The Cure have never been a band in a hurry. While it’s true that they released six LPs in as many years between 1979 and 1985, this was par for the course for indie bands at the time (The Replacements, R.E.M., Husker Du and many more served up a record every year in the early 80s). Since that early run, the Sussex alternative rock elder statesmen have only managed to put out an album, on average, every 5 and a half years. A Cure album is therefore always an event, regardless of where the work stands in a library of mostly exceptional work spanning six decades. Songs Of A Lost World, their first LP in more than 15 years, is very happy to take its time.
On the slow-burning, intensely epic opener Alone, it is almost three and a half minutes before Robert Smith announces “This is the end of every song we sing”. Despite the song’s despairing title, there is a familiar universality to the message of this and many of the album’s tracks. Over a pounding beat, Smith exclaims “We toast with bitter dregs, to our emptiness.” Elsewhere, lines such as “I never thought I’d need to feel regret for all I never was” (A Fragile Thing) and “Mournful hopes for all we might have been, all misunderstood but no way out of this” (Warsong) point to a bleak sense of darkness, hopelessness and loss. But there is light. There is hope. And there is love. While it’s title might suggest more sombre fair, And Nothing Is Forever skips lightly, driven by piano and strings, with Smith affirming “It really doesn’t matter … if you promise you’ll be with me at the end.” Ultimately, The Cure have produce a record both comfortingly familiar and exceptionally well produced, but also (and most importantly) essential for our times. The world may be lost, but The Cure have once again proved themselves to be a welcome anchor amidst the chaos.
Matthew Ambrose, DJ at Abbey104
Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.
Gillingham pupils on the beach at Somo in Cantabria
During October half term 72 Gilingham sixth form students travelled to the Spanish coast for the school’s biennial surf trip. This ever-popular trip was a great opportunity to learn new skills, experience a different culture, spend time with friends and get to know new people. The students met at school with suitcases stuffed to bursting, excited to depart on the adventure. For some it was their first time abroad, and for many it was their first experience of travelling without their families. The more experienced travellers quickly eased the nerves of those who were feeling anxious about flying, setting the tone for a supportive and friendly trip. The beautiful coastline at Somo, in Cantabria, enjoys waves suited to all skill levels. The students immediately took advantage of the Surf Houses social spaces, including the pool table, hammock-adorned decks and volleyball court. Fortunately the food was also fabulous as the surfing required high energy levels: a two hour surf lesson each morning was followed by a variety of optional activities in the afternoons. Some decided to continue to hone their surfing skills while others opted to go into town to buy souvenirs and browse the shops. Still more enjoyed some quiet time reading, chatting with friends in the hammocks, walking the shoreline or playing football. After a busy day, the delicious homemade burgers and paella were definitely appreciated by all, before the evenings were filled with pool competitions, volleyball tournaments, quizzes and a movie night – introducing a whole new generation to the classic surf film Point Break. Mid-week, the students took the ferry to Santander for a shopping and site-seeing day, allowing the students the opportunity to explore the local culture. By the end of the week there was a real sense of pride among the group with how far their surfing skills had come – many came home with firm plans to buy a surf board! Staff accompanying the trip said the pupils were a delight to spend time with, and were a credit to themselves and the school.
Everyone knows The BV is awash with talent. But these five contributors have all produced gift-worthy books we can’t help but shout about
We’re always thrilled to showcase the creative achievements of The BV’s contributors, whose latest books are as inspiring as they are diverse. Jane Adams writes one of the most popular columns in the magazine – she is a successful wildlife writer, and her first book for the National Trust is absolute joy (as we all knew it would be). Barry Cuff is responsible for our glimpses into Dorset’s past every month with his local history postcards (and we deeply miss his partner in crime, Roger Guttridge). Rachael Rowe has been a freelance journalist for The BV almost since our first issue. but many aren’t aware that when she’s not charging about the county for us, she’s busy turning her curiosity and expertise into brilliant books. Lastly, we’re always proud that the fearsome duo of Gay Pirrie-Weir and Fanny Charles are such a big part of The BV team. If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful gift this Christmas, why not consider one of these wonderful books by our talented contributors and friends?
Nature’s Wonders Step into the Dorset countryside with Jane Adams, whose evocative writing and photography capture the beauty of nature in all its intricate detail. Published in association with the National Trust, Nature’s Wonders is far more than a seasonal walk; it’s a reminder to pause and appreciate life’s smaller, often overlooked, wonders. From oak apple galls to the busy jays that hide thousands of acorns each autumn, Adams fills every page with delightful insights. Perfect for nature lovers and those who need a moment of calm, this book makes an ideal Christmas gift for reconnecting with the outdoors. Read the BV review here, and order online here, or buy at Winstone’s in Sherborne and Folde in Shaftesbury.
