Not Another Waltz – Kerry Gardner reading and Q&A at The Exchange

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22 June 2023

His own acting career may have peaked with Up Pompeii!, but as a theatrical agent Kerry Gardner went on to shape the careers of some of our best-loved British actors. Now living in Dorset, Kerry has written Not Another Waltz (I, Nausius) – a hilarious book about his life – and he will be doing a reading and Q&A at The Exchange on Sunday 9th July:

‘As an actor I worked and mingled with (and bumped up against) the likes of Alastair Sim, David Hockney, Judi Dench, Tom Hanks, Frankie Howerd, Rudolph Nureyev, the late Queen, her mother, Prince Philip (I took Prince Edward to lunch), Princess Di, Ian McKellen, Vanessa Redgrave, Morecambe and Wise, Harvey Weinstein, Jane Fonda … And as an actors’ agent I represented the likes of Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Pam Ferris, Bill Paterson et al.

‘I’m going to make the reading adult audience friendly, but I’ll not be reading the … franker … bits – you’ll just have to buy the book for the full unexpurgated tale ( https://amzn.to/44ayunY )!

‘If you’ve ever wanted to be an actor, then this book will be useful. If you are already a performer, it’ll be fun. If you’ve ever wanted to acquire wisdom, reading this might get you going. If you’re happy to be daft you’ll recognise yourself in here. All in all, you’re in for a good time.

‘But how best to snare your interest? I can’t really do better than quote Dame Eileen Atkins (‘I absolutely loved it…a terrific book’), and some of the other five star reviews on Amazon:

“fascinating, warm, funny, and sexy”

“an acute observer he shares many chokingly funny and naughty stories from his career as an actor, director, agent and impresario.”

“An astonishingly honest and frequently hilarious search for identity”

“to spend time in Kerry Gardner’s world is an absolute joy”.

If you’d like to know a little more about Kerry, he was The BV’s Random 19 guest last year.

Kerry will be on at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton at 7pm on Sunday 9th July. Tickets (£10) are available online here https://bit.ly/BVKerryGardner

Grant allows AGE UK to rally befriending efforts in Shaftesbury

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Editorial team

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21 June 2023

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Thanks to a recent grant, AGE UK North, South & West Dorset is now actively seeking volunteers to join their befriending service in the Shaftesbury region.

The Dorset Community Foundation’s Corton Hill Fund has given the charity a financial boost to help the project combat loneliness and seclusion within local communities.
An array of support will be made available, including home visits from the Independent Living advisor, who will offer crucial guidance and refer individuals to services that encourage self-reliance and overall wellbeing. Recognising the significant toll that loneliness and seclusion can have on physical and mental health, the charity hopes the project wall pave the way for people to access the support they need.
Community Engagement Manager, Rachel Weiss, said: ‘We are hopeful that this project can support those in the Shaftesbury area who are experiencing loneliness and isolation. We can ensure that those who need support know where to go, as well as supporting people with befriending and social opportunities. We are incredibly thankful to the Corton Hill Fund and Dorset Community Foundation for the opportunity.’
Presently, the charity has more than 100 befrienders spread across North, South, and West Dorset, but a mere three in the Shaftesbury area. The charity is now looking for more to support their efforts to tackle loneliness in communities: ‘We have lots of requests for befriending support,’ says Rachel. ‘But we are always looking for more volunteers who may have some spare time each week to make a difference to the life of a local older person. It might be a simple chat over a cuppa, or a walk around the local park. These seemingly-small social opportunities can make all the difference.’
For further details about the project, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities in Shaftesbury, call 01305 269444 Monday to Friday 10 til 3.
If you live in Sturminster Newton or its surrounding villages, Age Concern North Dorset provides the befriending service there. Please contact them on 01258 475582.

