From Monday 17th May, public performances with audiences are permitted again, and venues across the region are preparing for the excited, if still socially distanced, audiences. Our region is welcoming more open air theatre companies than ever before during the summer months. Look out for full details.
Here are some highlights, and remember that limited audience numbers will mean they will sell out quickly.
Bath Festival, this year from 17th to 24th May with an August finale and an October encore (Patti Smith), has the Gesualdo Six in the Roman baths, Bridgerton walking tours of the city, Richard Osman and the Complete Beethoven Quartets among a full programme.
Wimborne’s Tivoli reopens with a visit by comedian Simon Evans in The Work of the Devil, the ever-popular Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, and Jack and the Beanstalk in June, all before our next edition on 4th June.
Poole’s Lighthouse has moved big films into the larger theatre space, and starts with The Greatest Showman on 22nd May. There is a Comedy Club 4 Kids at the new outdoor amphitheatre next to the main building.
Yeovil’s Octagon has an excitingly full programme, starting with a visit from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band on 22nd May, and continuing with Austentatious – the improvised Jane Austen novel . Lesley Garrett will be in Yeovil for an evening of song, reminiscences and chat on 6th June.
Ralph Fiennes brings the world premiere of his new show TS Eliot’s Four Quartets, to Bath Theatre Royal from 25th May.
The Gaggle of Geese at Buckland Newton hosts a visit from Luke Wright in The Ballad Seller on 30th May
Big open air tours are getting started, with Illyria’s The Further Adventures of Dr Doolittle at the ECOS Amphitheatre at Frome Merlin on 2nd June, and the wonderful Lord Chamberlain’s Men at Salisbury Cathedral Close with Macbeth on 4th and 5th June.
Book soon, wrap up warm, and enjoy a summer of live performances again.
As part of Dorset Libraries’ celebrations for Local and Community History Month, you are invited to join journalists Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir in a live online event.
Fanny Charles & Gay Pirrie-Weir Presenting £1,000’s woth of camera and audio equipment to the Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat – part of the proceeds of Deepest Dorset.
Fanny and Gay will be talking about Deepest Dorset, the book that delves into the local history, landscape and places that
inspire – and which has raised over £60,000 for local charities to date. The success of the book led to Deepest Wiltshire,
published in 2019, with a further book, Deepest Somerset currently planned.
Find out about their mission to create a book that showcased Dorset from a different and varied perspective and hear about the latest research
for their new book Deepest Somerset and the impact that the pandemic has had on research and interviews, and on sales of published books.
On Saturday 22nd May from 10am to 4pm, by kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis, Yarlington House will host a specialist plant fair.
Always a great day out for any plant lover, from novice gardener to plantaholics looking for more treasures. There will be an opportunity to buy plants from specialist dealers from all over the South West at the twenty stalls – Amongst them you will find organic vegetables, cheery summer colour, plants for cut flowers, wildlife and shady areas; plants for every nook and corner of your garden!
All amazing quality, great value for money and expert advice if you need it.
The entrance ticket includes admission to the beautiful flower garden and walled kitchen garden, not normally open to the public.
Perfect for inspiration for your own garden!
Many of the plants will be on sale in the plant fair – including a stand with plants grown and propagated by Yarlingtons head gardener.
Following a year of uncertainty, together with cancellations of public events such as Gold Hill Fair 2020. Shaftesbury Rotary Club have decided to look ahead with optimism. The Gold Hill Fair will be relaunched as Gold Hill Festival and will be sponsored by Western Marquees. Shaftesbury Rotary Club are very excited by this year’s event, as it will give residents of Shaftesbury a chance to have some fun.
Taking into consideration COVID restrictions, it was decided that Park Walk would not be possible as a venue. Shaftesbury Rotary Club approached the Town Council who kindly agreed to the use of Barton Hill Recreation Park, a more spacious and usable space.
The hope is to be celebrating the end of lockdown and the legal requirement to socially distance, of course, but the committee have to plan for less favourable possibilities so holding the event on the Barton Hill field allows for social distancing and for the oprganisers to control numbers if the regulations at the time require this.
