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Triumphs and Tough Decisions for Toots

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Toots Bartlett reflects on the highs and hurdles of the 2023 eventing season, with decisions to make about her talented horses’ futures

Toots on Freestyle R, who is to move to pure dressage – she has made the tough decision to sell him

And just like that the 2023 eventing season is over! Perhaps a stranger season then most with the weather effecting a huge part of the spring campaign, but we managed to have a successful last few events.
After a bad fall at Cornbury horse trails we had a few weeks off before Cor Y Taran finished his season with a win at Swalcliffe in Oxfordshire. He went on to jump clear at his first CCI3-S at Bicton last weekend. He’s an incredibly exciting horse! Being only seven and with very little time and experience behind him he coped amazingly in all three phases, and he made the tough cross country course with its long hills and sticky, muddy ground feel very easy. He will now have a very deserved month off out in the field (where he will be joined by my lovely four-year old) for a holiday, allowing tired muscles time to repair and relax. My plan for next year is to get Cor Y Taran to Blenheim for the 8/9yo CCI4 Championship next Autumn – I will make a proper winter plan with both my trainers on how and what we need to do to achieve this goal.

Tough business decisions
Freestyle R has taken a new path recently and we are exploring the route of pure dressage with him – an area he has always specialised and excelled in. I’m having an interesting time learning pure dressage movements such as multiple changes and pirouette work. He achieved a very exciting 70 per cent at an Advanced Medium recently, givingh him the win. He is now training towards Prix St George and he is such a quick learner. Sadly Freestyle is going onto the market – although I am loving learning new tricks on him my focus will always be eventing, and I know he will give someone a huge amount of pleasure and success in pure dressage. Horses like Freestyle – safe, sound, kind, rideable and with a balance of mind and action – are incredibly rare and although I know he can fly in a new career and partnership it will break my heart to say goodbye. I feel this is the first proper ‘business’ decision I have had to make as I try and establish myself and it has not been an easy one!
Charlie has won 11 out of 11 of his recent competitions, whether dressage or combined training, and this little horse has so much talent and scope. He is a stunning horse to look at and is jaw-droppingly beautiful under saddle. He belongs to my sister and he too needs to move on to a new partnership to allow me to bring in some youngsters to produce to event.
It is very hard producing such lovely animals to then sell them, but as I grow older and understand more about building a business, it has slowly become a sad inevitablity.
As the 2023 event season draws to its close I have more time on my hands for more freelance riding. If you have any horses you would like schooled/ jumped or merely exercised please do get in touch. I have had many seasons schooling hunters and improving them as well as youngsters.
tootsbartletteventing.com

Bayliss, Jean

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Formerly of Wincanton.

Taken suddenly after a short illness on the 20th November 2023.

Aged 81 years

She will be greatly missed by all her friends.

Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and forever dear. Gone yet not forgotten.

Donations if desired to MacMillan Cancer support

No deadline for grief

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Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard provides an insight into supporting the many complex emotions of suicide bereavement

Trigger warning: this article contains themes of suicide that could be distressing. Please seek support via signposting at the end.

International Survivors of Suicide Day is 19th November – a day which unites those who have lost a loved one to suicide and are navigating bereavement, those who are finding their way after a suicide attempt and those caring for a loved one struggling with suicidal thoughts. It is an important day in the fight to draw attention to those affected by suicide – a topic we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about.
Bereavement is a complex subject – the process is different for different people. Losing a loved one to suicide can bring up so many unanswered questions and feelings. These can include wondering if you could have done more to prevent it or could have stopped it entirely.
You may be more like to have feelings of guilt when grieving a death you feel could have been preventable. While these difficult feelings are best discussed with a professional therapist, it is always important to remember you cannot blame yourself for the actions of another person and it could damage your own mental health.

Take your time
Grieving is an important part of healing and you must allow yourself to take time. It might be weeks, months or even years before you feel back on track. There is no set time-frame, and accepting this could help put you at ease.
However you choose to grieve, make sure you stay in touch with those who care about you. Having a support system is important in helping you to feel less alone and you will be able to open up about what you’re going through.
Both you and others who may also be grieving will benefit from staying connected.
While grief may never go away, it will change and evolve during your life. In the early stages of bereavement it may be very painful and difficult to remember good times you shared with the person you’ve lost. But, in time, you may be able to remember them fondly, and without finding it searingly painful.
If you are supporting someone who is grieving a loved one lost to suicide, the best think you can do is give them time and treat them with patience, kindness and sensitivity.
It can be tough watching the grief of someone you care about, but do make sure you discuss how you are prepared to care for them – ask them what they need, whether that is time and space, or if they perhaps want more company than usual, even if that is just a text to check in every day.

Support for you:
Visit dorsetmind.uk for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy
Call Samaritans on 116 123 for free 24/7 emotional support
Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on NHS 111
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger

NFU Education sparks passion for farming at Number 10

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Young learners explore farming and food at 10 Downing Street in a special Lessons at 10 event connecting children with British produce

Akshata Murty, the Prime Minister’s wife hosts a Lessons at 10 in collaboration with the National Farming Union where students from Countess Gwyth Primary school took part in a Farming StemTERPRISE activity session in 10 Downing Street.

