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 Smith’s Arms in Godmanstone dates back to 1420 and originally served as a smithy. According to local legend, the pub’s licence was granted by Charles II, who requested some refreshment when his horse had thrown a shoe and he stopped at the smithy. When the smith explained he had no licence to serve ale or porter, the King instantly granted one by Royal Charter, starting a 350-year career for ’the smallest pub in England.’ The tiny public house measured just 11ft 9ins by 15ft, the ceiling barely clearing the head of patrons over six foot tall and it had just six tables. In the 1960s, the pub was sold to John and Linda Foster. John had been a top jockey who rode in three Grand Nationals, but had to retire from racing after a serious riding accident. The couple ran The Smiths Arms very successfully until the mid-2000s when John’s deteriorating health forced the couple to retire.
Could the weather have been any more perfect for this year’s Stickler race? Now in it’s 29th year, regular runners have come to expect flood-like conditions and some were apparently disappointed by the lack of wading required! But nobody was disappointed by the beautiful sunshine and the opportunity to run in a vest at the end of October. The Dorset Three Peaks involves more than 1,500ft of gruelling climb, beginning with the infamous Stickle Path. Runners ascend three locally-renowned peaks along the beautiful Stour Valley – Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill. This year more than 570 runners registered, and there were 510 finishers. Local runner Dave Hewes from North Dorset Triathlon Club was under very strict instructions to get around safely as it was his stag do – he was getting married the next day! Luckily he achieved both, and we wish huge congratulations to him and his new wife. The Doddlers’ own Jane Feather ran it as a birthday present to herself (it takes all sorts – Ed), and what better way to spend the day? The 2024 winner was Charles Ford, who completed it in a time of 1:06:02. First female over the line was Anna Philps from Purbeck Runners in 1:19:20. Second and third males were Christopher Peck from Egdon Heath Harriers (1:06:44) and Matthew Harris from Oxford University AC (1:08:32). The second and third females were Emma Hines from Swindon Harriers (1:20:02) and Ali Young (1:21:16). The winning female team was from Chippenham Harriers, consisting of Liliano Soto, Juliette Hatt and Julia Maddocks. Winning men’s team was the Dorset Doddlers team of Christopher Wright, Rich White and Tom Mitchell. Well done all! The race organisers would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who made the 29th Stickler such a success. The race is only ever as good as its volunteers (the Stickler has more than 80), and the consensus is that these are the best. The organisers send special thanks to the Dorset Doddlers running club, local community volunteers, Ann Powell and all at the Shillingstone Church Centre, Shillingstone Station, the residents of the local villages who are always so patient and supportive, and the amazing sponsors Hall and Woodhouse, Honeybuns and Up and Running Bournemouth. Keep Sunday 26th October 2025 free for next year’s event when Adam Frampton will be stepping up for his first Stickler as Race Director.
Kingston Maurward Equestrian Centre will be hosting a lecture demo evening with one of Britain’s leading event riders, Harry Meade, on Wednesday 20th November. Harry will be bringing some of his own horses, as well as coaching a group of local riders on their own horses. The Kingston Maurward team say ‘This is a one-off event, and not to be missed!’ Harry is widely respected for his quiet and sympathetic riding style and ability to produce young horses to he very top level. He has completed 24 5*events, with multiple top placings. Born into an equestrian family (his father Richard was a triple-Olympic gold medallist), Harry spent most of his childhood in the saddle, developing a natural feel and instinct that would become key in his later successes. He has built enduring partnerships with a number of sensitive but talented horses that have gone on to thrive at top level. Harry is driven by the challenges and the excitement of competing at top level and representing his country. ‘Early bird’ tickets (£25) are available until 13 Nov. After this, tickets will cost £29. Booking via Equoevents or call 01305 215016
Book lovers, collectors and bargain hunters alike can look forward to thousands of high-quality books on sale at unbeatable prices, just in time for Christmas: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is thrilled to welcome back its popular second-hand book fair on Saturday, 23rd November from 10am to 4pm in the museum’s Victorian Hall. In addition to the museum’s own bookstands, the fair will feature stalls from the Hardy Society and Nangle Books, offering a rich selection of titles across various genres, including Dorset history, travel, music, art and gardening. With both fiction and non-fiction available, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast or simply looking for a great read. Entry to the fair is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags as part of the museum’s commitment to sustainability. All proceeds from the museum’s bookstands will support the upkeep of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and its collections, preserving Dorset’s heritage for future generations. In preparation for the fair, the museum is accepting donations of quality second-hand books until Monday, 18th November 2024. Every donation is appreciated and contributes to the success of this popular annual event.
