Dorset’s little carnivores

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18 August 2024

Wildlife writer Jane Adams explores sundews – Dorset’s carnivorous plants – and Darwin’s fascination with their deadly allure

In a letter dated 1860, the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin wrote to a friend, “… at the present moment, I care more about Drosera than the origin of all the species in the world.”
It would be reasonable to assume Darwin was writing about a rare exotic bird, or maybe a species of tortoise … but no, he was actually getting worked up about a carnivorous plant, more commonly known as the sundew.
Carnivorous plants have always fascinated me. When I was a child, I was given a Venus flytrap and fed it live prey with tweezers. I remember watching as its hinged leaves closed around each struggling fly that buzzed for a while – and then went ominously quiet.
While I’m glad I’ve moved on from this gruesome hobby, I’m still amazed at how a rooted plant has evolved to entice, ensnare and ultimately devour another living creature for extra nutrients.
Surprisingly, Dorset is home to three native species of sundew: the round-leaved, oblong-leaved and the rare great sundew. Though far from common, all three species like the moist and infertile soils of Dorset’s boggy lowland heaths. Look for them growing quite close to the ground (their maximum height is 20cm), where their red-tinged leaves sparkle in the summer sunshine, making them easier to spot.
If you do come across one and kneel for a closer look, you will also notice hair-like structures on each leaf adorned with a droplet of liquid ‘dew’. Drawn by this deadly glistening lure, insects soon become stuck in the sticky glue. Then the sundew wraps its leaf around the prey, secretes digestive enzymes – and the unsuspecting insects are turned into a nutritious soup.
As Darwin exclaimed, ‘By Jove, I sometimes think Drosera is a disguised animal!’
Is there a triffid lurking right under our noses in Dorset, albeit in a minuscule form?
It’s an intriguing thought.

Ancient sundew folklore:
Woodpeckers use the dew to harden their bills
Dew from the plant, known as a source of youth and virility, can be used in anti-aging potions
The plant can be used as a love charm because it has the power to lure and entrap its prey

Gearing up for events

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Editorial team

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17 August 2024

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Team Rimmer’s July adventures and a behind-the-scenes peek at the meticulous competition prep, including a top-secret luxury shampoo tip

Mattie (The Real McKay) enjoys his plaiting session ahead of Dauntsey Park Horse Trials – All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

How is it August already?! I don’t know where the time has gone – when we’re in full swing dashing from event to event, the weeks just fly by.
In July, Team Rimmer has been to Aston-le-Walls, Upton House, and most recently Dauntsey Park Horse Trials. We’ve had some highs: Sir Henry Hall obtained his 3*L qualification at Aston and Jimmy finished in the prizes at Dauntsey. But we also had some lows – Elsa and I took an unlucky tumble at Dauntsey when we landed a bit too steeply from a hedge. Fortunately, we are both absolutely fine, so it’s onwards and upwards!
We were busy getting all the horses and kit clean and ready for Dauntsey when Courtenay paid us a visit for this month’s photos – he managed to grab a sneaky peak into what it takes to prepare five horses for a day’s competition!
A huge amount of mostly-invisible preparation work goes into each event, so I thought I’d put together a little ‘A-Z’ (yes, OK, it’s an A-F!):

A is for ‘Always clean the stud-holes before you get to the event!’ When competing on grass, we screw studs into our horses’ shoes to prevent them from slipping – essentially, we turn their ordinary shoes into football boots! They often get small stones and dirt in their stud-holes, so we make sure they are cleaned out the day before to avoid any last-minute stress.

B is for Braids – I’m cheating now, they’re actually called plaits. Our horses are plaited for all three phases, which requires sectioning the mane into chunks, plaiting it down, and rolling them up into little bobbles. We often do the plaits the day before, especially if we have an early start. Then to make sure they stay tidy overnight, lots of them wear Lycra ‘hoods’ which make them look a bit like Batman!

C is for Clothes – well, tack, but close enough (I know, I’m stretching it here!). If you think your wardrobe is extensive, you should see that of our horses … they have saddles, bridles, boots, numnahs (the saddle blanket that goes between the saddle and the horse’s back) and girths – all of which require cleaning and packing into the horsebox the day before.

