Terry speaks to Ian Girling to discover just what the Dorset Chamber of Commerce does – and also to find out the insider guide to the prestigious Dorset Business Awards.
Jenny visits Alex Woodhouse to find out about the popular summer pop up restaurant at Supper at Pleck
Terry spoke to Dick Bennet about the Sherborne Squat Thrusters, a 50-year-old circuit training group with an average member age of 73: ‘the circuit has admittedly got a little more gentle as we’ve got older… and the rehydration in the pub afterwards is just as important!’ They are always happy to welcome new members – they get particularly excited if it drops their average age a bit. People in their 50s and 60s and even younger are very welcome – it is requested that they just don’t show up the older members too much.
Wakely Cox is a fourth generation farmer just outside Dorchester – and a hugely respected advocate for Dorset farming. He’s the current chair of Dorset NFU, and one of his other roles is as chair of the Poole Harbour Agricultural Group, challenging the Environment Agency and the apportioned ‘farmer nitrate pollution’ of Poole Harbour. He talks to Jenny about how farming has changed since his grandparents time.
Chloé van Soeterstède with Mark Wigglesworth Photo by Mark Allan
The distinguished conductor Mark Wigglesworth has been announced as the new chief conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He will take up the role at the start of the orchestra’s 2024-25 season in September, when Kirill Karabits, the BSO’s inspiring Ukrainian-born chief conductor for the past 15 years, becomes Conductor Laureate and artistic director of the Voices from the East programme Wigglesworth, who has been the BSO’s principal guest conductor since 2021, is one of the world’s leading conductors, recognised for his outstanding musicianship, extraordinary interpretations and breadth of repertoire. He has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras and performed at the world’s most prestigious opera houses. He will be the first British conductor to hold the BSO post in more than 60 years, and he is expected to conduct five weeks in his first season, increasing to nine weeks from 2025/26. He says: “The BSO embraces the role of a 21st century orchestra with talent, experience, passion and care. The commitment the entire organisation shows to the many thousands of music lovers across the South West of England is inspirational and I am extremely excited to be joining them at a time when classical music’s undeniable force for good has never been more vital to the quality of our communities.”
An exciting journey The new principal guest conductor will be Chloé van Soeterstède. The announcement follows her recent guest appearances, where she has won praise from the BSO’s musicians and audiences alike. She was appointed the Taki Alsop Fellow 2019-21 by former BSO principal conductor Marin Alsop and was a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in its 2021-22 season. She trained as a viola player before turning to conducting, and is a passionate advocate for music education. Matt King, the BSO’s principal percussion and musician trustee, says: “Concerts with Mark are a highlight in the schedule, and we’re delighted at his appointment as chief conductor. We have enjoyed a broad mix of repertoire together in recent years, with music from Mahler and Mozart to Sibelius, Shostakovich, and Wagner – it will be exciting to continue this journey. Chloé has been a real revelation and brings energy and fresh insight to the podium; we are looking forward to the next few years together.” BSO chief executive Dougie Scarfe says: “We’re excited to share the truly world-class live performances that both Mark and Chloé will undoubtably bring to people throughout the South West over the coming years. Life-empowering live music is at the core of what we do, and we’re thrilled Mark and Chloé share our vision for how an orchestra can proudly serve communities in and beyond the concert hall.” bsolive.com
Incorporating movement into your daily routine can really lift your spirits and sense of wellbeing, says Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard
For the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week, from 13th to 19th May, we\re focusing on movement and how it can affect the way you feel. Many of us take how our body moves for granted, but day-to-day life can take a huge toll on us if we don’t regularly check in with how our bodies feel. Despite what the current weather would have you think, summer is just around the corner, so now is a great time to start practising tuning in to your physical body. No matter how small the movement, it can benefit you to get active.
Mindful moving If you’re a fan of exercise, you probably already know how great you feel after a good workout. But some of us are restricted by mental or physical issues, so if, for whatever reason, you can’t go to the gym, the next best thing is stretching or moving mindfully. This can be done however you like – but the focus should be on your body and how it feels in the moment. Yoga is perfect for this, but you can start with some simple stretches. Focus on how it feels to be able to move, and try to think of things about yourself that you’re grateful for. You’ll feel much lighter and more relaxed afterwards! It’s also a great opportunity to address any aches and pains you may have not noticed before.
