The Blandford U9 Wildcats sealed the inaugural Dorset Youth League Cup trophy for Under Nine’s girls football in May in a truly remarkable game at The Blandford School.
The girls were 4-1 behind their opponents, the strong Redlands Rebels U9 Girls, after a nervous first half. In the second half they fought back to a 4-4 draw at full time. Extra time lead to a 6-5 win to Blandford! There was strong support for both teams, with more than 250 people attended the cup final – an astonishingly big crowd for a match which traditionally only draws the family of the players. Manager Dan Cullen saud “The memories of today will outlive the trophies, and the crowd and roars of support meant more to the team than winning.”
There’s an opportunity for eco-tourism to benefit both our rural landscape and the local economy, says Richard Miles, Dark Skies Adviser for Dorset CPRE
England’s ‘green and pleasant land’, this ‘sceptred isle’, has in my lifetime become rather too urbanised for my liking; 84 per cent of the UK population now lives in towns and cities. As such, the countryside is in danger of becoming an increasingly scarce resource. Rural areas such as the Blackmore Vale need to be protected from creeping urbanisation on our doorstep. How might we do this?
Capitalising on rural tourism One approach is to exploit our rural heritage by encouraging visitors to enjoy the simple delights of the countryside which are noticeably absent from urban environments, such as walking through green fields and woods, breathing clean air, enjoying the tranquillity, birdsong, the sound of running water and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Communing with nature in this way is an increasingly popular form of eco-tourism – but have you considered another attraction that is missing from the life of the city dweller? Urban living has many benefits, but it does come without the spectacle of the evening, when the failing light brings forth the nocturnal world and the starlit sky. William Barnes, the 19th century Blackmore Vale poet and scholar, celebrated the beauty of evening-time in his poem, The Evenen Star O’Zummer (opposite). Above is a photo taken by my astronomer friend, Nick James, to which I have added a relevant extract from Barnes’ Musings poem. Late spring through to early autumn are arguably the best times for staying up late to take in all things nocturnal. The nights are warmer and darkness arrives later in the evening. Nocturnal mammals such as foxes, deer and bats are often best seen around dusk. Then we have the moon, stars and planets appearing in the night sky. Pubs, inns and other local places to stay might profit by advertising these attractions and staging events to enjoy them. In Hampshire, for instance, the Hawk Conservancy Trust stages Owls by Moonlight events that include a hot supper and can be booked online.
Light pollution is falling The CPRE has just published the findings of the 2022 Star Count, which aims to map light pollution across the UK. Severe ‘night blight’ in towns and cities reached a peak in early 2020, comprising 61 per cent of all reports. In two years, this proportion has dropped to 49 per cent, suggesting that more people are now switching off lights (perhaps saving on their electricity bills). Rural businesses could take advantage of our improving dark skies to attract more visitors to the Vale, adding ‘astro-tourism’ to their activity portfolio. To me, a night awash with stars and our Milky Way spanning the sky instils a sense of awe and majesty. Stargazing is one of those contemplative activities which provides an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle and opens a door into a magical world that does wonders for our mindfulness and mental wellbeing. Sleep well!
Richard Miles Dark Skies Adviser Dorset CPRE
The Evenèn Star O’ Zummer William Barnes When vu’st along theäse road vrom mill, I zeed ye hwome all up the hill, The poplar tree, so straïght an’ tall, Did rustle by the watervall; An’ in the leäze the cows wer all A-lyèn down to teäke their rest An’ slowly zunk towárd the west The evenèn star o’ zummer. In parrock there the haÿ did lie In weäle below the elems, dry; An’ up in hwome-groun’ Jim, that know’d We all should come along thik road, D a-tied the grass in knots that drow’d Poor Poll, a-watchèn in the West Woone brighter star than all the rest,– The evenèn star o’ zummer. The stars that still do zet an’ rise, Did sheen in our forefather’s eyes; They glitter’d to the vu’st men’s zight, The last will have em in their night; But who can vind em half so bright As I thought thik peäle star above My smilèn Jeäne, my zweet vu’st love, The evenèn star o’ zummer. How sweet’s the mornèn fresh an’ new, Wi’ sparklèn brooks an’ glitt’rèn dew; How sweet’s the noon wi’ sheädes a-drow’d Upon the groun’ but leätely mow’d, An’ bloomèn flowers all abrode; But sweeter still, as I do clim’, Theäse woody hill in evenèn dim ‘S the evenèn star o’ zummer.
