The 26 mile Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike takes place on the 10th September in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. Joining in this year is a local team from Rose Engineering, a family-run engineering and construction company: ‘We wanted to raise money but also to raise awareness of the wonderful work Macmillan do. It’s a bonus that it’s getting us all a bit more active as well!’, said Tom Rose, Managing Director.
The facts are sobering; three million people are living with cancer in the UK, and it is increasing each year. MacMillan Cancer Support aims to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. The Rose Engineering team have been training across the hills of Dorset over the past few months, committed to being fully prepared for the hiking challenge. ‘It’s going to be a tough challenge but we’re all training hard in the lead up to it. The amazing coastal views will push the team on.’ said Rupert Hayes, Operations Manager. The Mighty Hike will take hundreds of walkers on the marathon-length route (see it here) from the starting point at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth, along the South West Coast Path and through the Dorset countryside to finish near Corfe Castle. As any local walker knowns, the terrain along the coastal route contains plenty of steep hill climbs – and despite expectations, going down again is never much more fun than climbing up for tired legs. ‘We’ve received some great support from local businesses and individuals who have sponsored our team, but we still have a way to go to reach our target. If you can support us, and MacMillan, please do visit our JustGiving page to make a donation. We’d be so grateful.’ said Anita Beaumont, Marketing Officer.
The energy bill Is there any help on the horizon to mitigate the energy bills? How do we survive? I literally don’t know. My contract just came to an end, and my renewal offer to fix a rate for the next 12 months is over £700 a month. It is … ridiculous. I’m struggling to understand that it’s actually real, and not an admin error. I’m a single parent to two. I work full time. I’m not on any benefits. My teens have part time jobs. We do OK – but how am I supposed to just whisk up an extra £500 a month? I keep searching and hoping, but there seems to be no answers or help from any quarter. The government are silent – SILENT! – during a national crisis that is genuinely more frightening than any I can personally remember. And if one more person tells me to get thicker curtains or to turn off appliances I’m not using, there may be bloodshed. John Farrer Sherborne
Our missing MP I always enjoy Simon Hoare’s contributions to The BV – I admit I’m an ‘undecided’ voter but have always considered North Dorset lucky in their representative, and value his opinion and thoughts. But I can’t help but notice that he has been Missing In Action a few times in the last few issues. Understandable occasionally – yet I have observed he doesn’t fail to appear in a certain fortnightly printed title under a similar name. Can it be that he values the readers of that paper more? They will, inevitably, be the older demographic, and therefore we all know they are those most likely to vote. The BV is by far the superior publication in terms of reporting and content – and when I stopped to speak to you at the G&S Show (you did an excellent job on the show magazine, by the way) I saw the stats board in your marquee; I know The BV’s circulation to be considerable. You only need to follow your social media to see your instant connection with your readers. And yet Mr Hoare doesn’t appear to value The BV enough to commit to a regular contribution? Or perhaps it is your (what I presume to be) naturally younger, more digitally-conversant readership – who we all know are less likely to make time to vote, especially when we are all so disenchanted and disenfranchised with politicians – that he feels no need to engage with? Interesting. And possibly rather foolish. Dr Charles Mathews nr Sherborne
Our missing government What is happening with our zombie government? We have had weeks of this beauty pageant of two candidates. Our alleged caretaker PM is off on holiday (again). Meanwhile, inflation is at the highest rate for 40 years. Wages are so universally low they are unlivable, and we face a winter of increasing strikes (those old enough will remember how much fun that wasn’t in the 70s). Our energy bills are so eye-watering it is impossible to grasp the reality of them. Local businesses are already closing down – the domino effect has begun, many many more are holding on by their fingertips, but there’s no way they’ll stay afloat when their current contracts run out. The times are not ordinary. We need an extra-ordinary reaction to them. Why was our government allowed to simply wash its hands of the whole energy crisis and say ‘not my job, love, wait for the next guy’? Why is the country looking to a powerless Martin Lewis for guidance? I am so angry at them all. Shona B Nr. Shaftesbury
Truss and Sunak Thank you for your coverage of Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak visiting Dorset. It was an interesting and balanced article (contrary to what one person amusingly seemed to think on Facebook, before admitting they’d not actually read the article in question!), and it should have allowed us to gain a small insight into their responses to a few pertinent rural issues. Sadly by following their summer campaigns more I see their responses were simply their cookie-cutter ‘right, we’re in the country so we need to talk about how great farmers are’ responses. Genuine insight into what our next prime minister may do for deprived rural areas and deep-seated planning issues feel further off then ever. Tom Brady Verwood
