Once again, Shaftesbury Arts Centre emerges as a haven for lovers of nautical life. It’s a spot to dock your stormy sea gear, shake off the saline sweat, and immerse yourself in an oceanic journey. Even if you’re not a maritime enthusiast, Kim Pragnell and Hilary Ball have concocted an exhibition, “Boats, by the yard”, guaranteed to fascinate the masses. It boasts an impressive array of boat paintings, both functional and leisurely, capturing everything from active trawlers to beached freighters in an assortment of environments.
Kim with one of his new ‘romantic’ paintings – Wool on the wire image: Edwina Baines Oct 2021 BV Magazine – https://www.theblackmorevale.co.uk/2021/10/15/in-the-studio-with-kim-pragnell/
Prepare for a visual feast of charcoal sketches, the vibrant hues of Cornish trawlers, fishing nets, and harbour scenes. Despite the exhibition’s brief run (Wednesday 28th June 2023 – Tuesday 8th July), there’s ample opportunity to soak up the spectacle before the tide rolls in.
You can find us at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Bell Street, Shaftesbury. Our gallery doors open from 10:00 to 16:00 daily. You can reach us at 01258 446441.
Further enhancing the experience, Shaftesbury Wines has kindly agreed to sponsor the Preview on Wednesday 24th June from 17:00 to 19:00, offering a selection of their exquisite house wines. It’s a perfect pairing, a true delight. We eagerly anticipate your visit.
A balance of environmental concerns with food security – and local people must be at the heart of local politics, says MP Chris Loder
Chris Loder MP
I have for some time believed that we have to balance our environmental concerns with our food security needs. As the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ministers in DEFRA, I was therefore pleased to be at an early morning meeting with the Prime Minister in May to discuss food security issues as part of the Farm to Fork Summit. I was also very pleased to see that Dorset Cereals, one of our major local businesses – previously based in Dorchester and now operating from Poole – was a stallholder at the event. To address the criticisms I have heard levelled at the Summit as being ‘non-inclusive’, it is important to remember that there are only so many people you can fit into 10 Downing Street; I was actually impressed by the good number of important representatives who did attend. On another note, while it was good to have the NFU in attendance, it is worth noting that they only represent around 50 per cent of those working in the farming industry. It was great to see that other groups, such as the Tenant Farmers Association, were also present. Fundamentally, this was a Summit about the UK food supply chain and its self-sufficiency, incredibly important topics. There were also lots of focussed discussion groups, each one having key government advisors in attendance to get opinion and feedback. As the Dorset MP present, and especially being from a tenant farming background, rest assured that Dorset’s voice was heard loud and clear.
Sherborne West Later this month, on 29th June, polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm for residents of the Sherborne West ward, as more than 2,200 households face a by-election this month for a new Dorset councillor. It follows the resignation last month of Liberal Democrat councillor, Matthew Hall – who moved to Devon almost a year ago. This by-election provides the opportunity to restore a Sherborne voice to Dorset Council. Participating in local government can be a rewarding and insightful opportunity; I was the local councillor for the Cam Vale ward following a by-election in 2013, and the experiences I gained from local government were formative in developing my interest in national politics.
Modern governance At the time of writing this article, only the Conservatives have formally adopted their candidate to contest the by-election. Rebecca Burns, who is a lifelong Sherborne resident and award-winning town business owner, was selected on 13th May by the West Dorset Conservative Association. Rebecca has pledged to improve communication between electors and their local councillor and she has allready been out on the doorsteps, delivering letters, talking to residents and listening to their concerns. As someone who was born in Sherborne and who knows the town and its people well, I’m relieved that the community has Rebecca as a candidate. It genuinely makes a difference when a person born and raised in the area is the candidate representing the interests of local people. One of Rebecca’s main priorities is to re-open the enquiry desk at Sherborne Police Station – which has the backing of Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick. Being able to talk to a police representative in-person can make reporting crime less intimidating; a welcome move considering there were 74 incidents (including business-related crime and anti-social behaviour) reported in Sherborne in March alone. I am also pleased to hear that Rebecca is committed to respecting the town’s values and heritage, while wanting to introduce a more modern, refreshed approach to governance and representation. Local politics should be about local people, and in Sherborne West Rebecca certainly has my full support.