June 2022 marks the second anniversary for Trouvaille Gallery, and the very first themed exhibition running from 9th to 24th June. This exhibition features a variety of mediums created by local artists from the Somerset and Dorset areas. Having opened in June 2020, like so many other small businesses the gallery has been affected by the Covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns that followed. Gallery owner Marianne Bareham said: “Over the last two years we’ve all been forced to stay local, and many of us have begun to appreciate the beauty that our local areas have to offer, which is why I was thrilled to be able to invite local artists to submit entries for this not to be missed exhibition simply entitled ‘Celebrating the local area’. Local college student Ben Belcher who has joined the gallery on work experience has had invaluable experience helping to organise this exhibition and has work featured within the exhibition also. Visit www.trouvaillegallery.co.uk for opening times and further details.
A student from Clayesmore School has surprised and captivated supercar owners with his creative meet-ups. Rachael Rowe reports
At his last event, 18 year old Zander attracted over 120 cars, with values between £120,000 and £1.2 million
Eighteen year old Zander Miller has been interested in supercars for a long time. “From a young age, I watched Top Gear and then got fascinated by photography. Through my photographs of the supercars, I developed a social media presence and got chatting with some of the owners. I have spent the last year getting facts together and officially starting a company.” Zander started with a meet up for supercar owners in November last year. “The first meet up was for owners only and was a real eye-opener. Forty cars turned up, which was unusual as a lot get put away for the winter. People started talking to each other about their cars, and it was a lovely day. Some of them hadn’t met each other before.” I’m wondering how these supercar owners reacted when they found out who had organised the meet-up, as Zander is still at school. Zander smiles: “My dad took me to the first meet up and all these owners went up to him asking if he was Zander, so he said ‘no, I’m just the taxi driver! You want Zander – he’s over there!’.”
Zander Miller is finishing his final year at Clayesmore before heading to Bournemouth University to study Business Management
Bigger and better The next meeting was a more significant event with more than 120 cars attending with values between £120,000 and £1.2 million. It was also opened up to the public with food stands available. Zander clearly knows how to attract the cars! “Some of my friends came, and they were impressed. One of my friends turned up with his dad, who has a supercar and he was amazed at the turnout.”
This classic Aston Martin looked at home amongst the Ferraris and Lamborghinis
The supercar owner Most of the owners are happy to talk to people about their cars. One lets people sit in his Ferrari, for example. “I have spoken to all the owners, either in person or online. My contacts portfolio is extraordinary. I have been able to talk to them about how they made their money to buy the cars, with a lot of people investing or making it through property. Although it is free to meet up at the moment, I’m looking at ways to develop the business.” For those of us who associate a supercar with a certain type of individual in Central London, Zander is keen to dispel that myth. “There is a minority of people out there who are arrogant, but most people are very down to earth and happy to show their success.”
A colourful collection of McLarens at the last South Coast Supercar Club event in Bournemouth
Next steps for Zander I’m interested in what Zander currently drives (I’m curious about the insurance premium). “A Skoda Citigo – I’d like a Lamborghini.” And what do his parents think? “They’re really supportive, and they’re proud of me too. Mum and Dad came to both events.” So what are the next steps for Zander? “I’m off to Bournemouth University to study business management, and after uni who knows. I’ll also be looking at making my business succeed.”
Clayesmore have never worked with a student on a standalone event before, but when they realised the scale of the network Zander has built in the supercar world, they ‘jumped at the chance’ to collaborate with him on the Classic and Supercar Sunday
School support Clayesmore has taken an interest in Zander’s entrepreneurship. The school is supporting him to host a Classic and Supercar Sunday event at Iwerne Minster in August. Already the event has attracted the interest of local companies like the Haynes Museum. Headteacher Jo Thomson said: “We are very proud to celebrate Zander’s entrepreneurship and lend our support and stunning grounds to launch this inaugural Classic and Supercar Sunday event at Clayesmore. “Working with a student on a stand-alone event is not something that’s happened at Clayesmore before, but when we realised the scale of the network Zander has built in the supercar world, we jumped at the chance to collaborate with him. He has a bright future ahead, and we hope he will come back in years to come and mentor other Clayesmore pupils. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to Clayesmore to see magnificent cars and soak up the atmosphere in our glorious grounds.”
