Every Tuesday evening and Friday morning during term time, Luccombe Riding Centre in Milton Abbas comes to life with a special kind of energy. Volunteers arrive early to groom and tack up ponies in preparation for the arrival of some very special riders – children and young people with a range of challenges, from communication difficulties to mobility and balance issues. For more than 30 years, the Milton Abbas Group of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) has been supporting young people to gain new skills, grow in confidence and improve physical strength through the joy of horse riding. It’s part of the global RDA organisation, which has helped countless riders – some of whom have gone on to become Paralympians. Tuesday evenings welcome individual riders, while Friday mornings see children from Beaucroft Foundation School in Wimborne enjoy sessions in the indoor arena. Some arrive shy or unsure, but thanks to the patience and encouragement of volunteers, and the determination of the riders, remarkable progress happens. But it all comes at a cost. The Milton Abbas Group is an independent charity with no official funding, and it needs to raise around £4,000 a year to keep going. To help meet this target, the group is holding an Auction of Promises on Saturday 7th June 2025, generously hosted at the Hall & Woodhouse Visitor Centre in Blandford. With a wide range of exciting promises up for grabs, it’s set to be a fantastic evening. Tickets are £15, including a welcome drink and summer buffet. Full catalogue or tickets from Ali King: [email protected] or 07709 255509
From wartime skies to quiet evenings of music – meet Jim Freer, the centenarian who says there’s still plenty more to learn yet
Jim Freer at 100, with his Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur medal, the highest French order of merit, both military and civil – image Courtenay Hitchcock The BV
Jim Freer will turn 100 on 16th April. Sitting in his sunlit room in a Sturminster Newton care home, his eyes are bright and sharp, belying the century he’s about to complete. He speaks with warmth, wit and the clear recall of a man who’s lived a long life – and paid attention to every detail along the way. Born in Desborough, Northamptonshire, Jim came from a family of shoemakers and dairymen. His first job was as a junior draftsman at the Harborough Aircraft Company in 1940. ‘I was 17 and a half. I made the tea, walked the dog – the usual start for someone at the bottom. But we were making engine frames for Lancaster bombers, so you knew it mattered.’ When he was old enough, Jim joined the RAF. ‘I told the selection board I wanted to fly. They said I wasn’t quite right for a pilot or bomb aimer, but the new four-engined bombers needed flight engineers. So that was me. ‘I had a long course at the Technical Training Command section on airframes and engines and so on and so forth … and then, finally, the flying bit actually started.’ He joined a Canadian crew in Yorkshire – six group Bomber Command of the RCAF – with six young men already trained on twin-engine bombers. ‘We did a short training course on the Halifax bombers, and then we were considered experienced enough to start on operations. I was very surprised that someone who was hardly 19 years old was suddenly put in charge of 6,500 horsepower. I thought, “God, can I do this?” But my crew were amazing. Every one of them had volunteered to come over from Canada. And we made a team – teamwork was vital. We were scared, but … I can’t explain it, it just didn’t break us down. I think we stuck to it because we were a good team, and that makes all the difference. ‘We were perhaps fortunate that we missed most bits of flak. We were caught in lights once or twice, that was a troublesome time … but the worst was on the real serious bombing raids that “Bomber” Harris demanded, where he had up to 1,000 aircraft over. You had a good chance of being bombed yourself, with aircraft at different levels and so on, and you never knew the accuracy of the navigation either. But somehow they missed us all. We were lucky. We were lucky.’
Jim Freer at 19 (back row, second from left) with the six Canadian airmen who made up his Halifax bomber crew
Flying post Jim’s crew flew 33 operations over Germany and France. ‘The official record says 34, but one didn’t continue. We were called back, so we don’t count that one.’ They were in the air on D-Day, supporting Canadian troops as they pushed into Caen. ‘I got a French medal for that. But lots of people did what they could to get France out of German occupation. So, yes, I did my bit. But hero? No. ‘There were lots of real heroes. I’ll put it that way. People that were shot down or taken prisoner or put in prisoner-of-war camps, you know, All sorts of things could happen to people. We were lucky.’ Jim stayed in touch with some of his Canadian crewmates for decades. ‘One or two even came back to visit. I’m still in touch with the daughter of our rear gunner. She’s in Ontario now.’ After the war in Europe ended, Jim was put on a code and cipher course and then posted to the Far East as a signals officer. ‘When we got there, they said, “I don’t know why they sent code and cipher officers, we’ve got more than we need.” It was right at the end of the war with Japan, and immediately that happened, of course, most of the military wanted to get back home. They didn’t want to be there anymore. Morale broke down, really seriously broke down. So Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was senior military personnel man in the Far East at the time, said: “We’ve got to improve our postal service with the UK, so that at least people can get letters. That will help them to accept the fact that they’ve got to stay until we can move them all out.” ‘They needed a unit to look after that, so I was seconded to RAF Post. We had a number of Avro York freight aircraft that we could use for mail carrying from Calcutta and Delhi and Bombay, and we could then get all the mail together as quickly as possible, and onto these aircraft, over to the UK, and then delivered. The objective was three days transmission time, and we did achieve it eventually. It was an enjoyable, different job, still to do with aircraft – and better than being shot at!’
