Wessex Internet and Nokia partnership

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17 August 2023

Dorset’s own Wessex Internet is forging ahead with a fresh partnership with Nokia for innovative network technology. The collaboration involves the implementation of state-of-the-art Nokia technology to bolster the robustness and capacity of Wessex’s core network. This initiative aims to guarantee the provision of the swiftest possible broadband speeds to customers for years to come.
Furthermore, by moving to this technology (called XGS-PON), Wessex Internet will need fewer fibres in the ground and fewer cabinets above ground. This approach means Wessex can not only speed up the local roll-out to waiting communities, but also minimise its equipment and energy needs, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Wessex Internet’s network engineering foreman Wayne Turner with Grant Green of Blandford Tools, the first customer to connect to the XGS-PON technology

Work’s already begun
The deployment of the advanced XGS-PON infrastructure has already commenced within Wessex’s network, and customers in Sunrise Business Park, Blandford are the first to enjoy the connection through this new technology.
Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
‘Our partnership with Nokia is fantastic step forward for Wessex Internet which is already delivering improvements to the capacity and resilience of our network. More importantly, it gives us a clear technology roadmap which is future-proof. This ensures our network will deliver the speeds and reliability that our customers need for decades to come, ensuring that rural communities are not left behind as technology changes.’
Echoing this sentiment, Phil Siveter, UK&I CEO/CSO at Nokia, remarked:
‘We are proud to partner with Wessex Internet to help bring high-quality 10Gbs broadband services to their customers. As demand for Gigabit and symmetrical services grows, next-generation fibre technologies like XGS-PON play a critical role in delivering and supporting the ultra-broadband services customers require today and in the future.’

Peach and pistachio traybake

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Editorial team

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17 August 2023

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My summer holiday is on the horizon and for some reason, warm sunny weather makes me want to each fresh peaches. Peaches are in season through July and August so this recipe makes the most of their full and juicy flavour at this time of year (From Dorset with Love make a delicious peach jam which never fails to delight my family and friends when they come to stay).
I have used Stork baking margarine for this recipe as I find it helps with the structure of the cake, preventing the fresh peaches from sinking too deeply (this margarine also happens to be dairy free!) – you can absolutely change it for butter if you prefer.

Heather

Ingredients

10oz/285g Stork baking margarine
10oz/285g caster sugar
5 eggs
10oz/285g self raising flour
4 ripe peaches
3.5oz/100g pistachio nuts (shells removed)

Method

Preheat oven to Gas 6/200º/fan 180º.
Grease and line a 22cm x 33cm traybake pan which is 5cm deep.
Roughly chop your pistachio nuts and put to one side.
Take two peaches, cut in half and remove the stone. Slice them (top to bottom) so you have wedges of peach about 0.5cm thick at the widest edge. Peel and de-stone the other two peaches, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
Beat together the caster sugar and margarine. If you have peach syrup, you could add a drizzle here too. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure the mixture is well beaten between each egg. Add a spoonful of the flour if the mixture starts to separate.
Carefully stir in the flour and mix gently until well combined.
Tip in the chopped peaches and stir.
Pour the cake mix into the prepared pan and smooth out the mixture.
Arrange the peach slices on the top of the cake, roughly where you want to cut the cake (so there will be a peach slice on top of each piece). Then sprinkle liberally with the chopped pistachios.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes (less if you know your oven runs hot) until the top is golden brown and the cake is springy to the touch.
Leave to cool, then cut into pieces and enjoy! Top tip – serve with a dollop of clotted cream!

Heather Brown is a food writer, photographer and stylist. A committee member of The Guild of Food Writers, Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed, as well as working one-to-one with clients.

When the package holiday goes wrong

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Editorial team

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16 August 2023

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A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.

Q: ‘We’ve booked a package holiday to Spain. It’s our first time booking this sort of getaway, and a friend recently had a terrible experience on a similar trip. What sort of help is available if something does go wrong?’

A: If something goes wrong with your package holiday, the Consumer page of the Citizens Advice website has information about what to do and what compensation you may be eligible for.
Firstly, tell the company or travel agent you booked with as soon as possible. If you don’t say anything until you get home, you might get less or no compensation at all.

Loss of value: If the holiday you went on turned out to be lower in value than the one you booked you can make a claim for ‘loss of value’. For example, if you paid for a deluxe room but only got a standard one? If it wasn’t sorted out at the time you can claim back the difference in value.

Out of pocket: You can also claim compensation for any extra money you have to spend while away, for example the hotel was a bus ride away from the beach rather than across the road as advertised. This is called claiming for ‘out-of-pocket expenses’. If this happens, make sure you keep all your receipts.

Missed out: If big parts of the trip you booked didn’t happen or services weren’t provided – for example a planned two-day excursion was cancelled and no alternative was organised – then you can make a claim for ‘loss of enjoyment’.
You can also make this claim if something happens that causes you distress or disappointment – that might include something such as the pool being closed for the whole trip.
There’s no strict guidance on how much you can claim for loss of enjoyment but any claim you make must be reasonable. You can’t get compensation if you simply ‘didn’t enjoy the holiday’ or if the problem was out of the holiday company’s control, like bad weather.

