Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her work experience with us, and now writes a regular column – Ed
It’s October and that can only mean one thing – Halloween is coming! In this month’s article I’m going to talk about some of the great for some scary fun!
Ghost Hunting Ghost hunting is an experience where you can go, usually with a group of people and a guide, and hunt for ghosts in a stately home or castle. Two companies that offer ghost hunts in Dorset are Haunted Happenings and Ghost Hunt Events – both have upcoming events in Dorchester at the Shire Hall and Dorchester Prison, Nothe Fort, the Rifles Museum in Salisbury and Merley House in Wimborne. They tend to book up quickly.
There are some fun local ghostly events happening this month: Haunted Harbour Tour, Weymouth takes you on a trip to the darker side of history. Saxon massacres, the Black Death, murders, mysteries and secret tunnels will all be discovered. Many dates still available for 2024 – including Halloween itself, October 31st! – £11
Ghost Hunt at Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Built in the 16th century, will you experience the reported disembodied footsteps or even see items moving mysteriously by themselves? Saturday 26th October, 8.30pm £33
Ghost Hunt at Shire Hall Courthouse, Dorchester 19th October 2024 8pm until 2am, £46
And if an organised event isn’t your thing, Dorset has plenty of properties said to be haunted which would be fun for a walk as dark closes in: Knowlton Church, near Wimborne Corfe Castle, near Wareham Tyneham – Dorset’s ghost village, near Kimmeridge Happy haunted Halloween!
Welcome to the first October episode of the BV Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jenny Devitt and Terry Bennett cover key stories from Dorset.
After this month’s letter from editor Laura Hitchcock, we hear the most recent political columns discuss the economic challenges facing Dorset pensioners and farmers, with MP Edward Morello calling for urgent changes. Ken Huggins explores the issue of electoral reform and political donations.
We also hear from Gary Jackson, who talks about the need for more affordable housing, and Simon Hoare MP, who shares his thoughts on the role of the state and citizen responsibility.
Jenny chats with BV journalist and author Rachael Rowe about her new book, The Science Lover’s Guide to London. Rachael shares intriguing stories about lesser-known scientific wonders in the capital (and its connections to Dorset), including a revolving door shaped like DNA and that the first plastic ever made was in Hackney. As Rachael puts it, “There’s science hidden around every corner – you just have to look for it!”
Our readers also get involved in this episode, with the month’s letters to the editor. We hear from a passionate farmer defending the future of Dorset’s wildlife, and a frustrated resident sharing concerns about dangerous traffic on local roads. One reader wonders if it’s time to raise the alarm over a potential threat to our sycamore trees.
These interviews were based on articles found in October’s BV, which can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography. Did we mention it’s FREE?Why wouldn’t you take a look?!
(We’re proudly 100% digital, so the only way to read us is right here online.)
The BV is Dorset’s go-to digital magazine – this year named ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (ACE Awards) and ‘Regional News Site of the Year’ (Press Gazette). Brimming with Dorset’s people and places, it’s too good to miss!
Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock
The Street is largely unchanged, though hedges have replaced the perimeter stone walls. The single storey building with the tall chimney is just about still visible, too. The angle is changed as the street is wider and straighter than it once wasThe church is still there – just no longer visible from the road! The iron railing is still present today – it’s apparent how much lower the road level used to be.
In his 1937 Shell Guide to Dorset, Michael Pitt-Rivers is rather unimpressed with Motcombe: ‘A sprawl of cottages, some old but mostly new. A large symmetrical church (St Mary) built … in 1848. Dark trees without; cream-wash and pitchpine within. A few dim medieval features incorporated. One brownish stained glass window.’ The ‘dark trees without’ theme remains to this day, obviously! Motcombe House, now Port Regis Boys’ School, was built in 1893 by Sir Ernest George for Lord Stalbridge in an Elizabethan manner with red brick and a Tudor-style tower.
Valerie passed away peacefullt at The Hayes Care Home, Sherborne. Wife of the late Gordon Phillips, a dearly loved mum, nanny and great nanny, who will be missed by all who knew her.
The Funeral Service will be at Sedgemoor Crematorium on Thursday 31st October at 11am.
Family flowers only, donations for The Alzheimer’s Society may be sent to the Funeral Directors, Crescent Funeral Services, Bow Street, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9PQ.
As good as it sounds, managing a medical practice brings unique financial difficulties that can be overwhelming for those lacking specific knowledge. This article will analyse the specific financial problems characteristic of medical practices in the area of Dorset and how essential healthcare accounting is for local medical practitioners.