Jim Freer in the 1980s when he worked for Cobham Engineering in Blandford
And so to Dorset Once demobbed, Jim returned to civilian life – rejoining his old company, now relocated to Maidenhead. ‘The managing director was an ex-Group Captain. That probably helped my recruitment! I started with drawing and design and so on, back in the old days when we had a big drawing board and a T square … it’s all computers now of course. I did that for a couple of years or so, and then I got itchy feet, and got a job as buyer for the company, buying materials. And then I went to being in charge of production as well, and eventually I ended up in 1980 as production director. And I felt, well, you know, there’s not much more I can do here, I don’t think. I was about mid 50s, then. So I applied around for quite a few jobs, and I secured a job with Alan Cobham Engineering at Blandford. We were producing large filters for the Navy. We made equipment for the Coal Board, filters for their grinding machines, and we made flow valves … Really it was a civil version of Cobham Ltd, as it was their parent company, and we linked in to their work quite a bit. We were very much involved in the Falklands war. I spent eight years there, before I retired to Child Okeford.’ A first marriage to Pat in 1950 had brought 60 happy years together, although they never had children. ‘I’ve had 30-odd years of retirement. I got involved with Blandford Museum, with social things in the village, the gardeners club, and this and that … we just went out and about and enjoyed things. We really loved living in Child Okeford. It’s a nice village. Unfortunately, now, most of my contemporaries are dead – you lose your mates. Pat died in 2017.
‘In 2019 I married Val, a long-time family friend, and we had a lovely few years together before I moved here.’ “Here” is Newstone House, and it has become a sociable home for Jim. ‘I think my parents did a very good job. They put their genes together – or took their jeans off , I suppose – and created something that was OK. I haven’t got any serious physical problems. I use a stick, and I can’t walk very well. But I think I’m alright up top! ‘I’m with younger people all the time now, and I’m seeing life in different areas. I often go down to chat with the dementia residents – lots of them have had such interesting lives. Sometimes they’ll just go quiet. Other times, we really talk. It’s good for both of us.’ Jim’s eyesight has suffered in recent years – macular degeneration has left him unable to read. ‘But I can still see the TV if I sit close. I love music, and oddly enough, I take the hearing aids out to listen to it because I get a better sound. There’s always a little bit of distortion in these things that you can’t avoid. They can’t produce a bit of metal or plastic that can do what the ear originally did. ‘I listen to a wide variety, though I think you can take the music of the last 40 years out of my brain, because I can’t cope with that. But you know, probably from wartime up until the 80s, that sort of era, easy listening, or that sort of thing. Chopin and Beethoven and composers of that time and type. Every evening I’ll listen to a couple of hours of music. I’m quite happy with that.’
Jim’s medals, l-r: the 1939–1945 Star, the France and Germany Star and the Defence Medal – image Courtenay Hitchcock The BV
Still learning Over his 100 years, Jim has witnessed extraordinary change – but it’s the pace of it that strikes him most. ‘Oh yes, indeed, gosh. From seeing the early motor cars to now, and then the speed of change over the last period has been fantastic. The digital world is incredible … I can cope with an iPad, and that’s about my lot, really! But though it all, the main thing is still, I think, to be with people.’ He says flying during the war was the hardest thing he’s ever done. ‘I didn’t think I could really do what they asked me to do … but I did it. I always felt I wasn’t on top of the job. I was doing it, but I felt … “you know, there could be something happening here, and I haven’t worked out what.” It was a difficult period – much more difficult than any other period in my life.’ And if his century of living has taught him one message for the world? ‘It doesn’t sound much, really, but I’d say, “Be nice to people”. I think it’s infectious. If somebody smiles at you first thing in the morning, it does something to you, and you smile back. And if that attitude goes on through the days and the months and the years and so on, you’ll find you’re living life in quite a nice way.’ Jim insists he’s not a hero – just lucky. But behind that modesty lies a lifetime of service, resilience and quiet decency. ‘I think I’ve been lucky. And I’ve had a good life. I don’t really have any ambitions now … Well, I suppose I have, actually. I want to enjoy life with people. And there’s always something that’s new to see or to learn.’