The great outdoors It’s no secret that going outside and spending time in nature boosts your mood – don’t ever underestimate it! Even on cloudy days, taking in fresh air and looking at trees will help you feel more connected to yourself and the earth, especially after the winter months. Having a short walk or run outside to disconnect from work and your phone will benefit your mental health massively. Not only will it boost your energy and wellbeing, but a gentle bit of sun will help you appreciate and feel grateful to be outside. Pay attention to how your body wants to move – some days you may not feel up to something energetic and it’s fine to honour your body by listening to it. You could also ‘stack’ your activities by doing some yoga or other exercise outdoors in the garden.
Boost your mood If you feel like going a bit further, a fun way to get yourself moving is by putting on some music and having a dance! You could do it while ironing, making dinner, whenever – it’s a sure-fire way to release your happy hormones and energy, without feeling like a big effort. Moving your body for fun helps you relax and, most importantly, feel better! Prioritising and appreciating your body’s ability to move will undoubtably boost your mood and keep you mentally healthy. Getting Active is one of the proven steps of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ that you can find out more about here.
Support for you: Visit Dorset Mind for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy The Samaritans are there to listen 24/7, call them for free on 116 123 Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on 0800 652 0190
Race you to the Spring Countryside Show! Celebrate rural life with racing pigs, comedy car acts, equestrian displays, exciting dog shows, free tractor rides, interactive farm exhibits, local crafts and lots of local food and drink. Join us June 8th and 9th at Turnpike Showground! Click below to take a look at the Spring Countryside Show magazine – find everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of your day!
The map and timetables are here! Check what’s happening and make a note of what you don’t want to miss this year
What not to miss – the 2024 Spring Countryside Show is set to be a Grand Day Out for the whole family – from holding a chick to watching a slapstick clown car act, from racing pigs to a world-renowned landscape photographer, a bonsai expert or the heavy horse team, there’s truly something for everyone!
As one of the world’s leading landscape photographers, Charlie Waite’s career has included solo exhibitions at top venues in the UK, the USA and Japan, countless awards, and he is a sought-after speaker, frequently invited to share his insights on landscape photography all over the world. We’re excited to have him at the Show!
Jake and Tom, two long-serving Turnpike Showground volunteers, tell us just why they love to give up their free time to help out at the Shows.
‘Bonsai are tender, sensitive indoor plants? Total fallacy!’ Meet Geoff Hobson, chat to him about his plants and listen to his talk in the Potting Shed.
Don’t forget to save the Spring Countryside Show magazine – – and make sure to screenshot the map and timetable on your phone to make sure you have a copy with you. Signal on the showground can be erratic on a busy show day!
There are some questions that come up time and again, says expert Karen Geary – so she’s decided to tackle them head on
Karen Geary with some healthy carolo Nero
This month I decided to tackle the questions I get asked most frequently, both in clinic and online. If you have a question about health and nutrition, do feel free to ask on my Instagram or Facebook feed or email me at [email protected].
Which diet is the best for weight loss? This one’s simple: the diet that you can do most consistently is the best one for you. If you check the research, all diets work, whether it’s keto, fasting, low carb or low fat. And there is often very little between them in terms of resulting weight loss over time. Most of them work because they have a calorie deficit of some kind – and no, that’s not a fashionable view in some circles. It is true that some people struggle to lose weight for medical reasons, even though they are counting calories; it is unusual, but it can happen. Many clients come to me as a last resort for weight loss and only very occasionally do we find an underlying medical reason getting in the way. It is easy to over-estimate calorie intake. With most weightloss clients, I’ll get them to weigh their food at the start of working with me to get a proper handle on portion control. One way to see if you can estimate a portion size is to weigh your food ‘blind’ – with the scale covered up, add the portion you plan to eat – and then look at the weight. Try it!
What do you think of the Zoe app? On the positive, I appreciate anything that raises awareness about gut health, which is precisely what the Zoe team has achieved. I particularly like their advice about the importance of fibre in the diet – the vast majority of my clients do not eat their 30g daily requirement (you can check that yourself by looking at the fibre score using a free app such as Cronometer or My Fitness Pal). On the other hand, you should absolutely not consider the Zoe app if you have a history of disordered eating. The app encourages people to eat food by colour code, and I have seen people become quite obsessed by it, leading to disordered behaviours. Personally I don’t want to be told what to eat by an AI algorithm. If your interest in Zoe comes from suffering with an underlying gut issue, my message is that there are more comprehensive gut tests available. They don’t come cheap – but they’ll cost far less than the Zoe test and annual subscription. It can be a revelation for people who have suffered for years to finally see objective data as to what might be driving their discomfort.
