No.1 Gold Hill to become part of Shaftesbury Museum

17 February 2024

Once a priest’s house for St Peter’s Church in the 16th century, No. 1 Gold Hill still has a ‘squint’ through the wall to the church. It later became the Sun and Moon Inn, at the heart of Shaftesbury’s market days for more then 200 years. Sir Frederick Treves in his 1906 book; Highways and Byways in Dorset mentions the Inn by name – so it must still have been an inn at this time.
It has most recently been a shop – but in its latest incarnation, it will be re-purposed into an extension for Gold Hill Museum.
Dorset Council has agreed the transformation of Sun and Moon Cottage into a space that will house new exhibitions, an office, and a sales area, enhancing the museum’s capacity for display and storage.
The museum’s trustees, supported by the Shaftesbury and District Historical Society, aim to carry out the expansion with minimal structural changes to the building’s 700 sq ft of space.
Opened in 1957, the museum on Gold Hill currently has eight galleries which tell the story of rural and town life, starting even before Shaftesbury’s notional foundation by Alfred the Great. Highlights of the collection include the unique Byzant, carried during annual celebrations of the securing of the water supply (vital to a hilltop town); Dorset’s oldest fire engine, dating from 1744; fine lace work and costumes; handmade Dorset buttons; and a mummified Dorset cat. Drawing in 18,600 visitors last year. This new development promises to further enrich the cultural landscape of Shaftesbury, offering residents and visitors alike a deeper dive into the town’s storied past.
Gold Hill is, of course, the best known attraction in North Dorset thanks to Ridley Scott – in one of his last pieces for The BV, historian Roger Guttridge took a look at the history of ‘the Hovis Hill’ and the 50th anniversary of the advert in The BV.

Gold Hill Museum is currently closed for winter, but will open for the Shaftesbury Snowdrops event on 10th to 18th February 10.30am to 4.30pm And then every day from Saturday 23rd March

Sponsored by Wessex Internet

Please can someone explain pension credit?

Editorial team

16 February 2024

Q: ‘I am due to retire soon but I think I might struggle to manage on my State Pension. Someone told me I might be able to claim a Pension Credit – but I don’t know what that is.’

A: Pension Credit is extra money to help you cover your costs if you’re over state pension age and living on a low income. You might be able to get it even if you have other income, savings or assets. Pension Credit comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. It’s separate from your State Pension.
Guarantee Credit is intended to top up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level – in 2023-24, this is £201.05 if you’re single, or £306.85 if you’re a couple.
Savings Credit is extra money for those who have some savings, or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension.
It’s available to people who reached State Pension age before 6th April 2016. In 2023-24, you could get up to £15.94 extra per week if you’re single, or £17.84 for couples.

There are different eligibility requirements for each of the two parts of Pension Credit. If you’ve reached state pension age, you can claim Guarantee Credit if your weekly income is less than £201.05 if you’re single or £306.85 if you’re a couple. But even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you have a severe disability, you’re a carer or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage.
If you reached State Pension age before 6th April 2016 – or, if you’re a couple, one of you did – you might be eligible to claim Savings Credit. There isn’t a savings limit, though more than £10,000 in savings will affect how much you receive.
To claim Pension Credit, you can either claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim) or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Claiming Pension Credit doesn’t just top up your income – it could help you get other benefits, too, including help with health and housing costs. For more details, contact your local Citizens Advice.

Sponsored by Wessex Internet

The Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen

Editorial team

16 February 2024

Rachael Rowe visits the Gillingham hotspot that has transformed from Moto Corsa dealership to mussels and marshmallows among the motorbikes

With motorbike displays in the entrance, the Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen immediately feels like a very different cafe in Wyke, just west of Gillingham. It’s a building that has lived several lives and its latest venture is proving popular:
‘This building was built in the early 1800s and was originally Matthews & Co Brewery,’ says manager Steve Angell. ‘Then it became Talisman Antiques and was full of stone figures. In 2017 it became a bike dealership. There was a little cafe as well, called The Newt – we named it after the great crested newts that live in the ponds outside.’