A rare diagnosis, purple buildings, and a little girl’s laughter: how one Dorset family is championing hope for children with CHAMP1
Scott, Sienna and Sarah
Every 20th March, landmarks around the world light up purple to mark CHAMP1 Awareness Day – a chance to raise the profile of an ultra-rare genetic condition that affects only 220 people worldwide. Incredibly, two of them live right here in Dorset. Six-year-old Sienna Hutchings was born in April 2019, but her journey with CHAMP1 began long before her arrival. At a 12-week scan, her parents were told there was excess fluid behind her neck – an early warning sign of a potential genetic condition. It was terrifying, her father Scott remembers: ‘Doctors suspected one of three conditions, two of which were life-limiting. We were heartbroken.’ Further tests eventually ruled them out. ‘We felt a huge sense of relief,’ says Scott, ‘but something inside us still wondered if everything really was truly okay.’ Sienna arrived in a hurry at 38 weeks. At first, there seemed no cause for concern – ‘Other than a slightly small head, she seemed perfect,’ says Scott. ‘But by two months old, we noticed she struggled to turn her head. She started physiotherapy and made great progress, but then she began missing milestones. While other babies were rolling, sitting and crawling, Sienna wasn’t. No one could tell us why, and the uncertainty was heartbreaking.’ A diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay just before Sienna’s first birthday eventually opened the door to therapists and specialists. But it wasn’t until genome sequencing that her family finally got the answer: CHAMP1 disorder. ‘It came out of the blue in a letter,’ says Scott, ‘just a bunch of numbers, letters… and the words CHAMP1 disorder.’
Sienna is ‘chatty, loves music and dancing, and has the most infectious laugh’
Right order, wrong time The diagnosis brought relief, but also isolation. With only 17 known cases in the UK at the time, information was scarce. Then the family found the global CHAMP1 community online. ‘Connecting with other families who truly understood what we were going through was life-changing,’ Scott says. One of those connections was especially meaningful. ‘Even though there are only 220 CHAMPs in the world, incredibly, we have two in Dorset,’ says Scott. ‘Jack, a young man with CHAMP1, and his parents Mark and Mary, have been an amazing source of information. They’re almost like adopted grandparents to Sienna. Meeting them in person for the first time was such an emotional event. It brought back so many memories for them from when Jack was young.’ Today, Sienna is thriving. She’s chatty, loves music and dancing, and has the most infectious laugh. ‘She proves us wrong time and time again,’ Scott says proudly. ‘She does everything in the right order, just in the wrong time.’ Determined to support other families, Scott and his wife founded CHAMP1 UK in 2022. ‘We wanted to raise awareness, provide support and fund research into CHAMP1 disorders. Most importantly, though, we wanted to make sure that no family ever feels as lost and alone as we did. Now, we’re helping build a community where families can find the help, guidance and hope they need.’ The family has thrown themselves into fundraising, taking on challenges like the Dorset Plane Pull, the Salty Sea Dog Triathlon, and Europe’s Toughest Mudder – all to raise vital funds for CHAMP1 UK. ‘This year, I’ll be running a 70-mile ultra-marathon in June,’ says Scott, ‘followed two weeks later by the World’s Toughest Mudder.’
Corfe Castle was one of a number of Dorset landmarks which turned purple on 20th March – image Sam Nourse
The Empire State Plaza in New YorkNiagara Falls
Regional Assembly of Murcia Spain
CHAMP1 Awareness Day Every year on March 20th, the CHAMP1 community comes together to turn the world purple in honour of CHAMP1 Awareness Day. ‘From landmarks lighting up to people wearing purple, it’s our chance to raise awareness for this ultra-rare condition,’ says Scott. ‘We want to ensure more families, researchers and medical professionals learn about CHAMP1 disorders. ‘Sienna is our inspiration, our CHAMP1ON. We’re determined to make a difference for others just like her.’
Spring has arrived, and Sturminster Newton is bursting into life with a basketful of Easter events for all ages. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a keen competitor, or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun, there’s something happening in town to keep the whole family entertained. Start your Easter countdown at one of the bingo nights beginning on the 2nd at yewstock School. The ever-popular Chocolate Fair is on 12th April, and don’t miss the colourful Easter Bonnet Parade on 19th April – always a town favourite. There are Easter egg hunts, more bingo nights, and a shop window competition with a twist: can you spot the hidden chocolates across town? Hop along and explore the full list of events and times at sturminster-newton.org.uk, and get ready for a joyful, chocolate-filled Easter celebration in the heart of the Blackmore Vale.
