Barker, Blandford
On youth and gender identity The recent findings and decisions around gender identity treatments for minors, notably the NHS’s stance on puberty blockers, raise crucial points about medical interventions on young people. As highlighted by Chris Loder in the April BV, the increasing number of Dorset children referred to Gender Identity Clinics signals a need for us to tread thoughtfully in these sensitive areas. While it is imperative to support and respect every individual’s journey, including the struggles of those dealing with gender dysphoria, the Cass report rightly insists on rigorous, evidence-based approaches when it comes to medical treatments, especially those as deeply consequential as hormonal interventions. The ban on puberty blockers, pending more conclusive research on their safety and efficacy, is a prudent step. It is essential that we maintain a balanced perspective. We must provide robust psychological support and ensure that any medical treatment offered is backed by unassailable scientific evidence and is in the best interest of the children affected. We owe it to our future generations to prioritise their long-term health and well-being over immediate, irreversible decisions. Anna Sealy, Verwood
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On postcards from Thornford (comments all from the busy discussion full of Thornford memories on Facebook): I’ve just left Thornford for 10 miles up the road, after the family have been there for well over 100 years – I was fourth generation there. That traction engine was cut up and buried years ago at Gabes the Blacksmiths. My parents are both almost 90 and remember growing up there during the war and after. Ian Morgan
Often walked to Thornford to go in Ellwood’s Stores, the old Mrs. Ellwood would be sat at the back of the store with her white hair up in a bun, and took time to speak to all her customers. We had a white cat from someone at Thornford, Mr. Chesterman was the vicar, Mr & Mrs. Dare ran the National garage then. We moved to Yeovil in 1970. Margaret Rowe
My aunt Lilian Clarke lived next to, or rear of, the chapel and her husband, my uncle, was a blacksmith and ran Gabes. Spent many happy times there – everybody knew everybody then. David White
Come on in, we’re just the thing for a long lazy weekend. Whether you’re here for the teenage boxer who’s second in the world, the long-legged foals in warpaint, the 13 year old champion rare pig breeder, or you just want to find somewhere good for lunch, we’ve got you coevered.
Seventeen-year-old Ruby Else-White, celebrating a win in Croatia, now dominates the EUBC Youth European Boxing Championship and ranks second in the world. Stalbridge turned out to greet the three-times European Champion | Page 4
Bill Batty-Smith 30th March 1929 – 30th March 2024 Remembering a steadfast leader and community champion in North Dorset | Page 10
Five generations of wellies at the door: Dorset farmer Wakely Cox’s family have farmed in Puddletown for almost a century | Page 16
It started with a letter from John Makepeace … From Housework at The Sherborne to artists at the brewery, Dorset Art Weeks – one of the country’s longest established and biggest art weeks – are packed with inspiration, exploration, and a boost to the economy | Page 32
From dissertation to dressage – as the 2024 event season gets under way, Jess Rimmer finds herself balancing books and bridles as it coincides with exam season | Page 76
In the rolling fields and villages of Dorset, a revolution is unfolding. The county’s rural businesses, once perceived as bastions of traditionalism, are integrating cutting-edge digital technologies. This transformative journey is reshaping their operational landscapes, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Connecting Through Technology
Dorset’s rural entrepreneurs are transcending traditional barriers through significant investments in digital infrastructure. The adoption of high-speed internet has become foundational, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly and expand their reach beyond local markets.
Secondary, the digital tools in place facilitate collaborations that were previously constrained by geography. Platforms that support video conferencing and project management software allow for real-time interactions with suppliers, partners, and customers worldwide.
Remote Working Innovations
Remote working has surged to the forefront of business strategies within Dorset. By embracing remote access solutions for enterprise, companies ensure that their operations are versatile and resilient. This technology supports a diverse range of functionalities, from accessing business applications on the go to managing entire teams remotely. Services like TSplus offer secure, reliable, and efficient solutions that are tailor-made for the unique needs of rural businesses – you can start your trial with them here.
The shift to remote operations has prompted a re-evaluation of workplace norms, with many businesses finding that productivity can soar outside the conventional office environment. This newfound flexibility helps retain local talent and attract professionals who prefer the quality of life that Dorset offers.
E-Commerce Expansion
The surge in digital platforms has revolutionised retail for Dorset’s businesses. E-commerce allows even the smallest producer to access national and international markets, presenting opportunities that were unimaginable a decade ago. Websites and online marketplaces have become essential for businesses looking to sustain growth and compete with larger enterprises.
