The Rally Girls Peaky Challenge

4 May 2024

This month a group of nine North Dorset ladies climbed Britain’s highest three peaks inside 24 hours – and enjoyed a prosecco at the top of each

The nine Rally Girls with their guide, Josh, far right, setting out to tackle the first peak – Ben Nevis

They are usually found at the county’s steam engine rallies and vintage shows, driving old vehicles and maintaining machinery. However, over the past nine months, a group of ladies from North Dorset have been training for a gruelling charity challenge.
The Rally Girls swapped their overalls and spanners for hiking boots and walking poles, and spent weekends relentlessly training to climb the three peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – inside 24 hours.

The Mountain Challenge
The women planned to summit Ben Nevis first, Scotland’s highest peak at 4,409 ft. The total trekking route is nine miles, and there is currently snow at the summit. Next was Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain at 3,209 ft. It’s a challenging climb at any time, but their ascent was to be in the middle of the night. The final mountain was Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in Wales at 3,560ft. Anyone climbing even one of these mountains needs to be fit, but all three of them in 24 hours? How did they do it?
Ten friends started the challenge: Jules Hunter, Holly Parsons-Fox, Kerry Antell, Laura Antell, Amey Butler, Selena Newman, Sara Beever, Sara Treeby, Charlotte Young and Trish Channon.
The plan initially took seed during last summer’s rally season – admittedly over a cocktail or two.

The Rally Girls absolutely loving life on the peak of Ben Nevis

‘Each time we went to a rally we’d recruit one more person, said Kerry. ‘The steam rallies can be a very male-dominated environment, so when we got together we were intent on doing something for us.’
Nine months of training commenced as the group took the preparation for the challenge seriously, Jules said:
‘We did some training on our own, and then the first meet up was the Blue Moon Swim – we went swimming in the sea at night. Then we did some group trips and long day hikes. We initially had a coach who was helping us – he tragically died on Crib Goch on Remembrance Day. He was an ex-serviceman. Part of our training included a 21 mile memorial walk for him.’
Amey explained how the group had managed their own training. ‘All of us have got kids – we just had to exercise around them. We even fitted walking in by doing it at 5 or 6am before the kids were up!’
Kerry admitted she’d found a lot of new places to walk: ‘I’ve lived in Dorset for 30-odd years, but there are lots of places I have never been. It was great to train on the hills and Jurassic Coast right here in Dorset.’
While Amey had previously done lots of mountain walking, Holly and Jules had never done any. Some of the group had completed marathons or tough mudder challenges but some were complete novices.
Holly was swift to share her biggest tip on what helped: ‘Blissful ignorance!’
Unfortunately, just one week before the challenge, Charlotte Young dropped a lawnmower battery on to her foot.
‘The battery is absolutely fine,’ her dad, Norman Young, was quick to reassure everyone. The group were down to nine.

Fundraising
‘It was important that all of the charities we’re supporting mean something to us,’ said Holly. ‘We self-funded all our costs – equipment, coaching and travel. So every penny is going to the charities. Because we’re all friends, we know all the same people – so it made sense that instead of asking each person for money ten times we would just put everything together in one pot, and then divide it equally between the charities we had each chosen.’
The charities the group elected to support are Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, STARS Appeal, Mouth Cancer Foundation, Endometriosis UK, Devon Air Ambulance, Ickle Pickles, MS Centre Dorset and The Salvation Army.
‘We were hopeful that if we could raise £500 for each charity we would have done really well. But we have exceeded that and donations are still coming in!’
The fundraising pot currently stands at more than £7,000.

The Challenge
The Rally Girls met Josh, their guide for the challenge, in Glasgow: ‘When he met us we were all drinking beer – he must have wondered what he had taken on,’ said Kerry. ‘But we loved Ben Nevis. The weather was really good to us and we got to the top and saw those views. We had planned ahead, and we had a tiny prosecco at the top of each mountain! And our children had painted stones for us to leave at each peak.
‘It was beautiful up there, we could have stayed all day. But we knew we had two more peaks to climb in the 24 hour time. We actually slid on our bottoms down Ben Nevis on the snow – it was so much fun!
‘But as much as we had loved Ben Nevis, we hated Scafell more. It was dark, freezing cold and there were huge boulders. We found that very difficult. ‘And it sounds ridiculous, but it was really steep! I genuinely never want to go back there. But we kept going.’
Finally, the group climbed Snowdon via the famous Pyg Track. They reached the peak with time for a swift celebration before making the descent – you have to get back down again before the deadline.
‘It was insane,’ said Jules. ‘We just couldn’t believe we had done all this together. When we were on that very last bit of path from Snowdon we were like a pack of football hooligans. We had DONE IT! And then, on the coach on the way home, we were watching the donations come in … it was just surreal.’