What supplements do you recommend? I don’t recommend supplements generally to the public, which is why you do not see me recommending them on socials. Supplements need to be tailored for need and condition. A simple example is vitamin D3, which behaves like a hormone in the body, but is commonly referred to as a vitamin due to its role in calcium absorption and bone health. Nearly everyone should take D3 over the winter, and some people should take it throughout the year. However, the dose needs to be targeted (by measuring current levels in the blood) and then tailoring accordingly. Additionally, I always like to recommend that D3 is taken in conjunction with vitamin K2, to ensure that calcium is properly absorbed into the bones. However I do not recommend it if someone is taking blood thinners, as K2 regulates blood clotting. Many supplements can be contraindicated with medications, and I always undertake a full analysis of this before recommending any supplement. You can calculate your own vitamin D3 needs here, but it is always better to consult a healthcare professional if you are considering supplementation.
What is the most important universal diet advice? 1. Protein and plants with every meal 2. Don’t snack (unless you are an athlete or have an underlying medical condition). Plants are essential for fibre and nutrient density – 30g a day roughly translates to seven cups of veggies and two cups of fruit. People over-rely on grains and potatoes for their fibre, so try and diversify with different colours and types of plants to encourage optimum gut health. Protein quantity depends on age, goals and overall health. However a decent amount of protein with each meal fuels brain, bone and muscle health and keeps you full for longer. Breakfast is the meal where most people under-eat protein. A bowl of porridge or muesli isn’t enough! It’s why you will see me posting a lot of breakfast recipes on Instagram. Three meals a day are sufficient for most people. However, individual dietary needs do vary, and some people – especially those with certain medical conditions or specific fitness goals – may benefit from more frequent, smaller meals.
Wimborne Minster has proudly maintained its status as a Fairtrade town, reflecting the dedication of the local business community to promote ethical trade practices and support global sustainability. John Spatchet, Chair of the Wimborne and Colehill Fairtrade group, expressed delight at the renewal: ‘We are thrilled that so many outlets in our communities support Fairtrade, and we in turn are supporting farmers and producers in the developing world to get a fair deal.’ The Fairtrade Communities Team lauded the local campaigners for their contributions toward advancing workers’ rights and fair compensation globally. Fiona Harwood, Chair of Wimborne BID, also applauded the local Fairtrade steering group for their efforts. ‘Businesses in Wimborne really support initiatives that promote a sustainable and fair future,’ she said. Wimborne BID sees an ongoing role in promoting important global issues like trade and climate justice.
Pride Month is an important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Queer, with the + added to include other non-traditional identities. Each year, on Saturday 1st June, Pride Month begins all over the world. The focus is for people and their friends, families and allies to celebrate, honour and support the LGBTQ+ community. The iconic Rainbow Flag is often used in parades and was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978. The flag is usually seen with six colored stripes, each imbued with meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity, and violet for spirit. Apart from the Rainbow Flag there a number of other flags that are used to celebrate Pride Month. The Pink Union Jack Pride Flag was created by UK artist David Gwinnutt in 2005, as something “both gay and British!” There is also a Progress Pride flag, created in 2018 by Daniel Quasar to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, that hangs in the V&A Museum. If big marches and parades are not your thing, you could always have a Pride celebration at home! Have your own dance party in the living room – find a good LGBTQ+ mix on Spotify and maybe bake a rainbow layer cake. If you need help to explain Pride Month, Strong Family Alliance has some excellent age-appropriate suggestions for sharing Pride with younger (or older!) people. Happy Pride Month everyone!
Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs and disabilities. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her work experience with us, and now writes a regular column – Ed
Gardening has its own large vocabulary, and when you first encounter it, it can feel intimidating, says Charlotte Tomb
Parrot tulips are not a species but a group of cultivars with the name Tulipa Parrot Group – they are the result of natural mutations to single late tulips and triumph tulips caused by the tulip breaking virus. Images: Charlotte Tombs
Why do most jobs come with their own vocabulary? Wherever you work, you will inevitably encounter a whole new language, with abbreviations and acronyms for things you have no clue about. Slowly all becomes clear as you learn the ropes. I thought it would be fun to compile a basic gardening vocab cheat sheet of the odder words – you hear so many of these being flung about and I wasn’t sure of some myself. Hopefully I can clear some up for you: Amending: Adding organic matter or other substances to soil to improve its structure, fertility, or drainage. Biennial: Plants with a two-year life cycle, typically producing foliage the first year and flowers and seeds the second year. Bolting: Premature flowering and seed production in plants, often caused by stress or environmental factors, usually making them unusable. Cold stratification: A process of exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break dormancy and stimulate germination – home growers do this with a kitchen fridge. Companion planting: Growing different plants together, including for pest control or nutrient enhancement; planting garlic among roses or chives among chrysanths to deter aphids. Damping off: Fungal disease affecting seedlings, causing them to wilt and die at soil level. Direct Sowing: Planting seeds directly into the ground rather than starting them indoors. Espalier: Training plants to grow flat against a wall or trellis in a specific pattern. Foliar Feeding: Applying fertiliser directly to plant leaves for rapid nutrient absorption. Green manure: Cover crops grown and then tilled back into the soil to improve fertility and structure. Half-Hardy Annual: Plants that are able to withstand light frost and cooler temperatures but may require protection during the harshest weather conditions.
