The Sturminster Newton Literary Festival, now in its fifth year, is presenting an ambitious lineup from 8th to 16th June, including a special D Day event. Highlights include Kevin J Davies discussing Douglas Adams’ early work, Bridport Prize winner Fiona Williams on her novel The House of Broken Bricks, and Colonel Guy Deacon sharing his epic solo adventure driving from London to Cape Town while battling Parkinson’s Disease. A unique exhibition at The Exchange, enriched with local D Day testimonies, will be opened on 9th June by Taylor Downing and James Porter, focusing on D Day deceptions and the Dorsetshire Regiment. The festival also celebrates Far From the Madding Crowd’s 150th anniversary with a special film screening and actor meet-and-greet, alongside literature-themed walks in Bere Marsh, Marnhull, and Bagber. A Crime Writing Day on 15th June promises intrigue with a workshop, competition, and talks from authors like Mark Bridgeman, Jane Labous, and Paula Harmon. Diverse talks range from Celia Brayfield on Anna Sewell’s animal welfare contributions to Jim Carter’s naval insights, Emily Wilson on Inanna and Gilgamesh, and Robin Walter’s nature poetry. Joanne Burn will discuss The Bone Hunters, set in Lyme Regis, via Zoom. Festival chairman Pauline Batstone said: ‘Each year the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival gets better and better and we look forward to greeting even more visitors to our fifth Festival. | sturlitfest.com
In the first of the April BV podcasts (just hit the PLAY button above to listen), we of course start with all the letters – including editor Laura’s exciting news. Then, in his monthly round up, Chris Loder MP takes a look at how rural Dorset will gain from the latest NHS dentistry reforms, and the latest record funding of £408,022 for Adult Social Care reforms in the county.
For the Green Party, Ken Huggins takes a sideways look at the blurred lines between party funding and policy making, offering an alternative to those disillusioned by their usual voting. Gary Jackson of North Dorset Labour says when you look at the water companies, it’s double the sewage, and triple the stink. And Gerald Davies of the LibDems looks at how Dorset Council’s housing policies are failing local people.
In the April issue, Andrew Livingston reported on one Sturminster Newton farmer’s dramatic response to a lamb’s death by dog attack. It fuelled a viral online debate – and a call for prosecution
Lastly, Jennie chats to Jules Bradburn – circuit judge, event organiser and whose market empire expands to Dorchester this month as it becomes the latest Dorset town to benefit from a new 200-stall monthly artisan market.
April’s BV is OUT NOW … grab a coffee and jump in to this month’s Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, SO many horses … and frankly stunning photography. Did I mention it’s FREE? Why *wouldn’t* you want a flick through?You can click here https://bvmag.co.uk/Apr24 to dive straight in. Frankly, it’s so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it’d be rude not to.
The BV is the ‘glossy’ monthly digital magazine from Dorset, shortlisted in the 2024 Newspaper & Magazine Awards for ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’.
(*don’t forget, we’re proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)
This is a lovely woodland walk at any time of year, but if you’re looking for a Dorset bluebells walk, then this is the one to do when the bluebells are in bloom – I promise you won’t regret it.
Parking is simple in Winterborne Stickland – there’s plenty of roadside parking in the village, but do be considerate to residents. The route itself is very easy to follow, with a few sharp hills, but nothing too long or too arduous. It is also endlessly adaptable – the woods are criss-crossed with tracks, and it’s a simple matter of choosing a different path if you want a different length route.
Dorset bluebells walk
Dorset is spoiled for choice when it comes to seeing bluebells – the rural heart of the county has them flashing their rich blue from every copse of ancient woodland, with swathes of them coating much of our countryside. However, many are in smaller copses – worth a visit, of course, but they do not a decent walk make. So we set out to plan a route inside a large, ancient forest, allowing for as much of it as possible to have a good chance of seeing the famous English woodland’s spring carpet. And having walked it at the start of the bluebell season in early April, we can confirm: at a guess, around 80% of this Dorset bluebells walk you’ll be utterly surrounded by a deep, sweeping scented blue. Every turn, every stretch of woodland will have that long endless expanse of hyacinth stretching away among the dark trunks and splashes of fresh acid green of new spring leaves on the beech trees. And on the bit where it’s not present, wild garlic takes over and provides an endless snowy alternative.
It’s not all bluebells – there are vast carpets of wild garlic too
One small warning, however – if you are walking this when the bluebells are out, expect to take much longer than you normally would. Unless, of course, you’re dead inside, and won’t enjoy simply standing and staring and breathing in the heady scent of the Dorset bluebells, or taking endless photographs as you desperately try (and fail) to capture their magic on your phone.