Done … next?
After such a gruelling challenge, what advice have the Rally Girls got for others contemplating similar?
‘You have to put the training in to enjoy it,’ said Amey. ‘Then you know you’ve given it your best shot. And just keep going! We had a Whatsapp group chat to keep each other motivated, and a good support network helps. And don’t let fear rule your mind. Mental agility is just as important as physical ability for these challenges.’
Now that the Rally Girls have completed this impressive feat they are up for more fundraising challenges and are open to suggestions!
The group will next be together at the Three Okefords Rally in May, kicking off the summer season, and will soon begin planning the next adventure.

Donate to the Rally Girls Peak Challenge here.

Capturing the Devil Comet

Editorial team

3 May 2024

Rob Nolan captures a fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the elusive Pons-Brooks comet – and what to see under the Flower Moon

This month’s image was intended for last month … but as I was so excited to share my Aurora image from my surprise trip to Finland, this rather special comet got bumped a few weeks. Sorry 12P/Pons-Brooks!
This comet last passed us here on Earth in 1954. During its flyby this year, it will reach perihelion (the point in the orbit at which it is closest to the sun) on 2nd June, when it will be 232 million kilometres from Earth.
However, our best views of the comet – with our telescopes and the naked eye – were back in March and April. Due to its low position on the horizon and our swiftly receding dark nights, the comet becomes increasingly difficult to see in the Northern Hemisphere as the year progresses, even though it is yet to reach its closest distance from us.
It will continue to be visible in the Southern Hemisphere, but will become less bright as it travels away from the Sun.
This comet is also known as the Devil Comet. Its a cryovolcanic comet – literally an ice volcano flying through space. From time to time it erupts, sending bursts of ice and gas into space which cause it to appear much brighter for a few days. This apparently happened around the 29th February, and again in early April, making the comet much brighter in the sky for a time.
This image was likely a one-off chance encounter for me – the Pons-Brooks comet won’t be visible in our night skies again for another 71 years, so it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll see it again, making it rather special.
This image was taken during 2 nights in March using my Altair 70EDQR Refractor and Dedicated cooled mono astro camera. I was struggling with this data, so my friend Rick Voss who is an extremely talented Software Developer and Astrophotographer offered to help me out. He spent considerable time processing this image from my raw data and was able to create something quite special! Rick creates fantastic astro photographs – head over to rsastro.com to see more of his work!

The night sky, May 2024 – Rob’s guide for your stargazing this month:

This month there aren’t many local objects to observe in our night sky, apart from the passing meteor shower, so it’s a good time to explore the universe through the pinlit curtain of endless stars and enjoy those later dark night skies. Constellations such as Boötes, Scorpius, Libra and Virgo are all great constellations to go hunting for this month if the mood takes you.
On 4th May, just before dawn, you’ll be treated to a view of a narrow crescent Moon with Saturn to the upper right at twilight.
The big event this month is the annual Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, peaking the evening of 4th/5th May – and we’re in for a great display this year, if the skies allow, as the Moon will not hinder our view. The Eta Aquarids are tiny pieces of Halley’s Comet, crashing into Earth’s atmosphere as we enter the comet’s trail of debris.
Halley’s Comet itself last appeared in our night skies in 1986, and will next appear in 2061 (that’s a date to put in your diary!).
Two bright stars will be clearly made out next to the Moon on 12th May – these are Castor and Pollux, the twin stars in the constellation Gemini.
Watch the full Moon (May’s full Moon is also called the Flower Moon, or Milk Moon) sail under the bright star Antares on the night of the 23rd/24th May, though you’ll need to wake up early to watch this crossing.
Antares is the massive ruby-red star that is brightest in the constellation Scorpius. It is one of the largest known stars, about 700 times larger in diameter than the Sun and about 10,000 times brighter.
To close the month off on the 31st, before the dawn Saturn sits to the left of a crescent Moon, but Mars will also be shining bright close by.
Until next time, clear skies!

