Tisbury Teen Selected for the British Junior Orienteering Team

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7 August 2022

A rainy-day activity with her father set Lyra Medlock on the trail to the oppressive Hungarian heat with the GB Junior Team, says Rachael Rowe

Rainy days are an unlikely start to a new outdoor interest. But when Lyra Medlock’s father suggested they get out and go orienteering, she jumped at the chance. ‘It was raining, and we were bored, so when Dad suggested it, I went. And that’s where it all started from there.’
For the uninitiated, orienteering is an adventure sport involving cross-country running through rough terrain (away from any footpaths) or urban sprinting, while using a map and compass to navigate between checkpoints guided by a specially-produced orienteering map. It is a thinking sport, requiring the mind and body to work together to run as fast as possible through difficult terrain without getting lost. However, if you live on your smartphone there’s a drawback – you cannot use a GPS or sat-nav and you run on your own. Some races last an hour, while others are sprints for 10 to 15 minutes. Orienteering is done on all terrains, from mountains to forests, urban areas to sand dunes.

Hung(a)ry for success
Once Lyra got into orienteering, she quikly progressed, joining the South West junior squad at the age of 12 and representing her region at inter-regional championships in Yorkshire and Cleveland. She has consistently won her age group (W14/W16) at the British Championships in all three disciplines (sprint, middle distance and long distance). The sport has taken her to Scotland, the Lake District, South Wales and many other places. Thanks to a grant from the Alice Coombes Trust, Lyra was able to attend selection races in the north of England. She was duly picked to orienteer for England Juniors, first against the Belgians and French, then against Scotland, Wales and Ireland – and she won both races. Lyra’s eyes have been on GB selection for a while. After six challenging events in Wales and Northumberland, she was chosen to orienteer for Great Britain at the European Youth Orienteering Championships in Salgotarjan in Hungary, this summer.
Lyra’s races were against 16-year-old girls from 33 other countries. Out of a field of 100, she finished in an excellent 9th place in the sprint event; the best GB performance of the weekend.
Lyra said: ‘It was amazing. I always wanted to get onto the team, and I was younger than others.’

Fontmell practice runs
In Hungary, Lyra twice had to run in forests where temperatures reached 37 degrees. “I drank lots more water than usual and kept to the shade as much as possible. It was the same for everyone. You just have to cope and move on.”
Lyra attends Gillingham School and is in Year 10. She practises her sport by running around Tisbury and the Fontmell Estate, and has got to know every path and run-through in the area. Lyra and her father, Jolyon, appreciate the efforts made by local people to keep footpaths clear, as this has helped Lyra achieved her sporting goal.
If you have read this and are interested in trying out orienteering, the Medlock family recommends the Wessex Orienteering Club, where they participate in events. Parents need to drive their children to various venues for junior events.
Orienteering is a sport for runners who can both read a map and make decisions at speed.

Can you hear the bats?

By

Editorial team

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6 August 2022

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When she was young, wildlife writer Jane Adams was told ‘you can’t hear bats’ – and believed it for 30 years … But you can.

The pipistrelle bat is one of the most common in the UK

I was 11 when I first heard a bat. A friend had invited our family to a BBQ and as the sun set and the adults got tipsy, bats appeared. Except I didn’t see them, I heard them. Their high-pitched squeaks and squeals were so loud they seemed to pierce holes in the cooling September air as the bats weaved around my head, catching mosquitoes.
I asked my dad what the bats were saying, and I remember him laughing and telling me, ‘You can’t hear bats.’ And that’s what I believed for the next 30 years.

Shouting bats
We have 18 species of bat in the UK, and most are in dramatic decline thanks to modern farming practices killing their food and humans excluding them from roosting in our houses.
The one you’re most likely to come across is the pipistrelle. These tiny bats only weigh between 4-7 grams, have a jerky, erratic way of flying and can eat up to 3,000 flies a night. Although they can see quite well, they navigate and feed in the dark by shouting at very high frequencies and waiting for their shout to echo back – known as echolocation.

Bat detectorist
The next time I heard a bat, I was on a bat walk organised by Dorset Wildlife Trust. We each had a bat detector, a black box which looked like a small transistor radio. When tuned to the right frequency, the detector allowed us to hear the echolocation calls of the bats as pops, whistles and slurps. It was magical.
Although my dad was right about most things, he’d been wrong about bats. Children, and some young adults, can hear the lower parts of their ultra-sound calls. However as we age the cells in our inner ear become less sensitive and we lose that range – and the ability to hear the bats shouting.
So this month, on a warm evening after the sun has set, take your children or grandkids for a walk in the countryside and get them to listen for bats. Although you probably won’t hear them, it may be your child’s only chance to experience this unforgettable sound with their own ears.

