To lift or not to lift?

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8 November 2023

It’s the annual dahlia dilemma: flower farmer Charlotte Tombs looks at the pros and cons of different ways to protect your tubers from a frosty fate

What shall I do with my dahlia tubers? Do I leave them in? Do I dig them up and store them over winter? As with life, there are no easy answers, and pros and cons to both methods.
Dahlias are from Mexico – the tubers help feed them, but the tuber is fleshy and can rot or freeze. I like to think of them as tender perennials; with the right care they will come back year after year.
Coming from Mexico they don’t like continual freezing temperatures – they will rot very quickly if they are left to sit in water or those fleshy tubers are touched by frost.

The pros of lifting
By lifting dahlia tubers, you can check them over for disease. You can also firmly compost that one which was sold to you as ‘palest apricot with a hint of peach’ but actually turned out to be the most hideous yellow. Do that now; you’ll only forget and then regret it when it flowers next summer!
Split the tubers when you lift them and you make more plants for free – how is that not a win win situation?
You’ll know by early spring if the tubers have survived, giving you time to replace them with new dahlias.
You can plant them somewhere different each year, trying new areas.

The cons of lifting
It’s time-consuming to lift if you have lots of dahlia tubers!
Lifting isn’t risk-free: the tubers need to be properly stored or they’ll rot. They also need to be kept somewhere frost-free, and checked every so often. But if they’re kept too dry and warm, they can dry out completely, never recover … and still die.

The pros of leaving
You don’t have the hard work and worry of storing them correctly. All you need to do is add a thick layer of mulch over them.
Tubers left in the ground will start to sprout sooner, flower earlier, and have even more flowers as the tuber hasn’t been disturbed.

The cons of leaving
They will rot if they have not been sufficiently mulched or left to sit in water.
You won’t know if they have survived the winter until they start to sprout again. If they have rotted, you may find it hard to replace them.

Hedge your bets?
So whether you lift or leave your dahlias, there is a risk of losing them if you don’t do it correctly.
What do I do?
I hedge my bets!
I lift some, but I do leave the lion’s share in the ground – meaning I lost a lot of varieties last winter, as it was a particularly harsh one.
I am in a frost pocket, but I have free draining soil and I put down a thick layer of mulch after we’ve had two frosts, which will put the dahlias into dormancy. I also over-plant with my ranunculus corms once they are sturdy plants and these have a low tunnel over them, which also helps to protect the dormant dahlia tubers.
Any questions please ask!

I’m running various Christmas wreath
workshops. Spaces fill fast, so don’t delay
and avoid disappointment. If you’d like to organise a workshop for friends or work colleagues, the minimum is six. Contact me for more information – see full details on Facebook.

King Lear with Oddbodies

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Editorial team

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8 November 2023

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Armed with only a drum, a guitar, a knife and a chair, the trajectory of Lear’s demise is presented to you from the point of view of his long suffering and ever-loyal fool – fast paced, funny and ultimately heartbreaking.

24th Nov Buckland Newton Village Hall
25th Nov Powerstock hut
Tickets (£12) and details on artsreach.co.uk

Michael Partington, classical guitarist, returns to his roots

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Editorial team

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8 November 2023

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Sherborne and its surrounds have a rich tradition of nurturing highly talented musicians and singers, counting luminaries like Ruth Rogers (violin), Dame Emma Kirkby (soprano), and Chris Martin (Coldplay) among their ranks.
Michael Partington arrived in Milborne Port as a young teenager when his parents owned a shop on London Road. He pursued his passion for the guitar locally, and began teaching it while completing his A-levels. He was employed by the council to teach in several local schools and Yeovil College.
In 1991, he chose to move to America, where he has since thrived as Artist in Residence and director of the guitar programme at the University of Washington in Seattle. In addition to teaching, Michael’s musical journey has seen him performing as a soloist and with ensembles across North America, Europe, Scandinavia, as well as on BBC Radio 3 and national public radio in America.
His 11th solo CD, Concoctions From the Kitchen, was released in October this year dedicated to American composer Bryan Johanson. Classical Guitar magazine has lauded Michael for his ‘lyricism, intensity, and clear technical command.’
Sherborne Douzelage is fortunate enough to have Michael Partington performing a fundraising concert in support of the Douzelage General meeting involving 27 countries, set to take place in Sherborne in April 2024.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, November 25th, at Cheap Street Church in Sherborne, commencing at 7:30 pm. Tickets priced at £15 are available from Winstone’s Bookshop in Sherborne, or you can contact Mary [email protected]

Night Worker – Mental Health (Shaftesbury, Dorset) | Bournemouth Churches Housing Association

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8 November 2023

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(Permanent, Full – Time, £21781.50 – £23,380 per annum)

Based Shaftesbury, Dorset

Company Description

BCHA is a forward thinking, dynamic and vibrant place to work. We employ great people who are committed to our values and want to achieve the best outcomes for those most in need of our services to ‘find a way forward’.