See all previously-published Dorset Walks by The BV here. You can also find every route we’ve walked (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on OutdoorActive here (just zoom in/out on the map) – all include a downloadable gpx file.
The British Trust for Ornithology estimates that nightingale numbers have probably reduced by more than 90 per cent since the 1960s
They are part of our natural heritage. We hear recordings of their melodic songs on the radio and social media. Their name appears in literature, poems and WW2 love songs. They feel familiar, as if we should somehow know them. Yet how many of us have ever heard, much less seen, a living, breathing nightingale? I found an old handwritten notebook in a local library recently. Dating back to the early 19th century, it documented the wildlife that once thrived in our village. The dormice crawled through the hedgerows. There were red squirrels in the woods and thousands of butterflies flitted over the flower-rich meadows. Yet, it was the mention of nightingales singing at night in the nearby fields that made me realise how much we have lost. Back then, I would have heard nightingales from my garden – all I hear now is the traffic.
Due to their small size (about the size of a robin) and rather drab brown colouring, spotting a nightingale is a challenge
Where did they all go? Along with other summer migratory birds, such as cuckoos, nightingales are now frighteningly rare. The British Trust for Ornithology estimates their numbers have probably reduced by more than 90 per cent since the 1960s – there are likely to be fewer than 10,000 nightingales visiting our shores this spring. Due to their small size (about the size of a robin) and rather drab brown colouring, spotting them is a challenge in their preferred coppiced woodland or scrub. Sadly, suitable habitat is also hard for them to find. Modern landowners don’t have much tolerance for scrub, and our woodlands don’t have the dense understory of foliage nightingales need. A few years ago, I was told about a spot where nightingales had previously nested. In a clearing, next to blackthorns iced with blossom, and long after the sun had disappeared, I waited. The song started softly. Gradually it grew, becoming more confident, much louder and more urgent. There was a brief silence. Then more lingering tones, and short, sharp notes. On and on it went, holding me captive, unable to move. Perhaps I perceived a desperation in this bird’s song? Or was I acutely aware of its rarity? Or maybe it was my menopausal hormones. Whatever the reason, I cried.
Ten years ago, on a warm April night, we were on our way home around midnight and surprised to hear loud birdsong through the car window. Pulling into a layby on the usually-busy A-road, we simply sat – silent and still – listening to my first nightingale. You can hear a minute of that utterly magical moment in the video below – Ed
Could rewilding initiatives in Dorset be the lifeline nightingales need?
Rewilding initiatives like Wild Woodbury, Mapperton Wildlands, and West Dorset Wilding, with their hands-off approach to land management, may be just what nightingales need to survive in Dorset, and hopefully to thrive in the future. After conservationists spotted a nightingale at Wild Woodbury last year, hopes are high that nightingales will return to breed in 2024. At other established rewilding sites, such as Knepp in East Sussex, nightingales have made a welcome comeback.
A reliable fixture at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is the Church tent – a refreshment marquee run by the Church of England in Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Stour Vale. They provide a welcome opportunity to sit down and enjoy a coffee or tea and homemade cake. All profits are given to selected rural community charities. One recipient in 2023 was The Student Fund, founded by the G&S Show itself in 2020. The fund helps to remove some of the financial barriers faced by students and trainees embarking on new careers in land-based industries such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Their needs are varied, from safety boots and laptops to travel expenses. Nothing is off the table – one student, with exemplary practical and technical skills but who struggled with dyslexia, was helped with private tuition to achieve the higher level courses. The image is of Matthew Price, chairman of the Student Support Fund, accepting the cheque with a helpful band of Ouessant Sheep. The Church Tent will be at the G&S Show ithis summer and welcomes all to visit and ‘rest a while’. Please let us know if you have a favourite rural charity that we may be able to help.
This year’s Dorset Mud Run is proudly supporting Diverse Abilities, the county’s dedicated disability charity. The event, to be held Saturday 18th May at Stock Gaylard near Sturminster Newton, promises a challenging 6km obstacle course – swinging over ditches, a scramble up mud hills, crawling under cargo nets and wading through ponds. There’s plenty of mud, stunning scenery … and it finishes on the best obstacle course in the UK. Diverse Abilities participants benefit from entry discounts and fundraising support, with proceeds aiding over 1,600 individuals with disabilities and their families in Dorset. Francesca Potton of Diverse Abilities said, ‘We are incredibly grateful to the Dorset Mud Run organisers for supporting Diverse Abilities’ through their event. Taking part is a great way to fundraise for us, as well as having a great day out.’ Entry is priced at £25, with perks for Diverse Abilities fundraisers including a Mud Run t-shirt, a charity goody bag, and a complimentary beverage post-race. For registration and more details, visit Diverse Abilities
The sun is actually shining, and spring has finally sprung in Dorset. With it comes the first-ever Dorset Spring Show – and this family-friendly event packs a punch with a variety of attractions that celebrate the very best of the season and the county.