Forty local schoolchildren were recently lucky enough to join NFU Education at 10 Downing Street for a tailor-made lesson on food and farming.
The Year 5 and 6 pupils from Countess Gytha Primary School in Yeovil, Somerset, were invited into Number 10 to explore the world of agriculture as part of the ‘Lessons at 10’ series, an initiative organised by the Prime Minister’s wife, Akshata Murty.
The lesson introduced the children to British food and farming through NFU Education’s Farming STEMterprise project and challenged them to invent their own finger foods using a range of British ingredients. And the challenge didn’t stop there – the children also had to market their creations and explain the many benefits of using homegrown British produce.
Working in teams, they were supported by an NFU Education Farmers for Schools ambassador, who offered firsthand insights into how they produce high quality, climate-friendly, nutritious food. Hailing from Lancashire to Sussex, they were able to share their expert knowledge of their sectors in dairy, arable, horticulture and sheep farming.
NFU Education Manager Josh Payne said: ‘This event provided an exceptional learning opportunity for these children to understand the importance of the vital world of British farming. It’s a brilliant programme, and it’s wonderful to see Mrs Murty recognising the value of teaching key STEM subjects through the lens of food and farming.
‘It’s important to make agriculture relevant and interesting to young people so they can become more involved in the countryside and rural areas as they grow older.
‘It’s been great to run this session and hopefully it has not only excited the children about food and cooking, but also got them thinking about where ingredients come from and the work that goes into their production. This experience is also a chance to meet real-life farmers, which is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between the field and the plate.
‘I’m sure this ‘Lessons at 10’ event will leave a lasting impact on these children, and we hope to inspire them to appreciate the importance of British produce.’
Ms Murty said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome pupils from Countess Gytha Primary School to Downing Street today for a special farming and food Lessons at 10 event.
‘It’s so important for children to connect with where our food comes from and experience great British produce. Thank you to everyone for coming and highlighting why we should back British farming.’

FULL OR PART-TIME LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS (LSA) + FULL OR PART-TIME HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (HLTA) – Level 4FULL | Fairmead School

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Fairmead Community Special School transforms the lives of pupils aged between 4-19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD). The school works in partnership with parents/carers and other stakeholders to develop our pupils in becoming positive individuals who make a valuable contribution to their community.

FULL OR PART-TIME LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS (LSA)

Full time based on 34.50 Hours per week, Term Time only (39 weeks).

Part-time hours are negotiable, Term Time only (39 weeks) 

Grade 15-14 – £18,456 – £19,078 (full time annual gross salary). Part-time salary reflective or hours worked.

Working hours Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Fri 8.30am-3.45pm and Tues 8.30pm-4.30pm – 34.50 working hours.  We can also offer supply hours for those who do not want to conform to a routine working week.                                                                                      

We are seeking to appoint outstanding Learning Support practitioners who are compassionate, dynamic and resourceful individuals to join our dedicated and hardworking team of skilful support staff to work across the whole school.  A desired element to this role would be experience of supporting young people with Autism and moderate learning needs. For more details please refer to the application information pack.

FULL OR PART-TIME HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (HLTA) – Level 4

 Full time based on 37 Hours per week – Term Time only – 39 weeks

 Part-time hours are negotiable, Term Time only (39 weeks)

Grade 12 – £22,937 – £25,262 (full time gross annual salary) subject to the relevant qualifications and experience.  Part-time salary is reflective of the hours worked.

Working hours Mon- Thurs 8.30 – 4.30pm, Fri 8.30 – 4pm – 37 working hours.  We can also offer supply hours for those who do not want to conform to a routine working week.

We are seeking to appoint a professional HLTA’s (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) responsible for learning activities under a system of supervision involving planning, preparation and delivering learning activities to an individual or small group.  To monitor, assess and record pupils’ achievement, progress and development. Experience with complex ASD/SLD pupils is essential. This position will be overseen by a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  For more details please refer to the application information pack.

To obtain an application pack please view http://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies or contact [email protected]

Prospective candidates are warmly invited to visit our school; this can be arranged by contacting [email protected]

Closing/Shortlisting Date: Friday 8th December       Interviews: Thursday 14th December.

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 an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS

Apply Link: https://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies/

FULL & PART TIME CLASSROOM TEACHERS MPS/UPS + 1 SEN | Fairmead School

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STARTING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 (SUPPLY ALSO CONSIDERED)

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

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 both Full & Part time 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.

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. We would also welcome a teacher with a specialism in ICT. Whilst we will consider both full and part-time hours we can also incorporate supply options, for teachers who not wish to conform to routine working hours.

  • 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.

Full details (Job Description, Person Specification and application form) can be obtained by clicking the Apply Now button below, or the school website www.fairmeadschool.com or by email to [email protected].

We welcome school visits, please email [email protected] to make an appointment.