We look for enthusiastic, passionate, caring people who thrive on delivering effective services and going the extra mile. In exchange for your commitment, we will make sure you get the rewards, training and benefits you deserve. Our aim is to create a professional environment in which you can thrive: we want you to be able to be your best self in the workplace.

Position

Are you passionate about mental health and ready to take on a role where you can directly impact the lives of those facing mental health challenges? Join our team as a Night Intensive Housing Officer specializing in Mental Health Support. In this crucial role, you will provide essential support to individuals with mental health needs, empowering them on their journey to recovery and stability.

Key Responsibilities:

Night Shifts with a Mental Health Focus: As a Night Intensive Housing Officer, you will work night shifts, including bank holidays, with a strong emphasis on providing specialized mental health support.

Comprehensive Mental Health Training: Our organization is committed to your success. We offer a comprehensive training program tailored to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in providing mental health support.

Empowering Mental Health: Your primary mission is to empower individuals facing mental health challenges to overcome obstacles, including substance abuse and housing stability.

Trauma-Informed Approach: Apply trauma-informed approaches to ensure that individuals receive compassionate and effective mental health support.

Safeguarding and Collaboration: Gain expertise in safeguarding and collaborate with external agencies to ensure the well-being and mental health recovery of our clients.

What We Offer:

Join a Supportive Team: Become part of a dynamic and inclusive team dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in our community.

Specialized Mental Health Training: Access training in various mental health areas, including trauma, addiction, and domestic abuse, to enhance your expertise.

Promote Mental Health Change: Play a crucial role in raising awareness and driving positive changes in the mental health journey of our clients.

Personal Growth: Enjoy a fulfilling and varied role that combines your interpersonal skills with your passion for mental health advocacy.

Career Progression: Explore opportunities for career growth and development while making a significant impact on the mental well-being of those we serve.

Job Satisfaction: Experience genuine job satisfaction as you make a meaningful impact on individuals’ mental health and overall quality of life.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking individuals who have a positive attitude and a strong desire to make a difference in mental health. This role is also suitable for shift workers seeking a change of environment, students seeking valuable work experience, recent graduates eager to launch their careers, and volunteers or relief workers transitioning to full-time permanent roles.

Join our team and become a Night Intensive Housing Officer specializing in Mental Health Support. Apply now and be an integral part of our mission to make a real impact on mental health recovery. Together, we can empower individuals and foster mental well-being.

Requirements

Strong understanding of mental health assessment and intervention techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Empathy, compassion, and a commitment to customer confidentiality.

Apply today form immediate interview – https://bit.ly/BCHANightWBV

Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment:

Safeguarding individuals remains our top priority. We follow stringent safer recruitment procedures to ensure that individuals seeking help receive the best care possible. Background checks, including DBS checks, are a requirement for all team members.

Despite funding hurdles, emotional backing grows for Octagon Theatre expansion

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Editorial team

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8 November 2023

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Hundreds of people from Yeovil and the surrounding area showed their backing for the Octagon Theatre at a meeting at Westlands entertainment centre on 10th October. The Yeovil Town Council was called to discuss a possible partnership with Somerset Council to ensure the future of the project to refurbish the Octagon Theatre and enable it to host bigger touring shows, bigger audiences and to support more small scale local productions and companies.
The Arts Council has promised £10 million towards the ‘cultural hub’ scheme but Somerset Council has put the £30 million project on hold because of the impact of rising interest rates.
After strong statements from council leader Graham Oakes and the majority of councillors, with a small minority calling for the theatre to ‘just reopen’, the town council voted by 12 to two in support of Cllr Oakes’ motion to work with Somerset Council to get the project back on track.
There were emotional speeches from the floor. Yeovil-born Liz Pike is one of the founders of the successful Yeovil Literary Festival. She recalled that the original Johnson Hall had been opened in 1974 – when inflation was running at 23 per cent and mortgage interest was 14 per cent. The hall was expanded into the Octagon and has been even more important since the closure of the arts centre in 2002.

Time to be ambitious
Founder and artistic director of Project Dance, 19-year old professional dancer James Bamford said the plans were necessary to attract bigger companies and productions, and the project would be ‘an investment in education, culture and the local economy. It is time to be more ambitious,’ he said, to great applause.
The planned work includes expanding the main auditorium from 622 to 900 seats, back-stage improvements and the construction of a fly tower for bigger sets.
The aim is to transform the Octagon into a flagship cultural hub – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has already announced its plans to make the reopened theatre its home in Somerset.
Somerset councillors have asked for alternative, affordable, plans to be drawn up – even if construction costs stayed the same, the rise in interest rates would increase the costs. It was anticipated that the council would borrow £16.3m at 1.5 per cent; the rise in interest means costs grow from £245,000 to more than £1m a year.
Graham Oakes proposed: ‘This council seeks the opportunity to work in partnership with Somerset Council to ensure the future of the Octagon Theatre project. The council wishes to financially support the plans and ensure that it progresses in accordance with the support of the people of Somerset.’

