Unveiling New Attractions and Unbeatable Value at the Dorset County Show 2023.

By

-

30 May 2023

**Early Bird Tickets END 1st JUNE**

Dorset County Show is preparing for an event of unparalleled magnitude, making it the must-see event of the season. Creatures both large and small will be making their grand entrance, some for the very first time.

From Saturday, September 2nd to Sunday, September 3rd, the County Show promises to deliver exceptional value. For those who seize the early bird offer by midnight on Thursday, June 1st, tickets are available at a mere £17 – a substantial £6 off the gate price.

This year’s event is pulling out all the stops. For fans of the equine, there’s the Heavy Horse Village, a tribute to the gentle giants of the horse world. Demonstrations of heavy horse logging will be presented by Dorset’s own Toby Hoad, a rare talent in this ancient art. Attendees can witness the age-old bond between man and horse, reminiscent of a partnership over 10,000 years in the making.

Adding a dash of spirited competition, Shetland pony racing will debut at the County Show. These energetic ponies, known for their speed and agility, are sure to impress spectators.

Monster trucks are set to bring a different kind of horsepower to the County Show. The arrival of Big Pete and his sidekick, The Grim Reaper, will be announced by the roar of their engines as they dominate the showground in a spectacular display of mechanical power.

Livestock competitions offer another facet of entertainment, as the county’s finest rare breeds, cattle, pigs, goats and sheep vie for the title of County Show Champion.

The idyllic woodland area will be the backdrop for the famed Dorset Axemen, whose skills hark back to the era before modern machinery. Attendees will be treated to displays of rapid chopping and crosscut sawing, demonstrating the sheer physical strength of these traditional woodworkers.

The newly introduced Crafter’s Avenue invites onlookers to appreciate the finesse of Dorset’s finest craftspeople. Here, visitors can witness an array of heritage crafts, such as basket weaving, spinning, and whittling.

Gourmands will delight in the event’s gastronomical offerings. In the newly launched Food and Drink Area, the county’s best producers will present an array of local, British delights, catering to every palate. Following high demand, two Food Halls will be available to satisfy even the most discerning foodie.

Show Organiser, James Cox, stated, “Our revised approach for this year highlights the very best of Agriculture, Countryside, Rural Life, and the outstanding Food, Drink, and Crafts that Dorset has to offer. We’re uniting Dorset – from coast to countryside, and across all towns – in a grand harvest celebration.”

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the show offers a valuable experience for all, particularly as children attend for free. The 10.5 hours of entertainment make it an offer not to be missed.

Bookings can be made effortlessly through the newly designed Dorset County Show website: https://www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

Birgett, Martin Penell

By

Editorial team

-

29 May 2023

0

Formerly of Bridport, after a short illness on 14th May 2023 aged 83 years.

A much loved father, grandad and great grandad who will be hugely missed by his family and all his friends.

Funeral service to take place at St. Winifreds, Branscombe, on Tuesday 30th May 2023 at 2pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Devon Wildlife Trust

Blossom, Kings, and Quiches

By

Editorial team

-

28 May 2023

0

As we gladly leap into early summer, Caz Richards of Dorset Food & Drink picks her must-have local foods this month

The 2023 watercress season gets underway almost at the same moment that King Charles III receives his crown! So what better way to celebrate the start of the ‘green’ King’s reign than with lashings of the green stuff that is so good for you?
It’s grown in Dorset and just over the border in Hampshire.
For anyone planning a street party or just celebrations with the family, we’ve got a couple of simple quiche alternatives to the official Coronation Quiche – we suggest that the soggy spinach is replaced with watercress. Try this Green Quiche with Watercress, Leeks & Peas recipe from the Watercress Company. And don’t forget the delicious salads to accompany them; we have one patriotically red, white, and blue and another with a passing nod to the classic Coronation Chicken. You can find the salad recipes here.
Seasonal eaters out there, we thank you, and we at Dorset Food & Drink salute you (with a slice of quiche of course). Remember to eat your greens!