Meet the team at one of Dorset’s highest rated care homes – they have been here for decades and they know it’s more than just a job
Sue, Lisa and Rattiya swap memories of past residents at The Malthouse All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
We’ve all seen the headlines: poor pay, burnout, staffing crises and negative press. Care work, we’re told, is a thankless job – undervalued and overlooked. And yet, in Gillingham, we talk to those who’ve been doing the job for decades. Why do they stay? What makes a small Dorset care home somewhere they choose to stay, day after day, year after year? At first glance, they look like any tight-knit group of friends – relaxed, laughing easily together, teasing each other. But listen in for more than a minute and something quickly becomes clear. This isn’t just a job and The Malthouse isn’t just a care home. ‘I’ve been here 17 years,’ says Sue. ‘My friend found the job for me – I was a cleaner, and she said, “More hours, better pay … come give it a go.” I did – and I absolutely loved it! The residents, the staff… it’s just like home. It really is.’ Lisa nods: ‘This year is 19 years for me. I call everyone here my extended family.’ That theme – family – comes up again and again. ‘I’ve been here 12 years,’ says Rattiya. ‘I’m from Thailand and I’ve learnt so much from the residents – my favourite is when they teach me British idioms. Like “spend a penny” – I had no idea what they were talking about! I used to be a teacher in Thailand. I didn’t realise that working in care involved so much training. You learn things for yourself and you help other people. I feel like everybody around me will be safer now, because I learn so much.’
On the day The BV visited, residents were enjoying a visit from a local bird of prey sanctuary.
Kate, with 22 years at the home, agrees. ‘We’re more than carers. We’re emotional support. We’re a second family. You can’t fake it – either you care, or you don’t.’ The stories they share are full of humour and heartbreak. ‘My understanding of personal space was shaped early on by one lovely lady,’ says Sue. ‘And she was lovely … but she was … a character, shall we say? She had been a nanny. She always had loads of visitors. They loved her. But when she first arrived, she was a bit prickly. I went and introduced myself – she was sitting in a chair, and she couldn’t hear very well. There’s always a lot to learn with a new resident, so I got closer, and then leant in very close to introduce myself for the third time, very loudly. And she poked me with her stick for being rude! I no longer get too close, and always try and respect someone’s personal space!’ They talk about a retired banker with a rare form of dementia, utterly thrilled by seeing the last flight of Concorde on the news. He had travelled so much – the team eventually realised he was trying to tell them he’d been on Concorde many times. ‘Another resident, Doug, gets Classic Motorbike Magazine. He’s an avid vintage motorbike fan,’ says Lisa. ‘We’ve arranged for Dorset’s Vintage Motorbike Club to bring their group, with a load of motorbikes, to the car park so Doug can come and see them.’
The mood quickly turned sombre as (from left) Sue, Lisa, Kate and Rattiya talked about working through the COVID pandemic
The other side And then there are the quieter stories. The bed made up in the lounge for a resident’s son who couldn’t bear to leave. The late-night vigils beside someone in their final hours. Then there were the days spent arranging one last swim for a woman on end of life care who hadn’t been in a pool since childhood. ‘She was hoisted in as she couldn’t walk,’ says Lisa. ‘We were all crying. It just meant the world to her – and to us.’ Lisa loves that residents’ families become just as involved: ‘We build such a good relationship with the family members. I think it’s really important – they become extended family as well, and join in with everything we do, attending events and coming on days out. That does mean when you get to the other side of it, when residents pass away, we are here for the families. They’ll just throw their arms around us. A really good relationship does make the difficult part of the job a lot easier.’ End-of-life care, they all agree, is the toughest part – but also one of the greatest privileges. ‘You build that relationship, and it’s a true honour to deliver their end of life care,’ says Lisa. ‘Honestly, it’s a privilege to be able to do that. We try our utmost to make sure there’s a staff member present if the family can’t be with them, to make sure they’re not alone. ‘But sometimes … I remember we had a lady that we sat with for days, and then, when they had just popped out, she just …’ ‘I think sometimes they just wait for somebody to come,’ says Sue. ‘Often it’s a particular family member. Then they can relax, and you know they’ll go in the next day or two. But some people just want to be on their own. It’s deeply personal.’ Pandemic scars The conversation turns sombre when COVID is mentioned. ‘It was devastating,’ says manager Debbie, who drives an hour each way to work here. ‘I was managing another home at the time. We had a resident discharged from hospital, and they didn’t tell us she was COVID-positive. We lost two residents within 36 hours, and one of my staff was hospitalised. It’s something I’ll never forget.’ Justine, Healthcare Homes’ business manager, had been managing a different service during COVID, and has a similar story: ‘We had 34 residents, and lost 18 of them due to one resident coming back from hospital with COVID.’ Even now, the scars remain. ‘Some residents became completely withdrawn,’ Debbie says. ‘We’re still rebuilding confidence and trust. Families were so isolated too – it was painful for everyone.’ The entire team agrees that recognition for care staff is long overdue. ‘We’re certainly not doing it for the money!’ says Kate. ‘I just wish people grasped that there’s so much more to it than they think. Our work needs to be more recognised. When the pandemic hit us, it was all “Go NHS!”, but we worked all through the pandemic too. We were utterly exhausted and isolated, and I don’t think that’s ever been recognised. Care work is draining – mentally and physically – and yet it is always at the bottom of the pile. ‘It’s frustrating.’ ‘COVID showed who kept things going,’ adds Lisa. ‘It wasn’t the best-paid people. It was the lowest-paid – the least respected – who kept society going.’ Yet despite the challenges, they stay. Because they know that what they do matters.