From top left: Team Rimmer’s box of studs | Plenty of storage required when you’re taking five horses | Jess with the team’s portable tack room | as well as the horses, the box has to be a home-from-home for Team Rimmer humans too

D is for Dirt! The day before an event, all the horses have a scrub-down with my favourite luxury shampoo of choice: none other than a bottle of Fairy Platinum! I find this works particularly well on the grey horses, especially Max, who seems to enjoy finding the muddiest patch to roll in …

E is for Essentials. In all the chaos of packing their special competition tack, we also have to pack all the everyday items: plenty of hay and water and rugs to keep them warm if needed. Each horse also has their own passport, which shows all their vaccinations, required every time the horse travels. They even get passport stamps when visiting Internationals, just like us!

A is for ‘Always clean the stud-holes before you get to the event!’

F is for Food. Last but definitely not least. Mum and I also need to make sure we have plenty of supplies for the day – mum has a soft spot for a chocolate brioche, whereas I will happily tuck into a sausage roll at five in the morning! Granny brings her legendary egg sandwiches (seriously, she’s known for them!) which keep us going until we get home, and owners often bring yummy picnics too.
It’s no small task getting everything ready to go – until now we’ve done a pretty good job of not forgetting anything major, but I’ve heard plenty of stories of people, saddles and even horses being left behind!

Jess with her Willberry Wonder Pony – the charity supports vital research into osteosarcoma and grants equine-related wishes to seriously ill people and their families

Walking the wing for Alfie!

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Editorial team

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16 August 2024

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Elaine Gough has been fundraising for her nephew, 16-year-old Alfie O’Neill, all his life. Alfie has cerebral palsy, severely affecting his mobility – he relies on his wheelchair, and he constantly needs both equipment and therapy, which is what the family raise funds for.
Alfie lives with his Mum (Elaine’s sister Pauline), his dad Dan and his sister Maisie.

‘We all love him so much,’ says Elaine. ‘He is such a character and has a heart of gold – and nothing ever phases him.’
Elaine took the extreme step of a wing walk on Friday 26th July at Henstridge Airfield: ‘I had a lot of family and friends turn up to see me do it, it was an amazing experience! Even better that I was doing it for my nephew.
‘Everyone at the Airfield and all the wing walk people were amazing, so reassuring, and they were so pleased we were doing it for Alfie.
Elaine’s Justgiving Wingwalk page is still open here

The official 2024 Clayesmore Classic & Supercar Sunday magazine

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LauraHitchcock

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16 August 2024

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The official Clayesmore Classic & Supercar Sunday show magazine is here!

From just over 150 cars at what was a remarkable first show in 2021, the Clayesmore Classic & Supercar Sunday has swiftly grown to be one of the leading car shows in the south. This year, there will be more than 700 beautiful classic and supercars on display in the grounds of Clayesmore School.

We’re thrilled to present this year’s official show magazine, designed to enhance your experience at what’s set to be the biggest and best Classic & Supercar Sunday yet.

What’s Inside?

The show magazine is a treasure trove of information. You’ll find essential info like the map and itinerary so you don’t miss the Rev Offs or the spitfire flypast. There’s an exclusive feature on the showstopping cars not to be missed – all hand-picked by our team of car enthusiasts. Get ready to see, amongst others, a Ferrari F12 TDF and a Ferrari F12 N-Largo, a Ford GT, a twin-turbo Lamborghini Huracan and an Aventador SVJ, a McLaren Speedtail … and also the new Bentley Continental GT Speed and the new generation Aston Martin Vantage from sponsors Harwoods!

Finally, our sponsors have been a vital part of making this event possible, and we’re pleased to include notes from them, sharing their passion for cars and their support for our event.

The Clayesmore Classic & Supercar Sunday is more than a car show – it’s a celebration of automotive artistry, a gathering of enthusiasts, and a family-friendly day full of fun. Grab your official show magazine, get involved, and be part of this spectacular event.

We look forward to seeing you there. Get ready to rev your engines!