North Dorset Railway in Shillingstone has reached a major milestone, with the first new track being laid north of Haywards Lane since 1967. Volunteers have prepared the trackbed with stone, ballast, sleepers and track, which will eventually connect back to the station’s existing track. Contractors have also started work on a new car park, set to relieve parking pressure on the industrial estate and enable larger events at the station. Shillingstone Station was featured in the first programme of Channel 4’s recent Abandoned Railways from Above series, showcasing its scenic views and historical appeal. Visitors are always welcome to explore the station, enjoy exhibits, visit the museum and signal box, and relax in the Mark 1 carriage cafe when the weather is not so good.
Christmas is coming Santa’s annual visit will take place on Sunday, 15th December, from 11am to 3pm. Children can meet Santa and receive a gift for £4.50 per child, with proceeds supporting the railway’s restoration. Bookings are essential by phone or in person at the station. northdorsetrailway.co.uk Shillingstone Station is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and select Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm.
Labour’s lack of preparation and tax-heavy approach risk undermining small businesses and rural economies, warns Simon Hoare MP
After the General Election, I said that, in the interests of North Dorset and the wider country, I wished the incoming government well. I meant it. I am working collaboratively with ministers on certain issues and working ‘across the aisle’ on others. I am, however, becoming increasingly worried that the Government, despite its mammoth majority, appears to be so hesitant on some issues and plain ill-informed on others. My worries only grew when speaking to a Labour veteran, who told me how anxious many were on the government benches at just how underprepared they were for government. Labour’s victory was not a surprise one. We have to ask what they have been doing, for all those long years in opposition? Preparing detailed, radical, dial-turning policy has not been done. Opinion Polls seem to suggest a growing disquiet with the Government. Local government by-elections – where Labour is losing ground – is turning theoretical polls into actual votes. Labour’s honeymoon lasted about as long as a Las Vegas shotgun marriage.
Dorset’s life blood I write this on the cusp of the Budget, and it is worrying that the PM cannot define what a working person is – or indeed how the tax system should operate for them. My anxiety is that Labour feel they can hike as many taxes as possible on business, and that those businesses will simply hang around and pay them: threats to end the 25 per cent tax free on personal pensions has already seen massive numbers of pensions being drawn down early. Labour clearly still does not get small business. Micro and small businesses are the life blood of the North Dorset economy and the Chancellor has them firmly in her sights. She appears to be unaware of how job-destroying her policies will be to this vital sector. She may have buttered up the CBI, but she has ignored the Federation of Small Business. Labour’s rural ignorance will become apparent if the Government changes the decades-standing approach to farm taxes. Too many small family farms will disappear under the weight of tax bills. This will change, for ever, and not for the better, the environment of rural North Dorset. Business confidence is falling just when it needs a shot in the arm. People did not like paying increased tax under the last government but they understood it was because of the public spending undertaken during Covid. No one is buying this £22bn black hole fantasy that Labour has dreamt up. Still less are they buying that the economy was broken. Falling interest rates? Falling inflation? Rising business confidence and investment? No house repossessions or at scale business failures … If that is broken then it is a strange definition of the word.
Rub their noses in it We all want a reliable public sector but Labour’s lack of understanding that you can only fund it sustainably through the endeavours of the private sector, through entrepreneurs, investors and risk takers who create the profits and jobs that generate the tax that pays for public services. Exempting public sector bosses, while crippling private sector ones, merely rubs the private sector’s nose in it. What my inbox is telling me, and those of most MPs irrespective of party, is that people are furious at having been lied to at the General Election by Labour: “We will be pure and whiter than white until the offers of Taylor Swift tickets, suits, glasses and God knows what come along …” One thing the British people hate is hypocrisy. They would know there would be rising taxes within three months of forming a government, so why lie about it during the election campaign? The self-styled Iron Chancellor is already looking somewhat rusty. I am not certain she will pass her MOT.