But …. they aim to bring back an even bigger range of music, dance, refreshments, trade stalls and community events. Keep up with developments of the event on the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Goldhillfair
With The Fringe not taking place until the Bank Holiday Weekend in August, Gold Hill Festival will operate as a standalone event. There will be the usual stall holders around the field, with street food outlets and a central stage and music throughout the day, including the first ‘Shaftesbury’s Got Talent’.
“Entry will be free; we want you to come and enjoy the day and have fun! If you have a particular talent and would like to take part then please let us know. We want all local organisations to be involved.”
We are very lucky this year to have a sponsor, Western Marquees, who are very kindly donating the Marquee, Stage and Generator for the event.
If you would like to take part or even get involved, then please email us at: – [email protected]
The small but perfectly formed Salisbury Live 2021 will take place on July 3rd, 9th and 10th July.
The Lift Off! Launch will take place at Salisbury Rugby Club on Saturday July 3rd and will feature 2 stages, headlined by Europe’s top Oasis tribute act, Oasis Maybe. Also on the bill; one of Salisbury’s favourite covers band, The Zucchinis, raucous punk/new wave covers band, Double J & the Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle and the brilliant Evolution Choir. We will also feature some of our very talented up and coming young artists, Signature Vision and Home from the Unknown will be complimented by a showcase courtesy of the fantastic Sound Emporium.
Gates are 3pm-10pm with licensed bars and delicious food outlets onsite.
Please note: Due to the Corona Virus we will be airing on the side of caution and limiting the capacity to 1500.
Tickets are £5 each with under 10’s FREE (accompanied by an adult).
Tickets are on sale from Monday May 17th (online only) from SKIDDLE.COM.
Friday July 9th we have a scaled down Salisbury Live in the Square running from 5pm-10pm, Free entry. The line-up will be announced soon (you will not be disappointed!!)’
Saturday July 10th its back to the traditional Salisbury Live we know and love with participating pubs and clubs around the city all featuring the best in live music
More details regarding Salisbury Live 2021 to follow
The tiny parish of Todber (population 140) doesn’t have too many claims to fame but it does have something unique in Dorset – the county’s oldest stone cross.
The cross’s history is not straightforward, though, as revealed by Alfred Pope in The Old Stone Crosses of Dorset, published in 1906.
Todber’s Saxon cross in 1906
Pope includes a photograph of the complete cross standing proudly in the churchyard.
He explains that the shaft actually comprised two sculpted stones that were discovered in the churchyard by a former Rector of Stour Provost with Todber ‘some years since’.
‘It may at one time have formed parts of a Saxon cross and have been cut by Saxon monks,’ he says.
The two parts of the Todber cross today
The two parts of the Todber cross today
‘The cross in its present form is quite modern, having been made up and placed in its present position in 1889.’
Dr Colley March, an expert on Runic and Saxon sculpted designs, told Pope that the two fragments were ‘of early date, perhaps even of the eighth century, and that without doubt the carving represents the “true vine” that is Christ’.
The stump of the cross at Tarrant Crawford in 1906 and the restored version today
Runic crosses are relatively common in Cornwall, Scotland and Ireland but Pope was unable to find another of this type in Dorset.
‘In the lower fragment one sees a repeated cross with vineal coils, and within the coils a vine leaf is discernible,’ he writes.
‘The upper fragment is of the same type and may have come from the side of the same cross, the reversing spiral being treated in the usual manner, as a vine.’
Today Todber’s cross is in two pieces once again. The cross itself and the top part of the shaft stand shyly against the church wall.
At the request of Dorset’s archaeological department, the more substantial lower sections have been inside the church since 1983 to protect the inscription from weathering.
Before being moved, specialist stonemasons were employed to clean the Saxon stones and insert suitable modern stones to replace the Victorian cement that was used to hold the pieces together in 1889.
Another cross that has rung the changes is at Crawford Cross between Tarrant Crawford and Spetisbury.
When Pope photographed it 115 years ago, only the socket-stone base and the bottom 22 inches of the ‘once handsome square shaft’ remained.
‘The stones are much worn from children climbing over them,’ he adds.
Today the roadside cross is back to its former glory.
An inscription tells us it was restored and set on a new plinth ‘by many friends of Tarrant Crawford’ in 1914.