Alocal expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: ‘I’ve just had my bathroom re-tiled, but I’m not happy with the work. At first, things seemed to be going well, but then the tradesperson left to do another job and I had to chase them for updates. They did eventually come back and finish the job, but the work was pretty rough around the edges. They also left all the old tiles and plaster for me to dispose of, which I wasn’t expecting. I’ve now got the invoice, but I don’t think the price reflects the work done or the service I got. Can I challenge this?’
A: It’s always frustrating when you run into problems with home improvements. You mention that the job looked “rough round the edges” – if this is to a degree whereby you could consider the job unfinished or unsafe, you should be able to get the tiler to come back to fix it. You could also suggest to him/her that moving the old tiles might be considered as part of finishing the job. If the tiler considers the work complete, it’s worth knowing you’re protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which says the tiler should have completed the work with ‘reasonable care and skill’. If they haven’t done this, they’ve broken the law. The Act means you’re legally entitled to ask the tiler to fix the problem (if they provided the tiles as well as the service) or get money refunded (if they just provided the service and you bought the tiles). They should fix the problem or refund you in a reasonable amount of time, without causing too much inconvenience. As you’ve received the invoice for the work but not paid yet, now would be a good time to ask them to fix the issue or you could negotiate a lower price for the work. Let the tiler know you understand what you’re entitled to. Speak to them in person, or contact them in writing/over email – there are template letters on the Citizens Advice website. Either way, make sure you have a written copy of anything agreed. Before you contact them, it’s a good idea to take photographs to use as evidence of the problem. Make notes about what happened, including dates and times. You should also gather any paperwork and receipts – was there any prior written agreement about who would dispose of the old tiles? Was the final cost in line with estimates or quotes given to you at the outset of the work? If not, there is advice on the Citizens Advice website about steps you can take. If you’re struggling to come to an agreement with the tiler, there are other steps you can take to solve your problem, including using ‘alternative dispute resolution’, which is a way of solving disagreements without going to court. There are full details about how to do this on the Citizens Advice website.
craft in the beautiful surroundings of Bere Marsh Farm. Organised by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (the CRT), there are four creative workshops coming up this summer, all led by experienced local artists in a relaxed and friendly environment. All tools and materials will be provided, while hot and cold drinks and delicious homemade snacks will be available to purchase on the day from The Buzz – the CRT’s pop-up coffee trailer. Book your place today on one of the CRT’s summer workshops:
Nature Writing Friday 23rd June Two sessions – 9.30am or 1pm Learn techniques to deepen your connection to nature on this playful and gentle creative nature writing workshop with poet, writer and performer Sarah Acton. Adults £30 (CRT Friends/Volunteers £25)
Wool Weaving Saturday 1st July 10am to 1pm With the aid of local weaving expert, Jo Nash, learn traditional techniques for preparing the fleece for weaving, setting up a simple peg loom and then using uncarded wool fibre to create a beautiful natural tuffet to take home. Adults £60 (CRT Friends/Volunteers £55)
Willow Basket Weaving Saturday 12th August 9.30am to 4.30pm With the expert guidance of local willow weaver, Yanina Stockings, you will learn several techniques and create your own patterns. By the end of the session you will have made a sturdy berry-collecting basket with a smooth wrapped handle. Adults £80 (CRT Friends/Volunteers £75)
Willow Bird Feeders Saturday 9th September Willow Bird Feeder Creative Workshop 9.30am to 4.30pm Make three different types of willow bird feeders for fatballs, seeds and to hang on a bird table, with the expert guidance of Yanina Stockings. Adults £73 (CRT Friends/Volunteers £68)
All workshops at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, DT11 0QY – for bookings click: thecrt.co.uk
The Dorset Meat Company, renowned for its grass-fed meats and artisanal British cheeses, has triumphed at the Butcher Shop Of The Year Awards