The Hogg Show
The Dorset Spring Show will be at Kingston Maurward near Dorchester, and it ’swings open its farm gates’ on 27th and 28th April, from 9.30am to 5pm both days: tickets are currently just £12 (KIDS GO FREE). The show offers a variety of attractions for the whole family, from Extreme BMX and Mountainboarding performances to the appearance of the 2024 Great Pottery Throw Down finalist (and Weymouth resident) Dan Sandham, who will be joined by his fellow Throw Down contestant Ed King for demonstrations as well as leading hands-on workshops.
BMX Bike Skills
The Sheep Show (a ewe-nique crowd-favourite which introduces you to nine different breeds of sheep … that dance!), the Hogg Show (learn about some of the rarest pigs in the world, and witness pig agility to see just how intelligent pigs are!), interactive farm experiences and sheepdog demonstrations are all not to be missed. Kitchen and garden enthusiasts can enjoy expert talks and food and floral demos in the demonstration theatres. The Food & Drink village will be filled with local artisan produce.
Event Organiser James Cox says: ‘We welcome in the new season with a brilliant spring get-together for the whole county. Whether you want to indulge in delicious Dorset foods, purchase local artisan goods, enjoy watching extreme sport, meet a lamb or watch local craftspeople, Dorset Spring Show has it all when it comes to celebrating spring!”
Dorset Spring Show map 2024 – click to embiggen
The show is set in the picturesque grounds of Kingston Maurward, making it a perfect day out for families.
Dorset Spring Show tickets are currently just £12 (KIDS GO FREE) – but ewe don’t want to delay, the discount ends 20th April! Get yours here dorsetspringshow.co.uk
Our life-saving charity, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA), provides relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance service, with an air and road delivered critical care capability.
DSAA is a well-loved and respected charity, which relies on the generosity of the public to raise our operational costs of over £10 million per year. Every mission we are tasked to costs approximately £3,500 and the enhanced skills of our team, specialist equipment and drugs that we carry, along with the speed of our response, can make the difference between life and death.
Our people are at the heart of our Charity. Whether you are a member of our Charity, Clinical or Aviation Team, everyone plays a vital role in helping us to be there for our patients and supporters across Dorset and Somerset.
Job Description
We are now seeking to appoint a Business Insights and Data Analyst Officer to support the Senior Leadership Team to help provide insights and analysis on the different data sources. Initially this will be looking at supporter behaviour and trends and to provide evidence on which teams base their decisions relating to fundraising and strategy and help to increase engagement with the charity and income generation.
This is an exciting new role where you will be instrumental in assisting in the new Income Generation Strategy that DSAA are about to embark on.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
Develop and implement a data analysis process or reporting program to better understand our performance and supporters, including fundraisers and regular donors
Create and produce data dashboards, graphs and reports and provide feedback to the wider team through a range of formats and in key performance areas
Analyse and interrogate data through various formats and make recommendations based on the analysis and conclusions.
Working closely with our Fundraising and Comms team analysing data from various digital channels, such as websites, socials and email
Identify and develop supporter insight and analysis to drive direct marketing strategies and future income generation initiatives
Present key findings confidently to colleagues our wider group including to the SLT and Trustees providing actionable insights to inform on future decisions
Reviewing existing databases and make recommendations
Implement and measure and regularly report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used to monitor fundraising and marketing activity
Support the budgeting and forecasting process and generate forecasted future income data
Support Data Analysis on anonymized patient data and other sources to support development of the service
Person Specification
Excellent IT skills, particularly Excel, databases, query and reporting tools
High standard of literacy, numeracy, organizing and planning
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Excellent oral and written communicator, able to talk to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Full clean UK Driving license.
Education and qualifications:
Essential: Good education standard, A Levels or equivalent, related degree advantageous
Desirable: Formal qualifications in Business Analysis
Previous experience:
Essential: Minimum of 1 years’ experience of working in business intelligence, data analysis or related field
Desirable: Experience of working with a charity
The successful candidate will receive:
Competitive salary: £32,000 (depending on experience) 37.5 hours per week
28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Generous pension scheme (8% Charity Contribution) and benefits package
If you have the right skills, experience and knowledge, and would like to join our passionate and friendly team, we would love to hear from you!
If you would like to ask for more information or have an informal chat, please contact Sarah Davies by calling: 01823 669604.
Recruitment Process
Closing Date: Wednesday 8th May
Interviews to take place: 22nd & 23rd May
How to Apply
To apply: Please email your CV and a covering letter to: [email protected] or post to: Julie Plowden, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Landacre House, Chelston Business Park, Castle Road, Wellington, TA21 9JQ.
