Clayesmore is a wonderful school in which to work, with excellent facilities and a warm, supportive and happy atmosphere.
An enthusiastic, proactive and practical person is required from September 2022 to provide the skills and expertise to support teaching and learning within the vibrant DT department.
Your duties will include preparing for practical work, advising and supervising pupils, and ordering, storing and maintaining stock materials and equipment. You will have a knowledge of Health and Safety within a DT environment and be able to carry out regular safety checks and risk assessments.
This post is full time, term time only, Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays. A competitive salary and attractive benefits are provided for the successful candidate.
For further information and an application form please go to:
Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
Fairmead School transforms the lives of young people aged between 4 and 19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD).
We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic and dynamic Classroom Teachers who have the flexibility to teach a range of curriculum subjects across the school. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, creative, fun and inspirational teachers who have a desire to build meaningful and positive relationships with all the young people they encounter. They will need to approach curriculum subjects in a purposeful, age appropriate and exciting way, engaging young people through first hand experiences. They will have high aspirations for our students and will be committed to, and passionate about, preparing them for successful, independent and happy futures in adulthood.
Fairmead School has undergone a significant extension to the school building, officially opened by the Princess Royal in the autumn term. As we approach the end of our first year in residence, we find ourselves building momentum as we embed and enhance our revised curriculum. The successful candidates will join our committed, passionate and dedicated staff team and play an integral role in building an exhilarating future for our school community.
We welcome applications from teachers with all levels of experience and from a range of education backgrounds in both mainstream and special sectors.
Successful candidates will benefit from:
Joining a strong and committed staff team with a bright future.
Excellent CPD opportunities.
Outstanding opportunities for pedagogical development, working with specialist practitioners and experienced leaders.
The opportunity to make life-defining differences for an amazing group of young people.
Prospective candidates are warmly invited to visit our school; this can be arranged by contacting Mrs Berryman on 01935 421295 (appointments will be made for after 3.30pm).
Closing Date: Monday 11th July Interview Date: Thursday 14th July
NB: Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS.
Mike Oaten has been an upholsterer for 35 years, having started as an apprentice with Relyon the bed manufacturers in Somerset in 1987. He has spent the last 18 years repairing furniture for a national insurance furniture repair company. During that time he diagnosed, repaired and reupholstered many items: “I dealt with sofas, chairs, beds, mattresses, tables, wooden flooring, benches, ottomans and footstools!” Late last year Mike finally set up his own business, Beaminster Upholstery, and this May has finally opened the doors of his new workshop and premises at Broadwindsor Redlands Yard. “I’m a traditional upholsterer – I’m the person to call if you have chairs to recover, foams to replace, springs to fix, legs to mend, recliner chairs to problem-solve … I also make bespoke footstools, ottomans, headboards, bedroom stools, cushions and can upcycle most items!”
Mike’s website is BeaminsterUpholstery.co.uk, and do visit his Facebook page to view recent photographs of his work.
The determination, talent and commitment of top apprentices were praised in Dorset’s first Apprentice of the Year Awards
Winners and finalists of the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2022.
A 12-strong shortlist of finalists attended the county’s inaugural Apprentice of the Year Awards this month. The winners were:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Ellie Edmonds (ABP Food Group, Yetminster) HR co-ordinator Ellie is taking an apprenticeship in business administration. She runs the Youth Ambassadors of ABP across the company to help make the industry more appealing and accessible to young people aged 16 to 24. She is also the southern England regional leader for the company’s new female talent community called ABP SHE.
Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Cameron Hearn (Frettens Solicitors) Cameron is a digital marketing apprentice and has made a tangible difference to Frettens Solicitors through digital content and social media. His efforts have attracted new visitors to the company’s website and social media and led to tens of thousands of pounds in new revenue.
Winners of the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2022 with organisers, sponsors and Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell.
The winners are pictured centre.: (in checked dress) Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Ellie Edmonds (ABP Food Group, Yetminster); Advanced Apprentice of the Year Cameron Hearn (Frettens Solicitors) and Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year Rebecca Buck (Dorset Council)
Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year: Rebecca Buck (Dorset Council) Rebecca Buck is Dorset Council’s first solicitor apprentice. She juggles her job and training with family life with her two young children. The apprenticeship route has given Rebecca the opportunity to continue to work while studying, without facing university fees. She has a study day a week and then fits the rest into evenings after her children are in bed. Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Ellie, Cameron and Rebecca were all very worthy winners who have all demonstrated exceptional determination, talent and commitment to succeed.