Focused on a farm-to-fork ethos, the Dorset Meat Company, based in Henstridge, prides itself on its partnership with small-scale, family-run farms that adhere to traditional animal husbandry methods. Nick Somper, Founder of the Dorset Meat Co., expressed his delight at the recognition, hailing it as a testament to the whole team: ‘This prestigious national award is recognition of the dedication of the wonderful Dorset Meat Company team, as well as a real testimony to the work of all our amazing farmers, growers and producers. Their grass-fed, sustainable and ethically-raised produce allows our customers across the UK to enjoy the best food. ‘We believe strongly that small-scale farming is better for the farmer, the animal, the local ecology, and also for the consumer. We advocate that we all eat less meat, but to ensure it’s of the very highest quality and is produced in a way that respects nature, the environment and the animal. Eating meat from animals that themselves have only eaten a natural diet of grass, and wildflowers rich in vitamins and minerals makes sense. It’s a healthy choice to make.’ The Dorset Meat Company’s commitment to healthy, ethical, and sustainable food productionmeans they work with farms which prioritise natural and biodiverse environments, ensuring that the animals are raised without being rushed, which in turn enhances the texture and flavour of the meat. It is this high-integrity farming that is the heart of the Dorset Meat Company’s values. By cultivating relationships with these smaller, more traditional farms, the company makes it possible for their customers to make ethical and informed choices about the food they eat.
Not all steak and chops In addition to the butchery, Dorset Meat Co. also offer an impressive range of prepared meals, crafted by professional chefs in Dorset, delivering convenience and taste straight to the dinner table. Delivering across the UK five days a week, It’s not just locals who can enjoy the finest West Country produce. But, despite the name, the Dorset Meat Company isn’t just about meat. Their product range extends to an impressive selection of British artisanal and farmhouse cheeses, crafted by award-winning independent cheesemakers from the West Country. Their selection of outstanding deli items is equally impressive, featuring Dorset charcuterie, smoked salmon, home-made pies, and a variety of organic, home-made goods such as Dorset Sea Salt, bone broths, and a plethora of Mediterranean pastes and pestos. thedorsetmeatcompany.co.uk
We need a fee earner to join our busy Residential/Commercial Conveyancing Team. We have regular new client work as well as a huge amount of repeat business. The position would be based mainly in our Sturminster Newton office. To apply please send a covering letter and your CV to our Practice Manager Vanessa Howell [email protected]
We think we are great to work for so here are ten good reasons why you should too –
Show chair Nicki Ralph is glad Dorset County Hospital Charity is Charity of the Year – her gravely ill husband ‘would not be here without them’
Dorset Tractor Run 2022
Dorset County Show has announced that its chosen Charity of the Year is Dorset County Hospital Charity, which is running a £2.5m Capital Appeal to assist with funding enhancements to the planned new Emergency Department (ED) and Critical Care Unit of Dorset County Hospital. The decision to support the hospital holds personal significance for Nicki Ralph, Chair of the County Show. Her husband, Nic, experienced total kidney failure and sepsis last year. He spent almost three weeks in a coma, with 11 of those days on life support. Nicki says: ‘This truly is a cause close to my heart. My family are indebted to the incredible support the hospital gave my husband who, without a shadow of a doubt, wouldn’t be alive today without their unstinting help.’ Show stalwart Nic, 67, is now recovering well at home, and is aiming to do some fundraising himself for the hospital once he is fully recovered. Simon Pearson, Head of Charity for the hospital, highlighted the overwhelming demand faced by the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, with over 50,000 people treated annually despite its original capacity of 22,000 attendances. To support the fundraising efforts, the Dorset County Show has planned several events. The annual Tractor Run is scheduled for Sunday, June 25th – tractors of all ages, sizes and makes will travel from Cheselbourne to Piddletrenthide and back (see image above). Additionally, a Dorset-themed Charity Night will take place on Wednesday, August 30th at the Showground, featuring music, bingo, and a bring-your-own food event. The Show itself is on the weekend of September 2nd and 3rd, and will be showcasing the usual county show mix of giant vegetables, prize cows, Dorset crafts and foods, monster trucks, axemen in action and hoe-down music. It’s a line-up with something for everyone! dorsetcountyshow.co.uk