It’s time to remember the basics and use science to try to debunk some of the trendy diet myths, says expert Karen Geary
In the journey towards our very best health, we now know our gut plays a pivotal role, acting as the cornerstone of our well-being. Something cropping up a lot – both with my own clients and with GPs I’ve spoken to – are questions caused by certain national brands. Ad campaigns with enormous marketing budgets are seriously muddying the health waters. They’re effectively a data-gathering tool, but they seem to be causing a lot of confusion and misunderstanding, some of it potentially harmful. In the midst of these popular trends, it might be time to return to some basic information and understanding, based on science.
Know the gut The gut, often dubbed the “second brain,” encompasses the entire digestive system from mouth to anus. It serves as the habitat for trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes. Collectively these are known as the microbiome. This intricate ecosystem manages vital functions ranging from digestion to the immune system and even mental health. Notably, people changing their diet often report improvements in both gut and immune system-related symptoms, emphasising the intricate connection between nutrition and health. Remarkably, the gut microbiome contains 150 times more genes than the human genome itself, highlighting its functional complexity. Its composition continually adapts to various factors including diet, exercise, sleep patterns and stress levels. Research indicates that different diets distinctly shape the gut microbiome, which, in turn, influences not only the intestinal function but also the body’s immune response.
The fibre has it Fibre is the linchpin of gut health – yet it remains overlooked in modern diets, particularly amid the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in western diets. The shortfall in fibre intake poses significant health risks, including increased susceptibility to cancer and digestive ailments. The human body ideally needs 30g of fibre a day – think seven heaped teacups of plants. It’s an amount that the majority of the population gets nowhere near. Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide and it is closely connected to dietary habits. Diets which are lacking in fibre and abundant in processed foods correlate with an increase in colorectal cancer risk. Foods rich in fibre, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, provide essential nutrients while promoting regular bowel movements and detoxification, brilliant for digestive wellness.Natural probiotics and prebiotics In tandem with fibre, integrating natural pro- and prebiotics into our diet nurtures a thriving gut microbiome. Probiotics – live microorganisms with health-enhancing properties – abound in foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and miso. They foster diversity in the gut’s microbiome and bolster digestion and immunity. Prebiotics – non-digestible fibres that fuel that probiotic growth – are abundant in apples, bananas, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and Jerusalem artichokes. These foods fortify and feed existing beneficial bacteria, nurturing a resilient microbiome and overall health.
Other things to think about Beyond fibre and probiotics, several other factors influence gut health: Hydration: adequate water intake (roughly two to three litres per day) facilitates proper digestion, nutrient absorption and bowel emptying, promoting good gut health. Stress management: chronic stress disrupts the gut microbial balance. If you’re feeling the effects, try stress-reduction practices like mindfulness, meditation and exercise. Antibiotics: these take out the good as well as the bad bacteria, and it can take time to rebuild the microbiome after a course (Karen’s article in the BV on ‘what to eat after taking antibiotics’ is a permanent hit on the website)
Your gut health checklist While everyone’s dietary needs vary, sticking to some basic principles will create a diverse and robust gut microbiome: Hydrate – two to three litres of water a day. Embrace plant-based diversity – aim for seven servings (a serving is roughly one heaped teacup) of fruits and vegetables a day, including prebiotic fibre sources. Frozen is fine and often cost-effective. Freeze any leftover fruit and veg and add it to smoothies. Eat by plate – half of the contents on every plate should consist of plants. Choose colourful, varied foods for the widest range of goodness, remembering herbs and spices all add nutrients. Opt for wholefoods over processed alternatives. Experiment with probiotic foods to identify which ones you like – and try to have some each day. Build up your tolerance slowly! Enjoy legumes and whole grains – and again build up slowly as they can cause bloating in some cases. Gut-friendly good fats such as olive oil, avocado and butter are anti-inflammatory and gut supportive. Eat your nuts and seeds unroasted and unsweetened/unsalted. Tinned fish such as mackerel and sardines are also fabulous sources of omega 3. Limit your intake of inflammatory substances like sugar, fried foods and alcohol. Don’t forget your protein – animal or vegetable. Protein is a key requirement in supporting immune health. By prioritising fibre-rich foods, natural probiotics, and mindful habits, it isn’t difficult to build a resilient microbiome, safeguarding against gastrointestinal ailments and promoting vitality. Remember, your gut health is not just about digestion—it’s fundamental to your overall well-being and longevity.
Ask Me Anything Next month I’ll be running an ‘Ask Me Anything’ Q&A. Please email any questions to me at [email protected] or leave me a message on my Facebook page.