This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards with scenes no doubt familiar to older locals – Blandford Forum a little more than 60 years ago
Sent in December 1961 to Mr & Mrs Daniel (who appear to be Eve’s parents) in Barton on Sea, this lovely shot of the busy Blandford Market Place is not only instantly recognisable to locals in 2024, but no doubt is the Blandford of plenty of local childhoods. Eve is clearly a teacher in Blandford – if any readers remember having a Miss Daniel as a teacher in the 1960s, do let us know! ‘Many thanks for Mum’s letter and for ‘Which?’ I’m nearing the end of reports & am again almost on top of marking, often fighting – & winning! – Some battles. Yet another gale blowing – amazingly variable weather during last week, including snow. Blisses(?) have moved to another house in Chichester. Much love, Eve’
The Salisbury Street area remains familiar, with Durden’s still occupying Durden’s Corner. Henry Durden, born in 1807, established Blandford’s first museum. A Durden is recorded as a grocer in a 1791 trade directory, indicating the family’s early presence in the town. Henry’s museum, located within his shop, gained a strong reputation, showcasing ancient urns, more than 2,000 years old, all unearthed within an eight-mile radius of Blandford. The collection also included prehistoric artefacts from Hod Hill and nearby barrows, as well as flint arrowheads, bracelets and coins. The British Library preserves the ‘Catalogue of the Museum of Local Antiquities collected by Mr Durden of Blandford’ (compiled by George Payne in 1892). Durden frequently acquired items found by locals, often during ploughing or while walking on the local hill forts and barrows. Postcard sent on 22 October, 1954 to a Mrs Simpson in Surrey: ‘My dear Cis. Just a PC to hope you are all well. I am getting on alright but leg not quite healed yet & have not been allowed to get out of bed yet. Shall be glad when I do, 4 months is a long time to be in bed. Best love to you all. Yours Mary xx Hope to see you soon’
DocBike’s annual motorcycle ride out on Saturday 21st September was a huge success, raising more than £8,000 for the life-saving charity. DocBike Regional Leads guided convoys from various starting points in Dorset, Devon, Hampshire and Somerset, all converging on the Dorset Bike Festival in Bere Regis. More than 600 attendees turned out at the festival to enjoy an array of motorcycle displays, stalls from local dealerships, delicious food and live music. The day’s highlights included the grand raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses in Dorset. The event also offered DocBike volunteers the chance to talk to motorcyclists, raising awareness of the charity’s work and the importance of upskilling riders. They promoted the free BikerDown course, which teaches bikers how to keep injured motorcyclists alive until emergency services arrive. Brett Callaghan, Regional Lead for Somerset and Avon, and Deputy National Director of DocBike, said: ‘This was the first time that we held the end point of our ride out at the Dorset Bike Festival and it was such a success. The DocBike charity receives no funding from the government and relies on the generosity of the public to continue our life-saving work, so we are thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount. ‘Leading the Devon, Somerset, and Avon ride into the Dorset Bike Festival was an amazing feeling. The atmosphere was incredible.’ DocBike expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported the event.
I am all too aware that the news this week – and probably for the next few – is likely to be all about Labour’s first budget, but something else caught my eye. BBC Dorset reported that Dorset Council failed to ensure a child received suitable full-time education and was told to pay £7,200 in compensation. The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) found the council failed to top-up the child’s education when they were put on a part-time timetable after their school place broke down. The news item was a bit worthy, a bit difficult to understand … but something made me pause and think. The case highlights something wrong with the UK’s educational framework, and simultaneously shows how much central government has ruined local government. The specific case shows the misalignment of accountability for educational outcomes sitting with local government, while the authority to influence education has increasingly been removed from local council control. The more general problem is that, as much as central government attempts to control everything from the centre, it lacks both the local understanding and the organisational horsepower to do the job properly. Thus, by attempting to do so much, central government ends up achieving so little. Dorset Council, like all local authorities, retains oversight and control of children’s education provision, even if it arranges for schools or other bodies to carry out the functions on its behalf. However, the shift towards central control through academisation and the increased role of private trusts in managing schools have diluted councils’ influence. This misalignment means that while Dorset Council is held accountable for educational outcomes, it lacks the authority to implement and enforce changes within schools. This misalignment is the same in so many areas of local government. Roles and responsibilities are complicated, and people are confused. The consequences for the family referred to in the BBC report were distress and inconvenience, but the erosion of local government capability carries on regardless. Conservative governments have led the way in relentlessly relegating local councils to emptying bins and trying to deliver social care without bankrupting the council. This tide must change. Liberal Democrats want central government to be braver – to accept that it needs local government’s help to deliver economic growth and better public services. Labour promises further devolution, which is good news, but it needs to come with meaningful powers and long-promised funding reform. Contrary to central government’s belief, giving up some power will improve everyone’s ability to deliver their promises. Gary Jackson, LibDems