Revitalise housing through Compulsory Purchase

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Editorial team

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21 June 2023

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Labour’s plans to “back the builders, not the blockers” took further shape this week with the announcement that the next Labour government would allow local authorities, including Dorset Council, to buy land at a lower price through Compulsory Purchase Orders, where justified and in the public interest. The idea is a simple one; because land without planning permission is worth more than land with planning permission (land with the “hope factor”), councils would be able to buy up land at a lower rate.
As one of the most expensive places in Britain to rent or buy a home, local Dorset people struggle to afford to live in the area, even as housing costs continue to rise. The new policy would not only open the door to councils providing good quality local authority homes for rent at affordable prices, but also have a deflationary impact on a bloated housing market that increasingly prevents first time buyers from buying their first home.
The new policy is good news – not only for the 30 per cent of us who simply want reasonable rents in good quality homes with secure tenancies; or for those who aspire to own their homes and enjoy decreasing housing costs as their mortgage is paid back over the years – but for all of us who benefit from the stable, sustainable and vibrant communities that affordable housing helps to deliver.
However, it will need a creative and aspirational Labour council as well as a creative and aspirational Labour government to really deliver the benefits to people here in Dorset.
So, as the preparation starts for both the local elections in Dorset next year and a General Election nationally, it’s time to start reflecting on how well-served we currently are by the stale, Tory-led council that has delivered increased Council Tax while winding down our local services and failing to deliver on housing, and an exhausted shambles of a Tory government that is fresh out of ideas despite appointing 15 Housing Ministers in 13 years.
Pat Osborne, North Dorset Labour Party

Life in the new yard!

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Editorial team

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21 June 2023

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Completely different yet utterly the same, let me explain…

A full month of being back at my family base in Somerset. Wow what a lucky girl I am. Such a beautiful yard and the horses seem to love it! It’s taken a couple of weeks for us all to find a Rhythm and a routine that works well for horses and humans! Whilst we have tried to maintain the same ridden program for all horses, we have been working out the best morning yard and afternoon yard routine and I think we are nearly there! Having everything running smoothly again. We know where things go, everything has its place! The horses are absolutely loving being able to be back out in a field! I have also noticed a different from a riding point of view from their increased amount of turn out! They seem to be more relaxed and supple in their work! Still a few too many builders around trying to finish the beautiful yard but we are slowly saying goodbye to more and more!

With the move been all successful unfortunately the British weather has been quite the opposite! With three big international planned for May. Chatsworth, Rockingham and Bicton. Unfortunately having previously never been to either Chatsworth or Rockingham and very excited to go, the weather has stop play and both events have been abandoned due to the ground conditions being too wet. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Bicton will run and we have a successful and dry event next week!

With all the weekend suddenly freed up from events being cancelled, this has allowed us to train harder and wiser and so I am very much looking forward to being able to try but all our recent practice into play at Bicton!

Toots x

Blueberry and lemon crumble loaf

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Editorial team

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20 June 2023

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I’m sure I’m not the only one who sometimes gets a hankering for a certain type of cake. Recently I was after a really lemony, soft cake with oodles of deliciously squidgy blueberries and something crunchy to finish (I’m oddly specific, I know)… And this is the result.
It’s super-simple to put together as the cake ingredients just get mixed all in one go. I also chose to bake it in a loaf tin, which requires a slightly longer bake time, but I wanted the deep cake under the crunchy crumble topping. You could of course swap the berry to another fruity favourite if you wish. I also chose to make mine with Oatly greek style yoghurt – you could quite easily make this with a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free cake.

Ingredients

For the cake:

150g caster sugar
100g butter
100g Greek-style yoghurt
1 egg
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
Punnet of blueberries
200g self raising flour
1 level tsp baking powder

For crumble topping:

75g plain flour
50g Demerara sugar
50g butter

Optional:

Icing sugar to drizzle, made up with the juice of 1 lemon.

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180º/160º fan/gas 5. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin (about 10cm deep).
In a bowl, add all the crumble topping ingredients. Using your hands, mix and squish together until you form a crumbly mix.
Into a large bowl or stand mixer, add all the cake ingredients except the blueberries. Mix together, gently at first and then mix well to make sure it is well combined.
Add in roughly 90% of the blueberries – keep some back for the top – and stir in gently.
Tumble the cake mixture into the loaf tin and smooth out. Sprinkle the crumble topping over to cover the cake mixture. Top the crumble mix with your remaining blueberries.
Bake in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes*. The cake will be done if the topping is golden brown, if it no longer jiggles when you very gently shake it and when you insert a skewer, it comes out clean. Leave to cool. Optional – mix a little icing sugar with either water or the juice of a lemon and drizzle over the top of the cake before cutting.

*You don’t necessarily need to leave to cool completely … I didn’t, and can personally confirm that it is actually wonderful when served still-warm with a cup of tea. Just be very careful when moving the cake before it’s completely cold as it has a very soft texture and will easily break.