New leadership for Rubicon

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Editorial team

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16 August 2024

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As founder Lloyd Banks retires, the new joint managing directors of Rubicon People Partnership lead with a focus on culture and innovation

Jess Comolly-Jones and Terry Porter (right), joint managing directors at Rubicon People Partnership, with Lloyd Banks who is stepping down after 24 years. Image: Andrew Diprose

Jess Comolly-Jones and Terry Porter have been appointed joint managing directors of Rubicon People Partnership, taking over from founder Lloyd Banks, who has stepped down after 24 years.
In 2021, Rubicon became one of the UK’s first 100 per cent employee-owned recruitment consultancies. Jess, 38, joined as a trainee in 2005, working her way to commercial director. Terry, also 38, joined a year later and advanced to director of operations.
Lloyd, 62, said: ‘Both Jess and Terry have very different skillsets and work very well together. Passing the baton to them was a no-brainer.
‘They’re inheriting a solid and successful business and have the energy and the motivation to take it forward.
‘After a lifetime of work I’m now looking forward to focusing on travel, whisky, cigars and motorcycles!’

It’s all about the team
Poole-based Rubicon employs 37 people and has an annual turnover of more than £12 million. Future plans include expanding across the UK and new initiatives such as the relaunch of Rubicon Executive.
Terry says: ‘As an employee-owned business, we’re fixated on culture. If you culturally align and your morals fit, then we’re onto a winner… It’s why the retention and average years of service of our team are so high. The employment industry has changed radically since Jess and I initially joined.
‘We’re looking forward to adopting new tech – new software coming in will be a game-changer for us.’
Jess says: ‘Attracting talented individuals from outside the industry with transferable skills and the right attitude, then developing, supporting and growing them, has been the recipe for our success.
‘It really is all about the team. We are constantly evolving and both Terry and I are excited for the future.’

Rubicon places temporary workers, contract and permanent employees in various sectors including technical, manufacturing, logistics, commercial and executive/C-suite positions.
rubiconpeople.co.uk

Marie Curie needs locals in Shaftesbury and Gillingham

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Editorial team

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15 August 2024

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Anisa Kazi is a Healthcare Assistant at Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford. This photo was taken in October, 2023.

Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, urgently needs volunteers to organise supermarket collections in Shaftesbury and Gillingham. By co-ordinating just a few collections annually, volunteers can help Marie Curie raise essential funds and awareness to continue providing expert care and support.
Marie Curie offers specialised end of life care in people’s homes across Dorset, as well as free information and support services.
Kara Frampton, Marie Curie community fundraiser for Dorset, says: ‘The volunteers will set dates, find collectors, bank the money and thank participants. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.’
A single collection in Dorset can raise more than £400, enough to fund 17 hours of vital nursing care for someone with a terminal illness. Kara says, ‘Every day I hear about the incredible impact Marie Curie has had on families during the most challenging times.’
Last year, Marie Curie cared for more than 44,000 people across the UK through hospices and home nursing visits.
Over the next five years, the charity aims to double the number of people it supports.

To learn more about volunteering or other ways to support Marie Curie, contact Kara Frampton at [email protected] or call her on 07712 691510.

A 60s trip to the seaside | POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

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Editorial team

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15 August 2024

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This month Barry Cuff has chosen a pair of suitably holiday-themed postcards of the coast – both having been sent by children in the 1960s:

Weymouth’s Jubilee Clock Tower is instantly recognisable on the Esplanade in 1966 – many readers will no doubt remember day trips to the beach looking just like this. It would appear Richard was possibly ‘encouraged’ into writing his postcard to Jane – he doesn’t seem to have much to say!
‘Dear Jane. This is a lovely place for a holiday. I wish you were here. Love from Richard

Sent by Rita to her school friend Jane Hancox in Smethwick, near Birmingham from her 1963 summer holiday to the Dorset coast. We can see the rowing boats were for hire at Lulworth Cove at 2/6’ for half an hour, four shillings for an hour, and the sign warns ‘NO responsibility taken whatsoever’! Weymouth pier, known as the Commercial Pier and the Pile Pier, was built in 1812 and demolished in 1986.
‘Dear Jane, I am having a lovely time here at Weymouth and the weather is wonderful. Our caravan is a short way from the sea but is a very pleasant drive. Weymouth has a wide stretch of golden sand and the sea is blue. Over at the pier a number of liners going to France and places like that come to load up.
Well see you soon at school. Rita

The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 2024!