Sip in style, sans alcohol
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic tipple to toast the new King, apple or pear juice are refreshing alternatives to offer your guests. Dorset Nectar Cider offer a lovely range of zingy juices, including a delicious blend of Devonshire Brown, Sweet Coppin and Porter’s Perfection – delicious on their own, or add sparkling water and a shot of Dorset Ginger for an extra kick!
Alternatiovely, try the gorgeous range from Curious Kombucha made by Emma Davies. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink full of probiotics and prebiotics that promote gut health. It’s mildly effervescent and slightly tart, low in sugar and non-alcoholic.

When the Moon hits your eye …
If you’re looking for an authentic slice of hot Italian summer, then a trip to Bridport may be in order. Ilaria Padovani relocated from Verona to Bridport in 2013 and established Mercato Italiano, supplying the finest formaggi e salumi to customers via a weekly market stall and food events that she imported directly using her Italian contacts.
A move meant finally offering customers the ability to experience authentic Napoletana-style pizza (and some of the best coffee in town!). The menu is filled with delicious, hand-crafted, Napoletana style pizzas made with authentic Italian ingredients imported by Mercato Italiano. Margherita Classica? Prosciutto Toscano? Perhaps a Vegano … there’s something for everyone.
Do book ahead – opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm (last orders 9pm).
Check out the menu and book a table mercatoitaliano.uk

Feeling saucy?
Did you know From Dorset With Love recently launched a new range of sauces? They’re itching to rock your barbecues this summer! Choose from Tomato, Brown, Sweet Chilli, Honey BBQ or Smoky BBQ. You can buy online, but be warned; the BBQ sauces go fast, so maybe stock up if you can! fromdorsetwithlove.co.uk

It’s gold AND five stars for the Queen’s Arms at Corton Denham

By

Editorial team

-

27 May 2023

0

In a triumphant week for The Queen’s Arms in Corton Denham, the charming pub has once again secured Gold from Taste of the West – the second consecutive year – and also received a prestigious five-star rating after an anonymous visit from an AA inspector.

Both the Taste of the West judges and the AA inspector experienced The Queen’s Arms incognito, allowing them to form unbiased opinions of the establishment – from first impressions to staff interactions and, of course, the quality of the food.
The AA inspector praised The Queen’s Arms, stating it was “a pleasure to visit” and admiring the “consistent quality levels throughout.” The inspector highlighted the “personable team,” “enjoyable, accomplished cooking and quality produce,” and the “stylish public areas” that have been tastefully refurbished to maintain character and enhance appeal.
Similarly, the Taste of the West judges commended the “very high standard” of service and “high-quality food.” They remarked that The Queen’s Arms caters to everyone, whether visitors are relaxing with board games or savouring the excellent food. The pub is evidently popular among locals, who visit after walking their dogs, as well as diners seeking a quality dining experience.
Doune Mackenzie-Francis, the director, expressed excitement over the awards and praised the team for their dedication to delivering exceptional service and food.

The Queen’s Arms, which opened in July 2021 after a lockdown refurbishment, continues to thrive under the guidance of head chef Rich Townsend and food and beverage manager Danny Emney, with sensational seasonal dishes like Castlemead Chicken with wild garlic and hand-crafted bay leaf gin.

The Queen’s Arms is open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm.
Follow thequeensarms.com for more information on upcoming special events, like Fish and Fire on 23rd May (booking is recommended!).

See the BV’s circular walk from Corton Denham here – it’s a great walk, with some amazing views. Do the ten miles and really earn that post-walk G&T!

Stompin’ Dave Quartet at Shaftesbury Arts Centre 2023

By

Editorial team

-

27 May 2023

0

On Sunday 23^rd July the Stompin’ Dave Quartet are live at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, as part of Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. Inspired by the festivals spirit of creative development, Dave has brought together four of the UK’s top musicians forming a brand new jazz and blues band. Making their debut together as a group, the band features Stompin’ Dave on vocals, electric guitar, and tap dancing, Ray Drury on keyboards, Paul Francis on bass, and Sam Kelly on drums.