Find Rob on Facebook as RPN Photography here

The April diary | The Voice of the Allotment

Editorial team

3 May 2024

Despite the wet ground, there’s been a lot to do on the allotment, and plenty has been achieved this month, says Barry Cuff

On the last day of March, a line each of Maris Bard and Jazzy potatoes were planted, only possible by working from the path as soil was very wet.
April
1st – Collected leeks and purple sprouting broccoli
2nd – Plug tray of Little Gem lettuce placed outside to harden
5th – Cut spicy salad leaves and pea seedlings for salads (trays in greenhouse)
7th – Planted line of Charlotte potatoes
8th – Sowed plug tray of Brendan Brussels sprouts, planted out lettuce under cloche, sowed patch of radish. Pulled sticks of rhubarb for the kitchen. Sowed a plug tray of Neon celeriac and two plug trays of Golden Self Blanching celery. Planted six lines of potatoes – Sagitta, Caledonian Rose, Caledonian Pearl, Jazzy and Desiree (made possible by standing on scaffolding boards to avoid soil compaction)
9th – Dug more ground for more potatoes. It dug well, despite being fairly wet
10th – Removed all of last year’s brassicas. The last of the broccoli plants were covered with snails
11th – The forecast finally looks good, with no rain for at least 10 days but still some cold nights. Planted two lines of Desiree, and noted the Conference pear is in full flower
12th – Pumped water on site, mainly to check the pump as it was last used in September! Planted four rows of Picasso potatoes

Four lines of onions were planted out, 40 stations per row, with one to three seedlings per station
Image: Barry Cuff

14th – Cut the hedge: a mixture of hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn, elder, snowberry, ivy, blackberry and dog-rose. This hedge is on our northern boundary and gives protection from cold winds.
15th – Planted out a line of Red Drumhead cabbage and covered with cloches to protect from pigeons. Pulled more rhubarb.
16th – Sowed two 3-litre pots of Musselburgh leeks. Weeded strawberry bed – the early varieties are in full flower. Broad beans also have their first two sets of flowers.
17th – Sowed part lines of Early Nantes carrot and Boltardy beetroot. Potted up sweet peppers in the greenhouse.
18th – Dug the ground for onions and parsnips.
19th – Tidied the mint area which has spread during the wet winter. Covered the skulkers* with pots and the strawberry bed with fleece to protect from the forecast frosts
20th – Potted up tomatoes in both greenhouses (we have 14 varieties)
21st – Broke down the large soil lumps on the onion and parsnip plot
24th – Planted out four lines of onions from plug trays: about 40 stations per row, with one to three seedlings per station. Have planted Bonus and a few Red Brunswick
25th – Dug out the weeds in the fruit bush area – mostly grass weeds, with some willowherb and bindweed. Planted a line of strawberries from pots (some of last year’s runners).
Depending on the weather, at the time of writing, we hope to sow two lines of peas by 30th April

Skulkers – a Dorset term for ‘volunteer’ potatoes accidentally left in the ground from the previous year.

Letters to the Editor May 2024

Editorial team

3 May 2024

Regular readers will have noticed the absence of election-focused content in our latest issues (to be fair, it’s probably a refreshing break given the local election results dominating every news outlet as we publish!).
It’s not that we’re anti-politics – FAR from it. In fact we strongly believe in listening, learning and building opinions.
But we’ll never partake in party politics – instead we prioritise firmly balanced, factual reporting around important local issues. For what it’s worth, though, I don’t see local elections as a mud-slinging warm-up act for general elections – they are crucial chapters in our democracy.
This month we heard we have been shortlisted in a SECOND major award – the AOP’s Grand Prix award of ‘Small Digital Publisher of the Year.’
To any business, simply being considered in the top five for a major national award – which is judged by the leaders of your industry – is a massive achievement. For our tiny team it’s like getting an invite to the cool kids party. It also tells our current clients and potential new ones that we’re among the best at what we do.
So I want to take this opportunity to encourage other small businesses to enter the Dorset Business Awards (see Ian Girling’s column on p100). Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned applicant, these awards offer a chance to showcase your hard work and creativity to your peers and your community. Don’t underestimate the value of the recognition — it can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.
Finally, with those judges looking at us right now, it would be a really good time to leave a nice review on Google for us! It’s a small act that can make a huge difference, just by clicking this link, and leaving us some stars (whispers five happens to be my favourite number, obviously…)
Did you know that from a starting audience of zero in 2020, more than 250,000 people* every single month see something we’ve written? Over the last almost-four years The BV has grown and developed into a publication we’re incredibly proud of. Hopefully you love reading it as much as we love creating it.