Manager Debbie Wyke drives an hour each way just to work at The Malthouse
Being independent Having spent so long in one job, the team have witnessed significant changes over the last couple of decades. ‘There’s a huge recognition now of the quality of life in old age,’ says Kate. ‘People are understanding they need to do more for themselves, and they are keeping themselves fitter and stronger for longer.’ ‘What was a residential home ten years ago is more like a nursing home now,’ says Sue. ‘People come to us far older and frailer now, because they’re encouraged to stay in their own home for as long as possible.’ ‘People are definitely leaving it later now,’ says Lisa. ‘They’re coming in because the family need more help than they can get at home. And that can be really sad – because when people are at home, they don’t get all the things that they get here.’ ‘When new residents arrive, they’re often scared and withdrawn,’ says Debbie. ‘They’ve lost independence and they’re grieving their old lives. But over time, with the right support, they come back to themselves. They start laughing again. They find purpose. That’s when you know it’s working.
Some of The Malthouse care team outside what was originally an old farmhouse
‘It’s so much more than many people think about. I go out and visit residents in their own homes, to assess their needs before they join us, and I see that their so-called “independent” life has often become so very small: “I can pick this up. I can move this. I can watch the TV. But I’m not getting up. I’m not cooking for myself. I’m not doing anything that’s not in reach of my armchair.” ‘Then they move in and get support from the team – and their life opens up again. They’ve got these guys encouraging them out of their shell. At home, you don’t have people making sure you’re OK. You don’t have meals prepared with your diet in mind. You don’t have someone popping in every hour, doing your laundry, making sure everything in your room is lovely. ‘And on top of that, here you’ve got people of your own age to make friends with. You’re not lonely anymore. I think loneliness is a massive problem in today’s communities.’ ‘We’ve got a new lady, Valerie, who had lived in her own house up to two months ago,’ says Lisa. ‘She’d just lost her dog, and she realised that she’s 103 and she couldn’t cope at home any more. But she came here and she’s settled in really, really, well. And I think that’s entirely down to the team here.’ ‘We’re always learning,’ says Rattiya. ‘There’s so much training – and not just how to care, but how to spot problems, how to help families, how to navigate the system.’ ‘It’s like Kate said,’ says Lisa. ’It’s much more than people think. It’s skilled, complex, and often emotional, work.’ The Malthouse itself is modest – but that’s part of its charm. ‘It’s not the flashiest building,’ says Debbie. ‘But we’re proud of it. We’ve been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ in responsiveness from the Care Quality Commission, we’re rated 9.9 on carehome.co.uk, and our feedback is phenomenal … Not bad for a tiny rural place where everyone knows everyone and someone will probably remember you from when you were five!’ Good care work doesn’t often make headlines. But in this small corner of rural Dorset, it quietly changes lives every day – often more than once before lunch.
Henstridge residents launch legal challenge after Somerset Council’s actions raised questions about planning integrity and accountability
In parts of Henstridge, the A357 – with all its HGV traffic – narrows to just 13 feet
We’ve written about Henstridge and its planning issues on previous occasions: most notably the apparent disregard for safety on the A357. We left this story in late summer last year when residents were rightly angered that developers appeared to have secured planning permission for 130 houses on a technicality. However, recent developments show that the village of Henstridge is biting back, and the case could have implications for other communities across the country.