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LauraHitchcock

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14 August 2024

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It’s the second Wednesday in August, so everyone in the rural half of Dorset knows it must be time for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show. The day dawned drizzly – with more drizzle interspersed with light rain forecast for the next few hours – so it was a damp grey start at Turnpike Showground. But the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show was back and reuniting the rural community – it may have been a slower start than a sunny show day would be, but by lunchtime the raincoats were being folded over arms, the wellies were feeling uncomfortably warm, and the crowd around the Main Ring to cheer on the camel racing was standing five people deep.

And what a joy the camel racing was – the first warm up practice go had us wondering what the ‘racing’ part was all about. But then the camels got competitive. Suddenly thousands of people watched in absolute joy as four GIANT camels hilariously galumphed their way down the ring to get to the bucket of oats first, egged on by their (I suspect irrelevant) jockeys. Totally brilliant!

But there was so much else to see and do! The cattle, sheep and equestrian classes all needed watching – never miss the opportunity to admire and learn about the different breeds. At the FARRRRR end of the showground was the Turnpike Ring, where the countryside acts such as the gun dog display, the falconry, and of course the terrier and ferret racing all happened.

I spent rather too long in the poultry tent – so many different breeds of chicken. And shouty ducks. Lots of fun.

There was dog agility. A funfair. Hundreds of trade stands to meander round (garden furniture to clothing, high street brands to local producers …), plus of course the honey marquee, the horticulture and homecraft classes marquee … There’s just SO MUCH to do and see, the day vanishes before you know it.

And when you’re ready for a sit down (and you’ll need it) there was plenty of choice – the live music stage had performances all day with plenty of seating, the food and drink areas were populated with lots of picnic benches which everyone was sociably sharing, and there’s lots of seating around the rings too. And of course there’s a massive choice on offer for food and drink – plentiful and varied, and though we opted to eat right at lunchtime none of the queues were terribly long.

The G&S is always a special show: it’s deeply local, and never forgets that for more than 160 years it has been an agricultural show. With farming firmly at its heart, it’s a brilliant rural day out for everyone (farmer or not!).

A few images from the 2024 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show:

Expertise and experience at the helm

By

Editorial team

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14 August 2024

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I was at the North Dorset election count in Blandford. As I finally left the sports hall around 5:30am, I congratulated the re-elected Conservative MP Simon Hoare, for whom I have a lot of respect. I said to his colleague, “make sure you keep your party from steering into the vile embrace of the far right,” to which he jokingly replied “and you keep Labour sensible!”.
The joke was on him – I have as much influence on the Labour Party as my cat does.
However, if you are worried or sceptical about this new Labour Government, might I just focus your attention to the very simple, yet very deliberate act of the cabinet appointments. Over the weekend that followed the landslide victory, I felt absolute relief. We have returned to a Government with a leader making ministerial appointments that make sense, with expertise in each position and relevant life experience. British politics has been crying out for this.
Our new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is a former director of public prosecutions: someone with experience of management and leading, someone capable of making hard decisions for the greater good.
The chancellor of the exchequer is Rachel Reeves – someone whose entire political ambition has been to become chancellor. She worked for the Bank of England, she understands the economy.
Then there’s deputy prime minister Angela Rayner – someone who didn’t attend private school or university, who left school at 16 while expecting a baby, has risen through adversity and now holds one of the highest offices in the land.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper – former chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, worked for Bill Clinton before his election victory in 1992, served past cabinet positions in the Brown government. She has broad and long term political experience.
Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson managed a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Similarly, Foreign Secretary David Lammy led the campaign for the Windrush generation to be granted full British citizenship, and has been at the forefront of the fight for justice for the families affected by the Grenfell Fire.
Minister for Prisons James Timpson – awarded an OBE for services to training and employment for disadvantaged people, is known for advocating for former prisoners.
The new Science Minister is Dr Patrick Vallance – clinician, scientist and pharmacologist, past president of R&D at GSK and a former government chief scientific advisor.
Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband oversaw the introduction of the Climate Change Act 2008 and is co-chair of the Institute For Public Policy Research Environmental Justice Commission.
The attorney general Richard Hermer is a serious international lawyer whose work has included the Afghan unlawful killings inquiry and the task force on accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine.
I hope, reading these appointments, I have moved your needle slightly, to feel relief and confidence in this new Labour government. Although this is just the start, I think the foundations have been laid for a successful and meaningful government, to address the issues that we face and enact the positive change that the country needs.
Guy Perkins
North Dorset Labour Party