Laura x

*And because we’re purely digital, there’s no guesswork in our stats!

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to [email protected].
When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

On the dead lamb
Should the farmer have displayed the lamb carcas? Yes. The dog’s owner should see the damage they have done, and other irresponsible owners should see what could happen. Not that we see the suffering or mental state of the ewe, or the other sheep in the field. Why protect people from the hurt they inflict on animals and the farmers? There is nothing that melts your heart more on a spring day than the baby lambs skipping, feeding and playing in in the green grass among the spring flowers. It spells out new hope, new life and gives your spirit a lift.
Shirley C, by email

I’m writing this with a fair share of frustration. As a shepherd who has faced similar ordeals with sheep worrying here in Dorset, I understand all too well the toll it takes—not just financially, but emotionally as well. Our sheep aren’t just business assets; they’re creatures we nurture and care for. The recent incidents of dogs attacking livestock highlight a dire need for greater awareness and stricter controls. We must protect our livelihood but also the animal’s welfare.
Name and address supplied

I recently visited your beautiful region (and happened across your publication via a local Facebook group. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality, and wish we had something similar in Kent). However, it was disheartening to read about the sheep worrying incidents. In a rural area where animal welfare is clearly highly prioritised, it surprises me to see such issues still rampant. While I understand that dogs will be dogs, the responsibility ultimately lies with the owners. It’s crucial for the community to foster a culture of accountability to prevent such distressing events. Well-being of all animals should be a collective concern. Well done to the farmer in question.
George Kittle, Dymchurch

I am writing to express my concern over the recent reported cases of sheep worrying by dogs. It’s incredible that such incidents STILL occur, despite ongoing discussions about animal control and responsibility. I believe more can be done to enforce leash laws and to educate dog owners about the consequences of negligence. We need to ensure our local laws are upheld not just for the safety of our livestock but for the safety of all other dogs and people using our footpaths and trailways.
Ginny Barker, Blandford

On youth and gender identity
The recent findings and decisions around gender identity treatments for minors, notably the NHS’s stance on puberty blockers, raise crucial points about medical interventions on young people. As highlighted by Chris Loder in the April BV, the increasing number of Dorset children referred to Gender Identity Clinics signals a need for us to tread thoughtfully in these sensitive areas.
While it is imperative to support and respect every individual’s journey, including the struggles of those dealing with gender dysphoria, the Cass report rightly insists on rigorous, evidence-based approaches when it comes to medical treatments, especially those as deeply consequential as hormonal interventions. The ban on puberty blockers, pending more conclusive research on their safety and efficacy, is a prudent step.
It is essential that we maintain a balanced perspective. We must provide robust psychological support and ensure that any medical treatment offered is backed by unassailable scientific evidence and is in the best interest of the children affected. We owe it to our future generations to prioritise their long-term health and well-being over immediate, irreversible decisions.
Anna Sealy, Verwood

On postcards from Thornford
(comments all from the busy discussion full of Thornford memories on Facebook):
I’ve just left Thornford for 10 miles up the road, after the family have been there for well over 100 years – I was fourth generation there. That traction engine was cut up and buried years ago at Gabes the Blacksmiths. My parents are both almost 90 and remember growing up there during the war and after.
Ian Morgan

Often walked to Thornford to go in Ellwood’s Stores, the old Mrs. Ellwood would be sat at the back of the store with her white hair up in a bun, and took time to speak to all her customers. We had a white cat from someone at Thornford, Mr. Chesterman was the vicar, Mr & Mrs. Dare ran the National garage then. We moved to Yeovil in 1970.
Margaret Rowe

My aunt Lilian Clarke lived next to, or rear of, the chapel and her husband, my uncle, was a blacksmith and ran Gabes. Spent many happy times there – everybody knew everybody then.
David White

May issue of The BV magazine – out now!

