Shaftesbury Rotary Club’s Gold Hill Festival will be held at Barton Hill on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July. As well as the usual terrific range of stalls, music and fun, this year’s festival will, for the first time, feature a Fun Dog Show, sponsored by Branscombe Kennels and Cattery. The Dog Show will take place on Sunday 2nd July from 11am to 4pm. Classes will be as follows: 11am Best Dressed Dog 12 noon Best Dog/Owner Match 1pm Cutest Dog 2pm Sweetest Eyes 3pm Waggiest Tail. As well as prizes for the category winners – kindly donated by Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic – there will be rosettes for the first to fourth placed dogs in each category. Spot prizes will also be awarded by the judges, and every entrant will also receive a doggie gift! There will be an entry fee of £5.00 – please register your interest by emailing [email protected]
Balmy summer nights are coming; it’s time to take the risk and book for one of the many open air plays coming to a garden or a field near you
Three Inch Fools performing in 2022
Like food and music, theatre in the open air is always special. Dorset’s lucky to have some of the best venues and a strong reputation of touring outdoor productions in the summer months. Some of them are really worth making a longer trip to see. As always, Shakespeare is high on the list of productions, but several companies have chosen newer shows, and even a couple of original plays written specially for summer 2023. Most are in the evening, but there are some daytime performances for younger members of the family. Audiences are usually encouraged to take low backed chairs (so as not to spoil the view for the people behind) or rugs, and picnics are to be eaten before the action starts or in the interval – not during the performance! Fifteen of the touring companies are coming to, or quite near to, The BV’s area. All you have to do is to book early to avoid disappointment and send up a prayer to the weather gods for a warm, dry night!
Chapterhouse One of the best-established companies, Chapterhouse, brings The Importance of Being Earnest to Holme for Gardens near Wareham on 30th July. The company is also touring Sense and Sensibility, coming to the same venue on 7th August and then to Stourhead on 27th and 28th August. In between, the Chapterhouse production of The Secret Garden comes to Stourhead on 22nd and 23rd August.
Festival Players Festival Players’ 2023 summer tour is Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, coming to Shaftesbury Abbey on 24th June and Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens on 26th June. It will be performed at Speeds Farm, Lamyatt (near Bruton) on 8th July and the beautiful Meerhay Manor at Beaminster on 27th August.
Illyria’s 2023 production of Robin Hood
Folksy Theatre Folksy Theatre has two touring plays, Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. The Merry Wives is at the ECOS Amphitheatre in Frome on 2nd August, overlooking Lyme Bay at the Marine in Lyme Regis on 3rd, and at Holme for Gardens near Wareham on 11th August. The little duck who turned out to be a swan is at Holme for Gardens on Saturday 5th August, at 3pm.
The Handlebards The all male troupe that specialises in travelling between venues on bicycles, is touring A Midsummer Night’s Dream this year, stopping at the Roman Villa at Rockbourne on 21st June, Maumbury Rings in Dorchester on 23rd and the Marine Theatre at Lyme Regis on 24th.
Heartbreak This summer Heartbreak has three shows on tour. The Shakespeare medley, MacHamLear, comes to Holme for Gardens near Wareham on 19th July, Bad Dad, the David Walliams adaptation, comes to Maumbury Rings in Dorchester on 2nd August, Corfe Castle on 3rd and Somerset Cider Brandy at Kingsbury Episcopi on 4th August. Sense and Sensibility is at Maumbury Rings on 18th August.
The Last Baguette The Last Baguette is touring the original show Pandora’s Box, coming to the Millennium Green in Bridport on 3rd August, to Winterborne Stickland on 16th and the Marine Theatre at Lyme Regis on 17th August.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men at Kingston Lacy in 2021
Illyria Another of the longest-established touring companies, Illyria has three productions this year, Twelfth Night, Robin Hood and Pride and Prejudice. The Shakespeare play of mistaken identity and love is at Castle Gardens in Sherborne on 5th July, and at the ECOS Amphitheatre in Frome on 3rd September. Robin Hood is at Kingston Lacy near Wimborne on 3rd August, and Jane Austen’s ever popular romance is at Castle Gardens, Sherborne on 14th July and Frome ECOS on 14th, as well as in the extraordinary setting of Corfe Castle on 10th August.
