Martin Cowan
Thinking of you on your 42nd birthday on 27th March. Taken from us 21 years ago on 20th April 2001.
In our hearts and minds, and forever 21.
Love from Mum, Ken and all the family xx
The sulphurous beauty of brimstone
How a single butterfly enhances my world – and we can support these little angels of delight, says Jane Adams.
The brimstone (an old word for sulphur) is a fairly large, pale yellow butterfly, with distinctive, leaf-shaped wings. Adults hibernate through cold weather, so may be seen flying on warm days throughout the year, although they are most common in the spring. Usually seen in ones or twos, they are never very common, but are widespread. They can be found in damp woodlands, along sunny, woodland rides and mature hedgerows, and in large gardens.
It feels good to be outdoors.
Up to my knees in last summer’s overgrown seed-heads and straw-coloured stems, a movement by the hedge catches my eye. It’s a yellow butterfly. After the uncertainties and fears in the world – the war in Ukraine, Covid, the lockdowns, job losses and isolation – watching this butterfly feels life affirming and gives me reassurance. Reassurance that at least one thing – the one controlled by our natural world – is still functioning. Just.
Why just?
Because butterflies are having a hard time. Research by the charity Butterfly Conservation confirms a ‘serious, long-term decline of UK butterflies’. And this has resulted in ‘70% of species declining in occurrence’ since 1976.
The principal causes seem to be the destruction and deterioration of the places they live, and extreme weather events caused by climate change. It brings a lump to my throat to admit it, but ultimately, it’s our fault. Enough doom and gloom. This little glittering gem in front of me is a brimstone butterfly. A male with butter-coloured wings, the shape and tone of two veined leaves. And, though it dazzles, it disappears when it lands for a second within the highlights and shade of a lichen covered branch.
Back in flight, its wings remind me of the waving hankies of a Morris Dancer. One minute it’s by my feet, the next it’s twenty metres away as if it can teleport. It’s exhausting to watch, but impossible to look away. Then, as swiftly as it appeared, it’s gone.
How we can help!
Even this early in the year, we can still help butterflies. Many of their caterpillars live within fallen leaves, so leaving piles of leaves around the garden (rather than burning them) will give them a home. And if you’re planning on adding new plants to your garden, buy as many as you can that are butterfly-friendly, with flowers that will overflow with sweet nectar.
Imagine a world without butterflies. No, nor can I. Hopefully we can keep it that way. We need to cherish our little harbingers of summer and life.
Help your garden butterflies:
Butterflies like warmth so choose sunny, sheltered spots for nectar plants. And different plants attract a wider variety of species; aim for flowers right through
the seasons. Spring flowers are vital for butterflies coming out of hibernation and autumn flowers help butterflies build up their reserves for winter.
The best plants for summer nectar in your garden:
- Buddleia (The butterfly bush)
- Verbena bonariensis
- Lavender
- Perennial Wallflower (especially Bowles Mauve)
- Marjoram (Oregano)
by Jane Adams – Naturalist. bTB Badger Vaccinator. Nature writer. Photographer. Bee Watcher.
It’s ‘officially’ maincrop season | Dorset Forager
You’re wrong if you think a forager’s prime time starts in August. You can reap the bounty of a wild harvest right now, says expert forager Carl Mintern, who picks out three favourites for early spring.
As we rise out of a very mild winter this year, we see the young buds of spring appearing earlier and in more abundance than usual.
For me this is an opportunity for action – the wild food harvest starting gun has officially gone off and we are into a forager’s equivalent of what a gardener may consider their maincrop season.
Traditionally, gorse was important to the rural economy throughout the British Isles, and used as winterfodder for livestock. Commonly called fuzz moots, gorse roots were dried and burned as fuel – touted to be better than coal, hotter and cleaner. Well into the nineteenth century, they were used to fuel brick bread ovens, which were often called furze ovens.
People who are unaccustomed to foraging may consider the foraging season as beginning
in August and ending around October, with most of the fruit and fungi that can be found across the UK at that time of year. If you are someone who thinks this way then, well, that’s what I am here for! And you have been missing out on some of the best foraging of the year.
The British countryside offers wild edible food in every one of the twelve months, but from early March things really start to get exciting, and this year it’s all happening even earlier than usual. Let’s have a look at three of the plants that will make their way into my kitchen regularly this March…
Wild garlic was so highly valued in Ireland that, according to the Old Irish Brehon laws, there was a fine for stealing it from private land – the poacher would forfeit “two and a half milch cows”. One wonders how the penalty of two and a half cows was paid.