Deepest Somerset For anyone who loves Somerset or has connections to this beautiful county, Deepest Somerset is the perfect Christmas gift. With an introduction by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), this stunning hardback celebrates the county’s food, history, wildlife and iconic places. Packed with fascinating stories – from traditional Cheddar-making with George Keen to the Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis’ Methodist roots – it’s a treasure trove of local culture. Lavishly illustrated, it’s a joy to explore. On top of all that, all proceeds go to three Somerset charities, making it a gift that gives back. Whether for long-time locals or distant admirers, this book is a meaningful addition to any bookshelf. Read the BV review here, and buy direct from Fanny & Gay at deepestbooks.co.uk
Wimborne Minster Through Time Roger Guttridge and Barry Cuff’s Wimborne Minster Through Time is a fascinating journey through the history of this Dorset town. With vintage photographs and stories spanning centuries – from 18th-century smugglers to the Great Fire of 1900 – this book is a treasure trove of local lore. It’s both a nostalgic look at Wimborne’s past and a celebration of how the town has evolved. Whether you’re a Wimborne native or simply enjoy uncovering Dorset’s rich history, this beautifully illustrated book makes a thoughtful and engaging Christmas gift. Read the BV review here, and you can buy online here.
The Science Lover’s Guide to London Perfect for curious minds and offbeat adventurers, Rachael Rowe’s The Science Lover’s Guide to London takes readers on a journey through the city’s hidden science gems. From Alexander Fleming’s restored laboratory in Paddington to Victorian engineering marvels at Kirkaldy’s Testing Works, this book combines fascinating facts with practical tips for visiting. With Dorset connections sprinkled throughout – including Stalbridge’s Robert Boyle and Dorchester’s Frederick Treves – it’s a delightful read for locals and science enthusiasts alike. A unique guide to London’s lesser-known wonders, it’s ideal for those seeking something different this Christmas. Read the BV review here, and you can buy online here.
In our new column, Chris Wald, assistant trainer to Joe Tizzard, tells us how Venn Farm went from dairy farm to racing dynasty
All images Courtenay Hitchcock
Venn Farm Racing is a National Hunt racing yard at Milborne Port, currently home to around 90 horses, all trained by Joe Tizzard. I am Joe’s assistant trainer and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the highs and lows of the jumps season with you, as well as looking behind the scenes. For our first column, though, I thought it would be good to go back to the start, to understand how the yard has become what it is today. Joe’s father, Colin, started training horses in 1996, alongside his main business of milking cows. He bought two horses, The Jogger and Qualitaire Memory, so that when Joe turned 16 he could ride in point-to-points. Each horses went on to win four races – and so began the start of both Colin’s training and Joe’s riding careers. After training a few more point-to-pointers, in 1998 Colin was prompted to take out a permit to train under rules (professional racing). There was about to be a rule change which meant that new trainers would have to attend a three-week course to obtain a full licence – but Colin had cows to milk, and unless they started milking themselves, he couldn’t go anywhere. Then he realised that if he already had a permit, he could get away with taking just a half-day course to gain his full licence – problem solved!
Meanwhile, Joe had gone to work for local top National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls in Ditcheat, just over the border in Somerset. He enjoyed success as an amateur, winning the 1998 Cheltenham Foxhunters on Earthmover, before turning professional. He became Champion Conditional Jockey in the 1998/99 season. Back in Milborne Port, Colin continued to improve the horses and facilities in the yard – Joe Lively and Hey Big Spender were early flag bearers, before Cue Card came along and took things to a whole new level. He won the Champion Bumper at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival as a four-year-old and went on to win 16 races, eight at Grade 1 level, amassing more than £1.4 million in prize money. The achievements of Cue Card allowed Colin to invest in expanding the yard to more than 100 boxes, and also to install new gallops and other facilities. Stars such as Thistlecrack and Native River followed, with the latter’s 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup victory a career highlight.
New recruit Etna Bianco on the gallops
No more milk After riding more than 700 winners, Joe retired as a jockey in 2014. He became Colin’s assistant trainer, alongside his sister Kim Gingell, who was an integral part of the yard and its success. She sadly passed away in 2020 after a short illness. After a successful 26-year training career, in 2022 Colin passed the licence over to Joe. Until this point the dairy farm had continued alongside the horses, but it was finally decided that selling the milking herd and making the switch to beef cattle would allow Joe more time to focus on racing.