LauraHitchcock

3 May 2024

Come on in, we’re just the thing for a long lazy weekend. Whether you’re here for the teenage boxer who’s second in the world, the long-legged foals in warpaint, the 13 year old champion rare pig breeder, or you just want to find somewhere good for lunch, we’ve got you coevered.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby Else-White, celebrating a win in Croatia, now dominates the
EUBC Youth European Boxing Championship and ranks second in the world. Stalbridge turned out to greet the three-times European Champion | Page 4

Bill Batty-Smith
30th March 1929 – 30th March 2024
Remembering a steadfast leader and community champion in North Dorset | Page 10

Five generations of wellies at the door: Dorset farmer Wakely Cox’s family have farmed in Puddletown for almost a century | Page 16

It started with a letter from John Makepeace … From Housework at The Sherborne to artists at the brewery, Dorset Art Weeks – one of the country’s longest established and biggest art weeks – are packed with inspiration, exploration, and a boost to the economy | Page 32

From dissertation to dressage – as the 2024 event season gets under way, Jess Rimmer finds herself balancing books and bridles as it coincides with exam season | Page 76

Bridging The Gap: How Dorset’s Rural Businesses Are Embracing The Tech Revolution

Editorial team

2 May 2024

In the rolling fields and villages of Dorset, a revolution is unfolding. The county’s rural businesses, once perceived as bastions of traditionalism, are integrating cutting-edge digital technologies. This transformative journey is reshaping their operational landscapes, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Connecting Through Technology

Dorset’s rural entrepreneurs are transcending traditional barriers through significant investments in digital infrastructure. The adoption of high-speed internet has become foundational, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly and expand their reach beyond local markets.

Secondary, the digital tools in place facilitate collaborations that were previously constrained by geography. Platforms that support video conferencing and project management software allow for real-time interactions with suppliers, partners, and customers worldwide.

Remote Working Innovations

Remote working has surged to the forefront of business strategies within Dorset. By embracing remote access solutions for enterprise, companies ensure that their operations are versatile and resilient. This technology supports a diverse range of functionalities, from accessing business applications on the go to managing entire teams remotely. Services like TSplus offer secure, reliable, and efficient solutions that are tailor-made for the unique needs of rural businesses – you can start your trial with them here.

The shift to remote operations has prompted a re-evaluation of workplace norms, with many businesses finding that productivity can soar outside the conventional office environment. This newfound flexibility helps retain local talent and attract professionals who prefer the quality of life that Dorset offers.

E-Commerce Expansion

The surge in digital platforms has revolutionised retail for Dorset’s businesses. E-commerce allows even the smallest producer to access national and international markets, presenting opportunities that were unimaginable a decade ago. Websites and online marketplaces have become essential for businesses looking to sustain growth and compete with larger enterprises.

In parallel, social media platforms enhance market reach and customer interaction, providing a vital link between local businesses and their communities. These tools enable the promotion of new products, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content that builds brand loyalty and customer engagement.

Agricultural Tech Uptake

Agricultural businesse s in Dorset are increasingly turning to technology to modernise their operations. Precision agriculture, powered by GPS and IoT sensors, allows farmers to maximise yield while minimising environmental impact. These technologies provide real-time data on soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns, enabling more precise farming practices.

Additionally, automated machinery such as drones for aerial surveys and robotic systems for harvesting has reduced the need for manual labour, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. This technological adoption not only supports sustainable farming practices but also ensures that agriculture in Dorset remains competitive and profitable in a global market.

Tourism and Tech Synergy

Dorset’s tourism industry is tapping into technology to transform visitor experiences. Innovative apps offer virtual tours of remote castles and historical sites, attracting a tech-savvy generation to rural areas. These digital enhancements provide interactive and educational content, adding a rich layer of engagement to the physical exploration of Dorset’s landscapes.

Online booking systems and digital marketing campaigns are essential tools for small tourism operators. They streamline guest management and maximise exposure, which is crucial for small enterprises competing with larger entities. The use of technology ensures that visitors have memorable and seamless experiences, crucial for boosting repeat visits and positive reviews.