Closing Date:  Friday 8th December               Interview Date: Tuesday 12th December

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 an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS Apply Link: https://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies/

PA to the Head | Clayesmore School

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To commence in January 2024

Full time, all year round

Clayesmore is a terrific place to work with a warm, supportive and happy atmosphere and is located in a beautiful part of the Dorset countryside between the towns of Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, cheerful, well organised individual with a warm and welcoming nature.  They will be a true team player who is energetic, enjoys engaging with people, is confident and friendly and can deliver exceptional customer service.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a busy confidential environment, have excellent communication skills and strong IT skills. A flexible approach to work is essential, along with an ability to work with tact, discretion and diplomacy at all times.

The benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, 30 days annual leave, free meal each day, free parking, school fee remission (if applicable) and on-site coffee shop.

Closing date is 8.00am on Wednesday, 6 December 2023.  Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and an appointment may be made before the closing date, therefore an early application is encouraged.

Further information and an application form is available from our Work for Us page at: https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us

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.

www.clayesmore.com

New community market in Horsington

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Local growers and producers are celebrating homegrown produce, promoting sustainability and fostering a sense of community

Marcus Fergusson from Feltham’s Farm had a successful market selling his cheese as well as Lovington’s sourdough loaves

“We’re walked past the garden place before and we’ve seen the signs for honey – but now we’ve actually met the people.”
This visitor to the new Horsington Community Market was delighted to discover the food and other goods produced in her village.
Horsington Village Hall had a quiet buzz as people perused the stalls – quiet, that is, until one gentleman burst into a rousing chorus of Food Glorious Food!
In fact, although there were only a few stalls, the breadth of produce was impressive – and plastic was noticeable by its absence. Crates of organic chard, fresh artichokes and coriander. Bags of apples and pears – yours for a donation.
Freshly baked cakes and breakfast muffins looked tempting and that Horsington Honey was rapidly snapped up by those in the know – and first-time buyers.
Stallholder Jeanne Mortarotti couldn’t hide her enthusiasm: ‘We’re hoping that, by starting this market, people will not only come and buy but also think about they can bring to sell. Perhaps they have too many beans or eggs or something else. It’s all about community. We worked with the PTA at the school – parents have made some of the cakes, and the children produced the apple and pear juice.’
The bottles of cloudy apple and pear juice – made from fruit from the school playground – were proudly displayed, the juice-making a valuable skill, learned at the same time as lessons in minimising food waste.
‘We have free coffees to entice people in,’ Jeanne continues. ‘We’re hoping to create a positive spirit, with 20 per cent of the takings going straight to the school. The children loved making the juices, they will be so excited to see they have sold.’

The market included bread from nearby Lovington Bakery, fresh award-winning cheeses from Feltham’s Farm, plants for sale from Blooming Wild Nursery – and even whole snuggly sheep fleeces.
There was olive oil tasting from Baglio San Felice (Jeanne and her husband have an olive grove in Sicily), and villagers had a chance to order from the 2023 harvest. Although not grown in Horsington it was an excellent example of how the community is using their creativity to develop the market. Naturally, there was a lot of interest in talking first hand to the producers to find out how the oil was produced.
The market is the brain-child of the energetic and creative Penny Nagle of Feltham’s Farm: ‘Many farmers and producers live and work locally. I felt it was a great opportunity to bring people together. It’s also about strengthening food resilience. Everything here is excess produce – we’re actively reducing waste and of course it encourages us all to shop local. Also, as food producers, we’re constantly working – this is a lovely opportunity for us to meet and network as well!’
If the market is successful, the team hopes to hold further events on the first Saturday of each month at Horsington Village Hall. Although it’s a small market, everyone is enthusiastic to make it work and it could become something special for this rural community.

Don’t miss Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day on 3rd December

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Sherborne will once again light up with a free Festive Shopping Day, including entertainers, a street market and a parade to the lighting of the Christmas tree

Sherborne will once again light up for Christmas with a free-entry Festive Shopping Day on Sunday 3rd December 2023 from 10am until 4pm.

The day will include:

·          Church services in The Abbey

·          Festive shops and stalls

·          Street entertainers

·          Sherborne Town Band 

·          Other music and choirs.

·          Santa’s Grotto

·          Children’s competition

·          Dorset’s Farmers Market

·          Christmas tree festival

·          Parade and lighting of the tree at 4pm

Organised by volunteers from Sherborne’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the event offers a great family day out.


With stalls lining Cheap Street, Abbey Road, Half Moon Street and Digby Road, visitors can take the opportunity to browse more than 80 street market stalls of local makers, producers and traders, as well visiting the range of independent shops for which Sherborne is known. All of them will of course be offering some great ideas for Christmas gifts, treats and Christmas essentials, as well as countless places to enjoy something to eat or drink in the coffee shops, restaurants and pubs the town has to offer. 

Cheap Street Church will have its traditional Christmas Tree display, with local groups and organisations each decorating a tree – it’s always worth popping in to see. And don’t forget to make a trip to see the award-winning Christmas display at Castle Gardens too (just five minutes drive from the town centre)

There will be free parking in the following car parks: Acreman Street, Coldharbour, Culverhayes (short stay and long stay), Culverhayes (commercial), Newland North, Old Market Yard and The Digby Hall.

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