Lord Chamberlains Men The all-male Lord Chamberlains Men are performing the world’s greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet, on tour this summer. See them in June at Glastonbury Abbey (7th), Lyme Regis Marine (8th) or Rack Close in Salisbury Cathedral Close on 9th and 10th. They will also be performing at Kingston Lacy on 27th July and at Breamore House on 26th August.
The Pantaloons The Pantaloons is another company with three tours on the road for 2023. They will be performing Jane Austen’s Emma at Wells’ Bishop’s Palace on 3rd August, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Midelney Manor near Langport on 4th August and at Wells Bishop’s Palace on 9th August. Shakespeare’s Antipholus and Dromio will be playing out their Comedy of Errors at Rockbourne Roman Villa on 20th July and at Montacute House near Yeovil the following night.
Quantum Theatre The summer touring trio from Quantum Theatre is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wind in the Willows and The Tales of Peter Rabbit. The Dream is at the ECOS, Frome on 11th June and Glastonbury Rural Life Museum on 15th August. The Wind in the Willows will be performed alongside the Avon at the Wardrobe Rifles Museum in Salisbury Cathedral Close on 25th July, and Peter will be soporifically searching for lettuce at the Salisbury museum on 10th August and at Corfe Castle on 24th August.
Rain or Shine There’s another outing for Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors with Rain or Shine, the company whose weather policy is in the name. They will be at All Saints School in Montacute on 30th June, Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury on 7th July, Upper Leigh Farm in East Knoyle on 21st July, the Roman Villa at Rockbourne on 10th August and Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage on 14th August.
The Rude Mechanicals The company whose style is Commedia del’Arte and which always brings an original show, Rude Mechanicals has devised the tale of Miss Popplewell’s Garden for 2023. See it in June at the Square and Compass, Worth Matravers (9th), Abbey House in Abbotsbury (10th) and on the Village Hall Field at Stourpaine on 29th. In July it will be performed at East Farm, Tarrant Monkton (20th), Mill Farm at Bradford Abbas (21st) and Child Okeford Recreation Ground on 22nd.
Troubadour Stageworks performing in Yeovil in 2022
Slapstick Picnic The spin-off of The Handlebards, Slapstick Picnic exchanges bicycles for an English afternoon tea, and has chosen Peter Pan for this year’s show. See it at the Larmer Tree at Tollard Royal on 20th July, Maumbury Rings in Dorchester on 22nd and the Marine at Lyme Regis on 23rd July.
Three Inch Fools The troupe of actor-musicians Three Inch Fools has two shows this year, Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Robin Hood. Follow the adventures of Rosalind and Orlando in the Forest of Arden at Beaminster Manor on 11th June, Upton Country Park near Poole on 16th August and Stourhead on 25th August. Robin Hood will be in Nottingham Forest at Higher Orchard, Sandford Orcas on 15th August, Corfe Castle (great setting!) on 17th August and Stourhead gardens on 26th August.
Troubadour Stageworks One of the newer companies, Troubadour Stageworks also has two productions on tour – The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet. See the world’s most famous lovers at Hatch House in West Hatch on 10th June and Bush Farm at West Knoyle on 9th September. Homer’s hero does his thing at Kingsettle Stud, Cholderton on 30th August.
For more details of all these productions, go online to either the company or the venue, where all booking details should be available.
Farmers can be prosecuted for damaging short stretches of river, but when will water companies be held accountable for their actions, asks Andrew Livingston
Before and after images of the destruction of the River Lug by farmer John Price. Images: Environment Agency / Natural England
From childhood we learn that living organisms need water to grow. Obviously, then, water is quite a big deal in agriculture. Farmers need clean, good quality water to help grow their crops and hydrate their animals. Recently, news broke of a Herefordshire farmer, John Price, sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for irreparably damaging the River Lug, which passes through his land. The images are horrific. The beautiful stretch of river now looks like a canal after he ripped out and felled 95 bankside trees before dredging the river and creating a hard-standing area along the banks. Once again, farmers are negatively portrayed in the news. Mr Price’s previous record, detailed to the court, dates back 35 years, and shows his attitude to environmental legislation as it affects farmers. His latest actions were partly in breach of the 2018 Farming Rules For Water, which were introduced to reduce and prevent diffuse water pollution from agricultural sources. His is the first prosecution under those rules. I hope the farming community takes note – although only a minority would have acted as Mr Price did.