Hardening off: Gradually acclimatising indoor or greenhouse-grown plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting. Hardy annual: Plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season, withstanding frost and cold temperatures. Hardscape: Non-living elements in a garden, such as paths, patios and walls, that provide structure and functionality. Hybrid: A plant variety resulting from the crossbreeding of two different parent plants, often selected for specific traits. Marcescence: The retention of dead leaves on trees and shrubs throughout the winter – think beech hedges. Mulch: Material spread over the soil surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Overwintering: Protecting plants from cold temperatures to ensure their survival until spring. Perennial: Plants that live for more than two years, regrowing each spring from the same root system. pH Level: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, affecting nutrient availability to plants. Pricking out: Transferring seedlings from a densely sown container to individual pots to allow for proper growth and development. Propagation: The process of creating new plants from seeds, cuttings or other plant parts. Rejuvenation pruning: Severe pruning to remove old or diseased growth and stimulate new, vigorous growth. Sucker: Shoots that grow from the base or roots of plants, often removed to prevent overcrowding or maintain desired growth. Thinning: Removing excess seedlings or plants to provide adequate space for healthy growth. Underplanting: Planting low-growing or shade-tolerant plants beneath taller plants to maximize space and visual interest.
It’s an overlooked village which everyone drives through to get to Stur – but Hinton St Mary has olde worlde Dorset charm by the bucket
Photo of the village regulars supporting Gardens Open 24.
Nestled amid the lush greenery of Dorset’s rolling countryside lies the tiny village of Hinton St Mary – a hidden gem just a stone’s throw away from the charming town of Sturminster Newton. With its picturesque landscape, historic manor house, Tithe Barn, interesting 17th and 18th century thatched houses and tranquil surroundings, Hinton St Mary offers a quiet retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle of modern life. At the heart of the village stands St Peter’s Church, rebuilt in 1846 but retaining its 15th century tower and 12th century font. Built of locally-quarried stone, the church’s sturdy walls and tower dominate the skyline, drawing visitors and residents alike towards it.
Photo of Prince, a Fowler BB1 Ploughing Engine Built in 1918.
Wandering through the narrow lanes that criss-cross the village, it’s hard to avoid feeling as though you have slipped back to a bygone era of rustic charm. Properties exude Dorset character, from timber-framed facades adorned with climbing roses to the beautiful gardens overflowing with blooms. The village’s Millenium Garden was created by a community collaboration in 1999, and its construction was filmed by BBC2 for Charlie Dimmock’s show ‘Charlie’s Garden Army’. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the surrounding hills, the village comes alive with warmth and camaraderie. Villagers gather at the pub, The White Horse, to share stories and laugh over a pint, a wine or the pub’s outstanding food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Visitors are of course welcomed with open arms! For history enthusiasts, Hinton St Mary boasts a wealth of heritage. In 1963 the remains of what was thought to be a fourth century Roman villa were discovered here, complete with a mosaic pavement of over 90m2 with a centre roundel thought to depict the head of Christ. (you can read more about the Hinton mosaic in the late Roger Guttridge’s article in the July 2022 issue of the BV here). The mosaic is now held at the British Museum in London – recent excavations have shown that the Roman area was much larger than originally thought, and may have been an early Christian settlement rather than a single villa.
Annual open village This year’s Gardens Open event is anticipated to be the best yet. Including the manor house gardens, there will be more than 20 individual gardens open to visitors, plus a classic car show situated close to the manor gardens, and a working vintage steam traction engine near to The White Horse Inn at the centre of the village. There will of course be an abundance of delicious homemade cakes, with hot and cold refreshments in the Tithe Barn, and a generous plant stall. A weekend ticket costs £6 per person (under 12’s are free), with complimentary parking next to the cricket ground – accessed through the main Manor House gates.
Gardens Open Event: 15th and 16th June £6 per adult, under 12s free Hinton St Mary, DT10 1NA Tickets will be available at the Manor House gates each day. Disabled parking available close to the Manor Gardens entrance. Please no dogs