Roger Guttridge digs up the long and varied history of a prominent Shaftesbury building
Philip Short’s coachbuilding works at Angel Square in the early 1900s
Few sites in Shaftesbury have seen a greater variety of uses over the centuries than the present-day Post Office at Angel Square. As a blue plaque erected by Shaftesbury and District Historical Society reminds us, the location at the corner of Angel Lane and Coppice Street takes its name from an early role as the site of the Angel Inn. It was also the home of the hilltop town’s first postmaster in about 1667.
A later building hosted a coachbuilder’s, after that it became a car repair workshop, and the present Post Office opened in 1946. My early 20th century picture (above) shows the site during its incarnation as Philip Short’s coachworks. Signs on the wall advertise Shell, Pratt’s petrol and Vacuum Oils. This suggests that, as well as making horse-drawn carriages and gigs like the one pictured, Shorts were also catering for Shaftesbury’s first motorists. The coachworks included workshops, stables, showrooms and a residence, which may explain the young children and terrier dog on the far left of the picture. Perhaps they were the owner’s family. The employees alongside them would have included smiths, body-makers, wheel-makers and painters. A sundial high on the Post Office wall is the only survivor of the pre-war complex. It was originally erected in memory of Dr Evans, who was fatally injured in a tragic accident at this spot in 1897.
Shaftesbury Post Office stands on the same site today
The 36-year-old Shaftesbury GP was driving his four-wheeled carriage when his horse bolted, overturning the vehicle and throwing him against a wall. He suffered a fractured skull and broken thigh, and died 12 hours later. Dr Evans’s seven-year-old son was also thrown from the carriage but landed on his father and escaped with bruising.
Community events are a great chance to check in with people, says Izzy Anwell of Dorset Mind, as she reminds us to always ask twice
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Jubilee imminent, much of the UK is gearing up and preparing for the festivities that come with such a special occasion. Whether you are making a cake for your local street party, fighting with an old gazebo or simply watching the celebrations on the TV, you and thousands of other people across the UK and beyond have a shared interest. It is events such as these that bring communities together; that give neighbours something to talk about over the garden fence or in the streets. But it is also at events such as these where we can notice if someone isn’t quite themselves.
One in four We know that one in four people experiences a diagnosable mental health problem each year, which roughly equates to 16 million people across the UK. From this statistic, it is clear that you are likely to know someone in your community who is suffering in silence and could use your support. Dorset Mind actively encourages open discussion about mental health. Events like the Queen’s Jubilee can be a vessel to reinforce this message and spread it even to the most rural and isolated of communities, of which we have several in Dorset. It is true when people say that a little help goes a long way. Even if it is muffled through a mouthful of cake or drowned out by a chorus of celebratory cheers, posing the seemingly insignificant question “Are you OK?” can go a long way to make someone feel less isolated and really make a difference. The power of this small gesture is often underestimated. It could be all that is needed to start a conversation. However, others may need a second gentle push to get them talking, and that’s why it is important to always ask twice. You’ll always get the truth the second time around.
Reach out and check in Although mental health is still steeped in stigma, it’s important to remember that the condition of our mental health sits hand in hand with our physical health and can impact how we live our day-to-day lives. Let’s not just celebrate this event for what it says it is on the local Facebook page – let’s use it as an opportunity to reach out and check in on others.
If you are struggling to cope, please talk to your GP. If you’re in a crisis, treat it as an emergency. Call 999 immediately or The Samaritans, FREE on 116 123. Dorset Mind offers one-to-one and group support that can help with your wellbeing. We aim to reduce stigma by normalising conversations about mental health for both adults and young people from 11+. We also offer education and workplace training.
In June, the garden really begins to bloom, says Pete Harcom. There are maintenance jobs to be done – but don’t forget to sit and enjoy it too!
The hot, dry conditions caused by direct sunlight coming through greenhouse glass in spring and summer can scorch plant leaves, encourage pests such as red spider mite and lead to the patchy ripening of greenhouse crops such and tomatoes and peppers. Greenhouse shade paint is easy to apply to the outside of the glass as and when you need it. It’s shower resistant and effective, but remember to wash it off again towards the end of the season.
June should be a month of calmer and warmer weather. Flowers in bloom now will include lonicera (honeysuckle), potentilla, iris, dianthus, astilbe, cistus, roses, early clematis, sweet peas (if you started them early), geraniums, weigela and wisteria to name a few. If you want a quick boost to an empty bed, now’s a great time for a visit to a garden centre to pick up some instant colour. The garden will be vigorously growing now, so here are just a few ideas to help keep on top of things …
In the greenhouse Use blinds or shade cloth or apply shade paint on the external side of greenhouse glass to prevent overheating. Remember to open vents and doors on warm days – automatic window openers are a real bonus at this time of year.