What a travesty that a residential home is closing in Shaftesbury due to the inability to fill beds and thus keeping finances viable. Working in the NHS and trying to admit very ill people to overcrowded hospitals, we are informed time and again that there are no beds because there are no available placements to discharge people to. There have been eight empty rooms at Pepperell house. How can this be? Why have these rooms not been filled? Why is there not a long waiting list as there is in other care establishments? Of course I don’t know the answers to these questions but would it not be worth a public enquiry to see if this hugely valuable resource could not be kept open? I imagine it has been a difficult task for the trustees to negotiate the pandemic but there are other willing volunteers who would step immediately into the trustee roles that the present trustees are vacating. Is it not worth having another try to keep Pepperell open? Shaftesbury has an ageing and ever-expanding population. Residential settings for our elderly (soon to include all of us) and especially affordable ones are like gold dust. They should not need to be closed down, they need to have priority status. And the above does not begin to address the devastation to residents and families who are losing their homes with such short notice. No doubt it will be nigh-on impossible to find other suitable accomadation, let alone a new ‘home’ which is what Pepperell most certainly is for its very elderly residents. A safe home and an established community . Dr Katherine Gowing by email
May I thank you for your frank honesty in your editor’s letter this month? I too am an overweight middle-aged mum (there are a lot of us out there), and your letter really struck a chord. Why was I sitting at home waiting for the right body before I braved the outside world in some sportswear? I’m not as brave as you; contact sport is defitely not my thing. But I DID used to love cycling – so I pulled the bike out of the shed and hit the road, lycra-clad wobbly thighs and all. And it was brilliant! I’m so angry at myself for forgetting how much I loved it. Yes, OK, I couldn’t walk for two days afterwards – but I was soon back on it again, this time with my teenage daughter alongside me. It’s become a regular evening mum-and-daughter activity, just for an hour, and we’re both loving it. My aching thighs thank you. Charlotte L Blandford
I should like to express many grateful thanks to Laura and Ian of Swallowcliffe who came to my aid after a nasty fall outside of Tesco Shaftesbury on Saturday August 12th. They finished my shopping and escorted me home. I am glad to say that such great kindness exists. Ever grateful. M. Forster Shaftesbury
Join Wayne for a fascinating event to celebrate his explosive new novel Picture You Dead, the latest Roy Grace thriller from the number one bestseller Peter James.
Much loved by crime and thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists, sinister characters and accurate portrayal of modern day policing, Peter James has won more than 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger. In Picture You Dead, readers discover the darkness that lurks around every corner in the latest instalment of Peter James’s award-winning detective series, which is now a major ITV programme starring John Simm as Roy Grace.
Harry and Freya, an ordinary couple, dreamed for years of finding something priceless buried among the tat in a car boot sale. It was a dream they knew in their hearts would never come true … until the day it did. They buy a drab portrait for a few pounds for its beautiful frame, planning to cut the painting out. Then, back at home, they realise there seems to be another picture underneath – and it’s a stunning landscape. Could it be a long lost masterpiece from 1770? If so, it could be worth millions. One collector is certain it is genuine. He is someone who uses any method he can to get what he wants and will stop at nothing. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace finds himself plunged into the unfamiliar and rarefied world of fine art. Outwardly it appears respectable, gentlemanly, above reproach. But beneath the veneer, he rapidly finds that greed, deception and violence walk hand-in-hand. And Harry and Freya Kipling are about to discover that their dream is turning into their worst nightmare.
‘Sinister and riveting … Peter James is one of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world.’ Lee Child
Tickets for the talk in Sherborne are £5 from Winstone’s or online here. The ticket price is redeemable against the book
All Floyd’s 2022 tour comes to Dorset this month; faithfylly recreating the classic Pink Floyd anthology in the meticulous detail now expected by All Floyd fans. Delivered with stunning visuals and world-class sound system (surround sound in selected theatres) the 2022 tour builds on the successes of previous tours to both astound and impress even the most hardened of tribute act doubters…
‘Number after number turned out immaculately, note-perfect, complete with backing singers and that wonderful, rich throbbing sound that Floyd fans will be familiar with. Messers Mason, Gilmour, Waters, Wright and Barrett would have been proud to hear their music so faithfully rendered. Close your eyes and they could have been in the room. They weren’t, but they could have been.’ This is a show not to miss, a spectacular and honest display of Pink Floyd’s rich musical legacy featuring tracks from Meddle and the iconic Dark Side of the Moon through to The Division Bell.”