The Classic and Supercar Sunday event is at Clayesmore School on 14 August. For further information on the event, please contact the Clayesmore commercial team on 01747 813240 If you would like to exhibit your classic or super car, please register here: classicandsupercarsunday
National Milk Records plc (NMR) is looking for an enthusiastic person to become a part-time, self emloyed Milk Sampler, visiting 8-9 dairy farms in the Crewkerne area. The work involves taking individual cow milk samples.
Hours will vary but the work will take up approxinately 5-7 early mornings and 5-7 afternoons per month and applicants must have their own transport. Perfect work if you enjoy the outdoor life.
Could dialect poet William Barnes have imagined that 220 years later another poet from the same hamlet would create a song heard across the world?
In October last year, Ben Varney (22) received a request through the online freelance marketplace Fiverr for a song for a client in Japan: “He provided a beat for me to rap to, and asked me to make a UFC-style video game fighting song. I wrote and recorded the song in about an hour. The client was happy, paid me £120, and I forgot about it.” Ben lives with his parents in the tiny hamlet of Bagber near Sturminster Newton, the birthplace of Dorset dialect poet William Barnes (1801-86). Currently studying for his Master’s at Bath University, like most students, Ben supplements his income. Along with bar work at Plumber Manor, he sells his abilities as a rapper on Fiverr. Taking commissions through the online marketplace, Ben records at home with a microphone attached to a kitchen table.
A reappearance Last month, Ben saw that forgotten song begin to appear in his ‘top songs’ online. Unsure how, he searched for it on YouTube and came up with Ready For The War JONAH (play the video below). “I was shocked to see it had over 35,000 views – but that it had been posted without my name and, on top of that, on the New Japan Pro-Wrestling channel, a professional wrestling organisation. To be honest, I usually only get about ten views, half of which are my gran. “From here I found my track was the official song for a professional Australian professional wrestler named JONAH. He uses it for every live bout entrance and exit, as well as in any match held by the US wrestling organisation IMPACT.
The song can be heard playing in wrestling arenas in the US (I’ve been played in Las Vegas!), Australia, Japan and more; some of the videos have upwards of 300,000 views. “It was amazing to find that my voice has been played in arenas all over the world, especially as I had no idea what the song was going to be used for.” And how much more did Ben make from the song – was it a lucrative deal for the useage on such a huge worldwide stage? “No, nothing – just that initial £120! Apparently my original client worked for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. I did have in the contract that I should at least be credited wherever the music was used, but my client then handed the song rights to the wrestler in question, so it all gets very muddy.”
From Bagber to the world – Ben relaxes by the river.
You can follow Ben and hear more of his music on his Instagram account @BenVarneyOfficial
Flexible, willing, and happy to work shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
A confident swimmer (be able to swim 4 lengths comfortably)
In return we offer on-going in-house training and an opportunity to work in different areas including poolside, reception, swim teaching, holiday activities and hospitality.
You will also gain 5 leisure industry qualifications including:
The new Platinum Skies community officially opened last week – and Courtenay Hitchcock discovered it wasn’t at all what he was expecting
Ceremonial opening the new Mayor of Sherborne Cllr Juliet Pentolfe cuts the ribbon. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
The new retirement development on the site of the old Sherborne Hotel on the western edge of the town is not what you might be imagining. There is a noticeable absence of the usual small proportions, beige carpets, bland uniformity and ugly safety features. Instead the new Platinum Skies development seems to take delight in rejecting every expectation of what ‘retirement living’ looks like, with everything designed and built around independence and community. The complex of 82 retirement apartments offers generouslysized accomodation, with up to three-bedroomed options available.