Farmer John Price was sentenced to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay £600,000 prosecution costs. A Restoration Order was also imposed. Image: Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Raw sewage
The Rivers Trust states that only 14 per cent of England’s rivers are in good ecological health – and this includes 85 per cent of the entire world’s precious chalk streams (more than 40 chalk streams are found in Dorset and Hampshire). Every single one of England’s rivers fails to meet chemical standards. Rivers are being damaged and compromised not with diggers and chainsaws, but with raw sewage. Nationally, water companies are not doing enough to protect rivers from the sewage leaking into the fragile ecosystems – and nobody is holding them accountable. Last year, four Wessex Water bosses received eye-watering bonuses for hitting targets relating to the protection of the environment – in spite of many reports of sewage in the Wessex Water region’s rivers.The company’s chief executive, Colin Skellett, received £61,548 from a total bonus of £189,500 last year ‘for meeting environmental targets’, despite Wessex Water’s environmental rating in fact dropping from four stars to two.
The Parrett and Yeo Phosphate Pollution Study, which tests water quality in the River Parrett – flowing from Cheddington in West Dorset to Bridgwater Bay in Somerset – has consistently found harmful levels of phosphates. Wessex Water has blamed farmers but the study found that phosphate levels in the river never dropped, even when the streams entirely dried up during the summer months. The report suggests instead that the main sources of phosphate in the Parrett are the 11 sewage treatment plants whose outflows enter the river. None has a phosphate removal stage, and the report suggests that they account for more than 90 per cent of the phosphates entering the river. The study also shows that where farmers follow DEFRA guidelines for farming near water, phosphate run-off into local watercourses is in fact almost undetectable. If farmers are being charged with breaches of the new Rules and other environmental legislation, is it not time for water companies to be held equally accountable for the quality of the water in the rivers for which they are responsible? The Rivers Trust has produced an interactive map here, showing where the sewerage network discharges both treated sewage and overflows of untreated sewage and storm water into rivers in England and Wales in 2022. It’s all too easy to blame little farmers rather than to take on the big companies. It has recently been announced that the government can fine water companies an unlimited amount for polluting rivers, with the money being used for the restoration of the waterways. It’s a start.
As most people know, we headed to Mayfair this month for the swish awards do. As a tiny team, just to be shortlisted for Regional Publication Of The Year – to be considered among the top three regional titles in the country – was an honour. On the night we didn’t win, but did receive a Highly Commended accolade, one of only four on the night. This was beyond anything we expected – we were thrilled just to be in the room (and suspect we were the only ones there who had actually paid for their own seat…). In other news this month: After a seemingly unending spring of chilly greyness, summer seemed to rush at us in May. The blackthorn was lush, but the hawthorn has been positively frothing, hasn’t it? I have never seen the hedgerows so thick with white, it’s been utterly glorious. The buttercups and cow parsley too. Dorset has been flashing its prettiest ankle at us, and I’m happily woo-ed (though some are less happy about a council mow of said cow parsley – there are some disgruntled readers on the letters page this month). If you’ve been watching Springwatch (those poor little wren chicks! I was stricken!), then you might be feeling inspired to go and explore the AONB near Swanage. In a weird twist, our own best walk this month was from Studland. There are few public footpaths across the RSPB Arne reserve itself, for obvious reason, but the wider area’s stunning heathland is criss-crossed by them. If you’ve never explored it then now is the perfect time. We did a long walk (13 miles), but it’s very adaptable (it’s easy to cut the route to your own length – the map’s on p50) – and also very flat! We thoroughly recommend going, it’s simply beautiful, and we’d go now, before the summer hoardes arrive. Lastly, in a quick double answer to current FAQs in my inbox: Mochi, our son’s fifth-floor-window-diving cat, is doing amazingly. Her cast is finally off, she’s still limping but getting around beautifully. And no, I have not yet gone mug shopping. But I am thrilled by the number of people who got in touch to share that they also have a specific mug for every time of day/type of drink/mood. It’s the only way. Finally, I have a kickboxing grading tomorrow. I am feeling The Fear… but I love the sport, and work hard at progresing (if I pass tomorrow I’ll be just two away from a black belt). I only started it to spite my teenagers (no, really), and though I guarantee my body is the exact opposite of what you picture when you think ‘kickboxer’ it always brings me joy. Even if my creaking bones and weeping joints keep pretending I’m far too old for this nonsense.