HELPING ON THE INSIDE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON THE OUTSIDE
A Dorset charity is struggling to get noticed because, in the words of its Vice Chair, “it’s not pink and fluffy”. Friends of Guys Marsh, (FOGM), is appealing for volunteers to help support prisoners at HMP Guys Marsh, near Shaftesbury, to improve their chances of going straight on the outside.
FOGM works closely with the category C training prison, regarded as one of best in the south west for rehabilitating prisoners and reducing reoffending. The charity was started in 2004, brainchild of Roberta (Bobbie) Primrose from Marnhull, now in her 80’s, who has just stepped down from an active role.
Image courtesy of Friends of Guys Marsh
Vice Chair Steve Penson explains: “These men are inside for a good reason – we never deny that. But for many, a prison sentence really starts when they get out. Ex-offenders often have nowhere to go when they’ve done their time. They leave hopeless and homeless, returning to the cycle that sees them end up in prison again. That’s no good for them, our community or the taxpayer.”
The average annual cost per prisoner is £32,215 and the re-offending rate is shockingly expensive – an estimated £9-£13 billion each year.
FOGM supports prisoners who actively seek to change their lives, working with those who say : “I’ve made a massive mistake with my life. I want to change and make a difference when I get out of prison.”
Ex-offender Sobanan, who spent 18 months in Guys Marsh, recalls: “FOGM helped me see that I mattered as a prisoner; that people existed who wanted to give back to those who wouldn’t be able to do anything for them. They contributed compassion and a positive environment in a harsh place.”
FOGM support the prison with many initiatives. During the height of the pandemic, prisoners wanted to make scrubs but there was only one old sewing machine between 400 men. After an appeal via FOGM’s network, 25 sewing machines were donated. PPE was supplied to NHS Trusts and a contract was awarded from Yeovil hospital. “The men felt they were helping their families on the outside,” says Steve Penson. The prison has now set up a textile workshop so prisoners can be tutored in a new life skill.
Image courtesy of Friends of Guys Marsh
The prison has an aptly called Jail House Café, where prisoners gain catering qualifications. Woodworking skills are taught and picnic tables and bird boxes are sold at local country shows with profits going to support FOGM’s work.
Lockdown has literally meant just that for Guys Mash inmates – sometimes 23 hours in a cell. To alleviate boredom and connect with home, FOGM funded exotic backdrops for fun selfies. These were made into postcards home – much nicer for children to see their dads in a beach scene rather than against a prison wall.
At time of writing, prison visits are still on pandemic hold. Family support is the crux of rehabilitation. FOGM have funded a play-worker who looks after children when families can visit. Books written by children with parents in prison have been bought so visiting children understand they’re not alone in having a dad in prison.
FOGM treasurer Ann Davis-Penson “If we can keep the family nucleus together, there’s a strong possibility that a man won’t reoffend.”
And when the prisoners leave? Ann Davis-Penson explains: “Prisoners can leave in the very clothes they came in wearing. Standing on Gillingham station in a pair of pyjamas and your belongings in a bin bag doesn’t inspire a new start, so we fund clothing. Trousers and shoes that fit go a long way in giving back some dignity. We also provide a leaver’s bag with a month’s supply of toiletries.”
Image courtesy of Friends of Guys Marsh
Tracy Harrison, prison Head of Reducing Reoffending & Drug Strategy, believes FOGM really makes a difference: “FOGM is dedicated to providing support through the gate, encouraging men to reduce reoffending by offering employment and resettlement support. They’ve helped to reduce stress and boredom during the pandemic restrictions through in-cell activities such as juggling and providing Dragon’s Den style business packs to motivate men to consider their future.”
For some, future on the outside is rosier thanks to FOGM. Success stories include an ex-offender who now works for Channel 4 after learning film-making whilst inside. A 15-year timer is now a yoga instructor and one has been approached by the Ministry of Justice to advise on prison rehabilitation.
You can join FOGM with an annual donation of £10 or by volunteering. Steve Penson: “Small things really make a difference. Even if you can only spare a few hours to make tea for prison visitors, we’d love to hear from you. [email protected]
Rosie celebrating at the end of lap 100, with the 2012 Olympic Torch.
Gillingham Health Champion Rosie Thompson – a retired PE Teacher from Gillingham High School – walked 100 laps of the Peacemarsh Surgery car park on 1st May to raise money for the Captain Tom Foundation and to recognise the work of Gillingham Medical Practice.