You will find out about certain areas of medical accountants’ activities, the need to get sound healthcare sector-specific expert advice, and the effect the choice of an accountant can exert on the efficiency and viability of a practice.
The Importance of Healthcare Accounting for Medical Practices
Healthcare accounting is not only about accounting but also about understanding and addressing medical care providers’ real and unique financial issues. Such accountants are useful to the medical sector as their services are geared towards the medical sector, enabling the practice of providing patient care while maintaining sound economic health.
Issues related to healthcare clients, such as differences in reimbursement rates from various insurance companies, strict regulatory compliance, and specific tax requirements, require a type of professional that general accountants may not possess.
By grasping the nuances of healthcare accounting, medical professionals can navigate these challenges more effectively. With specialised accounting for doctors and medical professionals, practices can enhance their financial performance, improving patient care. Thoughtful financial management can foster better cash flow, ensuring practices can cover operational costs and invest in critical services without delay.
Incorporating healthcare accounting enables practices in Dorset to improve their financial toils and set an excellent foundation for endurance in a competitive landscape.
Challenges Medical Practices in Dorset Face Without Expert Accounting
Without specialised accounting, medical practices often encounter several financial obstacles. Cash flow problems can stem from delayed insurance reimbursements or missed billing opportunities, adversely affecting a practice’s ability to offer continuous care. Moreover, poor financial practices may also result in legal noncompliance, which may lead to sanctions imposed by future tax authorities or social oversight bodies, a big healthcare problem.
Deficient financial management has a knock-on effect on a range of issues, including staffing and availability of patients. In business practices, if a practice cannot contain the stores of its funds, it might have to either downsize its activities or close its doors. Hiring a specialist medical accountant team can reduce these concerns; with proper financial management and control, the problems with compliance and pressure on the practice can be less invasive.
Understanding these pressures facilitates medical practitioners to reach out for relevant assistance and helps them concentrate on providing the best care to patients without the burden of any financial violation.
Key Services Offered by Medical Accountants
Medical accountants can offer several medical accounting services suited to the diverse needs of a medical practice, facility or organisation. One of the services, tax management, is where accountants have specialists. With the relevant medical practice accounting for taxes, they can lower their tax exposure while avoiding legal transgressions.
Also important for the immediate future outward look is strategic and budgetary assistance. A medical practice accounting team will be able to develop strategies that will assist the practice in the short term and growth plans with a long-term orientation.
Numerous regulations govern the healthcare sector, and having a knowledgeable accounting partner can significantly impact a practice’s success. They can guide medical practices through intricate compliance requirements, ensuring operations adhere to UK Health and Social Care guidelines. This support can create a strong foundation for medical partnership businesses and contribute to a stable operating environment.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Accountant for Dorset Practices
Choosing the right healthcare accountant enables a medical practice to exceed its targets. Some of the most important issues are:
Industry Background: Having a healthcare accountant with vast experience in their field of work is greatly beneficial. The financial suffering encountered by the majority of medical practices will become a lesson learnt, making their financial know-how more focused.
Local Knowledge: A financial advisor who is well-informed on the healthcare policies and the market in Dorset is very beneficial to the practice since it improves the relevance of the financial strategy and its effectiveness to the practice.
Reputation and Trust: It is advisable to begin by looking for accountants held in high regard by fellow professionals. Word of mouth and a professional portfolio of services are among the best ways of locating a suitable professional for an individual medical accountant.
Services Offered: Make it a point for the accountant to work on different aspects of the firm’s tax and financial management strategies. This way, all parts of your financial well-being will be addressed.
How Healthcare Accounting Helps Sustain Medical Practices in the Long Run
The advantages associated with healthcare accounting are not just limited to financial management in the short term. With efficient accounting, medical practices can streamline operations while cutting unnecessary expenses. Keeping a close eye on the financial standing helps practices identify weaknesses and take the right action for future growth.
As the healthcare landscape changes continuously, so does the practice environment, including changes in regulations and patient access. This is where a financial consultant comes in, and their key responsibilities include helping the practices adapt to constant changes through proper planning and financial insight.