Bridport based Stompin’ Dave has worked exclusively as a musician, he has made well over two hundred and fifty festival appearances, including some major ones such as Glastonbury, Camp Bestival, and Bestival. A former member of former UK Blues Band of the Year The Producers, Stompin’ Dave was nominated for a British Blues Award in 2014. “Stompin’ Dave is a master of all kinds of American roots…a formidable musician and a true original” The Daily Telegraph.

Ray Drury’s first band was soul act Rufus Stone. He played many gigs with the band including supporting Curtis Mayfield, and Gloria Gaynor. Ray then moved over to blues and currently performs with many different artists including multi award wining blues band The Producers. This led to Ray was named best UK keyboard player by Bronte Blues Club Awards, and voted third best UK keyboard player in the Blues Matters magazine Poll.

One of bassist Paul Francis’ first professional gigs was at Glastonbury Festival 1979 with Steve Hillage, of legendary psychedelic rock band Gong. Since then Paul has had a long and varied career working with an amazing array of music industry names. Paul has toured the UK & Europe with Paul Weller, and performed with jazz funk band The James Taylor Quartet, and many, many others.

London based Sam Kelly has been voted into the Blues In Britain magazine Gallery of the Greats as a five-times winner of the UK Drummer of the Year award. In recent years Sam has been awarded first place in the drummer category in the Blues Matters Writer’s Poll. Over the years Sam has performed with such well known artist as Dr. John, Ben. E King, Robert Plant, The Foundations, Chaka Khan, Billy Ocean, Paul Jones, Imelda May, Gary Moore, and Chris Barber.

Sam was an original member of renowned 1970’s British funk band Cymande who attained US Billboard R&B chart success. Cymande reformed in 2014 and Sam has subsequently toured across the globe with them, including many headline shows at Ronnie Scott’s.

More information on Stompin’ Dave’s Quartet can be found at www.stompinstore.com/quartet. The shows start at 7.30pm. Advance tickets are £14. Available from Shaftesbury Arts Box Office 01747 854321 or online via www.shaftesburyarts.org.uk

Fundraising Officer | Vale Pantry

By

Editorial team

-

26 May 2023

0

Full or Part Time – Hours to Suit – 6 month initial post.

The Vale Pantry has been provided with the funding to take on a fundraising officer for 6 months. Should this post be financially succesful, the post may become a full time position. The Pantry needs to generate at least £150,000 per annum to do what it does and we need an experienced fundraiser who is able to work from home on their own initiative and be as passionate as we all are about the work we do.

We are looking for an engaging, ambitious, and highly organised individual to become our Fundraising Officer to help us grow and become sustainable for the long term.

Whether your background is in the private, public or third sector, here are the skills and attributes we are looking for:

Great communication skills – able to develop relationships, empathise with diverse audiences, and bring the Vale Pantry to life and tell stories that influence and motivate
Ambitious and proactive
Tenacity and resilience
Strong planning and prioritisation skills, working at pace and managing multiple deadlines
Data driven – able to provide insight and analysis to identify and nurture opportunities
Creative thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills
Business acumen, with proven experience of meeting and exceeding targets and working to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
A track record of writing proposals that are engaging and concise

Job Summary

The post holder will be responsible for raising funds for The Vale Panrtry from community fundraising, grants/trusts and developing other key income streams: major donors, regular giving and corporate. The post holder will hold a strategic over view of The Vale Pantry’s fundraising needs and be a key player in the charity’s communications and marketing.