Training and Skills Development

As technology becomes central to operations, Dorset businesses are prioritising skill development. Training programs tailored to various digital tools are now common, ensuring that the workforce is adept and able to navigate new systems effectively. This investment in human capital not only enhances efficiency but also fosters innovation from within the organisation.

Local educational institutions and business associations frequently collaborate to offer workshops and seminars. These initiatives aim to bridge any skills gap in the community and prepare residents for the demands of a digitised economy. Empowering individuals with these skills benefits the businesses they work for and bolsters the wider Dorset economy by creating a knowledgeable, versatile workforce.

Sustainable Practices through Tech

Environmental sustainability is a key focus for many Dorset businesses, and technology offers powerful tools to achieve these goals. Energy management systems monitor and control the energy consumption of business operations, significantly reducing carbon footprints.

These technologies are particularly important for businesses in agriculture and manufacturing, where resource management directly impacts profitability. By adopting sustainable technologies, Dorset’s rural businesses contribute to environmental conservation and align with consumer expectations for responsible business practices, enhancing their brand and customer loyalty.

Community and Collaboration

The final piece of Dorset’s technological puzzle lies in fostering a community-centric approach. Digital networks facilitate shared learning and mutual support among businesses, which is particularly vital in remote areas. Online forums, virtual trade groups, and collaborative projects allow businesses to share resources, knowledge, and innovation, reducing costs and sparking new ideas.

This culture of collaboration extends beyond individual businesses, influencing regional planning and development. By working together, Dorset businesses enhance their collective ability to attract investment and support from governmental and private entities, ensuring a thriving, innovative business community.

Final Thoughts

Dorset’s rural businesses are not just adapting to technological changes; they are leading the charge. By embracing the digital revolution, they ensure their competitiveness in the global market, enhance their community, and secure a sustainable future for the next generation. This commitment to innovation and adaptability is a testament to the resilience and forward-thinking nature of Dorset’s rural enterprises.

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Countryside Home

Editorial team

1 May 2024

Nestled amidst the pastoral beauty of the countryside, your home serves as a haven of serenity and warmth. Yet, even the most idyllic rural abode can benefit from thoughtful enhancements to keep it feeling both contemporary and comforting.

Let’s explore a variety of ways to infuse new life into your countryside home, enhancing its charm and functionality with an eye for elegance and simplicity.

1. Enlightening Spaces with Thoughtful Lighting

The right lighting is crucial in transforming the ambience of a room. Integrating various light sources can enhance your spaces’ functionality and allure.

Corston’s wall lights, for example, blend seamlessly into a countryside decor, offering a soft, diffused light that can make any room feel welcoming and refined. Positioning these lights strategically around your home—be it in a cosy reading corner or highlighting a beloved piece of art—adds depth and drama to your interiors.

2. A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

There’s a unique charm in balancing the old with the new. Countryside homes often come with beautiful traditional features such as exposed beams or stone walls.

Pair these rustic elements with modern furniture or contemporary artworks to create a striking contrast that speaks to your living space’s history and modernity. This approach refreshes the setting and makes the home feel current and stylish.

3. Colour and Texture: A Symphony of Serenity

Revitalising your home should take into account the harmonious play of colours and textures. It may be a good idea to opt for a ‘biophilic’ palette that reflects the countryside around you, drawing in muted shades of the outdoors to create a seamless visual flow from nature to living space.

Earthy tones like ochre, moss green, and sky blue can subtly elevate the tranquil feel of your rooms without overwhelming the senses. Textures also add a tactile dimension to the decor; think of rustic wooden accents, soft wool throws, or linen curtains, all contributing to a warm, layered aesthetic that invites relaxation.

4. Windows: The Eyes of Your Home

Windows act as a vital link between your home’s interior and the lush landscapes outside. Enhancing them can significantly alter how light filters and landscapes are viewed from inside. Upgrading to larger window panes or selecting elegantly styled frames can transform your views and flood your rooms with natural light, brightening your everyday living spaces.

5. Crafting Outdoor Living Areas

Bringing the comfort of indoors outside creates a seamless transition into the natural beauty surrounding your home. Simple enhancements like adding plush outdoor seating, chic rugs, or mood-setting lighting can turn a simple patio or garden into a lavish extension of your living area.