Now in his third season as a trainer, Joe already has more than 130 winners on his record, and has earned £2.3 million in prize money. He has also trained his first Grade 1 winner – Elixir De Nutz won the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham last year, fittingly ridden by Joe’s nephew, Freddie Gingell. And that brings us up to date – we are well under way with the 2024/25 National Hunt season which started in earnest in October, although there is jump racing through the summer. The end of the season is the last weekend in April at Sandown. We have had a great start, with 32 winners on the board at the time of writing and a healthy 20 per cent winners-to-runners strike rate. The highlight so far has been JPR One winning the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, one of the big early season races in the Jumps calendar.
New faces Another really exciting theme has been the amount of young horses winning races this season: First Confession, Alexei and Western Knight have all won Novice Hurdles and Tennessee Tango won a National Hunt Flat Race at Wincanton. Our owners have invested in lots of young horses over the last few years, and while this can require some patience, it is incredibly rewarding for everyone to see this approach paying off. Joe also bought two horses, Etna Bianco and Kool Kid, at the recent Cheltenham sales for existing owners. Both have form in Irish point-to-points, a proven source of horses that go on to have successful National Hunt careers.
With so many people and horses involved with the yard, there are lots of stories to tell! Over the coming months, I plan to spotlight individuals from the stable staff and jockeys to the farriers, vet and physio, as well as keeping BV readers updated with how our season is going. December is always a busy month and the Christmas period will be made even busier for Joe this year – he and his wife Rachel are expecting their second child on Boxing Day … the busiest day in the racing calendar … Very poor planning!
Unique Dorset gift ideas can make Christmas extra special – shop small with the help of our guide to thoughtful and local festive shopping
Chrisymas gifts at Conyers
The big day is fast approaching, and the search for a meaningful gift can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve done the legwork. From Dorset and a touch further afield, our selection is full of ideas to please even the fussiest of loved ones. And when you buy local, you’re not only supporting local small businesses, but also giving back to the rural economy.
Feed the reindeer Reindeer are not just for December and they survive on a bit more than carrots on Christmas Eve! You can learn about, meet and feed these magical creatures at their farm near Yeovil all year round. Somerset Reindeer Ranch also offers Fox Fascination experiences – ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. There are even a few skunks, emus and other furry creatures on the ranch, so your visit will be full of fun.
long alpaca socks country
Warm feet and cosy socks You can never have enough socks – even the person who has everything needs socks. There are some cosy alpaca house sock and cushion-soled walking socks, perfect over breeks or inside wellies and riding boots, available online from South Paddocks Farm at Winterborne Houghton, and at some markets and Christmas events. Alpaca gardening socks from Salisbury-based Horatio’s Garden are another practical gift and will support this wonderful spinal injuries charity.
Hats, bags and waterproofs From flat caps and fishing bags to some very fetching cosy hats for a day at the races, Conyers is a treasure trove of gifts for outdoorsy types. There’s so much more than practical waterproofs (although these are very welcome gifts). Gorgeous glassware etched with deer and game birds (£16), pewter spoons with pheasants (£24), and even cow themed handkerchiefs (£16) are just a few of the tempting gift ideas from one of Blandford’s oldest shops.
Give the art of learning The opportunity to learn a new skill can spark a lifetime of creativity. A blacksmithing experience day is an excellent way to create a range of items and get an insight into this craft. Ian Thackray runs experience days at Chettle. Willow work is another great gift, especially for gardeners. At Welig, near Shaftesbury, learn to make a willow foraging basket, pheasant – or even a reindeer. Finally, a taster course in stained glass work will get those creative juices flowing. Experiment with decorations or panels at the Dorset Stained Glass workshops in Marnhull (from £60).
Sophies pottery cafe
Channel your inner Daarset If you know someone who would enjoy brushing up on their Dorset dialect skills, the William Barnes Society has an eclectic range of gift ideas. Choose from a Dorset dialect or Linden Lea mug for your festive cuppa, both available from the Dorset Museum Shop in Dorchester at £11 (only in person). And don’t forget to browse the wonderful range of books by Dorset writers when you visit. Proceeds from the dialect and Linden Lea mugs support the Barnes for All campaign.
Splash out on homewares Treat someone to a new item for their home from a local artisan. 1855 in Sturminster Newton has goodies from more than 100 local makers, including brightly coloured glass chopping boards inspired by Dorset landscapes from MarchMadeArt and a range of chicken-themed tea towels and mugs from The Cheeky Hen – the Christmas ceramic poultry decorations are perfect (£6.50). You’ll find all these and so much more in 1855.