To help bats thrive in the future, go to the Bat Conservation Trust website at bats.org.uk

A Hundred Years of Sport in Shillingstone

By

Editorial team

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6 August 2022

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On 7th August, the village of Shillingstone will celebrate 100 years of their sports festival – Rachael Rowe reports on the much-loved family event.

A hundred years ago, Britain was recovering from a World War and a global flu pandemic. The Western Gazette reported on the Shillingstone sports festival at the time, and this year many of the original races will be back on the schedule.
In 1922, a flat half mile race for ex-servicemen reflected Shillingstone’s sad claim as ‘the bravest village in England’, having sent the most men to war per head of population. It was a popular event, won by H. Haine. The open 120 yards hurdles race was won by S. Trowbridge. Other open events in 1922 included both one and two mile bicycle races.
Only locals could enter the 100 yards flat race, and the same for the three-legged race (boys only) and the egg and spoon (just for girls). There were even prizes for garland making, and the total prize pot was valued at £26 (roughly £1,031 today). Blandford Town Band started the day’s events with a parade through the village (and were ‘in attendance on the field during the afternoon and evening’).
A hundred years on, and there will be races for children of all ages, events for fathers and mothers, and an obstacle course. Although the egg in the egg and spoon race has now been replaced with a potato, there is still a traditional sack race.

One shilling entrance
In 1922 people had to pay one shilling to come to the sports day, but in 2022 the event is free for everyone to enjoy. One of the organisers, Kay Ridout, has been busy with the team of volunteers getting things ready for the big day. She first got involved when she came to the village in the 1990s. “I joined in a race as a spectator, got roped in to help – and have been there ever since. Richard Higgs, our sports director, has also been involved for years.”

Remember the raft race?
One of the features of the Shillingstone Sports Day this year is the return of the famous raft race. Until the early 90s decorated homemade rafts raced from Shillingstone to Sturminster Newton. Not everyone – or the rafts – got to the finishing line, and most people got a soaking! If you remember it, you may enjoy this video of the 1991 raft race)

As reeds have made the river more hazardous to navigate, the race has been relaunched this year on dry land as the Go Kraft Race; “we’re looking for a raft with four wheels. Think of the Red Bull soap box challenge, but on the flat”
Kay hopes it will attract creative entries with fancy dress, making the event a fun day out. There will be a prize for the best ‘Go Kraft Boat’, and the best-dressed team.
No tug of war
In the days when you could travel by train to Shillingstone, the Tug of War attracted teams from across North Dorset. In 1922 the tug of war final was played between Child Okeford and Sherborne at Shillingstone (Sherborne won). Sadly, the tug of war no longer takes place – Kay explains: “It’s down to a lack of volunteers and also rope. We have the same people coming forward each time who can’t do everything. We have tried to find someone, but no one came forward.”
The sports festival is open to everyone. Other attractions will include skittles, tennis, a raffle, a treasure hunt, tombola, Splat the Rat, children’s games, face painting, craft stalls and a car boot sale. There will also be various stalls run by numerous village groups. Refreshments will be available, and of course, the always popular Bar Tent.
Events have been sponsored by local business owners Helen Antell of Feathered Nest, Debby Cole of Absolute Catering and Wessex Internet.

If you want to make a Go Kraft vehicle for the race and have a team of four people, entry forms and rules can be obtained from Veronica Jenkins at 01258 863641.
The event is at Shillingstone Recreation Ground on Sunday 7 August, from 1pm to 5pm.

Tory leadership hopefuls stage a West Country two-step

By

Editorial team

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6 August 2022

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Truss pledges a bonfire of farming and planning bureaucracy and Sunak promises help for farmers and first-time buyers

You could, if you were so minded, describe this week’s West Country visits by the Tory leadership candidates as a two-step U-turn. First, Rishi Sunak was accused of a massive U-turn when he proposed a significant cut in income tax by the end of the decade. Then Liz Truss was forced to backtrack on a proposal for regional pay groups and pay cuts for public sector workers outside the south-east.
The former Chancellor visited North Dorset for a meeting of party members, hosted by local MP Simon Hoare at the Exchange at Sturminster Newton, and the Foreign Secretary was in West Dorset the following day at Athelhampton House, meeting local members, hosted by West Dorset MP Chris Loder. At both meetings, the candidates also answered questions from selected media representatives, including The BV. In between, they took part in a joint hustings meeting at the Great Hall of Exeter University.

