Lucy Procter looks back at The Queen’s lifelong love of horseracing, and her success in the breeding yard
In September the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry lost its foremost patron with the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s long association with the sport began with her first runner Astrakhan on 7th October 1949. Her first winner, Monaveen, was just three days later. Her final winner, Love Affairs, was at Goodwood on 6th September, just two days prior to her death. Her horses collectively won 1,121 races – 14 Group/Grade 1 wins, four Classics, and she was Champion Owner twice.
The height of fashion Possibly not so well known was her success as a breeder. Her Majesty’s first notable breeding success was in 1958, when her home bred colt Pall Mall won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and went on to win two consecutive runnings of the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. In the 1970s, the Queen bred two dual classic winners. Firstly, the filly Highclere, won the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket and then went to Chantilly in France to win the Prix de Diane (French Oaks). In 1977, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year, the filly Dunfermline won The Oaks at Epsom and the St Leger at Doncaster – the latter race making Dunfermline the only horse to defeat the great Alleged. Probably the crowning achievement of Her Majesty’s breeding operation was a daughter of Highclere, named Height of Fashion. As a two-year-old, the filly won several top races, including the now Group 1 Fillies Mile at Newmarket and The Princess of Wales Stakes as a three-year-old. It was as a broodmare, however, that Height of Fashion really excelled. She was the dam of the 2,000 Guineas and Derby winning colt Nashwan, the Group 1 winning colt Nayef and the talented multiple Group winning Unfuwain. The irony for Her Majesty was that she had sold Height of Fashion at the end of her racing career to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family. One of the best examples of The Queen’s utter delight in horse racing was when her filly, Estimate – a gift from another prominent owner/breeder, The Aga Khan – won the premier Group 1 race at Royal Ascot, The Gold Cup in 2013. The Queen’s joyous celebrations in the Royal Box were beamed live to television viewers around the world (see video above).
The tradition continues The Royal connection with racing continues, with His Majesty King Charles’ first runner, Educator, on 29th September, who finished second at Salisbury and his first winner being Just Fine at Leicester on 4th October.
Of 59 Chaffinch Chase, Gillingham Dorset passed away unexpectedly on 18th September 2022 aged 72 years.
A much loved partner, father and grandad.
Funeral service to be held at: Yeovil Crematorium on 24th October at 3.20pm. Family flowers only.
If you wish to make an online donation in memory of Bob, please visit his Tribute site at: www.funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations. Or send a cheque made payable to Mencap or Green Alliance c/o Co-operative Funeralcare
The times they are uncertain, says CEO Ian Girling, as he looks to the new government to bring forward a considered and sustainable plan
Hello and a warm welcome to my October column – I’m hoping this finds you well. As I write this column, I’m reflecting on what unpredictable and strange times we are living in. We’ve seen Boris leave No 10 and just two days after Liz Truss met the Queen to agree to form a new Government, Her Majesty passed away. Prince Charles is now King Charles III. While the passing of the Queen was – and remains – incredibly sad, we marked her funeral and the King coming to the throne with magnificent ceremony. I am sure we will never see again. Since announcing the referendum in 2016, we have left the European Union, have had four Prime Ministers, experienced a global pandemic, witnessed Russia invade Ukraine and seen the passing of our Queen after 70 years on the throne. It has, and continues to be, a unique period of uncertainty – and a very challenging time for businesses.
Constant challenges We continue to see rocketing energy prices (although the six-month price cap will offer some relief), soaring inflation, rising interest rates and a general cost of living crisis. The new Government came charging off the start line with the mini budget on 23rd September with a radical and bold range of new policies designed to inject confidence and growth into the economy. Since then, we’ve seen a U-turn on the plan to cut the 45p tax rate for those earning more than £150,000 – just a day after Liz Truss pledged the Government would stick with this policy. We’ve also seen the value of the pound plummet following the mini budget, and today’s news is that Liz Truss is facing mounting anger from within her own party over her refusal to commit to increasing benefits in line with inflation. Our response to the budget was positive – but cautiously so. We were pleased to see the reversal of plans to increase corporation tax and national insurance, something the British Chambers of Commerce have been very vocal on. We recognise that the Government clearly needs to act in response to the very challenging economic climate but it’s vital that we have a well-considered and sustainable plan for economic recovery.