A flagship venue
Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, told the estimated 400 people present that the unitary authority wishes to work in partnership with Yeovil council and other bodies to keep the project alive as a ‘flagship venue for Yeovil and Somerset.’
Independent town councillor Tareth Casey, who is opposed to the Yeovil Refresh town centre regeneration scheme and the Octagon refurbishment, claimed the budget was under-estimated. But he raised an important question about why two of the three original prospective developers had withdrawn from the tendering process.
Adam Burgan, Somerset’s entertainment manager who has been at the Octagon for 15 years, explained the particular need for improved facilities. Somerset Council wanted to explore the opportunities, he said. ‘Please have a bit of patience.’
Graham Oakes said the Octagon had become regionally important, thanks to Adam Burgan’s leadership. Many audience members ‘came over the border from Dorset – perhaps Dorset Council should be asked to contribute,’ he suggested. A refurbished and enlarged theatre would attract a wider range of acts and companies, putting on shows which currently require a trip to Bristol or Southampton.
‘If you can put on the big shows, you can afford to put on the local shows – you need one to keep the other going.’

Support Worker – Mental Health (Shaftesbury) | Bournemouth Churches Housing Association

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Editorial team

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8 November 2023

0

(Permanent, full – time, £22756.50 – £25,038 per annum)

Based Shaftesbury Dorset

Company Description

BCHA is a forward thinking, dynamic and vibrant place to work. We employ great people who are committed to our values and want to achieve the best outcomes for those most in need of our services to ‘find a way forward’.

We look for enthusiastic, passionate, caring people who thrive on delivering effective services and going the extra mile. In exchange for your commitment, we will make sure you get the rewards, training and benefits you deserve. Our aim is to create a professional environment in which you can thrive: we want you to be able to be your best self in the workplace.

Position

Are you passionate about promoting mental health and well-being? Do you have the expertise to create programs and initiatives that support mental health? If so, we want you on our team! As a Mental Health Support Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our culture and ensuring our access have access to the support they need.

Key Responsibilities:

Innovative Program Development: Develop and implement innovative mental health support programs and initiatives tailored to our customers’ needs.
Confidential Support: Offer confidential, one-on-one support and guidance to customers facing mental health challenges, ensuring their well-being.
Assessment and Personalized Plans: Conduct mental health assessments for customers and create personalized support plans, connecting them with relevant mental health resources.
Training and Workshops: Organize and lead mental health awareness sessions and workshops to provide valuable information and reduce stigma.
Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a customer-centric approach to mental health support.
Documentation: Maintain accurate records and documentation related to customer mental health support.
Resource Hub: Act as the primary resource for customers seeking mental health assistance and resources, offering guidance and referrals.
Continuous Improvement: Evaluate the effectiveness of mental health support programs and make data-driven improvements.
Committee Participation: Participate in relevant well-being committees and initiatives.
Compliance: Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements regarding mental health support for customers.

Requirements

Strong understanding of mental health assessment and intervention techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Empathy, compassion, and a commitment to customer confidentiality.

Apply today for immediate interview – https://bit.ly/BCHASupportBV

BCHA Safer Recruitment: Safeguarding children and adults is our first priority and we will ensure we follow safer recruitment procedures.As an employer, we will do everything possible to prevent unsuitable people obtaining employment with BCHA. Our overall aim is to ‘deter unsuitable applicants from applying for roles with children and adults, and we will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly, consistently and in compliance with current legislation.BCHA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

From Hamas to Israel: seeking balance in Middle East relations

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Editorial team

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7 November 2023

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Amid tensions in the Middle East, MP Simon Hoare advocates understanding and International co-operation in the work towards a peaceful two-state solution

It’s usually sensible when writing articles for a local publication to remember the old advice that ‘all politics is local’, and therefore to write on local issues. However, there are times when events overseas are of such magnitude that they command everyone’s attention. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is one such example (and that horror continues without much media attention recently), and the situation in the Middle East continues to unravel and develop, absorbing virtually the whole bandwidth of our news and information sources.
My inbox has been full of people expressing heartfelt views from all perspectives. So allow me to set a few initial baseline points which I believe to be fairly basic and uncontroversial:

1. The attack by Hamas was inhuman, cruel and a large scale terrorist act
2. Israel has the right to defend herself within the parameters of International Law
3. Hamas is not the Palestinian people (any more than the IRA was all Northern Ireland nationalists)
4. To criticise elements of some of the Israeli Government’s actions does not make one an anti-Semite, in the same way that condemning Hamas does not make one an Islamophobe
5. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding before our eyes
6. The most likely outcome is a deepening and widening of the mutual mistrust between countries that exists in the region with the disastrous consequences that flow from that.