Why Henstridge is concerned Speak to anyone in Henstridge and you’ll hear the same thing: it’s not about opposing new homes – it’s about building the right homes, in the right places, at prices local people can actually afford. However, in Henstridge there’s an added complexity. The A357 cuts straight through the heart of Henstridge – and in places, there aren’t even pavements. Some houses open directly onto the road, built in an era when cars didn’t exist. That’s a world away from today. In parts, the road narrows to just 13 feet – yet it’s still classified as an A road and regularly used by HGVs following satnav directions. There’s barely room for large vehicles to pass safely, let alone for pedestrians to feel protected. It’s this – the genuine threat to public safety – that lies at the heart of the village’s challenge to a planning application for 130 new homes. The Townsend Green planning application was initially rejected by South Somerset District Council in January 2018. However, it was later approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate – with a condition: no construction could begin until pedestrian safety concerns on the A357 in Henstridge had been fully resolved. Over the years, developers proposed various solutions – including yellow boxes and traffic lights – but these were repeatedly dismissed by the parish council as unsuitable. The five-year time limit on the permission eventually expired, prompting the developers to apply for the removal of the key Section 10 condition. This request went back to Somerset Council, which unanimously rejected the application in April 2024. An appeal was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Inspectorate on 6th October. But the parish council then learned of a behind-closed-doors meeting between Somerset Council and the developers on 29th July. Just days later, on 6th August, a planning officer agreed to discharge key conditions – in effect, virtually granting permission to build before the appeal had even been heard. A public meeting was held between the local MP, councillors, planning officers and residents on 7th October, where the planning team accepted things could have been handled differently. Now, as developers continue to apply to build, the people of Henstridge are determined to fight on for road safety. The village is sending a clear message that pedestrian safety is paramount.
Some houses on the A357 open directly onto the road, built in an era when cars didn’t exist
The bite back Local resident Paul Dimishky has assembled a legal team to fight the case for Henstridge. Just before Christmas, legal proceedings were issued against Somerset Council as the defendant. Barratt David Wilson Homes are the Interested Party. Somerset Council declined to defend the case and have conceded action. Naturally, Barratt David Wilson as the Interested Party have lodged a statement of resistance (defence) against the claim versus Somerset Council. The final decision will be made by Judicial Review. Paul outlined his reasons for taking legal action: ‘I’ve been involved in this since 2017. I am not against development and this is not a NIMBY issue. The Town and Country Planning Act (1990) Policy applies here, in that pedestrian safety is paramount. When the planning inspector came to Henstridge in 2018 he walked the road to see the situation for himself. And he actually said to me “This is too dangerous. I will walk this on my own. You stay here.” ‘He could see the danger of the road and where people from the south side of the village would have to walk to get to the facilities at the north side of Henstridge. The development was agreed but subject to a Section 10 condition where improvements had to be made before developments commenced. ‘I’m doing this because it is a far wider issue than Henstridge, and has implications for councils and the way they work with large developers all over the country. It’s also about the way that councils working with these large developers cave in to demands. If the developers get away with this … well, it just isn’t right. Unless people stand up to this sort of thing, all hell will let loose.’ The legal campaign is expected to last a year, and Paul says fundraising is already in progress, with a decision on the Judicial Review imminently expected. ‘Our crowdfunding appeal has a target of £10,000 – and we’ve already raised nearly £6,000 through direct donations from more than 100 local households. The level of support from the parish has been incredible. We’ve also got more fundraising events lined up, including an afternoon tea at the village hall on 4th May, and a live music concert in September. A spokesperson for Somerset Council told The BV: ‘Once the ongoing Judicial Review process has concluded the council can consider what the appropriate actions are in terms of ensuring that the related developments proceed in accordance with planning law and the requirements of planning permissions.’ The situation in Henstridge is something all parish councils should be observing closely, especially those in rural areas. Pedestrian safety and infrastructure are critical to any development and should be in place before large building works begin. It’s time more people started biting back where the safety of pedestrians is compromised and key infrastructure is not forthcoming.
Titan the Robot – the 8ft-tall, talking, joke-cracking, crowd-pleasing giant – is heading to Dorset this May Bank Holiday as the headline act for the second Dorset Spring Show. Known internationally for his high-energy performances at festivals, stadiums and even royal events, Titan brings his unique mix of entertainment and awe-inspiring animatronics to the new Birch Lane Showground near Puddletown on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May. Back for its second year, the Dorset Spring Show is fast becoming a springtime favourite. Run by the experienced team behind the Dorset County Show, the organisers say more attractions and entertainment at this year’s event mean it’s shaping up to be bigger, busier, and even better. The 2025 edition moves to its new home on a working farm, with scenic views and plenty of space for a full weekend of rural celebration. And while the countryside setting is traditional, the entertainment is anything but. Titan – the futuristic comedy sensation – will be performing on both days. Equal parts street theatre and special effects show, Titan’s act combines voice, music and motion in a way that has delighted audiences from Glastonbury Festival to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Whether dancing, singing or gently mocking the crowd, Titan brings something completely unexpected to a rural show – and is likely to be a major draw for families and visitors of all ages. But he’s far from the only highlight. This year’s Dorset Spring Show offers something for everyone: farming, food, flowers and family entertainment throughout the weekend.