Wincanton Sports Ground could close by the end of September, warn the trustees, if no one comes forward. Rachael Rowe reports
The Blackmore Vale is full of brilliant voluntary services that keep things running in the community. If you want to be a volunteer, there are endless options to choose from – you can help to clear footpaths, run sports facilities or operate a food pantry. But what happens when a voluntary role evolves into a full-time unpaid task? What if the volunteers want to do something else with their time? Wincanton Sports Ground is one of several organisations faced with a desperate need for new volunteers and trustees and it so urgent that it risks closure in a few weeks time.
Volunteers needed Wincanton Town Council chairman Howard Ellard also chairs the trustees of Wincanton Sports Ground. He says: ’The sports ground works on a volunteer basis and is governed by a charitable trust (Wincanton Recreational Trust). Like so many local leisure facilities, it is not overseen by the local council. We have four trustees who have been in the post for seven years, and two wish to stand down. ‘The issue is that two of the volunteers have more or less been doing a full time job working at the sports ground. They want to do other things with their time. It sucks the life out of volunteers when they don’t get any support.’ So, what are the consequences of not having any new volunteers or trustees at the sports ground? Howard explains: ‘The trust cannot operate without trustees. Activities at the sports ground will potentially cease at the end of September. ‘Without volunteers, so many essential jobs just would not get done. At the beginning of October, we will not have anyone to do the day-to-day jobs. We have tried to get people to volunteer – but we haven’t got very far. When someone is already doing something (as a volunteer or trustee), people think “Well, I don’t have to then”. We need people to step up; the sports ground is for the benefit of everyone.’
Sport for health Wincanton needs all the sports and leisure facilities it can get. According to data from public health, the adult population in South Somerset has high rates of obesity (60% of adults). Wincanton also has higher rates of high blood pressure and mental ill health than other parts of England. These can all be improved by regular exercise. Sports and leisure facilities are crucial to preventing long-term conditions and ill health. Wincanton Sports Ground is home to the tennis club, Wincanton Town Football Club and Wincanton Rugby Club. Popular local cycling club the Wincanton Wheelers is based at the ground, as is a forest school. Naturally, the clubhouse is also booked out for events. Local people walk through the grounds, and the complex is well-maintained by the volunteers. A spokesperson for Wincanton Town Football Club says: ‘Wincanton Town Football Club has been in existence since 1890, and our men’s first team is currently playing at its best standard of football. We have managed to get help from the public to fund urgent drainage works for the pitch, and it is also our first season entering a ladies’ team into the Somerset Women’s League. Wincanton needs to have its much-loved football teams playing here and we are entirely run by volunteers.’
So many tasks There are various jobs that volunteers or trustees do, ranging from maintaining the grounds to doing the accounts and managing the building. There are also cleaning and serving positions in the main building. All the individual clubs run on their volunteers too. Howard continues: ‘We have done some incredible things in the last two years, but we need people to come forward to replace the volunteers.’ The trustees have already looked at other options. They have met with other organisations that have the potential to take on the management of the sports ground. And they have also considered selling their surplus land, possibly for development. ‘We do have more land than we need,’ says Howard.
Community Asset Volunteering is not only an admirable thing to do, it is rewarding and comes with a host of personal benefits. However, when it takes over your life it can become too much. As a society, we have become dependent on volunteers, and their presence can be taken for granted. The work involved in running a charitable trust is also significant. Volunteers step forward to help society – but they also need support and a break from time to time. If you are considering volunteering, remember that just one hour a month taking on a single task can make a positive difference. If you are interested in volunteering at Wincanton Sports Ground, contact Howard Ellard [email protected].
It’s September – if your garden has survived the summer, there’s still watering needed, planting to begin, and maybe no deadheading this year
As mentioned last month, watering is something everyone is going to need to pay close attention to, particularly if there are lots of potted plants around the garden. See last month’s article for more info and handy tips on this. As September quietens down, it’s a good month to look at ways we can help the wildlife in our gardens.