Check the details
Check the information you received when you made the booking to see what you’re supposed to get. If you don’t get the service you’ve been promised, you may be entitled to compensation for breach of contract. You might also be able to claim from your travel insurance. If you’re still not sure what to do, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline
0808 223 1133 or talk to an adviser online through the Citizens Advice website.

Give Chardonnay a chance!

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Editorial team

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16 August 2023

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Chardonnay is often criticised, but modern winemakers are embracing new methods to highlight the grape’s natural qualities, says expert Sadie Wilkins

Often referred to as the ‘queen of white grapes,’ Chardonnay has been given a tough time over the past 20 years. Why? Mostly due to the misguided practices of some wine producers who prioritised quantity over quality. From oak and vanilla powder to over-extraction, it seemed to be a constant quest to over-oak and cut corners while doing so. But as with many things in life, you can’t let the bad behaviour of a few ruin it for the majority. Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety with a rich history and a vast potential for crafting exceptional wines across the globe. We’re here this month to sing from the rafters and pour (sorry) our hearts out in support of this luscious grape – a Chardonnay chorus, if you will.

Crimes of bad producers
Chardonnay was originally from the Burgundy region of France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. One of the best things about it is its ability to reflect its terroir (a combination of soil, climate, and geography). From the steely, mineral-driven Chablis to the opulent, buttery styles of California, Chardonnay’s adaptability has won us over. Did you know that when you are drinking a Blanc de Blanc Champagne you have Chardonnay in your glass?
Many winemakers now recognise the need to preserve Chardonnay’s purity and are taking steps to highlight its innate qualities rather than smother them in oak – and this is exactly where we recommend you start your new love affair with the grape – particularly if you have previously considered yourself to be an ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) wine drinker. We’re not saying you are wrong – there is no right or wrong in wine, you like what you like – but we’d love to help more folk give this wondrous grape a chance, and not put it on trial for the crimes of bad producers.

She’s a diva date
There are so many makers now employing minimal oak ageing, or even opting for stainless steel or concrete fermentation, letting the grape’s natural fruit flavours and acidity shine through. They are creating wines of finesse and elegance – with true fruity appeal. Whether fermented and aged in oak barrels, concrete eggs or clay amphorae, it’s Chardonnay’s flexibility (we’ve always said wine drinking is an exercise!) that allows it to be crafted into a range of expressions.
To us, Chardonnay is more like the diva date of white wines – with her golden hues and rich, velvety texture, she’s the star of any gathering. Don’t be fooled by her high maintenance reputation – Chardonnay is a true crowd-pleaser. She knows how to bring the party to life with her crisp acidity and refreshing finish, plus she’s versatile enough to pair with anything from grilled fish to creamy pasta dishes.

Time to taste!
Explore your palate and find new grapes to love at
The Sherborne Wine & Spirit Fest – our big charity event where you can sample more than 200 products.
Find out more HERE.

Peter Sale takes the helm: a Rotarian year of community engagement ahead

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Editorial team

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15 August 2023

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Shaftesbury’s new Rotary Club president Peter Sale – Image Courtenay Hitchcock BV Magazine

On Monday, 10th July, at a bustling meeting of the Shaftesbury Rotary Club, Peter Sale was installed as President for the year 2023/2024. David Britton, the outgoing President, handed over the chains of office before President Peter installed Paul Slimm as his President Elect for the coming year.
Following this, David Britton was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellow award, a prestigious recognition named after Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris. This tribute acknowledges a shared purpose with the humanitarian objectives of The Rotary Foundation. Britton joins a line of club members who have received this esteemed award.

The Shaftesbury RotaKids have completed a number of projects this year; including litter picking, running a bingo afternoon to raise money for children undergoing cancer treatment, and running a charity stall at the Gold Hill Festival.

Peter Sale brings a personal vision of working with volunteers to support local and international initiatives. ‘For me, Rotary is all about raising money for local charities and supporting initiatives in the local community,’ he says.
Key events under Sale’s leadership include the Gold Hill Festival – plans are already afoot for a revised and improved event next year.
The North Dorset Cycle Ride continues as another crucial event for the Ahaftesbury Rotarians, having raised thousands for Prostate Cancer over the years.
Education and youth engagement are central to Peter’s plans. The RotaKids initiative, having started a club at Abbey School, will be expanding to Shaftesbury CE Primary School. The Youth Speaks debating competition, entering its third year, will be looking to expand further, and the Young Chef competition, successfully launched this year at Shaftesbury School, showcases culinary talents like Charlie John-Smith, who triumphed at the Area Final Senior Competition.
Social connection is vital to the club’s vision, as well. Being twinned with a Rotary Club in Heerlen, Netherlands, has brought international camaraderie, with a reciprocal visit scheduled from 6th-8th October. ‘Joining Rotary is a way of developing fellowship with like-minded people. We meet at social events and work on community projects,’ says Peter.