In January, the newts are happily hibernating, but the lovely open space with its Italianate style ponds is ideal for alfresco dining and newt-spotting in warmer weather. Apart from giving some of Britain’s rarest newts a home, there’s more to the Old Brewery story.
‘The Newt cafe was really tiny,’ says Steve. ‘And it was also counter service only. When it became part of the motorbike dealership it became Cafe Corsa in line with the company. We won 2018 Taste of Dorset Awards (Best Independent Cafe) and were runners up in 2019. Unfortunately, Moto Corsa went into liquidation in 2022. So the Chedington Court Estate bought the premises and we became a restaurant. We also changed the name to the Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen to reflect the building’s history.

The Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen – All images: Rachael Rowe

‘We have expanded the cafe into what was once the dealership space, installed a bar and created more seating. We also have conference facilities on the upper floor with two meeting rooms seating 12 and 40 people. And we’ve changed from counter service to table service. We do a lot of private functions now – in the past 18 months, the business has really grown. We have to advise booking now as we are usually full – when I came in today we had four tables free but they were all booked by 11:30!
‘It’s not just locals either. We’re still very popular with bikers – they come here on their rides and stop off for something to eat. We get bikers from all over the country, because we’re a good stop if you’re driving the A303 between London and Cornwall. Car enthusiasts like coming here too. The other day we had a group of Porsche drivers, with all the cars lined up outside!’
It may no longer be a dealership, but the motorbikes are still quite a talking point – on display is part of a magnificent private collection owned by Chedington Court. Placed throughout the cafe, the current collection includes a 1980 Honda CBX 1000cc in Candy Glory Red, and a 1983 Laverda Jota. The 2020 Horex VR6 is an inline six cylinder muscle bike from Germany which boasts 1200cc and produces 163bhp at the back wheel. The decor reflects the motorbike-filled past of the building, with stylish wall art featuring bike brands such as Royal Enfield and MV Agusta.

Always adapting
‘We are known for our breakfasts,’ says Steve. ‘We do a mid-week roast which is very popular, and there’s also Fish Friday. Our fish is caught overnight, delivered to us and we batter it ourselves. Everything is cooked from scratch in the kitchen. We do offer cafe favourites but add other dishes, especially for our evening menus – so you’ll often find items like mussels and halloumi fries, and our chef also creates dishes especially for us. At the moment we are booking a Valentine’s special, and due to demand we’re running it not just for the 14th February but for three nights.’
‘We use local suppliers and I’m always looking to source new suppliers in the area. Our meat comes from Prime Cuts in Shaftesbury and our bread is from Lavender Blue. We use local farm eggs. Our coffee comes from 918 Coffee in Shaftesbury. At the bar, there are beers from Salcombe Brewery Gritchies, and we have Thatcher’s Cider.
‘One of the biggest challenges for the business has been changing from a small counter service style cafe to a table service restaurant. We had to make a lot of changes. As a result of the expanded cafe we had to make more parking space, and that took over a year to get agreed and finally built.
‘However, we’re also a versatile business. If there’s nothing on the menu that works for someone, we’re happy to adapt something. I’m so proud of the reputation this place now has and what my team of 16 has achieved. We have gone through lots of changes, but the team has stuck by me and helped me build the reputation that we now have.’

So what’s next?
‘We have tried opening in the evenings during November and December, and it’s been very successful. We’re open every Thursday and Friday evening, and from Easter we’ll be open on Saturday evenings too. We’re currently closed on Sundays, but we’re also planning on starting Sunday lunches.’

The Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen,
Wyke Road, Gillingham, SP8 4NW
01747 442 164
Mon to Sat: 9am – 4.30pm
(kitchen closes at 3pm)
Thurs and Fri: 6pm – 10pm
(kitchen closes at 8.30pm)
theoldbrewerycafe.co.uk

First Milk get the cream of Shaftesbury

LauraHitchcock

15 February 2024

BV Dairy, the globally successful third generation family business in Shaftesbury, has been sold to First Milk – a British farming co-operative.
The Highnam family started their Dorset dairy business when they bought Dairy House Farm in Kington Magna on the edge of the Blackmore Vale in North Dorset. They then took over Lower Caggypole Farm in neighbouring Buckhorn Weston, bottling milk on the farm and sending surplus to Gillingham Dairies. Eventually, Highnam’s Dairy bought Gillingham Dairies.