Celebrating spring From Shetland Pony Racing to heavy horse logging, sheepdog displays to terrier racing, the Spring Arena – sponsored by Handelsbanken – will showcase traditional skills and rural spectacle across both days. The Sheep Show returns, with its ever-popular blend of shearing demonstrations and sheepy humour, while a new poultry tent brings madly-feathered friends to the fold. Spring Farm will once again be packed with new life – lambs, piglets, calves and chicks – while those seeking peace and shade can head to the Gardeners Avenue and Demonstration Theatre, where local food producers and horticulturists share seasonal inspiration. Visitors can browse more than 90 trade stands, and this year’s food hall – stretching an impressive 50 metres – is already fully booked, promising an abundance of Dorset-made food and drink.
Day out for everyone There’s plenty of space to unwind too. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, soak up the live music, and perhaps enjoy a pint from one of the many local brewers on site. And if you’ve brought the dog, they won’t miss out – there’s a dedicated Dog Barn Hunt, have-a-go agility and plenty of shade and water around the showground. New for 2025 are steam engine trailer rides, poultry displays, and a revamped Demonstration Theatre with an expanded line-up of speakers and chefs. And of course, Titan’s appearances across both days promise to deliver something completely different – and completely unforgettable. Show Organiser James Cox said: ‘The excitement is building, especially for showing people our beautiful new home. There are new attractions and areas, too, but being set on a working farm makes the site even more unique – it absolutely brings the countryside to life in the spring!’
Get involved There’s also a chance for the public to take part – more than 90 competitions will be running across the weekend, from baking and photography to crafts, vegetables and flower displays. These are hosted in the Gardeners Village, sponsored by Nantes Solicitors, with loads to browse through even if you’re not taking part. With an early May bank holiday date, the Dorset Spring Show is perfectly timed to make the most of the longer days and the new season. Whether you’re there for the animals, the crafts, the food or just a good day out with the family, it promises a packed and friendly weekend with something to suit every age and interest.
Early bird tickets are on sale until 26th April. Adults £14, children just £2, and family bundles available. dorsetspringshow.co.uk
We’re shortlisted! Again! No pressure, but we are the reigning champions of Regional Publication of the Year … Is it possible to do the double? Who knows – but we’ll be brushing the biscuit crumbs off our posh frocks just in case.
This year, the shortlist has taken a personal twist. We’re up against the mighty Liverpool Echo (frankly bonkers), and – oddly – our childhood local paper, the Southend Echo. The announcement triggered a long-buried memory: aged eight, I apparently won a competition I had no recollection of entering. My parents had to take me to the prize presentation, and the Southend Echo captured the moment in full photographic glory: me, being handed a four-foot tall doll at the exact moment I realised how truly horrifying she was …
Elsewhere in this issue, equestrian fans might want to brace themselves. Not only do we have an extended profile on the president of the British Blacksmiths and Farriers Association, Dorset farrier Abby Bunyard (and yes, you may detect that Courtenay really struggled to enjoy photographing her…), but the glanvilles’ foals are back! Long-time readers will know our annual joy: whiskery noses, daft ears and those glorious, ridiculously long wobbly legs. (if you’re an equestrian fan, don’t forget to sign up to The Tack Room, our new free equestrian newsletter here)
Also, the anonymous Grumbler – always a fun read – is a bit of a star turn this month
And finally, a note on this month’s farming columns. They are some of the most read in the magazine, and rightly so. Andrew Livingston is on a short break with a poorly child, but George Hosford writes this month with a barely-contained fury that’s impossible to ignore. His anger is real – and entirely justified. The latest decision from government to pull the plug on the SFI has dealt a significant blow to the farming community – but the very real consequences will be felt far beyond the fields. Please read his column on page 38. It matters.