PS – the photography submissions were SO strong this month, we’ve even changed the design of the back page to squeeze in just-one-more. Don’t miss it!
Thank you I would like to put in your magazine a big heartfelt thankyou. My brother collapsed in Gillingham surgery Monday 22nd. Help was there immediately, but although they worked on him he couldn’t be bought back. As a family we would like to thank everyone who helped him, it shows what great service we have in Dorset. Thankyou Melvie Martin & family
Rage against the mow I’m writing with a heavy heart and a dollop of shock about the premature trimming of our grass verges surrounding Sturminster Newton. Right during our cherished “No Mow May”. It seems the council, bless them, might’ve misplaced their calendars! Our lovely local wildlife relies on this period, and the council’s actions seem to sidestep the importance of this initiative. It’s like putting a full stop in the middle of a sentence, it just doesn’t make sense! We need to ponder the cost of such haste on nature’s precious cycle. We’re expecting a bit of clarity here, as well as an assurance that our “No Mow May” will be left undisturbed in future. I’m sure many of us would be pleased to see our council showing more regard for these matters. Sarah G, Sturminster Newton
I wish to voice my anger at what I presume are the actions of our council. It’s been so disheartening to witness the early cutting of our grass verges around the Sturminster Newton’s perimeter – sad at any time of year on unnecessary road stretches, but utterly unwarranted during “No Mow May”. Worse was to come however. Every morning I drive through the village of Hammoon. Every day in recent weeks I have gloried in the stunning shoulder-high swathes of cow parsley which have adorned the lane verges. They have neither impeded my vision, nor can I conceive that the lush thick verges of tall straight-growing plants have caused any other road user any safety issues. And yet these too have been subject to a ground-level mow in the last few days. I am horrified and enraged at this senselessness. The month of May is a critical period in our UK ecology – we choose it for no mowing for a reason. Wildflowers and grasses are in full bloom, providing vital habitats and food sources for insects, spiders, snails, small mammals and birds. By allowing the verges to grow, we ensure the survival of our local flora and fauna, supporting pollinators essential for our ecosystem’s health. I implore the council to reconsider their actions and respect our commitment to preserving and enhancing local biodiversity. Alan Watts, by email
On unintended consequences I am writing in support of Andrew Livingston’s thought-provoking piece on the delicate balance of biodiversity in the UK’s struggling ecosystems (The law of unintended consequences, May 23). The topic is a critical one, especially given the dire state of many of our native species and the implications of human actions on their survival. Andrew’s focus on the issue of legal protections, such as for raptors, and the unintended consequences of the, was interesting. While it is essential to protect threatened species, we must indeed acknowledge the ripple effects such interventions may have on the entire food chain. A stronger focus on habitat construction than on specific-species protection to enhance biodiversity. It would lead to a more sustainable balance in our ecosystems without disadvantaging other species in the process . The “law of unintended consequences” rings so true here. As we strive to protect and foster wildlife, we must remain vigilant to the complex dynamics of our ecosystems. James Smith, Sherborne
On the protesters In response to the letter by M. Holderness of Charlton (The BV, May 23), I share his concerns about the widespread dismissal of climate activists’ efforts. The urgency and severity of the climate crisis demand far-reaching, revolutionary changes, and I appreciate that activists are working to convey this message. It is true that climate activism is often met with antagonism, and its strategies can be seen as inconvenient or disruptive. However, the primary goal of such activism is to stir conversation and incite action, which, judging by the attention these movements have received, has been successful. The fact that we’re now discussing these issues more openly is evidence of the impact these protests have had. Scientific warnings about the catastrophic implications of climate change have been falling on deaf ears for decades. Far far too long. Consequently, the need for dramatic action to reverse the effects of climate change has become critical. It’s not about causing public disorder but about sounding the alarm to save our planet! I hope that more people will understand the desperate circumstances that have led to these protests and see them not as a nuisance but as a necessary wake-up call. The “revolution” Holderness speaks of should be seen not as an act of rebellion, but as an urgent call to action to ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Ellie Holding, Sherborne