The log stack Why not try adding a log stack in a sheltered corner. Logs can usually be sourced from tree surgeons, landscapers or firewood dealers. Native tree logs are best, but any will do. They can be piled up any way you wish, but a more concentrated stack has more opportunities for wildlife. Log piles can also benefit from having an old carpet on top of the pile. This will help create warmth and a drier place for insects, frogs, hedgehogs and even birds to live. There are numerous hedgehog ‘hotels’ available to purchase – or you can make your own. Position one under the log pile to provide a safe place for them to hibernate. here are many online videos showing how to do this.
Leave those heads alone The seedheads of teasels, lavender, verbena and rose hips are all particularly good for wildlife. If you can, stop deadheading roses to allow the hips to form, providing food for birds in the winter months. Rosa vanina, moyesii, rugosa, spinosissima, and Madame Gregoire Staechelin (to name a few) all produce very attractive rose hips.
Go wild Leave patches of grass in corners of your garden to ‘go wild’. Try to refrain from using pesticides and wherever possible, control slugs and snails organically,
Bat boxes Bats are in significant decline and they need all the help they can get. There are lots of things a gardener can do to encourage them – planting night-scented flowers and building a pond will encourage the insects they feed on, as will letting your garden go a little wild. Having linear features like hedgerows and tree lines help them too. Domestic cats are the main bat predator in the UK – keeping cats indoors at night, particularly around dawn and dusk when bats are emerging and returning to roost, will help protect them. If you erect a bat box, ensure it is high enough (at least four metres, if you can do so safely). The bat box should be away from artificial lights. See bats.org.uk for lots of advice on supporting bats in your garden.
September jobs
Continue to feed and deadhead hanging baskets if they have survived all that heat!
Prune climbing and rambling roses.
When we get some decent rain and the soil becomes workable, spring bulbs – daffodils, crocus and hyacinths can all be planted now.
If you’ve not managed to take a look at the September issue yet, you might like a shortcut to this year’s 2022 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show results – we’ve narrowed it down to just the local winners, and grouped them together so hopefully they’re more digestible for you:
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show results: cattle class winners
Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Les Bennett of Slades Hill, Templecome, scored a big success for local cattle farmers, taking the Supreme Dairy Championship with the any other dairy breed champion, Lilylane Magic Hawaii. Les also took the reserve championship with his Holstein championship and Holbuts Cup winner, Ciderhouse Springtime Rochele.
Other local champions and cup winners included the Young Entry Dairy champion and Sandroyd Cup winner, Moonlight Stormy Victorious Nouvelle exhibited by Chloe Peach from Donhead St Andrew, the Young Entry Beef championship and Wilson Shield winner Harry Mitchell from Dorchester, who also took the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Cup. The Mitchell family took the Hereford championship and Lamb Cup with Vexour 1 Phantom.
The Aberdeen Angus championship and Barclays Bank trophy went to Angus Neish of Maiden Bradley. The Longhorn championship went to Matt Horne from Overton near Basingstoke, but the Other Indigenous, Rare and Minority Breeds champion was a local winner, Long Ash Eunite exhibited by Sid Hollier from Dorchester. The Dexter championship went to Cannington Mason exhibited by J and M Bennett of Dulcote.
Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Local winners:
Young entry, dairy, and Tucker Cup – Amos Craze Mell exhibited by Abigail Rudd. Moonlight Stormy Victorious Nouvelle, and championship, Chloe Peach, Donhead St Andrew. Young entry, beef, and Sidney Perry Shield – Templeton Lele 2nd, Miles Blakeney, Mere; Championship, Wilson Shield, and Gillingham & Shaftesbury Cup – Harry Mitchell, Dorchester.
Holstein Championship and Holbuts Cup, and cow – Ciderhouse Springtime Rochele, Les Bennett, Templecombe. Group – Brickyard Pumpkin, Charlotte Tuffin, Bagber.
Any other dairy breed Championship, and heifer – Lilylane Magic Hawaii, Les Bennett. Cow – Je t’aime Double L Bijou, Richard Norman, Yeovil. Pair and group – Les Bennett.
Aberdeen Angus Champion, heifer, pair – Angus Neish, Maiden Bradley.
Hereford Champion, heifer, bull and pair – Mitchell family, Dorchester. Calf – Baybridge I Flower 3rd, Les Gould, Shaftesbury.
British Blue Cow – Dingvalley Nightingale, R.F & C.L Spiller, Yeovil; Bull – Dingvalley Pluto, Spiller.