Ten questions, 12 answers
I am, as constituents will know, not a black and white populist politician. To solve problems, one needs to sit on both sides of the table, to see the issue from the eyes of your opponent and to try to find a solution that broadly works from both or all perspectives. Most politics and international relations are the product of accommodation of the ‘other side’.
It is for this reason that I am both a supporter of the Conservative Friends of Israel and the Conservative Middle East Council. If – and sometimes it is a huge IF – we are convinced that we want to see a peaceful Middle East where international boundaries and the Rule of Law are upheld, one cannot be 100 per cent pro one and 100 per cent anti the other.
The best solution remains the two-state solution. The benefit of that solution is that it de-fangs Hamas. Talk of killing off (in a physical sense) or destroying Hamas is for the birds. Surely, if we learned any lessons from the fight with ISIS and the Taliban, it is that one cannot kill off an idea/dream/mindset/ideology?
All it takes is a few people to keep that ember aglow and it is always fan-able at some future point. The creation of two, mutually respecting, states removes the need for Hamas as the Palestinian homeland would be established and secured. However that hope seems more distant than ever. Why? How would any Israeli leader take part in such talks following the outrage perpetrated by Hamas on innocent civilians?
So, what should happen? Ask ten people and you will get 12 answers. I started with some basic points of principle so let me conclude with some:
1. The normalisation of Israeli relations with the wider Middle East should continue. No-one should let extreme fanatics knock evolving understanding and diplomatic relations off course.
2. The United Nations should strain every sinew to secure the unconditional release of the hostages
3. Hamas rockets and Israeli military action should then cease and the Gaza Strip become a UN-enforced protectorate or enclave, en route to the creation of the two-state solution
4. Humanitarian aid must be allowed through
5. As I said in the Commons, to maximise humanitarian relief Egypt needs support – and confidence that it will not become another permanent, terrorist-infested refugee camp
6. (and this is the really hard part) The government of Israel needs to be the ‘bigger man’, articulating that two wrongs do not make a right and that an ‘eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth’ is an out-of-date and irrelevant thought. Israel, as the democratic champion in the region, should always aspire to the higher calling that that status bestows.

A swift way forward
Much of that is easier said than done. President Biden’s words were important, when he said, in terms: the US naturally lashed out after 9/11 – the doing so met a pressing need for retaliation and vengeance. It is, however, not always the right thing to do.
As I said, easier for me to write this in the comfort and safety of North Dorset than, say, for my brother-in-law’s family in Tel Aviv to domestically advocate for.
We all know how we would like the Middle East to be. We just don’t know how to make it so. Let us hope, and pray, that a route map becomes clear – and soon.

Admissions Officer Visits, Events and Pupil Registry | Milton Abbey School

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Editorial team

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7 November 2023

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Milton Abbey is seeking an organised, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to support the Deputy Head (Development and Admissions) who will contribute to the day-to-day running of the admissions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive person, with excellent communication and IT skills and a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in their work and capable of dealing confidently with a range of people and situations, and able to work independently and as part of a busy team.

The department can become very busy, therefore the capacity to work effectively under pressure in a busy office is a must. You will work in a supportive team and full training will be given.

The successful applicant will be required to assist in ensuring that all admissions enquiries are handled professionally, courteously, efficiently, and effectively.

You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, free parking and a free refreshments and three course hot lunch during term time.

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 Friday 8th December 2023.

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 site.

Accounts Maternity Cover | Milton Abbey School

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Editorial team

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7 November 2023

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£25,000 – £30,000 Pro-rata dependent on experience.

Milton Abbey is seeking to appoint an experienced Accounts Assistant within the school’s small, friendly but busy finance department to cover a period of maternity leave.

You will be responsible for managing the school’s billing ledger, assisting with bill production, dealing with bill queries and assuming central responsibility for credit control. You will also assist the School Accountant with general accounting duties covering a variety of areas and so adaptability and flexibility will be necessary.
We are looking for enthusiasm, excellent communication skills, a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in your work. The successful candidate will ideally be part or fully AAT qualified however formal qualifications are not essential. We do need a minimum of two years accounts experience ideally covering more than one of the ledgers and ideally some credit control experience.

The salary for this role will be £25,000 – £30,000 Pro-rata dependent on experience. Staff also benefit from 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, free parking, free refreshments and three course hot lunch during term time.

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 Friday 8th December.

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 site.