The need for unity
Mr Hoare introduced Rishi Sunak as “a common sense Tory who will do the right thing,” but stressed that the party must unite after the leadership election. This call was echoed by Mr Sunak, who spoke of the importance of restoring trust – and of patriotism, family, hard work and aspiration.
Identifying himself as the leader for the next general election – which would be a record fifth consecutive win for the Conservatives – he recognised the need to appeal to floating voters, and referred specifically to the recent loss of the Honiton and Tiverton constituency.
Ms Truss told ITV’s News South West political correspondent David Wood: “We will not be going ahead with regional pay groups.” She said that there was “never any intention to affect teachers and nurses” and she did not want people to be concerned.

Rural issues
In weekend interviews, Rishi Sunak, MP for the rural North Yorkshire constituency of Richmond, talked about the importance of domestic food production and the resilience it gives us: “I will drive forward the most significant reforms to farming in half a century,” he said.
At Sturminster Newton, he spoke about his concerns for food security and the need for a stronger, more farming-friendly vision. His neighbour in North Yorkshire is a dairy farmer, so he has “a significant understanding of the challenges farmers are facing.”
Liz Truss also spoke of the “food security crisis.” She wants to get rid of red tape and bureaucracy freeing British farmers to compete with farmers from other countries: “I want to see fields full of crops and livestock – not solar panels.”

On housing
Housing is a hot topic in many rural constituencies, including Mr Sunak’s Richmond and Ms Truss’s Norfolk South West. Previously he has promised to restrict construction on the Green Belt, while her plans include building a million homes there.
Both want to see changes to enable local people to be able to afford to buy homes in rural areas where incomers and second-home buyers have pushed prices up.
It was important, Rishi Sunak said, to make sure that “rules and regulations don’t tip the balance in favour of second homes,” and he was working with some local MPs to close some of the regulatory loopholes. His solution to first-time buyers’ difficulties with deposits was to introduce 95 per cent mortgages for them.
Liz Truss wants planning policies that are supported by local people. “I want to get rid of top-down housing targets,” she said. And on the rural housing crisis, her policy is to encourage business and enterprise, with homes specifically linked to jobs, helping people to be able to get a foot on the housing ladder.

by Fanny Charles

G&S Show organiser James Cox takes on the Random 19 questions

By

Laura

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5 August 2022

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In a bonus Random 19, we spoke to James Cox who leads the G&S Show team ahead fo the G&S Show. James loves dunking Rich Tea biscuits, listening to country music … and the Joules website?

James Cox took over as Show secretary and organiser for the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show in 2019 when he was 23, making him the country’s youngest ever show organiser. However, he was uniquely well-qualified for the role. Brought up on his parents’ farm near Dorchester, he has an innate understanding of the agricultural industry. He had also spent the previous five years as a trade stand manager and a sponsorship and marketing officer at the Bath & West Showground, responsible for the Bath & West Show, the Dairy Show and Grassland UK.

For most of the year James can be found sitting alone, in the show office in an empty field. But in the months running up to the show he switches gear to manage a team which steadily swells into hundreds as he organises the set-up, the traders and the sponsors, doing everything he can to ensure the anticipated 30,000 visitors have a great day.

James Cox leads the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show team

James leads a new young team working on a show that has traditions running back more than 150 years. He’s determined it retains its agricultural roots and heritage, but admits some things need to be brought up to date. He’s proud of the changes that have happened over the last few years: ‘We’ve welcomed new attractions like the steam engines and the heavy horse ring. We’ve also brought the show into the digital age – we even have a show logo at last!’

We managed to pin James down and get his answers to 19 random questions – it’s an interesting insight into the man who pulls the day together, and it reveals a love of dunking Rich Tea biscuits, listening to country music radio and for the Joules website

1. What’s your relationship with Gillingham and Shaftesbury (the area not the show!)?

I’m born and bred in Dorset, growing up near Dorchester. But specifically to North Dorset – my mum went to school in Shaftesbury and my parents got married there too.

2. What was the last film you watched?

Ha ha ha ha ha. I like that you think I have time to watch a film. What I wouldn’t do to be at home watching Netflix right now! I honestly cannot remember … I haven’t had a night or day off from the show ground in so long …

Apparently it’s how ‘sassy’ I am without my morning coffee.
I’m not sure this is correct.