Special pottery painting Christmas is a wonderful time for creating those magical moments with children, so what about making a few more during the year? Sophie’s Ceramics Pottery Cafe in Blandford and Shaftesbury has a range of creative ideas from baby footprints to painting sessions. Gift vouchers are ideal for shared grandparent-and-grandchild pottery painting afternoons, where those spontaneous creative designs will be something to treasure forever. And if you are looking for a stocking filler, check out the cute Christmas penguin painting kits.
Glass chopping boards by MarchMadeArt in 1855 Sturminster Newton
Celebrate nature For the nature enthusiast, gifts featuring the natural world or made from sustainable sources always go down well. Folde in Shaftesbury is packed with inspirational ideas, from pewter acorn earrings to hand-crafted Shaker-style boxes (from £34), and decorative notebooks and cards. And if you are looking for a challenging family game for the festive season, try the wood-themed puzzles and memory games. Dikes of Stalbridge has an amazing range of hampers – including one dedicated to feeding garden birds (£49).
Give a Letterbox Gift Finally, with the price of postage becoming more prohibitive, some businesses have adapted by selling gifts that slip through the letterbox, perfect for distant friends. Annings of Dorset has delightful hand crafted seashell shaped soaps packaged in a ready to post box. Similarly, Seasons Green in Corfe Castle has a lovely range of letterbox suitable gifts, all available to order online – choose from locally-made notebooks, make-up bags or even a pair of mini garden shears.
Since 2012, Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival has helped to generate almost £400,000 for charities. More than £260,000 of this has been directly distributed by the committee to local community groups and charities. Following another successful show in 2024, the Cheese Festival show committee are delighted to announce that they are once again able to offer some grant funding this year. Applications are now welcomed from any community groups and charities based within a five mile radius of Sturminster Newton. If your organisation has a large client base and is supporting people within the five mile radius of Sturminster Newton, though with a postal address outside this area, you can still apply – but must state this criterion on your application form. The Grant Application form can be downloaded from the website cheesefestival.co.uk/news Applications close on 31 December 2024, and successful applicants will be confirmed early 2025.
Break the digestive biscuits into crumbs (you can do this in a food processor if you have one, or place them in a ziplock bag and hammer with a rolling pin). Mix in the butter until the cumbly mixture begins to come together. Press this mixture into the base of the tin to form a base and set aside.
Whisk together the rest of the ingredients (cream cheese, double cream, caramel sauce and icing sugar) until it is fluffy and thick – if you have one, a stand mixer makes light work of this. Spoon this mixture on top of the biscuit base and level the top. Pop into the fridge for at least a couple of hours to set.
Carefully remove it from the tin and place on a plate to serve. Finish by crumbling some fudge over the top and drizzling with more caramel sauce.
Welcome to The Grumbler, the open opinion column in The BV. It’s a space for anyone to share their thoughts freely. While the editor will need to know the identity of contributors, all pieces will be published anonymously. With just a few basic guidelines to ensure legality, safety and respect, this is an open forum for honest and unfiltered views. Got something you need to get off your chest? Send it to editor@bvmagazine.co.uk. (and of course send letters to letters@bvmagazine.co.uk in response!)
When I read recent reports about Dorset Council withdrawing from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in 2025 and their new Dorset Plan for economic growth, including an Economic Growth Board (EGB) chaired alongside the Dorset Chamber, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Once again, it seems we’re watching a large organisation – this time the council – with absolutely no idea of how to communicate with business owners. Dorset Chamber serves an important role, but in my personal experience from attending their events, their membership leans heavily towards solicitors, accountants, PR firms, website designers and coaches of some kind. What I didn’t meet were any food producers (my area of interest). Is the Chamber the right organisation to sit on the EGB? Yes, probably … as long as the council is also able to tap into the outstanding food and drink producers across the county. The sector so far seems invisible in the council’s grand strategy – there was a glaring absence of any mention of food and drink producers in the Dorset Council Draft Plan. Wasted potential There are hundreds of small producers – many nationally award-winning – and numerous large ones scattered across the county, and the council already has an ‘in’ to this critical industry – Dorset Food & Drink (DF&D). It’s a membership platform specifically designed to support, promote and network with food and drink producers across the county. But where was DF&D in the council’s report? Nowhere. It’s an omission that speaks volumes about how disconnected the council is from this sector’s potential. At its peak, DF&D was driven by a board of experienced trustees who ensured it was progressive, active and ambitious. They championed Dorset food and drink with real energy, delivering initiatives that mattered to producers like me. But now? My experience of DF&D has been, it’s fair to say, poor. As far as I know, the organisation consists of one overworked person presumably juggling other council responsibilities with little time or resources to focus on us, the producers. There is little interest from councillors – or perhaps just no knowledge even of the existence of DF&D. There’s certainly no understanding by officers at the council of what a difference the organisation could make with a clear strategy and focus on how to provide a meaningful, ambitious, innovative range of projects that the food producers of Dorset of all shapes and sizes want throughout the year. There is no energy, no drive, just half-hearted token gestures: DF&D is underfunded, understaffed and utterly overlooked. We only have to look over the border to Wiltshire to see just how effectively a council can support its food and drink sector when it wants to. The Winter Food Fair at Athelhampton House was a rare exception – a fantastic event that showcased Dorset’s incredible food and drink scene. But one event a year is a drop in the ocean. We need more events like this, bigger and more frequent, to not only to provide a route to market for the many producers but also to showcase the premium quality food and drink that Dorset has to offer and which will in turn pull in visitors.