In parallel, social media platforms enhance market reach and customer interaction, providing a vital link between local businesses and their communities. These tools enable the promotion of new products, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content that builds brand loyalty and customer engagement.
Agricultural Tech Uptake
Agricultural businesses in Dorset are increasingly turning to technology to modernise their operations. Precision agriculture, powered by GPS and IoT sensors, allows farmers to maximise yield while minimising environmental impact. These technologies provide real-time data on soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns, enabling more precise farming practices.
Additionally, automated machinery such as drones for aerial surveys and robotic systems for harvesting has reduced the need for manual labour, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. This technological adoption not only supports sustainable farming practices but also ensures that agriculture in Dorset remains competitive and profitable in a global market.
Tourism and Tech Synergy
Dorset’s tourism industry is tapping into technology to transform visitor experiences. Innovative apps offer virtual tours of remote castles and historical sites, attracting a tech-savvy generation to rural areas. These digital enhancements provide interactive and educational content, adding a rich layer of engagement to the physical exploration of Dorset’s landscapes.
Online booking systems and digital marketing campaigns are essential tools for small tourism operators. They streamline guest management and maximise exposure, which is crucial for small enterprises competing with larger entities. The use of technology ensures that visitors have memorable and seamless experiences, crucial for boosting repeat visits and positive reviews.
Training and Skills Development
As technology becomes central to operations, Dorset businesses are prioritising skill development. Training programs tailored to various digital tools are now common, ensuring that the workforce is adept and able to navigate new systems effectively. This investment in human capital not only enhances efficiency but also fosters innovation from within the organisation.
Local educational institutions and business associations frequently collaborate to offer workshops and seminars. These initiatives aim to bridge any skills gap in the community and prepare residents for the demands of a digitised economy. Empowering individuals with these skills benefits the businesses they work for and bolsters the wider Dorset economy by creating a knowledgeable, versatile workforce.
Sustainable Practices through Tech
Environmental sustainability is a key focus for many Dorset businesses, and technology offers powerful tools to achieve these goals. Energy management systems monitor and control the energy consumption of business operations, significantly reducing carbon footprints.
These technologies are particularly important for businesses in agriculture and manufacturing, where resource management directly impacts profitability. By adopting sustainable technologies, Dorset’s rural businesses contribute to environmental conservation and align with consumer expectations for responsible business practices, enhancing their brand and customer loyalty.
Community and Collaboration
The final piece of Dorset’s technological puzzle lies in fostering a community-centric approach. Digital networks facilitate shared learning and mutual support among businesses, which is particularly vital in remote areas. Online forums, virtual trade groups, and collaborative projects allow businesses to share resources, knowledge, and innovation, reducing costs and sparking new ideas.
This culture of collaboration extends beyond individual businesses, influencing regional planning and development. By working together, Dorset businesses enhance their collective ability to attract investment and support from governmental and private entities, ensuring a thriving, innovative business community.
Final Thoughts
Dorset’s rural businesses are not just adapting to technological changes; they are leading the charge. By embracing the digital revolution, they ensure their competitiveness in the global market, enhance their community, and secure a sustainable future for the next generation. This commitment to innovation and adaptability is a testament to the resilience and forward-thinking nature of Dorset’s rural enterprises.
Nestled amidst the pastoral beauty of the countryside, your home serves as a haven of serenity and warmth. Yet, even the most idyllic rural abode can benefit from thoughtful enhancements to keep it feeling both contemporary and comforting.
Let’s explore a variety of ways to infuse new life into your countryside home, enhancing its charm and functionality with an eye for elegance and simplicity.
1. Enlightening Spaces with Thoughtful Lighting
The right lighting is crucial in transforming the ambience of a room. Integrating various light sources can enhance your spaces’ functionality and allure.
Corston’s wall lights, for example, blend seamlessly into a countryside decor, offering a soft, diffused light that can make any room feel welcoming and refined. Positioning these lights strategically around your home—be it in a cosy reading corner or highlighting a beloved piece of art—adds depth and drama to your interiors.
2. A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
There’s a unique charm in balancing the old with the new. Countryside homes often come with beautiful traditional features such as exposed beams or stone walls.
Pair these rustic elements with modern furniture or contemporary artworks to create a striking contrast that speaks to your living space’s history and modernity. This approach refreshes the setting and makes the home feel current and stylish.