In 1948, the Highnam family relocated to Old Rectory Farm, still in Kington Magna. They began by making clotted cream on a kitchen table, and a decade later, after selling their dairy herd, Jack Highnam and his son Christopher started Blackmore Vale Farm Cream Ltd, buying in milk from three neighbouring farms to produce cream, clotted cream, and a variety of high-quality dairy goods.

By 1985, the growing demands of the business necessitated a move to a new location, and the company established its current operations at the BV Dairy facility on Wincombe Lane in Shaftesbury. With the extra space the product range was extended to cultured milk products like yoghurts, sour cream and crème fraîche – anything from nought per cent fat soft cheese (quark) up to a 45 per cent fat cream cheese.

Milk is currently sourced from Red Tractor accredited farms within a 30 mile radius of the Shaftesbury site – typically with a long heritage of dairy farming, and a long relationship with the Dairy. They vary in size from smaller, family farms with around 80 cows up to larger concerns with 400 cows. The systems used are dependent on the individual farm but ALL cows will go out on grass for a period of the year, and spend their winter in a cubicle house or barn.

BV Dairy’s award-winning specialist dairy products are supplied to the manufacturing, catering and food service industries, and now include soft cheeses, crème fraiche, buttermilk, cream (single, double and whipping), Dorset clotted cream, fromage frais, yogurts including Greek style, soured cream, ricotta and mascarpone.

October 2016 saw the commissioning of a new chill store facility, housing 1,000 pallet spaces and incorporating new office space and storage. The design ethos was based on ‘lean’ principles, utilising VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Fork Trucks running on guidance systems and solar panels which generate 3,500kWh of electricity each day. To further the work towards a minimal carbon footprint, an Anaerobic Digester was installed, which converts production waste into power.
In 2020 the firm received £750,000 in funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), and created more than 32 high-skilled jobs as part of a £2m expansion.

Jim Highnam, Managing Director of BV Dairy, says: ‘Having made the decision to sell the business, we wanted to ensure that the new owners would provide a secure future for our customers, colleagues, farmers and suppliers. As such, I’m pleased to finalise this transaction and see BV Dairy become part of First Milk – both businesses share a down-to-earth, pragmatic approach, balancing the needs of all stakeholders.’

Shelagh Hancock, Chief Executive of First Milk, said: ‘I am delighted to complete the acquisition of BV Dairy, a successful family-owned business, which shares many common values with First Milk – a focus on people and community, environmental performance, exceptional quality and long-term value creation. We look forward to welcoming the wider BV Dairy family into our First Milk family.
‘The BV Dairy business has strong customer relationships and a reputation for quality and service across food manufacture and food service.’

Owned by around 700 farming families spread across Britain, First Milk produces a range of  Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester cheese. In addition, they produce bulk cream and whey proteins and focus on providing high quality, traceable fresh milk to a range of dairy manufacturers and processors across the UK.  Farmer director and vice-chairman, Mike Smith, added: ‘This purchase builds on the existing strengths of First Milk and will bring wider benefits, adding value for our members, creating opportunities for our colleagues and enabling us to extend our regenerative positioning into a broader range of dairy products and customers.’

Meet Annabel Abbs at Winstone’s

Editorial team

15 February 2024

Listen to her discuss her fascinating book Sleepless – about women and the nocturnal world. This will be a fascinating talk, one not to be missed.