** Loaf cakes take much longer to cook as they are quite deep. It can be a tricky to balance getting the middle cooked without the top/sides becoming overcooked. Do adjust according to your oven. If after 45 minutes the top is still pale, then nudge the temperature up slightly to brown it.

Heather Brown is a food writer, photographer and stylist. A committee member of The Guild of Food Writers, Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed, as well as working one-to-one with clients.

Credibility, profit, service and discontent

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Editorial team

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20 June 2023

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We were sitting having a cup of LibDem coffee in Shaftesbury at the weekend and the question was asked, ‘Who can you trust these days?’.

We took soundings around the room and got some thought-provoking responses.
A number had been to the Any Questions panel, recently broadcast live from Marnhull. It was felt strongly that the more credible panel members were the two non-politicians, not least because there seemed to be less “side”, less spin in their answers. Someone commented that Prime Minister’s Questions has taken the art of swerve and side-step to new levels of pointlessness.
We began to consider leaders of organisations who, in Sir Humphrey’s immortal words, appear to have had their trousers nailed to the mast such that they cannot climb down – however unreasonable their adopted position. The DUP, the Public and Commercial Services Union, the various rail trade unions and companies … we found ourselves discussing other organisations also progressively losing their reputations and public trust: the water companies, energy companies, even the supermarkets under the twin clouds of profiteering and supply-chain brutality. In one of his answers on Any Questions, the CEO of Oxfam said that his organisation monitors the performance of the biggest 100 food and energy companies – whose profits have increased by £80 billion in the last period.
It is by action, not words, not through spin but by substance, that we should make our judgements on these organisations.
Our group made special mention of the lack of credibility of the more pro-Brexit politicians and their supporters.

More truth, less ideology
We turned to discussing those we can trust. We felt we can and do trust each other – there is nothing as powerful as a good team. We talked about the people in our various communities who can and do make a difference, who act for all in their locality, who are selfless rather than self-seeking. There were so many examples.
So, the question begs; how can society harness the ethos and capabilities of such people? How can we rid ourselves of professional politicians who look to govern for the minority – the 30 per cent who always vote for them? We need a whole lot more truth and much, much less ideology and its consequences. The more we can bring the people in our communities who we do trust into government – local and national – the more inclusive will be the decision-making.
The problem, of course, lies in persuading ourselves and our friends and acquaintances to have the nerve and the resilience to step up and stand for election.
There are Dorset Council elections next year: same old, same old or something different? Come on, everyone. Think about standing!
Mike Chapman, North Dorset LibDems

Is Vineyards the single site retailer of the year?

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Editorial team

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19 June 2023

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Old Yarn Mills-based Vineyards wine shop has earned recognition from the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC), landing a spot in the finals for this year’s Single Site Retailer of the Year in the Merchant Awards. This international honour follows closely on their recent victory at the Drinks Retailing Awards.
The IWC Industry Awards, established in 1991, exist to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the UK wine industry.
When the 2023 finalists were announce, the IWC were proud to state that ‘only the most outstanding businesses have been shortlisted for an award this year!’
Vineyards is in esteemed company in this year’s awards, with other finalists including renowned houshold brand names such as Naked Wines, Waitrose and Majestic.
Making it to the finals of one of the global wine industry’s most respected awards is a particularly notable accomplishment for Vineyards. The family-run enterprise has been committed to ‘sourcing and storytelling’ outstanding wines since 2005. The team, led by Hannah Wilkins, her wife and business partner Sadie, along with their trusted crew of wine connoisseurs, deliver an extensive selection, are renowned for their bespoke personal service, and for generating a real sense of community. They host regular tasting evenings and workshops, cementing their position as a favorite local hub.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for July 4th, set to unfold amidst the grandeur of London’s Hurlingham Club, and promises to be a remarkable occasion for the dedicated and passionate team at Vineyards.