We were thrilled to host some of Dorset’s finest producers at the 2024 Love Local Awards. Founded six years ago, the LLTL campaign promotes trust in local, British produce and food labelling, valuing quality, honesty, and proximity. Every entrant’s journey was inspiring, making judging tough. This year’s winners:
Barbara’s Kitchen Barbara’s Kitchen, based in Dorset, creates award-winning chilli preserves using home-grown chillies. Rupert, Barbara’s husband, grows a variety of chillies from seed, planted in January and harvested in autumn. Handmade in a traditional one-pan method, all preserves are vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for cheese or charcuterie boards
Honey by Ian With hives in Ringwood, Alderholt and Ferndown, this family business produces smooth, local honey in limited quantities. Caring for honeybees and ensuring their safety is a priority, and knowing exactly where their honey comes from brings joy and motivates them to grow further.
Coastline Soaps Living and working on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic coastline inspires every soap design. Each fragrance reflects the beauty of the area, from fresh herbs by the river to breezy beach days. With new scents and designs always in the works, there’s a soap for everyone!
The Book and Bucket Cheese Company Founded by Peter Morgan, The Book and Bucket Cheese Company began with the aim of making small, high-quality cheese batches for local restaurants. Inspired by industry advice and “bucket science,” Peter launched the company in 2019. Now, his award-winning cheeses are available on Cunard liners as well as outlets across the South West.
The Wimborne Pig The Wimborne Pig is a small, modern British restaurant with a big heart, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Menus change regularly to showcase Dorset’s fresh produce. With professional yet laid-back service, guests are welcomed and made to feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Farm Girl Sausages Sophie, founder of Farm Girl Sausages, creates high-quality meat and vegan products in the Dorset village of Holt. With natural ingredients, gluten-free recipes, and eco-friendly packaging, the award-winning sausages and burgers are made without fillers. Supporting British farmers, they offer both meat and plant-based options for everyone to enjoy.
Purbeck Cider Nestled in Dorset’s Purbeck hills, this cider maker crafts premium ciders using 100% single-pressed British apples, including those from their own orchards. Made traditionally without artificial flavours, additives, or concentrates, their ciders are naturally delicious and full of flavour, just as the apples intended.
Lizzie the Baking Bird Passionate about Dorset’s produce and producers, this baker loves bartering bread for fruit and foraging for wild garlic and elderflower. Starting in the bakery at 3 or 4 am to bake fresh bread is all part of the joy – competing with deer for the best fruit each year is just a bonus!
Ellie’s Farm Shop Ellie’s Farm Shop continues Kilnyard Farm’s legacy of locally sourced, farm-fresh produce. Inspired by the generations of family farming and her father’s dedication, Ellie established the shop to bring the best farm-to-fork goodness to customers, honouring the history and passion of Kilnyard Farm.
South Paddocks Ltd A family-run smallholding in the Winterbourne valley, South Paddocks offers farm visits, alpaca experiences, and pedigree pork, goat meat, and eggs. With a “paddock to plate” ethos, all animals are reared and finished on the farm, maintaining high welfare standards and low food miles. Proudly representing Dorset’s finest produce.
Relenka Sweet Treats Lewis bakes small batches of fudge using the best ingredients, locally sourced when possible. With heart and soul poured into every creation, his fudge often surprises even those who don’t usually like it – a testament to its exceptional taste and quality, as shared by delighted customers.
Shroton Fair Gin After postgraduate study, Wilfrid returned to his Dorset village to perfect the taste of Zummit Dry®. After many trials, Shroton Fair Gin® was born. Every step—from crushing botanicals to distilling, labelling, and emailing—is done by Wilfrid himself in his workshop under Hod Hill.
Parkstone Fisheries A team of four friends with over 100 years of combined experience, Parkstone Fisheries proudly offer the best quality fresh fish, shellfish, and smoked fish. Supporting local fishermen and responsible sourcing, their shop guarantees exceptional quality and flavour. Even their smoking wood is sourced locally to enhance their products.
The Little House This small Dorset business creates high-quality chocolates with a focus on supporting local. Run by a dedicated duo, they handle everything—from production to design and customer relations—bringing joy through sweet treats. Though not always easy, their passion for introducing exciting flavours and sharing Dorset’s best is truly rewarding.
This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards more modern than usual, and scenes no doubt familiar to older locals. Both were sent by holidaymakers on the coast – Charmouth and West Bay.