Rosie completed the challenge in her usual style; dressed in NHS rainbow scrubs!
There were themed laps including ‘blindfolded’, ‘Robot Rosie’, ‘dry land swimming’, cartwheels, Spitfire flypast and the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone lap’ amongst others!
Rosie completed the 10.1 mile course in just over 3 hours and was cheered on by fellow Health Champions and Gillingham Medical Practice staff.
Rosie completing her Spitfire flypast lap, supported by her fellow Health Champions and Gillingham Medical Practice staff.
Rosie said ‘’To complete the challenge holding a 2012 Olympic relay torch was the icing on the cake.
“Everyone’s kind words and thoughts really kept me going, along with the generosity of all donors to the Captain Tom Foundation – I’ve raised over £600 which is just awesome! Thanks to everyone involved: in the words of Captain Tom ‘Tomorrow Will Be a Better Day’.
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Frith announce his sudden and untimely death. A wonderful family man and successful businessman, a man of great humour, integrity and loyalty, Robert had an enormous passion for life and lived life to the full until his last breath.
Robert was born in Whitton Middlesex when the first doodlebugs fell in June 1944. With his parents George and Doris and older brothers, Brian and Michael, he spent his formative years growing up in Twickenham. Robert attended Chiswick Grammar School followed by studying Optometry at City University, London.
At an early age, Robert (or Bob as he was known to many of his friends), demonstrated an interest and prowess on the athletics track. He became an active member of Kingston ‘Poly’ Harriers he went onto represent his country in the 100 metre sprint and relay at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. His many accolades included winning the 60m silver medal at the 1968 European Games in Madrid and the Bronze in 1969 in Belgrade. He held the world record for 50 metres and was four times National AAA champion over 60 metres.
Whilst still at university Robert met Christine, a nurse, they married and set up home in Twickenham. It was here that Robert opened his first independent Optical practice with Mum Doris as Receptionist. Whilst living in Twickenham Robert and Christine’s three children were born, Adam, Zara and Abigail.
In 1977 the family relocated to Dorset, it was the pretty village of Marnhull that Robert affectionately called home for the rest of his life.
In 1981 the Optometrist Robert embarked on achieving his dream of opening optical practices across Dorset and the South West. Maintaining Twickenham as the first flagship practice he went on to develop a strong network of independent Optometrist businesses, the first opening at Goldhill, Shaftesbury. Currently, with Twickenham there are twelve Frith Opticians practices.
Robert was a man of many talents and interests. Beyond running a chain of Optometrist practices his dynamic entrepreneurship went further. When visiting his daughter Abbi in South Africa, an initial hobby creating homemade wine, became an opportunity for Robert to develop a guava orchard into a vineyard. The result, award winning wine, with gold achieved at The London International Wine Fair and 5 stars in Platter’s South African Wine Guide.
At home in Marnhull Robert spent much of his spare time in his garden, producing beautiful roses and plentiful fruit and vegetables. He was a renowned exhibitor at both the Marnhull and Shaftesbury and Gillingham Shows, with many cups and Awards. Latterly he proudly supported the Shaftesbury and Gillingham Show as a wine judge.
After his successful athletics career Robert dusted down his running shoes and from 2003 – 2005 he completed three marathons, two in London and New York, achieving a personal best in 4 hours 41 minutes at the 2005 London marathon. His brilliant effort raised an incredible £20,000 for sight related charities.
Robert lost his wife Christine to cancer in 2009 after 40 years of happy marriage. He later found happiness again with his partner Sue. Robert is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren Sue and her daughter Sophia. Robert will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him, professionally and personally. He was a force of life that will never be recovered.
Following his sudden death Robert’s wish to donate organs has been respected and, as was fitting for someone whose professional life was all about improving and aiding eyesight, his corneas have been donated so that someone else can see. A fitting tribute to a man who always did whatever he could to help and support others.
Robert’s funeral will be held at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Friday 21st May at midday. The funeral service will be in accordance with Covid rules. Anyone wishing to remember Robert is welcome to be present outside in the church grounds and locality. Family flowers only, but Robert can be remembered by visiting the ‘Just Giving’ Website: bit.ly/robertbench set up in his memory to raise money for charities and causes close to his heart.