The main building housing the flats and communal areas & restaurant – Mulberry House. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
In the main building the ground floor communal area is accessible to the public, but beyond there are security measures restricting access. Here residents can enjoy communal TV and sociable lounges, a multi-activity studio for dance, pilates or movie nights, plus a health treatment room. The residents-only bistro and bar is run as a not-for-profit enterprise, which means a full meal can be purchased for around £6. The atmosphere is not one of a random group of elderly people living together. Instead, this feels like a ready-made village community. There are social spaces to share and enjoy, with a luxuriously comfortable personal retreat behind each front door. Inviting interiors.
Street scene, main avvenue. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Looking around inside the houses and apartments it’s easy to see Platinum Skies’ attention to detail. Though a new build, the welcoming feel is of a quiet, solid construction with lots of natural light. The future-proofed extras, such as high-quality, easy-to-use appliances, sensor lighting and other thoughtful details, are there for any older resident. The atmosphere is as far away from an ‘old people’s home’ as one can imagine. This is simply good, thoughtful design from start to finish, aimed at encouraging long-term independence. Comments were overwhelmingly positive from those residents who spoke to me – some have transferred from the Platinum Skies Poole community, excited to live in Sherborne and enjoy all the town has to offer, while keeping the friendly, involved Platinum Skies community. The ceremonial opening As one of her first official engagements, the new Mayor of Sherborne Cllr Juliet Pentolfe cut the ribbon on the independentliving apartments in Mulberry House and neighbouring houses which are home to people aged 55 and over. Speaking after the event, she said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s a brilliant concept and it has a wonderful community feeling. I’ve been to look around the apartments and the houses and as soon as you walk through the door, it feels as though you’re on holiday. It’s gorgeous.”
Mulberry House Courtyard. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Happy residents Sherborne has two dedicated Community Managers, Hayley and Vanessa, who organise fun activities like wine tasting workshops, talks, live music, yoga, coffee mornings, quizzes, and crafts, as well as providing practical and emotional support. Among the opening party’s guests were Pamela and Derek Emerson, who moved into a house in Canon Woods Close, earlier this year. Talking about the move, Derek said: “It’s one of the best new-build houses that we have seen. I think it’s one of the best moves we’ve ever made and that’s coming from someone who really didn’t want to move.” Pamela added: “We lived on Dartmoor in a large house with no neighbours. It meant that we were isolated (although I was happy to spend all day in the garden!). Thinking about coming into a retirement village was initially quite daunting, but we settled in quite quickly and the Community Managers go to a lot of effort for us, along with Agata who runs the bistro.”
A look round Paltinum Skies Sherborne – Images by Courtenay Hitchcock
Shared ownership Platinum Skies works through a shared ownership scheme – its own, plus the government’s ‘help to buy’ scheme which is for over-55’s as well as young first time buyers. The minimum ownership is 25 per cent – but homeowners can vary how much of the property they own, releasing capital or reducing rent as life circumstances alter. For more information go to Platinumskies.co.uk or call the team on 01202 040996
Customer Experience Manager (Maternity Cover up to 12 months) 36 hours per week
Oxley Sports Centre is Sherborne’s premier facility for Swimming, Gym, Exercise Classes and Climbing
Join our team and play a part in building and inspiring a fitter healthier nation.
Responsibilities include:
Management of the Front-of-House team and the services they provide.
All forms of facility and brand promotion be that digital or via traditional means.
Optimising income generating opportunities across the business and ensuring income targets are achieved.
Creating a cohesive, efficient, and operationally dynamic team that are valued and appreciated by customers and team members alike.
Creating the best customer experience for all facility users for the duration of their visit ensuring the highest possible standard is achieved.
Ensuring facilities are clean, safe, presentable, and welcoming at all times.
Benefits:
Free Membership (Family Membership dependant on contract)
Generous employer contribution pension
Cycle2Work Scheme
Regular staff socials
Free uniform
Closing Date: Friday 24th June 2022
To receive further details please register your interest by contacting Samantha Welch on 01935 818378 or by emailing [email protected] To apply, download the application form from www.oxleysc.com/careers and return to Samantha Welch on [email protected]