In the winter of 2020, Annabel Abbs experienced a series of bereavements. As she grieved, she kept busy by day, but at night sleep eluded her. Yet her sleeplessness led to a profound and unexpected discovery: her Night Self.
As the night transformed into a place of creativity and liberation, Annabel found she wasn’t alone. From the radical fifteenth-century philosopher Laura Cereta and subversive artist Louise Bourgeois, to Virginia Woolf and the activist Peace Pilgrim, women have long found sanctuary, inspiration and courage in darkness.
Drawing on the latest science, which shows we are more imaginative, open-minded and reflective at night, Annabel set out to discover the potential of her own Night Self.
Sleepless follows her journey, from midnight hikes to starlit swims, from Singapore, the brightest city on Earth, to the darkest corner of the Arctic Circle, and finally to that most elusive of places – sleep.
A moving, revelatory voyage into the dark, Sleepless invites us to feel less anxious about our sleep, and to embrace the possibilities of the night.
‘Sleepless has changed how I feel about sleep … I was captivated’ The Times, Book of the Week
‘This book will inspire you to get up, light a candle, and experience your own Night Self’ Financial Times

Annabel will be doing a talk and signing on Tuesday, 19th March 2024, 6.30 for 7pm, Winstone’s Books, Sherborne. Tickets £2, available from the shop or from winstonebooks.co.uk

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

A hilarious mystery with a killer hook. In 1965, a fortune teller told 17-year old Frances Adams that one day she’d be murdered. Thus began a life of trying to prevent the crime that would be her eventual demise.
No one took Frances seriously for sixty years – until, of course, she was murdered.
When Frances’ great-niece Annie arrives in Dorset and discovers her death, she is thrust into her great-aunt’s final act of revenge.
Frances had collected a lifetime of evidence, compiling dirt on everyone she knew – just in case. Her will stipulates that the person who uses these findings to solve her murder will inherit millions.
Can Annie unravel the mystery and find justice for Frances, or will digging up the past lead her into the path of a killer?
Set in the fictional town of Castle Knoll – inspired by Corfe Castle – right here in Dorset, How To Solve Your Own Murder will publish on 26th March.

Sponsored by Wessex Internet

Dorset Council votes for tax hike on second homes

LauraHitchcock

14 February 2024

Dorset Councillors have agreed to impose a council tax premium on second homes in the county.

The introduction of the 100% council tax premium on second homes will come into effect on 1 April 2025, making a total council tax charge of 200% (effectively doubly the council tax bill). This charge applies from the moment a property is classified as a second home, with no grace period required.
For those properties classified as ‘Long-Term Empty and Unoccupied’ a 100% premium will, from 1 April 2024, be applied after one year rather than the existing 2 years.

The issue of second homes was first covered by The BV in Fe b 23 – latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown there are more than 2,000 second homes in Dorset – Dorset ranks third highest in the country, with a total of 2,490 holiday homes. It has been a growing issue in the county, with residents stating they are being priced out of buying homes in their area by Airbnbs and out-of-area buyers.

Dorset’s cottages are a popular target for second home owners

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation says: ‘The proposal to introduce council tax premiums on second homes and empty properties has been discussed in Dorset for several years.

‘Now that the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been passed and received Royal Assent, we will implement the changes and additional premiums in 2024 and 2025. Council agreed to use 40% of the additional monies raised to support the delivery of affordable housing.

‘These new powers will provide much needed additional funds to help the council continue our track record of protecting vital frontline services on which Dorset residents rely.’

Potential benefits of additional tax on second homes:

Housing Affordability: Higher taxes on second homes can discourage the purchase of properties as investments or holiday homes, potentially reducing housing prices and making homes more affordable for local residents.
Revenue Generation: The additional tax revenue can be used by local authorities to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and community development initiatives, improving overall quality of life in the area.
Community Stability: By discouraging short-term and seasonal occupancy, such policies can lead to a more stable year-round population, which can strengthen community ties and local economies.
Reduced Pressure on Local Resources: Second homes often remain empty for large parts of the year, yet they still require infrastructure and services such as roads, waste collection, and emergency services. Higher taxes could help offset these costs.
Support for Local Businesses: A more stable and permanent population can provide consistent support to local businesses as opposed to the fluctuating demand driven by seasonal tourists.