Last year Shaftesbury Rotary Club raised £5,000 for Prostate Cancer UK

With a blend of community support, charity, educational initiatives, and social activities, Peter Sale’s leadership promises an energetic and compassionate direction for the Shaftesbury Rotary Club in the coming year. Those interested in knowing more or getting involved with Rotary can reach out at [email protected]. The club’s continued success is testament to its commitment to enriching the local community and beyond.

Urgent action needed to protect UK’s food supply

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Editorial team

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15 August 2023

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New report highlights the urgent challenges in UK food supply, with global shocks and rising costs, says county advisor Gemma Harvey

On 28th July, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee (EFRA) published its Food Security report. The report considers the current challenges facing UK food supply and the importance of food security. It especially considers the impact on households of high input prices – like energy and fertiliser – and consumer food prices.The government’s own UK Food Security Report was published in December 2021, but given recent global shocks such as the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the EFRA report argues that the 2021 report is already out of date.
NFU President Minette Batters gave evidence to the EFRA committee as part of the process back in November 2022. She took the opportunity to lay bare the current issues facing farmers, and expressed the need for action to protect the UK’s food security. She called for a joined-up approach across government and highlighted how unprecedented rising costs have had a huge impact in all sectors.
As part of her evidence, Minette detailed the results of the NFU’s 2022 farming intentions surveys, with responses demonstrating that farmer’s cropping plans showed contraction for 2023. She used specific examples of tomatoes and cucumbers, being at their lowest levels since records began in 1985.

The report response
In her response to the EFRA report’s publication, Minette said: ‘The NFU has been calling for Government to take our national food security seriously for several years. We echo the committee’s recommendation for strong leadership on the issue.
‘As part of this leadership, the need for all Government departments to have a
co-ordinated approach towards food policy is vital. We welcome the recommendation of a Cabinet Office review into all aspects of food policy.
‘At such a tricky time for many UK households, the report addresses many of the inflationary pressures experienced by both families and farmers and growers. Everyone should have access to affordable, good quality, sustainable food and British farmers and growers need the support of Government to have the confidence to continue producing. The report’s finding that only 54 per cent of the food eaten in the UK is being grown here is shocking – it is concerning that this figure could decrease further if British food and farming aren’t valued.
‘Food security matters. British farmers and growers are well placed to provide climate-friendly food for the nation, while protecting and enhancing our iconic countryside.
‘Last summer the Prime Minister committed to introducing a new self-sufficiency target and annual reporting. Clearly this needs to happen as a matter of urgency. With one of the best climates in the world for producing food, we should be aiming to produce more food here in the UK.
‘For this to continue to happen, we need to see the government act on the recommendations made by the committee to bolster Britain’s food security.’

sponsored by Trethowans Law. As it should be

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT | Fairmead Community Special School

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Editorial team

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15 August 2023

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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.

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (LSA) 34.50 Hours per week, Term Time only (39 weeks)

Grade 15-14 – £16,919 – £17,540 (gross annual salary). Subject to an annual increase

Working hours Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Fri 8.30am-3.45pm and Tues 8.30pm-4.30pm – 34.50 working hours

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.

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: Thursday 7^th September Interviews: Tuesday 12^th September.

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

Official pre-show magazine Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 2023

By

Laura

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14 August 2023

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It’s the official Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show magazine 2023!

What to find inside:

The timetables are here! check what’s happening and make a note of what you don’t want to miss this year
What not to miss! The 2023 G&S Show is bigger than ever and alongside some exciting new attractions, there’s a return of some much-loved old favourites
Wowie and the Wolfhangers – raising the teddy bear sheep
Matt Cradock, Chairman of the Sheep Section, is excited for the first ever G&S Sheep Shearing competition
Insider’s tips to the show, with the answers to all the Show Team’s most frequently asked questions
The clean boot South Downs Bloodhounds are parading this year as they demonstrate a new type of hunt – we take a closer look

Motorbike riders – you’re invited to Ride Out for Docbike!

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Editorial team

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14 August 2023

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DocBike, a motorcycle injury prevention charity, is calling motorcyclists to join their annual Dorset ride out on Sunday 24th September. Last year’s event raised over £8,000, with more than 400 riders participating!
This year, riders can choose between two scenic routes: a 30-mile ride from The Churchill Arms in Alderholt, and a 40-mile ride from West Bay Esplanade in Bridport – both ending at Henstridge Airfield.
The finishing line will welcome riders with music, refreshments, stalls, and the chance to meet the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew.
DocBike works to get highly trained trauma doctors or critical care paramedics on two wheels, to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads due to motorcycle collisions. Working alongside local emergency services, they provide life-saving roadside critical care.
Registration for the ride out starts at £10 and includes entry into the grand raffle.
Riders are encouraged to raise a minimum of £25 for the charity, which receives no direct government funding.
Dr Ian Mew, Co-Founder and Trustee of DocBike, emphasised the importance of this event in supporting the charity’s life-saving work: ‘“This is our big event for DocBike each year and the support of the local motorcycling community means so much. We’re dedicated to being there for anyone who needs emergency critical care.’

To register for the event or for more information, visit DocBike.org.

Sponsored by Wessex Internet