Gorse flowers (Common Ulex Europeaus)
The bright yellow blossoms of the gorse bush act as a flag for foragers seeking out these deliciously mild and sweet additions to our wild salads. These yellow petals, with scents ranging from coconut to almond, are a real survivor and can be found in the harshest of environments.
Within the Blackmore Vale, the windswept crests of hills are one place to find this plant with ease when out walking, or even alongside the road while taking a country drive.
Common Gorse is in flower from January till June, when Western gorse (less common) takes over here in the southwest of the UK. There really is never a good reason not to have some species of flower to adorn your salads. You can also add these blossoms to bread dough, where they will retain their bright yellow colouring, speckling each slice of your loaf with the golden glow of spring.
Common sorrel (Rumex Acetosa)
Common, or garden, sorrel is a plant every forager should have in their repertoire. The tangy zing from the oxalic acid gives it a citrus flavour, making it another great salad plant. Chefs among you will no doubt already be familiar with sorrel as it is commonly used to make soups, or pair with chicken dishes.
This super-common plant, usually considered a weed, is a herb you can buy seeds for and grow in your own herb garden – or you can simply walk outside your door and harvest it from the wild (I know which I prefer).
It is very common; it will be growing in grassland and pastures across the Blackmore Vale, and almost certainly in your own lawn if you have one.
Identified by its two ‘arrowhead’ style points, one must take care to avoid the poisonous lords and ladies which can appear superficially similar.
Wild garlic – our favourite!
The plant, native to Britain, has a long list of synonyms, which include Bear’s garlic, Broad- leaved garlic, Ramsons and Wood garlic. It can be found in many woodland sites across the UK. I personally find it very common on some of our countryside roadsides that meander through woodland – you will often smell it before you see it!
The whole plant is edible – use it as you would garlic. A personal favourite of mine is to bake fish wrapped in the leaves which acts to steam them while infusing a gentle flavour.
As with sorrel, wild garlic has been mistaken for Lords and Ladies in the past so care should be taken in identification.
by Carl Mintern
See details and availability of Carl’s local foraging courses on his website Self sufficient Hub here
The new inflatable soft play in Gillingham is Space Inflaters
The new inflatable soft play in Gillingham is now open! Space Inflaters Gillingham is on the site of the old Legends nightclub on the Brickfields Industrial Estate.
Opening times are 9.30am to 6pm (6.30pm at weekends), and prices start at £5 off-peak (£3 for under-3s)
Book tickets here www.spaceinflaters.org
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT 
Huge congratulations goes to Marie Amos who wins a family prize worth up to £800 for naming the new inflatable soft play world at the old Legends Nightclub in Gillingham.The new name is SPACE INFLATERS!
Well done Marie, someone will be in touch very soon to arrange your prize 
***** COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED *****
Can you find the right name for the new inflatable soft play world at the old Legends Nightclub in Gillingham? If so, you could win a year’s family membership, plus a family party – including food – together worth up to £800!
Like so many businesses, the team from the Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust (GCLT), who run Riversmeet, were devastated by the effects of the lockdowns. These were already troubling times for the Three Rivers Partnership (the charity which oversees GCLT), and it was hard to see a path forwards for the business – but here we are in 2022, not just surviving but thriving again.
Covid quickly showed the team the weaknesses in their business model, and in the services being provided to the community. A new way needed to be found to enable the business to expand and survive over the next 20 years, and last summer a new Community Interest Company was formed. Called Thrive Services CIC, its only purpose is to deliver valuable services to the community that it serves. With the survival of Riversmeet forming the cornerstone of its business plan, the team have now started to undertake several exciting new local projects, highest of which is the redevelopment of the Legends building on Brickfields Industrial Estate. The site, which has been empty for a few years now, was generously offered to the team by its owners, and with their full support Thrive has been able to start work on what will be a new community facility.
Complimenting the services already in place at Riversmeet, the new facility – which hasn’t been named yet (your chance to name it is below!) – will initially focus its activities on the children of the town and their parents. Phase 1 of the project will offer a huge new indoor soft play area, party rooms and a café for parents.
Phase 2, which will be completed after an extension has been built to the original building, will offer a new health and fitness space which will compliment the existing gym at Riversmeet.
Over the coming months we’ll be happy talk to the community and answer any questions you may have… but right now we’re asking the community to name our new facility – much like we did when Riversmeet was built back in 2008.