Continental Heifers – Brampton Ruby and Lewyd Silvia, Will Glover, Leigh; Pair and Beef Cattle pairs championship – Brampton Rainbow and Ruby, Glover.
Longhorn Cow – Warns Olive, Alice Glover; bull and pair – Warns Romeo, Alice Glover.
Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Other Indigenous, Rare & Minority Breeds Champion, cow – Long Ash Eunite, Sid Hollier, Dorchester; Calf – Lodge Farm Queenie, Andrew Smith, Wincanton; Heifer – Bayford Helen, Smith; Heifer – Long Ash Jelta, Hollier; Bull – Long Ash Gatsby, Hollier; Pair – Long Ash Hazelberry, Hollier.
Dexter Champion, cow or heifer, bull – J & M Bennett, Dulcote; Heifer – Downs view Lexi, Miles Blakeney, Mere; Pair – Blakeney.
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show results: sheep class winners
The big winnner in the sheep classes was Miss Ali Tory from Blandford St Mary who won the supreme sheep championship and the Arthur Cradock Cup. Ali also took the Hampshire Down championship and the Commercial and Shortwool championship.
Other local successes included Trish Gray from Lower Chicksgrove who won the Fleece championship and the Wool Marketing Board Shield with her Shetland sheep and Tom Newth from Castle Cary who took the Commercial & Shortwool group of three championship and the Sheldon Jones Cup.
Image: Rachael Rowe
Local winners:
Young Handler Championship and John Menlove Shield, and 12 years and under winner – Charlie Coombes; 6 yrs and under – Harriet Griffin, Hazelbury Bryan; 8 yrs and under – Elise Rochford, Wincanton.
Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Ram, ram lamb, ewe lamb, and group of 3 – Alexandria James, Shaftesbury; Ewe – Emma Crosfield, Gillingham.
Hampshire Down Championship and Woolley & Wallis Cup, ram, ewe, ram lamb and ewe lamb – Ali Tory, Blandford St Mary.
Continental sheep Championship and Mole Valley Farmers Cup, ewe, ewe lamb and group of three – Tom Newth, Castle Cary; Ram – Alistair Lyle, Yeovil.
Zwartble Championship and Kathy Watt Cup and ewe lamb – John Case, Lower Odcombe; Group of 3 – Heather Vincent, Gillingham.
Jacob sheep Group of 3 – Liz Butler, Yeovil.
British Native Longwool Championship, ewe – Miss JA Gamblin, Somerton; Ram – Malcolm Hunt, Wincanton.
Black Welsh Mountain Championship and Glebe Heath Shield, ram, ewe, ram lamb and group of 3 – Mrs Rhian Rochford, Wincanton.
Dorset Down Ram – Jenny Wyre, Salisbury.
Shetland sheep Championship and John Maylam trophy, ram, group of 3 – Mr and Mrs David and Carolyn Gill, Chantmarle; Ewe, ewe lamb – Trish Gray, Lower Chicksgrove.
Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Greyface Dartmoor championship and Valerie Pratt cup, shearling ram, shearling ewe, group of 3 and Hillside & Hearne Flock Shield – Christine Nugent, Mere; Ram lamb – Mr and Mrs JM & RB Gatrill, Wells; Ewe lamb – Mr and Mrs R & J Baker, Tisbury.
Primitive breeds Ram – Keith Street, Salisbury; Ewe, group of 3 – Caroline Bulmer, Shepton Beauchamp.
Hill, Heath and Mountain Breed Championship, ram, ewe, ram lamb, group of 3 – Geoff Barnett, Bridport.
Downland breeds Ram – Calvin Bent, Shaftesbury; Ram lamb – Paul Dunnings, Fifehead St Quintin.
Fleece classes Shetland – Trish Gray; Down & Fine fleece – Jenny Wyre; Luster fleece – Darren and Sarah Rashley, East Coker. Pair of commercial sheep – Martin Jennings, Pitcombe.
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show results: equestrian class winners
Local winners:
Local Novice Ridden Hunter and Vaughan Cup – William and Clare Gundry, Sturminster Newton. Small hunter and Dorset Lettings Cup – Brickell Danielle and Emma Fitzgerald, East Chinnock. Leading rein and open unaffiliated leading rein pony – Haffendens Winston and Imogen Groves, Bridport. First ridden – Finnlea Finders Keepers and Rosie Gundry, Sturminster Newton. Small breeds – Sharptor Kingpin and Jess Talbot, Martock. Ridden veteran – Happy Times and Mrs Mouse Berry, Gillingham.