Opposition voices suggest the higher costs for second home owners might discourage investment in holiday properties, potentially impacting the local tourism industry and businesses reliant on tourist spending.

More than just gouda times

Editorial team

14 February 2024

Did you know how the Sturminster Cheese Fest spreads generosity as much as it does the smell of Stinking Bishop?

The famous cheese festival at Sturminster Newton isn’t just about dairy produce – though cheese is of course reason enough for a festival in itself.
It is equally about the community and about charity.
Since the event was started by a group of townspeople in 1999, it has helped many charities and local groups to raise much-needed funds. The event has grown enormously since that first festival, but 25 years later it still remains on the recreation ground. Visitors have said that part of its charm is the size – it is easy to get around and see everything. Some visitors return year on year. Some even plan their holidays around it!

A team effort
The festival is still entirely organised by voluntary committee members, the majority coming from Sturminster Newton’s community groups and local organisations. They are assisted by the many volunteers who help with the setting up and breaking down, the fetching and carrying, those who man the gates and the thousand other things that go into making the event happen.
As a thank you, last year the Cheese Festival donated the grand sum of £15,200 to the groups which had helped the festival over the weekend.
As with most community organisations, the festival always needs more volunteers. Do you belong to a group or club which would be able to help over the weekend? If yes, the organisers would love to hear from you! Please email your details to: [email protected]

The fest that gives back
Each year a small number of charities are invited to attend the event, at no cost to themselves. In 2023 these groups raised an estimated £8,000, helping them to help others in turn. These include SERO (raising money for Julia’s House), Sturminster Newton Men’s Shed, Rabbit Rescue and Shelter Box. Of the funds raised by the event itself, 100 per cent of any profit generated is donated by the Cheese Festival committee to help change lives within local communities.
Since 2012, more than £400,000 has been given to local charities and organisations, the vast majority of which are local to Sturminster Newton. In addition, the festival committee will also consider any ‘special circumstance’ application that is received during the year.
The 2024 Sturminster Cheese Festival will be held on the weekend of 14th-15th September. Save the date and look out for the Early Bird Tickets, on sale from June onwards.

cheesefestival.co.uk

Sponsored by Wessex Internet

A Step-by-Step Approach To Settling A Loved One’s Estate After They Have Passed

Editorial team

14 February 2024

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, filled with grief and numerous responsibilities that can feel overwhelming. Settling an estate is a complex task, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help make the process less daunting. Here’s a compassionate guide to navigating this challenging time.

Step 1: Secure Important Documents

First, locate all essential documents, such as the will, life insurance policies, and bank statements. These documents will guide you through the next steps and are necessary for legal processes. They might be in a safe deposit box, a home safe, or with a solicitor.

If you can’t find a will, the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

Step 2: Register the Death

You need to register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). You’ll receive the death certificate, which is required for most of the upcoming steps, such as closing accounts, claiming life insurance, and dealing with the estate.

Step 3: Arrange the Funeral

Use the will for reference, as it may include specific wishes for the funeral arrangements. If there are no instructions, it’s up to the family to decide. Remember, the cost can often be covered from the estate, but this will need to be arranged with the bank or funeral director.

Step 4: Apply for Probate

Probate gives you the legal right to deal with the estate. If there’s a will, the executor named will need to apply for a ‘Grant of Probate’.

If there’s no will, the next of kin applies for ‘Letters of Administration’. You may not need probate for small estates, but it’s required to access or sell the deceased’s assets like property or large bank accounts.

Step 5: Value the Estate

Before you can distribute the estate, you need to know its value. This includes property, savings, investments, and possessions. You’ll also need to account for any debts, such as loans or utility bills. This process can take time, especially if the estate is complex.

Top Tip: In the midst of settling a loved one’s estate, you may find yourself needing to clear out their home while still deciding what to do with their belongings. This is where utilising a self-storage unit from a trusted provider like Safestore can be incredibly helpful, ensuring a secure and flexible solution during this transitional period.