To be in with a chance to win, just answer the first three questions in the widget box below. There are more chances to win by completing the other entry options if you so wish – they’re entirely up to you! The closing date for this competition is 15th April 2022 and only entries received on or before that date can be included. Good luck!
Fitness Instructor | RiversMeet Leisure Centre
Fitness Instructor
£19,000
Full Time: 37.5 hrs per week average – Early/Late/Weekends
About Us
We are a busy, committed, professional team dedicated to ensuring that our customers enjoy the very best experience from this community owned Leisure Centre. As part of our Fitness Team, you will be involved in the day-to-day running of the Gym facilitating Inductions, classes, creating programs and maintaining gym cleanliness.
About you
We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional person with good customer service skills who really enjoys being part of a team but are also comfortable working independently. Can make good customer care decisions and who is passionate about health and fitness and can promoted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Essential: Level 2 Fitness instructor, 2+ years’ Desirable: Level 3 Personal Training Qualification, Class instructor qualifications. National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, First Aid at Work.
What we can offer you
Salary up to £19,000 according to experience and qualifications based on an average of 37.5 hours weekly. Overtime hours paid at hourly rate in addition. We encourage an environment where everyone can be themselves and we celebrate differences and wellbeing. Working at RiversMeet gives you access to lots of great benefits including FREE full centre membership for you and your family (Gym, Swim, Classes, and Racket Sports) as well as great discounts off our amazing products available in our Sport Shop as well as a heavily discounted Café. In addition, during school holidays discounted onsite childcare solutions for children ages 6-12 years is provided. There’s lots of career opportunities and progressions available, from training to become a Lifeguard, Swimming Teacher, Gym Instructor or attaining First Aid qualifications. There is every opportunity to diversities or expand into a long-lasting career into Leisure. As well, as these benefits we regularly host community engaging programmes such as Charity Quiz Nights, Christmas fairs, fund raising events and Family Fun days with the opportunity of any employee taking a hands-on role in these events. There will also always be the option for staff to engage in team building exercises, food and drinks and party twice a year at Summer and Christmas.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us, please send a letter of application and CV to [email protected] or you are welcome to leave your application with reception addressed to Ciaran Lea. Closing date: 24th April. Interviews will follow shortly after, pending availability.
Duty Manager | RiversMeet Leisure Centre
Duty Manager
£22,500.00
Full Time: 37.5 hrs per week average – Early/Late/Weekends
About Us
We are a busy, committed, professional team dedicated to ensuring that our customers enjoy the very best experience from this community owned Leisure Centre. As part of our DM Team, you will be involved in the day-to-day running of activities and ensuring the safe facilitation of a multitude of activities ranging from fitness classes to swimming lessons.
About you
We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional person with good customer service skills who really enjoys being part of a team but are also comfortable working independently. Can make good customer care decisions, actively lead from the front and take ownership of this important role with confidence. Essential: National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, 2+ years’ experience in Leisure industry. Desirable: Level 2 industry specific qualification, 3+ years’ Leisure industry experience, Level 2 Fitness instructor, First Aid at Work, Pool Plant Operator, level 3 management qualification.
What we can offer you
Salary up to £22,500 according to experience and qualifications based on an average of 37.5 hours weekly. Overtime hours paid at hourly rate in addition. We encourage an environment where everyone can be themselves and we celebrate differences and wellbeing. Working at RiversMeet gives you access to lots of great benefits including FREE full centre membership for you and your family (Gym, Swim, Classes, and Racket Sports) as well as great discounts off our amazing products available in our Sport Shop as well as a heavily discounted Café. In addition, during school holidays discounted onsite childcare solutions for children ages 6-12 years is provided. There’s lots of career opportunities and progressions available, from training to become a Lifeguard, Swimming Teacher, Gym Instructor or attaining First Aid qualifications. There is every opportunity to diversities or expand into a long-lasting career into Leisure. As well, as these benefits we regularly host community engaging programmes such as Charity Quiz Nights, Christmas fairs, fund raising events and Family Fun days with the opportunity of any employee taking a hands-on role in these events. There will also always be the option for staff to engage in team building exercises, food and drinks and party twice a year at Summer and Christmas.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us, please send a letter of application and CV to [email protected] or you are welcome to leave your application with reception addressed to Ciaran Lea. Closing date: 25th April. Interviews will follow shortly after, pending availability.
Maintenance Manager | Clayesmore School
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Estate Team in this newly created role working 37.5 hours per week, all year round.