3. Colour and Texture: A Symphony of Serenity
Revitalising your home should take into account the harmonious play of colours and textures. It may be a good idea to opt for a ‘biophilic’ palette that reflects the countryside around you, drawing in muted shades of the outdoors to create a seamless visual flow from nature to living space.
Earthy tones like ochre, moss green, and sky blue can subtly elevate the tranquil feel of your rooms without overwhelming the senses. Textures also add a tactile dimension to the decor; think of rustic wooden accents, soft wool throws, or linen curtains, all contributing to a warm, layered aesthetic that invites relaxation.
4. Windows: The Eyes of Your Home
Windows act as a vital link between your home’s interior and the lush landscapes outside. Enhancing them can significantly alter how light filters and landscapes are viewed from inside. Upgrading to larger window panes or selecting elegantly styled frames can transform your views and flood your rooms with natural light, brightening your everyday living spaces.
5. Crafting Outdoor Living Areas
Bringing the comfort of indoors outside creates a seamless transition into the natural beauty surrounding your home. Simple enhancements like adding plush outdoor seating, chic rugs, or mood-setting lighting can turn a simple patio or garden into a lavish extension of your living area.
On cooler evenings, installing a fire pit or an outdoor heater can provide a warm, inviting space where friends and family can gather, blending functionality with leisure in your outdoor design.
6. Decluttering: The Art of Letting Go
Refreshing your space often involves decluttering, which can be as much a mental cleanse as a physical one. The goal is to foster a minimalist environment where every object is either functional or brings you delight.
This process involves critically assessing each item’s place in your home and opting for smart, stylish storage solutions that help maintain order and clarity. By regularly refining your possessions, you keep your space tidy and ensure it remains a true place of respite and clarity.
7. Revitalise with Soft Furnishings
Refreshing your home with new soft furnishings can transform the atmosphere with minimal effort. As the seasons evolve, replacing heavier textiles with lighter, airier materials can immediately brighten the feel of your space. Airy linens will be perfect for summer, while soft, plush velvets during the winter months will enhance the comfort and appeal of your rooms.
This transition updates the aesthetic and tailors your home to be seasonally inviting, making it a perfect retreat no matter the weather outside.
8. Modernising with Smart Home Technology
Incorporating smart home technology can significantly increase both the functionality and modern appeal of your countryside home. For instance, you might want to install smart thermostats for improved energy efficiency or introduce smart lighting systems that can be adjusted from your phone to create the perfect ambience for any occasion.
These technological upgrades will streamline your daily routines and add a layer of contemporary sophistication to traditional settings, making your home smarter and more adaptable to your lifestyle needs.
9. Refreshing the Exterior Facade
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to renovations. A fresh coat of paint, updated siding, or even just new shutters can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal.
You could even consider updating or adding outdoor lighting to enhance the architectural features of your home at night. These changes can make your home feel more welcoming and add to its overall value, ensuring it looks its best from the outside in.
Refreshing your countryside home is not merely about aesthetic updates; it’s about creating a space that resonates with warmth, comfort, and personal style. With these thoughtful changes, you can ensure that your home looks inviting and feels alive and vibrant, a true reflection of the beauty of countryside living.
An enthusiastic and committed Graduate Assistant is required for our Senior School on a fixed term contract. This exciting opportunity includes a full and active role in the pupils’ games programme, administrative support for our Senior Academic staff, and pastoral care of our boarders.
The successful candidate will play a full and active role in the pupils’ games programme and supporting the Girls’ Games with the provision of training, matches and school events. The successful candidate would have demonstrated proven ability in at least one of the following: Netball, Hockey or Tennis.
The candidate will also provide occasional classroom cover and, where appropriate, may be offered some teaching opportunities. This position would suit a recent graduate looking for experience prior to teacher training or seeking a short-term post prior to embarking on another career path.
This is a live-in position that will involve some evening and weekend work within the boarding house.
Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Full-time, all year round commencing 1st July 2024
Clayesmore School is located in the village of Iwerne Minster in the shadow of the Iron Age Fort of Hambledon Hill. The breath-taking scenery isn’t really what makes working at Clayesmore a joy. What really makes the school standout is the warmth of the people and the culture and kindness that underpins everything we do.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Second Chef to join our team of talented and experienced staff. Clayesmore prides itself in providing a comprehensive, in-house fresh food service to its pupils and staff. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in high volume catering and be flexible, and able to work as part of a team.
This is a great opportunity to work in catering with primarily daytime shifts. Benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, Death in Service benefits, a free meal each day and free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Facilities. 6 weeks holiday per year plus bank holidays. Accommodation may be available for the successful candidate.