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage, support and develop imaginative fundraising activities, some of which will be events-based
Contribute to bid writing for grant/trust applications
Inspire new supporters to raise money, while maintaining and developing relationships with existing supporters
Deliver presentations to interested groups and to attend events including cheque presentations
Develop and broaden corporate support
Develop and coordinate web-based fundraising including social media

Salary by negotiation

To learn more and help us continue to help those most disadvantaged, please contact Carole Jones on 07968 348481. Please email a CV to [email protected]

Do I have to work a bank holiday?

By

Editorial team

-

26 May 2023

0

A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.

Q: “ I recently started a new job which I enjoy, but my boss has told me I’ll have to work on bank holidays. This was never the case in my old job. Can my employer really make me work on a public holiday, and should I get paid extra if I do?”

A: Congratulations on the new job and wonderful to hear you’re enjoying the work. Unfortunately, when it comes to bank holidays, whether or not staff have to work is up to their employer, and you don’t have to be paid more if you do.
The situation will vary from job to job and may depend on a number of factors such as whether your place of work is open on bank holidays, your hours of work and – crucially – what your contract says.
Take a look at your contract, if you have one, to find out what your personal situation is. Your contract might say you will always get bank holidays off, you may sometimes be required to work them or it might say you will always be required to work.
If your place of work is normally open on a bank holiday, you’ll probably be asked to work at least some of them. But if your contract says you get bank holidays off you shouldn’t be asked to work.
Your contract might say something like: “In addition to bank and public holidays, your annual entitlement to holidays is X days” – this means you get public holidays off in addition to your annual leave entitlement – but it might not mean you’re entitled to take the specific days off. You may be required to work a bank holiday, in which case you should get another day off instead. Alternatively, it might say something like: “Your annual holiday entitlement (inclusive of bank and public holidays) is X days” – this means you have to take bank holidays off as part of your annual leave entitlement. Bank holidays will either be deducted from your annual leave allowance (so you’ll have to book all bank holidays as paid time off) or they will be counted as additional holiday days.

Bank holiday pay
A common misunderstanding around bank holidays is that employers have to pay you extra for working them. This is not the case. Unless your contract says you’ll be paid extra, you will just be paid your normal amount. If your contract says you are entitled to bank holidays off but you’re asked to work, you should be able to take a different day off in lieu. Your employer has to follow what’s set out in your contract. If they don’t, you should raise this with them.
If you don’t have a contract, the legal default position is that your employer can tell you when you can or can’t take time off.
If you’d like to request a bank holiday off, use the normal method for requesting time off. If you find you need to resolve an issue with your employer, first ask for an informal chat, where you can raise your concerns.
If this doesn’t get you anywhere, you may need to raise a formal grievance – if you need help or advice on this contact your local Citizens Advice.

Graduate Assistant (Prep School or Senior School) | Clayesmore School

By

Editorial team

-

26 May 2023

0

To commence September 2023

Enthusiastic and committed Graduate Assistants are required for our Prep School and Senior School on a one year contract. These exciting opportunities include a full and active role in the pupils’ games programme, supporting the work of teachers in the classroom, and pastoral care of our boarders.

These positions would suit enthusiastic sports candidates who may be recent graduates and may be considering a career in teaching to learn more about the profession, or for someone seeking a short-term post prior to embarking on another career path. These are live-in positions that will involve some evening and weekend work within the boarding house.

For further information and an application form, please go to:

https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/

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

Science Technician (Physics) | Clayesmore School

By

Editorial team

-

26 May 2023

0

Permanent, Part Time

To commence September 2023

An enthusiastic person is required from September 2023 to provide the skills and expertise to support teaching and learning within the Physics department.

Your duties will include preparing for practical work, advising and supervising pupils, and ordering, storing and maintaining stock materials and equipment. You will have a knowledge of Health and Safety within a Science environment and be able to carry out regular safety checks and risk assessments.

This post is part time, 16 hours per week, term time only. A competitive salary and attractive benefits are provided for the successful candidate.

Further details and an application form are available from:

https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us/

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

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

www.clayesmore.com