Fifth generation farmer James Cossins ponders the annual when-to-sow gamble, a new herbal ley experiment and the dying art of ploughing.
Ploughing at Rawston in the 1960s Image: James Cossins
As we move into October our thoughts turn to the autumn work programme on the farm. The new grassland seeds have been sown, replacing some of the temporary grass fields which have had a particularly tough summer of heat and drought. We hope by planting new seeds, the fields will be much more productive than they were with the old grass. We have also undertaken a trial in one field where part has been sown with ryegrasses and part with a herbal ley containing at least ten different species. We are told that the herbal ley will be as productive as a more conventional grass ley over the period of the growing season, without the need for additional expensive fertiliser. It is also supposed to be more productive in drought conditions. Our aim is to cut the field for silage and then use it for cattle grazing. I know organic farmers have been growing herbal leys for many years but it will be interesting to compare the two on our own farming system.
Winter cereal dance We will start sowing our winter cereal crops of wheat and barley this month – while trying to get the timing right. Sowing too early can lead to crops becoming too lush and then susceptible to fungal diseases and insect attacks. But sow too late and the weather turns against us, the ground becoming too wet with potentially poor yields next summer. We aim to get them in by the end of October.
Happy cows The milking cows have been enjoying their winter feed. Many of them have calved in the last two months. They are a lot happier going out to grass now there is actually something green to eat! Their calves are doing well in our new calf unit, where they are fed by a milk machine allowing them to have up to six feeds a day. Once settled into the system, they seem very content.
Lost skills vs carbon capture I attended the recent Blandford Young Farmers Ploughing match. It was great to see so many older tractors, with their two and three-furrow ploughs, competing. They were all ploughing with great skill – but it is a skill that may soon be lost. We are all trying to reduce the cost of establishing crops and if we can reduce the amount of soil we move, it should save on the fuel we use. There are many different cultivators on the market, all trying to achieve the best seedbed. There are also seed drills that will sow straight into the soils without disturbing it at all. We are being told that this method is the best for the environment as the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere is minimised.
Red tape worries On the political front we now have a new Prime Minister and Environment Minister. Both, I believe, were involved with the recent trade deals with overseas countries. It has been much-publicised that this government wants to reduce the amount of red tape that farmers have to deal with. I certainly support this in principle; complying with all the rules and regulations is definitely challenging. What I hope it doesn’t lead to is the lowering of food standards, so that imported foods – produced to lower standards than ours, using methods and inputs that are no longer permitted in this country – replace our UK produce. I think it will be a case of watch this space to see what happens.
Local chief instructor Mouse Berry looks back on busy months of Pony Club activities as the season grows colder
Safia Woodward, Molly Pullin and Camilla Cripps, the novice area dressage team
The lighter evenings and better weather in May allow the Pony Club to begin its season of outdoor rallies. The Pony Club is based around three age groups: Minis are three to nine year olds, Juniors are aged nine to 12 and Seniors are 12 to 25 year olds. Each age group has rallies and events on every aspect of equestrianism that their local Pony Club can provide. We have a fabulous team of experienced local coaches. We concentrate on the three main disciplines of dressage, show jumping and eventing, but a variety of others including driving, mounted games, handy pony and care rallies are all included. There are also achievement badges to be worked for on numerous subjects. These are aimed at all levels, and work in conjunction with the test system (see the BV article on the Pony Club Efficiency Tests from the Oct 21 issue), gradually educating members in care and riding skills. The top tests are the AH Care and the A ridden, highly respected achievements, recognised throughout the equine industry.
PC members enjoying a trip
The Pony Club instructors also arrange fun rides and social events. The most exciting week for us is Pony Club Camp – a wonderful opportunity for young riders to spend several days with their ponies, learning new skills, making friends, of course, and having lots of fun. The annual summer show is another event which is always popular, and offers classes for all ages and disciplines. The summer is great! But autumn has arrived – it’s back to school, and now the winter programme gets under way.
If you’d like to find out more about Pony Club activities, and to find your local club, then take a look at pcuk.org.