Image: Chris Robinson
Open ridden cob – Poachers Moon and Josefine Board, Stoke sub Hamdon; Racehorse to riding horse – Josefine Board. Racehorse to riding horse, to include small jumps – Salcombe and Georgia Bennet, Frome. Young horse breeding in hand, brood mare, and Dufosee Cup – Carry On Tiffin and Sally Fox, Bournemouth. Young horse breeding in hand, foal, and Wallis Cup, and Young Horse Breeding In Hand Championship – Sir Sidney Ruff Diamond and Sally Fox. Young horse breeding in hand, young horse, yearling, 2 & 3 year old – Baloo and Mrs Lucy Felton, Droop. In hand veteran – Pokeys Lane and Amy Edmeads, Todber.
Image: Derick Pannel
Large breeds, yearling – Popsters Power Ballad and Amy Baynton, Martock. Small breeds, 4 yrs or over – Sharptor blackthorn and Mrs Megan Bullen, Shaftesbury. In hand: Youngstock – Stockford Little Superstar and Andrea Vickery, Dorchester. Coloured – Auzzie Boy and Mrs Teresa Elson, Dorchester. Race to riding horse – In The Tub and Tamsin Reynolds, Shaftesbury. Heavy horses – Donhead Hall Hickory and RJ Hiscock, Donhead St Mary. Agricultural heavy horse turnout – Holbeane Isaac & Res Gestice Valentina and Michael Yorke, West Hatch. Trade heavy horse turnout – Donhead Hall Liberty Bell & Donhead Hall Shenandoah and RJ Hiscock.
When the cattle market and the creamery closed at Stur, locals found a new way to keep the town on the map.
image Courtenay Hitchcock
Sturminster Newton was once home to one of Europe’s largest cattle markets, until, in the late 1990s, the market site was sold for redevelopment. The closure of the cattle market ended a 700 year old tradition and was quickly followed by the closure of the Creamery, makers of the award-winning Sturminster Cheddar and other cheeses. A public meeting was held at which the town decided that an event to celebrate cheese was one way to keep Sturminster Newton on the map. In 1999, the first Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival was held –four days long and a whole-town event. Attractions ranged from a tour of the Creamery to a tea-dance in the old Sturminster Hall. Three scout marquees on the recreation ground hosted local food producers and crafters – and there was even an evening fashion show.
image Courtenay Hitchcock
The best of the West Fast forward to 2022 and the festival is still going strong. It is now held for two days over a weekend with rather larger marquees and it takes over the whole recreation ground, off Ricketts Lane. This year’s festival will feature 21 cheese producers and 47 artisan food and drink producers, showcasing the best that the West Country has to offer. Naturally there will be a huge variety of cheeses and you can sample them with an array of chutneys, bread, biscuits … and of course follow up with some sweet treats of jam, cake or chocolate. Perhaps you might like to finish off with some locally distilled gin or vodka – or maybe wine from a Dorset vineyard? The craft tent will be home to jewellery, portraits, photography, home scents, wood turning and more. Outside there will be other stands, including plants and garden furniture as well as craft demonstrations. And don’t forget the local charities and other organisations which are represented too. Add to the mix some children’s entertainment (including free Punch & Judy shows and entertainment from Strawberry Jam), live music, the Real Ale and Cider Tent and an array of outside caterers to choose from – of course, including cheese toasties! There is something for everyone … And you never know who you might see – the founder of the world’s largest greenfield festival has been spotted at the Cheese Festival in the past.
Image Courtenay Hitchcock
Millennium of milling If you fancy a short stroll, then perhaps take a break to wander down to the town’s historic 16th century mill, which is still operational – milling began on the Stour at Stur in 1016. It made international news during the first pandemic lockdown, when its wheels ground into action for a short time to produce flour commercially, rather than just for its visitors. Once you’ve had a quiet look around the mill, head back to the Festival for some liquid refreshment – or maybe an ice cream – before one last round-up of the food marquee.
Image Courtenay Hitchcock
Find out more at www.cheesefestival.co.uk and buy your tickets online. Earlybird tickets purchased before 10th September are £7 (£8 on the gate). Children under 15 go free. (Free parking is available in the field adjacent to the site). You can also keep up with all the Cheese Festival news on Facebook and Instagram.