On cooler evenings, installing a fire pit or an outdoor heater can provide a warm, inviting space where friends and family can gather, blending functionality with leisure in your outdoor design.

6. Decluttering: The Art of Letting Go

Refreshing your space often involves decluttering, which can be as much a mental cleanse as a physical one. The goal is to foster a minimalist environment where every object is either functional or brings you delight.

This process involves critically assessing each item’s place in your home and opting for smart, stylish storage solutions that help maintain order and clarity. By regularly refining your possessions, you keep your space tidy and ensure it remains a true place of respite and clarity.

7. Revitalise with Soft Furnishings

Refreshing your home with new soft furnishings can transform the atmosphere with minimal effort. As the seasons evolve, replacing heavier textiles with lighter, airier materials can immediately brighten the feel of your space. Airy linens will be perfect for summer, while soft, plush velvets during the winter months will enhance the comfort and appeal of your rooms.

This transition updates the aesthetic and tailors your home to be seasonally inviting, making it a perfect retreat no matter the weather outside.

8. Modernising with Smart Home Technology

Incorporating smart home technology can significantly increase both the functionality and modern appeal of your countryside home. For instance, you might want to install smart thermostats for improved energy efficiency or introduce smart lighting systems that can be adjusted from your phone to create the perfect ambience for any occasion.

These technological upgrades will streamline your daily routines and add a layer of contemporary sophistication to traditional settings, making your home smarter and more adaptable to your lifestyle needs.

9. Refreshing the Exterior Facade

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to renovations. A fresh coat of paint, updated siding, or even just new shutters can drastically improve your home’s curb appeal.

You could even consider updating or adding outdoor lighting to enhance the architectural features of your home at night. These changes can make your home feel more welcoming and add to its overall value, ensuring it looks its best from the outside in.

Refreshing your countryside home is not merely about aesthetic updates; it’s about creating a space that resonates with warmth, comfort, and personal style. With these thoughtful changes, you can ensure that your home looks inviting and feels alive and vibrant, a true reflection of the beauty of countryside living.

Graduate Assistant (Senior School) | Clayesmore School

Editorial team

30 April 2024

To commence September 2024

An enthusiastic and committed Graduate Assistant is required for our Senior School on a fixed term contract. This exciting opportunity includes a full and active role in the pupils’ games programme, administrative support for our Senior Academic staff, and pastoral care of our boarders.

The successful candidate will play a full and active role in the pupils’ games programme and supporting the Girls’ Games with the provision of training, matches and school events. The successful candidate would have demonstrated proven ability in at least one of the following: Netball, Hockey or Tennis.

The candidate will also provide occasional classroom cover and, where appropriate, may be offered some teaching opportunities. This position would suit a recent graduate looking for experience prior to teacher training or seeking a short-term post prior to embarking on another career path.

This is a live-in position that will involve some evening and weekend work within the boarding house.

For further information and an application form, please go to: https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/

Closing Date: 8:00am on Tuesday, 14 May 2024

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.

www.clayesmore.com

Second Chef | Clayesmore School

Editorial team

30 April 2024

Full-time, all year round commencing 1st July 2024

Clayesmore School is located in the village of Iwerne Minster in the shadow of the Iron Age Fort of Hambledon Hill. The breath-taking scenery isn’t really what makes working at Clayesmore a joy. What really makes the school standout is the warmth of the people and the culture and kindness that underpins everything we do.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Second Chef to join our team of talented and experienced staff. Clayesmore prides itself in providing a comprehensive, in-house fresh food service to its pupils and staff.
The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in high volume catering and be flexible, and able to work as part of a team.

This is a great opportunity to work in catering with primarily daytime shifts. Benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, Death in Service benefits, a free meal each day and free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Facilities. 6 weeks holiday per year plus bank holidays.
Accommodation may be available for the successful candidate.

Please feel free to ring the HR department on 01747 813213 if you would like to discuss this role.

Closing date: 8:00am Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Further information can be found on our website: https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/

Applications will be considered as soon as they are received and so the deadline may close earlier if we find the right candidate, therefore early applications are advised.

Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
www.clayesmore.com

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