On Tuesday 13th September, Leweston Prep celebrated Roald Dahl Day; commemorating the author and his achievements. Each year group celebrated Dahl in their own way. Reception made ‘Mr Twit’ beards complete with straw for the beard, cornflakes, crushed Shredded Wheat, feathers and cut out sardines, inspired from Mrs Cheyne’s favourite Roald Dahl book, ‘The Twits’. Prep One were introduced to the story of ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’. The pupils listened to the beginning of the story and spoke about the events. They then explored the classroom and came across some strange-looking ingredients and came up with their own recipe.
Prep Two got creative in the kitchen, making their own ‘Bruce Bogtrotter’ chocolate cake, from ‘Matilda’. Prep Three had a special lesson focusing on ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’. The pupils were challenged to create their own ‘marvellous medicine’. They dreamt up some extremely imaginative ingredients, wrote careful instructions on how to make their potion and gave it a name. Prep Four celebrated by illustrating drinks cartons in the style of Quentin Blake and adding our own Dahl-ian made up words! Prep Five started the day by heading to the library and went on a book hunt for all of Roald Dahls books. Then in the afternoon the pupils focused on the illustrator of the Roald Dahl books ‘Quentin Blake’ and identified his style of drawing . They then created self-portraits in the same style. Prep Six shared information they had researched about the author, and used this to create a fact file. There were some fantastic facts and some wonderfully presented fact files!
John Stanley and Deanne Tremlett give Edwina Baines a tour of the enormous range of creative options available for the whole community at The Gugg in Stalbridge
An eclectic range awaits you in the As The Crow Flies shop at The Gugg All images: Edwina Baines
Gone are the days when the cows were driven up Station Road twice a day to be milked. The yard and outbuildings of the 16th century farm have for more than 25 years been the home of Guggleton Farm Arts – or The Gugg as it is now affectionately called. The farmyard offers an eclectic range of studios, galleries and shops, as well as the Dutch Barn Sculpture Yard and a large space available for outdoor events.
A sign at the entrance proudly announces a Community Interest Company, where anyone can join for art, crafts, textiles, ceramics, printmaking, music, sculpture, film… and tea!’ A little refreshments cabin, crammed with cosy sofas, is tucked into the corner of the Dutch barn. It was here that I enjoyed a cup of coffee with treasurer and director John Stanley and curator and artistic director Deanne Tremlett. Guggleton Farm Arts was founded by owner, artist Isabel de Pelet, a renowned champion of visual and performing arts and supporter of local artists, as an inspirational environment for artistic exploration.
The sign at the entrance to Guggleton Farm Arts
It welcomes local people to get involved in creativity of all kinds at all levels. Exhibitions by established artists inspire visitors and resident and participating artists to develop their aspirations.
A continuing theme At the beginning of 2019 Isabel stepped back from day-to-day involvement. It was a serendipitous search for a new studio that led accomplished painter Deanne to Stalbridge. She has helped in the continuing development of Isabel’s vision ever since, as it is one which entirely mirrors her own. She says: “At the heart of all our work is the belief that any creative pursuit, no matter what form and independent of its outcome, promotes wellbeing, nurtures the mind and provokes discussion and engagement. We are a place for all ages and experience, offering opportunities to become involved in a creative community, with all of the joy and growth that this creates. We’re not looking to be results-based – we’re looking for people to enjoy themselves through their creativity.”
John Stanley and Deanne Tremlett
The Shedders I visited on a Tuesday, the day the Men’s Shed was in operation. This is one of 576 sheds in the UK which belong to the Men’s Shed Association. Whatever the activity, the essence of a Shed is not a building, but the connections and relationships between its members. These are community spaces for men to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practise skills and enjoy making and mending. David Stubbings, the Shed co-ordinator, was notionally in charge at The Gugg – but I gathered the activities were a collaboration between the other Shedders, as they are called. The space was filled with woodworking and metalworking tools, most of which have been donated or are owned by David. The activities are similar to those that the Shedders might undertake in their own garden sheds, but with the company and encouragement of others, helping to reduce the common loneliness and isolation. Most importantly, they’re fun, as I saw from the laughter and camaraderie from busy ‘workers.’