On the digital business In response to Susan N’s letter from Blandford (The BV, May 23), I wholeheartedly concur with her perspective. As we advance further into the digital age, it is imperative for businesses, irrespective of their establishment date, to adapt and evolve with the changing times. It is understandable that some long-standing businesses might find the transition to digital platforms challenging. However, the advantages of such a move significantly outweigh the potential discomfort of adapting to new tools and technologies. Susan aptly pointed out the valuable opportunities for audience engagement, brand awareness, and promotion provided by social media platforms. There is ample help available in terms of training and resources for businesses seeking to improve their digital presence. The ability to harness digital platforms is no longer an optional extra but a crucial component of business survival in today’s highly competitive market. It’s been here for a generation now. The time has come for all businesses, irrespective of their size or establishment date, to embrace the digital era fully. By doing so, they not only stay relevant and attractive to new customers but also ensure their own continued growth and success. Ruby P (aged 62, and writing on my iPad!), by email
On disposable barbecues Your article on disposable barbecues (May 23) made alarming reading. Despite the horrific consequences, how is it that disposable barbecues remain readily available in the market? From instigating wildfires to contaminating the soil, endangering wildlife and simply causing sever burns, the threat these items pose is significant. While I am encouraged by the actions taken by Dorset Council, Litter Free Dorset, and responsible retailers such as Southern Co-op in raising awareness and removing disposable barbecues from their shelves, I believe more stringent measures are needed. Why can’t disposable barbecues be banned? Is it not justifiable to consider an all-out prohibition? We must strive for long-term changes. Convenience should never supersede safety and environmental responsibility. Anna B, by email
Every month we receive pet pictures which are submitted for the Reader’s Photography pages. It’s rare for them to make the photography pages, but we always feel a little guilty – they’re good pets, they deserve their own recognition. Every month we’ll now pick our favourite. Would you like your pet to be featured? Just send to [email protected]. Please be sure to include your pet’s name, age, and a couple of fun details about them.
The 39th Volunteers’ Week runs from 1st to 7th June, joining thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across the country in recognising the contribution volunteers make. The Blackmore Vale Partnership (BVP) is gearing up to celebrate their Health Champion volunteers who work with local GP practices to provide community support. During Volunteers’ Week, a member of the wellbeing team from the BVP will be holding a drop-in at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton, during their regular Country Market between 9.30 and ll.30am. It’s a great opportunity to have a chat over a cuppa and find out more. Jackie Monckton, Social Prescriber says: ‘Our volunteers provide a range of essential support in our local community: groups for bereavement, carers support, menopause and Parkinson’s. They have established Community Larders, assist with community clinics for older people and providing opportunities like Coffee Companions, Wellbeing Walking and more.’ Rowan Chambers, a Volunteer Health Champion, says ‘I find volunteering incredibly rewarding. It really has been one of the best things I have ever decided to do.’ For more information on available activities or to find out how to get involved yourself, simply contact the wellbeing team for a chat on 01747 856786.
We know, we’re the perfect excuse for a long glass of something cold and putting your feet up in a shady spot of the garden. It’s not loafing, it’s ‘catching up on the news’. You’re so welcome.
In the June issue:
Farmers can be prosecuted for damaging short stretches of river, but when will water companies be held accountable for their actions, asks Andrew Livingston
From rural countryside to critical care: Cllr Jane Somper’s massive job. Tackling many of Dorset’s challenges, most people are unaware of the importance, scope and complexity of Jane’s multi-faceted role
You just can’t get the staff… The UK’s first post-Brexit trade deals begin amid agricultural industry concerns and severe labour shortages.
Where can you go on a £2 bus fare? What does the bus price cap mean for people in Dorset – and just how far can you actually go?