Fire at the Mitchells! | Then & Now

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Editorial team

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19 June 2023

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Roger Guttridge tells how a blaze in 1942 brought drama to a corner of Hazelbury Bryan – and hears about the remains visible today

Mitchell’s shop (left) some years before the 1942 fire. Postcard from the Barry Cuff Collection

The cottages on the near-left of these pictures, which were taken more than 100 years apart, were the scene of a major fire drama in 1942, as present residents Valerie and Brian Kelly were able to tell me.
At the time, the building now known as Forge House included a garage complete with a hand-operated Shell petrol pump and an ironmonger’s and hardware store adjoining.
The whole place was run by the Mitchell family, including Len and Horace.
‘The shop stocked household goods, car bits, carbide batteries and shotgun cartridges, among other things,’ Valerie told me.
‘I have talked to elderly people who remember sitting on the wall opposite as people ran in and out with shotgun cartridges and other stock, all of which was put out in the road.’
The building was rebuilt with tiles replacing the thatched roof, but the original garage doors can still be seen today.
The business closed in the 1970s and Valerie and Brian arrived in 1983.

The old garage doors and shop window are still evident today. Image: Roger Guttridge

They have found ample evidence of the fire, including charred timbers in the roof and joists which told another story.
‘Because it was during the war, there were shortages and they ran out of timber,’ said Brian who, handily, is a roofer by trade. ‘The joists got thinner and thinner and more and more stretched out.’
‘Brian had to put timbers in to jack the roof up,’ Valerie added.
The couple also found some stored framed building paper that would have been used to block off the windows during the wartime blackouts.
Another relic of the building’s days as a garage is an AA sign, which tells us – with remarkable precision – the distances from Hazelbury Bryan to Sturminster Newton (four-and-a-quarter miles), Piddletrentide (six-and-a-half miles) and London (115-and-a-quarter miles).

A 1967 aerial view of the Mitchells’ garage and shop (centre) and the farm and saw mills next door (right)

The London distance makes me wonder if the sign-maker was having a laugh.
The top line of a second sign is missing but the surviving part reads: ‘…have been sworn in to apprehend any persons seen cudgeling, fighting or boxing.’
Cudgeling was obviously a problem at Hazelbury in those distant days.
The aerial picture above was taken in 1967 and shows the garage and shop (centre) complete with petrol pumps with Wonston Farm and saw mills, run by William Hutchings and Sons, to the right.
Most of the farm and saw mill buildings have now gone, with houses built on part of the site.

An old AA sign with its very precise distances to Sturminster Newton, Piddletrentide and London. Photo by Roger Guttridge

The Mitchells
A glance at the old Kelly’s Directories reveals just how central the Mitchell family was to life in Hazelbury. For Wonston, the 1931 directory lists thatcher Charles Mitchell, decorators, plumbers and motor engineers Joseph J Mitchell & Sons and Miss Laura L Mitchell, who ran the drapery store and post office and had the telephone number Hazelbury Bryan 1.
In the wider village, William J Mitchell Sr was clerk to the parish council and collector of taxes, William Mitchell Jr was a plumber, hot and cold water engineer and decorator, while Horace Mitchell is merely listed as a resident at The Bungalow.
One member of the Mitchell family even took the early 20th century picture opposite of the Wonston shop, with dog, bicycle and local resident outside.

Antiques Road Trip in Sherborne, Robert Boyle and all the letters

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Laura

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19 June 2023

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The June BV Podcasts begin, as every month, with this month’s letter from the editor and all the latest reader’s letters. Next historian Roger Guttridge talks to Jenny about Stalbridge’s most famous resident, and Terry has a chat with local antiques dealer Craig Wharton about the time TV’s Antiques Road Trip came to town.

Letter from the Editor – Laura Hitchcock gladly welcomes June’s wooing ways, and celebrates being an overweight middle-aged mum kickboxer.
This month’s readers letters include some disgruntled locals unhappy at the coun cil mowing glorious verges during No Mow May
Local historian Roger Guttridge muses on Robert Boyle. The man who gave us Boyle’s Law was also Stalbridge’s Lord of the Manor and carried out his early experiments in North Dorset
Craig Wharton from Sherborne Antiques Market reveals that TV expert Paul Atterbury was the first of the market’s 38 dealers to sign up, and talks about how a recent episode of Antiques Road Trip featuring Catherine Southon was filmed in the Market. But on the day, Craig and his partner Philip had tickets for the opera, so they cleared the crew out by 6.30!
Finishing up with the politics round up, we hear from West Dorset MP Chris Loder, plus the current musings from the North Dorset represnetatives of Labour, LibDems and Green party. It’s worth noting that we have a strong ‘no-party-bashing’ rule for the politics columnists, which means they spend their time discussing pressing issues.