3. Favourite crisps flavour?

Roast Chicken – obviously.

4. And the best biscuit for dunking?

Rich Tea!

5. On average, how many coffees is a bad day?

Six?

(a quick call to one of James’ team – who shall remain nameless – suggests this is a shocking fabrication, and that a six-coffee day is actually a good day)

6. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car?

Probably something on Absolute Radio Country – since a big road trip across America last year, country music is my guilty pleasure. In my defence it’s very fitting when driving into an agricultural show …

7. What’s the most difficult part of your job?
Actually pulling it all together. It takes an unbelievable number of meetings and planning for the show to be created. From crowd barriers arriving at the right time on the right day for the Grounds Team to the tables dropping into the Horticulture Marquee, also at the right time on the right day – my life is a lot of spreadsheets.

8. Favourite animal at the show?

The cows!

You can take a boy off the

farm …

9. What’s your most annoying trait?

Apparently it’s how ‘sassy’ I am without my morning coffee
(this was the prompt answer from one of my colleagues when I asked them. I’m not sure this is correct).

“…buying the same shirt in every single colour available.”

10. What are your top three most-visited, favourite websites (excluding social media and BBC News!)?

Amazon

Netflix

Joules

11. What’s your earliest G&S Show memory?

Getting a bucket of freebies from the agricultural dealerships!

12. What’s your secret superpower?

According to my colleagues, it’s buying the same shirt in every single colour available – I disagree.

13. And your best show memory?
I know it’s not the most exciting answer, but honestly … it’s simply pulling off the 2021 show. Against all the odds, we spent months planning during the pandemic when we had no idea what the rules would be at the time of the show. It was a logistical nightmare.
But we made it happen!

14. What is your comfort meal?

A double cheeseburger from McDonalds.

“How do people function without coffee?”

15. How many people are on the showground getting it ready in the week leading up to the show?

As I write this we’re two weeks out, and there are currently around 30 to 40 people a day. This increases to around 350 team members on the show day itself.

16. What in life is frankly a mystery to you?

How people function without coffee.

17. What’s the best part of your job?

The switch from a solitary portacabin in an empty field to the hustle and bustle of a marquee city. It is so lovely when the team starts to build up, and all the work begins to materialise before my eyes.

18. You have the ability to book one act tomorrow, money no object and they have to say yes, for the main ring. Who are you going to book?

Ed Sheeran!

19. If you weren’t organising an agricultural show, you’d like to be …

… a tractor driver.

Chapman, Paul

By

Editorial team

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4 August 2022

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Our beloved son Paul sadly passed away on 22nd July 2022.

He will be dearly missed by his mother and father Rita and Bill, his sisters Jackie and Debbie and her husband Martin and all our family.

Rest in Peace loving son.

Win a £120 KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer

By

Laura

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3 August 2022

22

**** COMPETITION NOW CLOSED ****

We’re so excited to be working with Harts of Stur to offer you the chance to win an amazing KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer!

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen with the cordless collection from KitchenAid! No more annoying cable getting in the way, or being limited to working where the plug is; set yourself free, in and around the kitchen! Thanks to the rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery the mixer can be fully charged in two hours, providing optimal runtime and the ultimate performance you would expect from KitchenAid appliances. Featuring a quick charge option for those who need to get the task finished quickly, the collection offers greater versatility and efficiency with food preparation and persuades experimentation with your recipes.

And thanks to Harts fo Stur, we have one to give away! To be in with a chance to win, just answer the first four questions in the widget box below. There are more chances to win by completing the other entry options if you so wish – they’re entirely up to you! The closing date for this competition is 29th August 2022 and only entries received on or before that date can be included. The prize will go to the first randomly chosen entry. Good luck!

Barn Dance | In aid of the G&S Student Support Fund

By

Editorial team

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3 August 2022

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Barn Dance at the members marquee, Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL

Wednesday 10th August

Doors open 6pm – music from 7.30pm

Tickets £10 per person

Book via [email protected] or call 01747 823955

BV Magazine Proud Sponsors of the Equine Rings

By

Editorial team

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3 August 2022

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The BV Magazine is proud to be the sponsors of the Equine rings at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show 2022. Below you can see a timetable for the rings, however these may be still subject to change. Not long to go now until this faboulous show, so if you haven’t got your tickets yet, don’t delay make your purchase today!