Please feel free to ring the HR department on 01747 813213 if you would like to discuss this role.
Applications will be considered as soon as they are received and so the deadline may close earlier if we find the right candidate, therefore early applications are advised.
Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. www.clayesmore.com
From neighbours to award-winning booksellers: FOLDE’s founders Amber Harrison and Karen Brazier talk to Terry about their ‘pandemic-induced mid-life crisis’.
FOLDE, in Shaftesbury, has won the British Book Awards Independent Bookshop of the Year competition for the South West, organised by The Bookseller magazine and judged by a prestigious panel of industry specialists, authors and journalists.
It’s a remarkable achievement for a business started during the pandemic by two women who had never sold books. They’re justifiably proud and deeply happy with their ‘small but mighty, and slightly fighty’ bookshop.
From bingo halls to community calls – Shaftesbury’s Rotakids are a new generation of community champions, leading the charge in innovative community charity work. Peter Sale is president of Shaftesbury Rotary Club, and he chats to Jenny about the work of the group, and the benefits not just to the local community but to the kids themselves.
The barriers are gone – for £1.3m … Dorset residents had almost forgotten what Sturminster bridge looked like – but finally the bank stabilisation work is complete.
April’s BV is OUT NOW … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, SO many horses … and frankly stunning photography. Did I mention it’s FREE?
Why *wouldn’t* you want a flick through?
(*don’t forget, we’re proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)
You can click here https://bvmag.co.uk/Apr24 to dive straight in. Frankly, it’s so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it’d be rude not to.
The BV is the ‘glossy’ rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset, shortlisted in the 2024 Newspaper & Magazine Awards for ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’.
Despite a typically 2024 grey and chilly spring morning, Dorset clearly decided today was finally a day for fun. Kingston Maurward was busy early as the crowds swiftly gathered to enjoy the county’s first rural show of the year – by lunchtime the main car parks for the very first Dorset Spring Show were full, the overflow car parks were … overflowing, and traffic was backed up on the approach roads to the show.
Heading up the team behind the county’s newest event is Dorset County Show Organiser James Cox, who was thrilled with the turnout: ‘With a brand new show there’s always an element of risk, and of course the weather has not been kind so far this year. But we were confident the show would be great – and the whole team is pleased and grateful so many members of the public agreed! It’s been a fantastic first day.’
The show was spread around the grounds of Kingston Maurward House, a combination of craft and trade tents, big ring entertainment, and have-a-go fun. James says: ‘It’s ended up being a brilliant spring get-together for the county. Whether you want to indulge in delicious Dorset foods, purchase local artisan goods, enjoy watching extreme sport, meet a lamb or watch local craftspeople, Dorset Spring Show has it!’
Maisie wasn’t the only one excited to be in the Food tent. But sadly, despite her careful observation, not one single cheese jumped off the table
Show visitors can have a go with Great Pottery Throw Down finalist (and Weymouth resident) Dan Sandham, who is joined by his fellow Throw Down contestant Ed King
With an emphasis on everything food, farming and flowers, you can watch live demonstrations of beekeeping, falconry and baking. Have a go with Great Pottery Throw Down finalist (and Weymouth resident) Dan Sandham, who is joined by his fellow Throw Down contestant Ed King. See the extreme BMX bikers, the gun dog display, and Sunday visitors get the extra treat of Titan the Robot in the main ring (11:45, 13:30 and 15:00)!
The Food Tent at Dorset Spring Show
Two top tips for your visit – wear wellies, and take cash! The footing was getting mucky today, as you’d expect, and a lot of rain is expected overnight so I’d expect the mud to arrive tomorrow. And as per most rural shows, the data signal vanishes once the crowd starts to swell, so be sure you take cash with you (and don’t do what we did: patienlty navigate the 20 minute queue for a coffee only to find you can’t pay for it!)
If you missed today, you have a second chance tomorrow, Sunday 28th April, 9:30 – 17:00 – children go FREE and Adult Tickets are £15 on the gate. Tickets can be purchased on the gate, but we suggest buying online for faster entry – www.dorsetspringshow.co.uk
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If you buy online, be sure to either print your ticket or screenshot the QR code on your phone before leaving home – signal onsite may not work!
FIND IT – postcode DT2 8PY and then follow the yellow direction signs when nearby.
Free Car Parking | Free Shuttle Bus from Dorchester & Poundbury