Weeding Now is the time to get into beds and hoe and/or hand pick annual weeds before they get out of hand. Keep deadheading (particularly roses) to remove faded blooms and help continue their display.
Planting Plant out summer bedding, including potting-up hanging baskets. This is probably the last chance to plant shrubs, as the soil will be heating up now. Ensure you water them well and monitor. If your garden has a south-facing area this may be a time to consider growing some plants from warmer climates – agapanthus, evergreen jasmine (trachelospernum jasminoides), stone pine (pine nut trees), or perhaps Italian privet (ligustrum) and Mediterranean fan palms.
In Greek mythology, Iris was a messenger from the gods who travelled to earth on a rainbow. Wherever she stepped, flowers sprang up. Iris means rainbow; appropriate when bearded iris comes in colours from pure white to purple/black, and nearly every color in between.
Cuttings Now is the perfect time to take softwood cuttings of many shrubs, including lavender, fuchsia, philadelphus and forsythia. Collect healthy shoots from the tips of plants and make 5-10cm long cuttings. Slice through the stem below a pair of leaves and remove the lower set of leaves. Simply push into a small pot filled with gritty cutting compost and place in a shady part of the greenhouse or a windowsill propagator until rooted.
Sowing Start sowing perennials and biennials such as wallflowers and sweet williams for flowering next spring and summer. Sow seeds of polyanthus and winter pansies in trays, cover with vermiculite and place in an unheated propagator. You can then plant out into their flowering positions in autumn.
Watering and feeding Feed fuchsias, petunias and any other flowering pot plants once a week to boost flowering. Use a high potash liquid tomato feed, and start once you notice flower buds forming; continue though to the autumn when the plants run out of steam.
Dorset apprentices are showing the wealth of opportunity, talent and diversity within the programme, says Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber
Whether you’re just starting out, upskilling, or looking for a career change, there’s an apprenticeship for everyone.
This month I’d like to talk to you about apprenticeships. A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting the 2022 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards, run by Dorset Chamber, supported by the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network and sponsored by Superior Seals. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate the contribution apprentices make to the businesses and organisations in which they work. The event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, local dignitaries, our finalists, employers, family and friends. The wonderful day was a tremendous celebration of the achievements of our 12 finalists.
A diverse appeal We received more than 60 entries for the awards with three categories: intermediate, advanced and higher and degree level. The entrants covered a very broad age range and were from all across Dorset and a wide spectrum of industries. They really highlighted the diversity of the apprenticeship programme and the opportunities it can offer. Apprenticeships are available at all levels and, in contrast to the popular misconception, they are open to people of all ages. We had entries from people working in farming, HR, the legal profession, marketing and computer programming, to name but a few sectors.
Apprenticeships are no longer the preserve of the skilled trades – now careers in an enormous range of industries such as social media, design, PR and even law offer apprenticeships as entry routes.
Winning stories The three judges had an extremely difficult task in identifying the finalists and winners. We all found the entries to be inspiring. We didn’t just read about the fantastic contribution these apprentices are making in their place of work but also the impact this has had on their personal lives. We heard from employers who have really embraced the apprenticeship programme and offer great support and mentoring to their staff.
A personal success My daughter is at the beginning of her career, having taken the apprenticeship route, and it has given her a tremendous start. However, many of her peers did not take this route and were discouraged by their parents, who preferred their children to follow the traditional A level-to-university route. I would urge anyone to really consider apprenticeships as a fantastic way to gain qualifications and vital skills while working and earning a salary. As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with the opportunities this has given my daughter. Visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk to find out more.
The BV was delighted by an invitation from Sixpenny Handley First School to come and share in their Jubilee picnic in the school grounds.
The playground was beautifully decorated with handmade bunting and artwork depicting Her Majesty the Queen, all created by the children. Tables and chairs were ready for a feast, and parents were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the children. At last, the children made their made their red-white-and-blue-dressed entrance, and after a short welcome and thank you speech by headteacher Mrs Musselwhite the children entertained everyone with a Jubilee song.
Children and parents then gathered around the tables to enjoy a community picnic.Sixpenny Handley First School is a thriving Victorian village school well attended by 107 children from the local community. Mrs Musselwhite proudly told me that this event was the jewel in the crown of their week’s activities: “After the last couple of years, it was so lovely to get everyone together and do something for the community that has supported us through so much.” She was also keen to point out that the day was a team effort by the whole staff, who had contributed or made everything that was on offer. After the picnic, the celebrations continued for the children, with a brilliantly entertaining storytime on the field, with local author Chris Connaughton.