The successful candidate will work alongside the Head of Estates to ensure the smooth operation of the department which encompasses maintenance, grounds and gardens and support across the site. Responsibilities will include developing and progressing maintenance schedules, coordination of day-to-day reactive maintenance and occasional project support. The post holder may be expected to participate in ‘hands on’ maintenance tasks themselves when required and they will form part of the department rota to provide weekend support and call out duties.
We are looking for someone with relevant experience within the building, maintenance or grounds & gardens industry, and a good understanding of multiple trades. It is essential for the successful candidate to have good leadership and managerial skills and experience.
In addition to a competitive salary, we can offer a non-contributory pension scheme, 30 days annual leave and membership of our Sports Centre.
For further information and an application form, please go to:
https://clayesmore.com/work-for-us/
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.
Farming for a living? | Farm Tales
From petty customer theft to competing with the mega dairies, small farms are fighting against the tide to run a successful business, says Andrew Livingston.
If lockdown taught us one thing, it’s to buy local. in rural areas, milk vending machines became all the rage during 2020 as farmers learnt that they could cut out the middleman and sell straight to the suppliers.
An important by-product of farmers gaining more of their profit means that food has a much smaller carbon footprint. My final look at what farmers are doing to reach carbon neutral targets by 2040, puts the onus on the public to buy local!
Security dog Wilf considers egg guard duty a necessary chore
The egg trade
Last year we decided to stop selling our eggs to St Ewe (a Cornwall-based packer) and instead became a producer for Foots, who are based just outside of Sherborne. Previously, with St Ewe, our eggs would be picked up in Dorset, driven for grading
in Cornwall and then taken to London to be sold. Madness, I know!
However, since our first flock of chickens, we have also sold our eggs on our gate to the passing trade. This has admittedly come with its issues; stolen eggs and money, with some ‘customers’ apparently believing that washers and lint are legal tender. What it does ensure though, is that our customers get the freshest produce possible, whilst seeing where their food comes from – that is the real joy of buying straight from the farm.
Take one avocado
Security dog Wilf considers egg guard duty a necessary chore I love avocado – but when you pick them up in the supermarket shelves can you envisage the land that it has grown on? Do you know
the impact of the water consumption of an avocado farm (two thousand litres of water are needed to produce just one kilo of avocados – four times the amount needed to produce a kilo of oranges, and 10 times what is needed to produce a kilo of tomatoes)? Do you know how many miles that fruit has travelled by sea and air to be smashed up and spread on your toast?
For years agricultural marketing campaigns have pleaded with the public to ‘Buy British’ in the supermarkets. But now it’s time to buy local. Being fortunate enough to be living in a rural county you will be amazed at what local produce you could buy – even without going to a (often overpriced) farm ‘shop’.
Most popular farm milk vending machines will be accompanied by a vending machine selling eggs, cheese, butter, maybe meat, condiments, soup or pies. You can buy all your staple foods in a way that not only supports your local farmer but helps to keep fuel and greenhouse gas emissions down.
20 euro cents, a rusty washer and a few coppers – all received as ‘payment’ for eggs at the farm gate.
The struggle of the small farm
Unfortunately, with the cost of animal feed and electricity as it is, small family-run farms are turning to selling direct to customers simply to be able to turn a profit. Especially daity farmers – larger and larger commercial dairies with in excess of 1,000 cows are keeping the cost of the milk low; meaning the small farm next door can’t get a decent price per litre to be able to make a living. In a simpler time, farmers would devote their time to pampering their animals to perfection. Now, farmers seem to need to spend their lives squeezing every last potential penny out of their farms just to stay afloat.
by Andrew Livingston
Sponsored by: Trethowans – Law as it should be
Clayesmore Coffee Shop The Writer’s Block’
Full and part time roles available
We are excited and delighted to invite applications from hardworking, customer focused and friendly people for a Supervisor and Assistants roles for the new Clayesmore coffee shop which will be opening in the Summer term.
Your day will be hands on and customer facing, working in a small team creating an environment that is warm and welcoming for all who visit the coffee shop. You will have an eye for detail and be interested in serving good coffee, good food and making people happy.
This is a great opportunity to work in hospitality with daytime shifts only, the majority of which will be worked during term time.
For further information and an application form, please go to: https://clayesmore.com/work-for-us/
Closing date for applications: Monday, 11 April 2022 at 8.00am
Please contact Emma Grigg on 01747 813213 if you have any further questions.
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.