Laura x
On Dorset Insider I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoy the Dorset Insider column – it has quietly become my favourite read in the magazine. Last month’s piece (Build, Baby, Build) was another excellent example: clear-eyed, thoughtful, and obviously written by someone who actually understands how things work beyond the headlines and the social media noise. It’s incredibly refreshing to hear a knowledgeable, experienced voice talking sense about local government and planning. Whoever the anonymous councillor is, I hope they know their insight is appreciated. More of this sort of thing, please. Catherine Ellis, by email
I don’t usually write in, but I’ve taken quite a shine to that Dorset Insider column – last month’s one on housing was spot on. I’ve sat through enough parish meetings in my time to know when someone’s talking sense, and this writer clearly knows their stuff. No fluff, no politics, just proper knowledge from someone who’s actually been in the thick of it. It’s become the first thing I turn to when the magazine lands. More of that, please – it’s about time we heard from people with real experience. Geoff L, address supplied
On the White Hart Link As a keen walker and proud North Dorset resident, I was genuinely excited to discover the White Hart Link – a long-distance trail celebrating our lovely patch. But having studied the route, I’m left scratching my head. It’s billed as a ‘circular trail linking the five market towns’ and ‘encouraging tourism and engagement with local businesses’. So why does it avoid the centres of Stalbridge and Blandford? Stalbridge has some lovely independent shops, yet the route skirts the edge. Blandford’s Georgian heart is bypassed altogether, with walkers left to simply turn around when they reach the nothing-here-end of the trailway. And where are the hill forts? North Dorset’s most impressive historic landmarks and walking views, and yet the route manages to swerve around them. We’ve ended up with a trail that seems determined to avoid the very best bits of the area it’s supposed to showcase. While no route can please everyone, this one feels like a missed opportunity. Judith K, Shillingstone
On the tofu tyranny I read your Meat Tax & Tofu Tyranny piece with a mix of frustration and exhausted recognition. As a young farmer, I’m more than used to being painted as some sort of villain every time someone wants to make a political point about climate change. But this constant pitting of livestock farming against the environment is lazy, divisive and – as your article rightly pointed out – utterly counterproductive. We need genuine, nuanced conversations about sustainability, not headlines designed to stir outrage. British meat – especially from small mixed farms like the one I work on – is nothing like the intensive feedlot systems of the US. We’re part of the solution, not the problem. Regenerative farming, pasture-fed livestock, soil health – we’re working on all of it. But that means support, not sweeping taxes and guilt campaigns. Demonising meat doesn’t help the planet. Supporting better farming does. Name and address supplied
I found your Meat Tax & Tofu Tyranny article predictably defensive and disappointingly one-sided. No one is trying to take away your Sunday roast or force tofu into anyone’s shopping basket. But we do need to face facts: animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Pretending otherwise because “British farming is different” doesn’t change the science. Yes, industrial meat production is worse – but that doesn’t give smaller farms a free pass. A meat tax isn’t about punishing farmers, it’s about acknowledging the true environmental cost of our food choices and helping consumers make more sustainable ones. Change is hard, but it’s coming. And if we’re serious about climate action, we can’t keep romanticising the past. The future of food must be plant-based – for the sake of animals, people and the planet. Tamsin Reed, Bridport
On elderly drivers I read Joanna Spencer’s letter with great sympathy – it struck a real chord. Having had the same difficult conversation with my father a few years ago, I know how painful it is to balance safety with independence. But as your recent piece on rural transport showed (Stranded: Dorset is one of the worst in the country), we’re not just dealing with stubborn ageing drivers – we’re dealing with a system that gives them no safe alternative. If you take the car keys away in much of Dorset, you take away the ability to shop, see friends, get to appointments … It’s no wonder so many of our parents keep driving longer than they should. Until we address the gaping holes in our rural transport system, we’ll keep having these quiet crises on our country roads. Margaret F, Milborne Port
Trailway website help needed We are looking for a volunteer to help us with the North Dorset Trailway network website. We are a charity so pennies are tight. Is this something you could help us with? If you do and you have web experience in build and design – we need your help. This is a volunteer role. Please call Rosie 07711 089403
Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to [email protected]. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.
Planning scandal, angry farmer, the UK’s top farrier – it’s all go this month. Plus … THE FOALS ARE BACK! And you know this bit by now – we’re digital only. You won’t find us in a shop. Just right here online!
The village bites back – Henstridge residents launch legal challenge after Somerset Council’s actions raise questions about systemic planning integrity and accountability
We have a profile on the president of the British Blacksmiths and Farriers Association, Dorset farrier Abby Bunyard. She never set out to break barriers, she just forged her own path by refusing to accept them
The green farming dream lies in tatters – George Hosford writes this month with a barely-contained fury that’s impossible to ignore. The Government pulled the plug on the SFI, and George explains why the very real consequences will be felt far beyond the fields.
In local history, we’ve the genuinely fascinating trail of five centuries of lives lived in what is now the Museum of East Dorset, plus the BRUTAL CONDUCT OF A STEPMOTHER (in 1906)
Meet Jim Freer, 100 this month. He’s had a busy century, but he’s not done yet: ‘Be nice to people – it’s infectious! I don’t really have any ambitions now … Well, I suppose I have, actually. I want to enjoy life with people. And there’s always something new to see or to learn.’
The foals are back! Wobbly legs, daft ears, whiskery noses – brace yourselves, equestrian fans.
Defashion Dorset’s Jennifer Morisetti has sparked a grassroots fashion movement in rural Dorset rebelling against the fast fashion industry.