Two staples of Sturminster Newton celebrate 50th anniversaries this month. In ‘From avocado baths to the Michelin Guide: Plumber at 50’, Richard and Alison Prideaux-Brune share the fascinating and occasionally hilarious story of the early days of the restaurant with rooms. Just a week later on the other side of the Stour, Anne and Tony Smith came to Candy’s newsagents. As the traditional family-run newsagents celebrates its half-century, Anne and her son Ashley reflect on surviving industry shifts, local changes – and personal losses
Pack up a picnic and go to a play! Balmy summer nights are coming; it’s time to take the risk and book for one of the many open air plays coming to a garden or a field near you. Gay Pirrie-Weir has an extensive round up of the open air theatre in Dorset this summer. It’s time to book your tickets!
Two fascinating interviews in this episode; Jenny chatted with wildlife writer Jane Adams about the dawn chorus (and her efforts to hear a very disappointing one!), and also to market director Jules Bradburn about the brilliantly successful launch of the new monthly Independent Shaftesbury Market.
Wildlife writer Jane Adams grew up in the suburbs, and vividly recalls the first time she shared her morning tea with the waking birds ” In the past, I didn’t understand why people got so excited about the dawn chorus. Wasn’t it just a bunch of birds singing ridiculously early in the morning?”
Roger Guttridge tells the story of Dorset’s first newspaper and the ‘Sherborne Men’ who ‘rode Sherborne’ to distribute it
There’s a major new independent market in Shaftesbury – the launch event had more than 70 stalls, and was a resounding success with almost 6,000 people visiting. The monthly event will boost tourism and trade, says market director Jules Bradburn, who already runs the hugely popular independent Sherborne market which she has grown to 200 stalls. She spoke to Jenny about how it’s going, and about some of the incredible artisans, producers and traders that are finding a new audience.
Jim Bettle makes a living from an ancient craft, fuelling his passion for a more sustainable country. One of very few British charcoal producers, by the end of August he’ll produce more than 35 tonnes of sustainable British charcoal from within his North Dorset woodland ‘office’.
Despite Studland being one of the busiest tourist spots in Dorset, this route takes you away from the crowds across the quietly stunning heathlands that sit behind the famous beaches, right next door to RSPB Arne. If you’ve been watching Springwatch, you may just be feeling inspired to get out on those wild heathlands yourself.
Don’t be put off by the outlined length of the route – it’s truly endlessly adaptable. Tracks and paths criss-cross the whole area, meaning you can chop it to any length you choose.
There are very few public footpaths across RSPB Arne itself (understandably so), but that doesn’t mean the area can’t be explored. It is surrounded by beautiful heathland – and as the crowds all head to the beaches the heathlands generally remain peaceful even in the height of the season.
We walked the route on a hot Saturday in May; the roads towards Studland were busy enough, but if you’re planning on a visit during July and August, or a weekend in June and September, we’d suggest making an early start to avoid the traffic. We parked easily on the roadside – but again, we suspect this will be trickier in-season.
Spot Corfe Castle sitting in the distance, queen of all she surveys
The scenery and views are surprisingly varied along the route – the wide open gorse-filled heathland gives way to tall pine forests, and there are also sections through lush farmland, deciduous forest paths, one section gives a wonderful view of Corfe Castle and there of course plenty of stunning sea views across Poole Harbour.
The route itself is incredibly simple – all the paths are clearly marked, and it’s almost entirely flat walking. The final section is a gentle incline, but not one you really notice, even after 11 miles, as the views across the sea are so spectacular!
Do take lots of water on a hot day – there are some pleasantly shady sections, but also long stretches on open heathland which gives glorious views, but no respite from the sun.
Parts of the route are on popular cycle paths, so do keep an ear out for those.
And after a lot of rain the section before Sharford Bridge becomes quite boggy, so be prepared!
Joan Margaret Standerwick, formerly of Shaftesbury, passed away peacefully at Penhellis Nursing Home, Helston.
A dearly loved wife to the late Bob Standerwick, and much loved mum to Colin, Trevor, Carolyn & Kevin. A loving Nana, Great Nana & Great Great Nana to her 16 grandchildren, who will be sadly missed.