Time to prioritise This lack of focus isn’t just frustrating – it’s a massive missed opportunity. Dorset’s food and drink sector is packed with talent: hundreds of producers, from small family farms to innovative artisans, are dotted across the county. Properly supported, this sector could play a leading role in the county’s economic revival. We’re talking job creation, increased tourism, and a platform for Dorset to shine nationally and internationally. If Dorset Council is serious about its Economic Growth Strategy, it must prioritise this sector. The Economic Growth Board needs representation from food and drink producers – not just the Chamber – and DF&D must be revitalised. Bring back a proper board of trustees, inject fresh energy, and build a strategy that truly champions Dorset’s amazing food and drink industry. They in turn will provide employment opportunities and be part of the economic revival of the county. There’s so much potential here. But without proper investment and collaboration between the council, DF&D and the Chamber, it will be wasted. Dorset deserves better – and so do its brilliant food and drink producers.
DocBike has launched an exciting new ride-out event to bring festive cheer to children and young people at Dorset County Hospital this Christmas.
DocBike’s Santa Toy Run will take place on Sunday, 22nd December 2024, and invites big-hearted bikers to donate an unwrapped gift for young patients staying on Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital. These gifts will be given to the children to open on Christmas Day.
Kingfisher Ward is Dorset County Hospital’s dedicated ward for children and young people aged 0 to 17 years. It provides a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment where young patients receive care tailored to their needs. The ward’s philosophy is centred on family-focused care, ensuring each child or young person is treated as an individual and supported as part of a family unit.
For many, Christmas is a cherished time to come together with loved ones. Unfortunately, illness or injury means some children and young people will be unable to spend the festive season at home with their families. DocBike’s Santa Toy Run aims to bring joy to these young patients during a difficult time, delivering special gifts made possible by the generosity of the public.
Bikers are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit by donning their best Christmas fancy dress for the 35-mile ride, which begins at The Churchill Arms in Alderholt. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the starting point from 10:00 am, and all participants must sign in by 11:15 am.
The Santa Toy Run will set off from The Churchill Arms at 11:30 am, with bikers warmly welcomed at Dorset County Hospital. Here, they will hand over their thoughtfully donated gifts to staff from Kingfisher Ward.
The DocBike Charity receives no direct Government funding and relies entirely on public generosity to continue its life-saving work. DocBike places highly trained trauma doctors or critical care paramedics on motorcycles to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the UK’s roads caused by motorcycle collisions.
DocBike Volunteers ready for the Santa Toy Run
Registration for DocBike’s Santa Toy Run is free, but any donations made during registration to support the charity’s operational costs would be greatly appreciated.
Speaking about the event, Tanya Wynyard, DocBike Volunteer and Landlady at The Churchill Arms, said: “The DocBike Charity and the team at The Churchill Arms are really excited to be able to give something back by organising a fun event for our biker community, which will also benefit the children and young people in Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital over Christmas. We hope that people will give generously and come out in support for our very first Santa Toy Run, which is supporting children and young people in our local community.”
Emma Davies, Kingfisher Ward Sister at Dorset County Hospital, commented on the difference the event will make: “We are extremely grateful to DocBike for their generous donations. This kindness and support make such a difference to the experience of children receiving care in hospital. We truly appreciate their contributions and look forward to seeing the joy and excitement this brings to our young patients.”
Online registration for DocBike’s Santa Toy Run is now open. To support children and young people this Christmas, register today by visiting: www.bit.ly/docbike-toyrun.
More information about DocBike can be found on the charity’s website: www.docbike.org.