Step 6: Pay Inheritance Tax

If the estate is above the tax-free threshold, you’ll need to pay Inheritance Tax. This needs to be paid before probate is granted. However, you can pay it in instalments if the majority of the estate is tied up in property.

Step 7: Collect Assets and Pay Debts

Once probate is granted, you can start collecting assets and paying off any debts and taxes. This might involve selling property or assets to cover debts. It’s important to ensure all debts are settled before distributing the remaining estate to avoid personal liability.

Step 8: Distribute the Estate

After all debts and taxes are paid, you can distribute the remaining estate according to the will or the rules of intestacy. This can involve transferring money, property, or possessions to the beneficiaries. It’s crucial to keep detailed records of all transactions.

Step 9: Finalise Affairs

Finally, close any remaining accounts and notify all relevant organisations of the death using the Tell-Us-Once service. Once everything is settled, prepare final accounts for the estate showing all income, expenses, debts, and distributions, and share these with the beneficiaries.

Handling the estate of a loved one requires patience, diligence, and care. It can be a lengthy and emotional process, but it’s an important step in honouring their memory and wishes. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re unsure about any steps or legal requirements.

Remember, it’s okay to lean on friends, family, or professionals for support during this challenging time.

The crucial livestock export ban

Editorial team

13 February 2024

Local funding reforms gain momentum, and Chris Loder MP reflects on his personal commitment to animal welfare

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is a key piece of legislation which is currently on its passage through Parliament. This is a vitally important Bill, which, once ratified, will ban the export from Great Britain of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs for slaughter and fattening. It seeks to stop unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury caused to exported live animals.
It’ll also permanently stop our well-cared for farm animals being loaded onto a lorry and sent thousands of miles by land and sea to a destination in Southern Europe – or even further afield, with reports that these animals go on to be slaughtered not even in continental Europe, but in places such as Libya and Lebanon.
Since I entered Parliament, I have campaigned for the introduction of this legislation. When I succeeded with getting my own law onto the statute book (increasing the maximum sentence for cruelty to animals in 2021), I committed to stopping live animal exports too.
Animal welfare is a very personal matter for me; I am a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, and as the son of tenant beef farmers I am acutely aware of how important high animal welfare standards are. Equally, it is of deep concern to me that any animal should be put through unnecessary trauma and treated inhumanely.
I have supported, and will continue to support, the Livestock Exports Bill throughout its passage. Also on my animal welfare agenda is legislation to tackle the distressing issue of animal worrying. There are countless and often graphic examples in the media of instances when livestock is chased and/or attacked by dogs off the lead. These instances have devastating consequences for livestock keepers, with financial and psychological impacts.
I expect to make progress with the animal worrying cause in a few weeks’ time and I will be sure to update you in due course.

Local funding
In other news, back in November, readers of The BV may recall that I tabled a debate in Parliament to improve the financial situation of our rural councils. I’ve consistently led the charge for fairness and reform when it comes to the allocation and calculation of local government funding, because it’s simply unacceptable for rural people in West Dorset to have to pay more in Council Tax than those living in urban areas. This is just one instance of the rural/urban disparity that we all experience, and which I outlined to the Chancellor of the Exchequer only a few weeks ago.
Since that important debate, much progress has been made to address this unfavourable situation. In late January, the Government announced its intention to provide significant additional measures for local authorities across the country, worth £600 million. This funding package includes £500 million of new funding for local authorities with responsibility for adults and children’s social care, which includes Dorset Council. The funding will be distributed through the Social Care Grant.
My campaign to ensure greater recognition of the specific needs of rural areas has also received special attention. I’ve been informed that the Government will be providing an additional £15 million for the Rural Services Delivery Grant – which represents an increase of more than 15 per cent and is the largest increase since 2018/19. It means that additional funding will be available for Dorset Council, and I expect further details to be announced shortly.
As always, I’d be most interested to know your views on this topic. You can contact me by email: [email protected] and you can keep up with my latest news by visiting chrisloder.co.uk or write to me at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

1...136137138...472 Page 137 of 472