Sent in May 1966 to Mrs B Newey of 80 Carless Avenue, in Birmingham. Gresham House was previously Sea House, but new owners from Gresham Street in London had changed it to a hotel at the turn of the century. In the 70s it became the Sea Horse Hotel, and was demolished in 1990, replaced by a block of apartments of the same name. ‘Gresham House Hotel, Charmouth, May 21st. Very many thanks for letter which I will answer when I get home. Tish (?) fetched me last Tues & we arrived in time for lunch, & Jill is going to take us back to-morrow morning. Feel a lot better for the rest & change & all the nice meals put in front of me. Mrs Mac is off work with nervous debility! Luckily Mrs Amor is OK, Mr & Mrs Davis (one of Mrs Barnard’s daughters) called yesterday. She has grown awfully like her mother! Do hope you are OK. I will write soon. much love Violetta’
The West Bay postcard was sent on 6th October 1970. In 1884 the Great Western Railway was extended from Bridport down to the harbour. The new station was initially called Bridport Harbour, but it was soon renamed Bridport West Bay by the GWR to attract day trippers and holidaymakers to the seaside by rail. Some older 19th century maps referred to the stretch of sea in the area as West Bay so this must have influenced the new name, although it was neither west of Bridport nor a bay! Soon the whole settlement was known as West Bay.
‘Tues. Thanks for letter. Crossed with mine. Shall be on my way from here on Thurs. Have loved being here. Guess you would like it too. Love to all. Hope for good news of G soon. Love Betty’
PLUMBER MANOR hotel at Sturminster Newton requires a head housekeeper for 5 mornings a week (including some weekend work).
8am-12.30pm but hours are variable depending on occupancy.
Pleasant working conditions doing up to 16 bedrooms and bathrooms to a high standard. Previous experience would be helpful and references required as you would also be in contact with our guests.
Own transport essential and ability to work on your own and as part of a team.
Duties will include managing the rotas for your team, liasing with the laundry service and the office staff for supplies.
The Year Clock brings William Barnes, Dorset’s self-educated teacher and parson, to life through notes, anecdotes, newspaper reports, and personal letters either written by or about Barnes during his lifetime. Written in 2001 by Tim Laycock, the play explores the inner tensions of a highly educated man who chose to write in the rural dialect of Dorset, highlighting the contrast between the rapid industrialisation of Victorian England and the traditional way of life that was slowly disappearing – a theme with striking relevance today. William Barnes was best known for his Dorset dialect poetry – most famously, Linden Lea, which was set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams. However, Barnes himself regarded his work in philology – his study of more than sixty languages, and his search for the root of all speech – as his most significant achievement, particularly his Philological Grammar. Thomas Hardy, Barnes’ contemporary and long-time friend, once described him as “the most interesting link between the past and present forms of rural life that England possessed.” Similarly, Francis Kilvert who visited Barnes at his rectory in Winterborne Came in 1874, called him “the great idyllic poet of England, half hermit, half enchanter.” The poems and songs woven into The Year Clock were written between 1835 and 1870, with the exception of the final piece, The Geate a-Vallen To, which was dictated to his daughter shortly before his death in 1886. Accompanied by Dorset folk music, performed on the violin and guitar by Colin Thompson, the performance is a vivid, fast-paced portrayal of Barnes’ world, offering a poignant reflection on the forces of change. Directed by Sonia Ritter, The Year Clock is a revival that connects the past with the present – it has been performed more than 70 times to date, and could not have been written without access to the William Barnes Archive.
Tim Laycock reading one of William Barnes’ journals at the Dorset History Centre
A funding revival The revival of The Year Clock are more than a tribute to William Barnes – it’s part of an ongoing effort to preserve his legacy through the ‘Barnes for All!’ fundraising campaign. When Barnes passed away, he left a rich archive of writings, including poems, sermons, posters, woodcuts, and engravings. This invaluable collection offers a glimpse into Victorian Dorset and Barnes’ creative and intellectual world. Now owned by the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery and housed at the Dorset History Centre, the collection has been cared for by the William Barnes Society for many years. The ‘Barnes for All!’ project aims to make this collection more accessible by cataloguing each item to international standards and digitising key documents for online access. Once completed, this digital archive will open up Barnes’ life and works to a global audience. Scholars, enthusiasts and anyone interested in Barnes’ contributions as a schoolmaster, priest, poet and philologist will be able to explore his world in detail – bringing Victorian England and rural Dorset to life. The campaign’s goal is to raise £35,000, and every penny from events like The Year Clock performance will go towards making the archive available for future generations. This project not only honours the poet himself but also preserves the cultural heritage of rural England that Barnes cherished. 24th October, Dorchester, 7pm. Tickets £20: DorsetMuseum 3rd November, Sturminster Newton, 3pm Tickets £20: The Exchange To learn more or make a donation, visit williambarnessociety.org.uk