Oil Painting from Observation with tutor Carolyn Finch Corlett
some bargains. In the Milking Parlour Gallery there was an exhibition of new paintings by Matthew Hayward. John explained that artists are invited to exhibit and the calendar is booked a year ahead. Outside the gallery, tucked into a corner, there is a cupboard full of free craft materials for children, who can go to the Dutch Barn with their parents, to make things, during the holidays. John showed me the Pottery Shed, recently equipped with a shiny new kiln, where classes will soon be held. Thanks to a grant from Dorset’s Culture and Community Fund, all children within the catchment area can enjoy two free pottery lessons.
Some of the Shedders at work
Tutor Carolyn Finch Corlett was teaching her weekly Oil Painting from Observation class in the workshop/art room that she describes as ‘an inspiring space.’ In a nearby studio, Jo Winter was using her jigsaw to create some new designs which she will use in forthcoming classes. She is a mosaic artist who works mainly in 3D. She showed me photographs of quirky dog sculptures that she sold in Brighton. They started life as a wire armature covered in concrete and then were layered with ceramic or lustreware mosaic. Her sculpture Fox Trotsky has pride of place at the door of the craft gallery. She felt a two-dimensional approach was more appropriate to introduce mosaics in the classroom.
As The Crow Flies
As the crow flies The craft gallery houses one-off items created by local makers and artists living within a 20 mile radius – hence the shop’s name As the Crow Flies. Deanne’s mother, Mary Tremlett, says she enjoys her one day a week volunteering at the shop. I could have spent hours browsing the wonderful items in stock, including macramé wall hangings and items created by Laura Jackson, who runs classes in air dry clay and découpage as well as macramé. The wonderful stock includes macramé wall hangings and other items made by Laura Jackson, who discovered that macramé was excellent therapy after difficulty with movement and numbness in her fingers following a stroke four years ago. Laura, who runs classes in air dry clay and decoupage as well as macramé, says her first attempt at a pot-hanger was a disaster, but she has learned much from her initial mistakes. Deanne persuaded her to run classes, giving her confidence a further boost. She enjoys sharing the craft with other enthusiasts and everyone leaves the sessions with a piece of macramé, a satisfying outcome.
Jo Winter in her workshop
Community gathering The Dutch Barn hosts a variety of community events and coffee mornings to help combat isolation, as well as musical soirées of all sorts. Thursday is Open Mic night, the aim being to help up-and-coming musicians on their road to success. The audience can bring their own drinks or picnics as the venue is not licensed – but popular stone baked sourdough pizzas are available. There is too much going on at The Gugg to describe all the activities; I left the venue impressed by Deanne’s enthusiasm to create a space where everyone is welcome – even if just as a safe haven to come and sit. She feels that everyone can benefit from some form of creativity – it has been lost from so many lives. She believes in living a more sustainable life and in having the confidence to make a mistake, in finding your own path and your own happiness. Who could argue with that? guggletonfarmarts.com
As the first episode of the month, it’s the front section this week – Ed’s letter, the lead feature stories and the Random 19:
In her letter from the editor, Laura is wondering where all the grown ups went (and she apologises for galloping through slightly – this was her fifth attempt at getting through the paragraph about Pog without needing to stop and gulp a little)
NHS Dorset is investing in technology to improve care for the population – sometimes unpopular, it has become necessary in order to cope with demand.
If you think your traditional turkey is a dry, under-flavoured, over-rated bird, then you might want to change where you buy it. We spoke to some local turkey farmers for an inside look at the industry, and their top turkey tips.
Letters to the Editor – listen to what others think (our postbag is always open – send emails to [email protected] )
Edward Hoare is a philanthropist and environmentalist – born at Stourhead, he is a direct descendant of Sir Richard Hoare, who founded Hoare’s Bank in 1672. As a bonus for podcast listeners, you can listen to Edward’s interview and hear his answers for yourself, rather than the edited version that appears in the magazine.
The BV magazine is the monthly digital magazine from Dorset – you can read the entire latest issue here, and why not subscribe (it’s FREE!) so that it drops into your inbox every month on publication day? Just click here!
Cyber resilience centres (CRC)are a national policing network – essentially they are crime prevention businesses for our digital age. They are led by serving police officers and staff, and thanks to Home Office funding they are able to provide a swathe of free guidance and support to businesses, charities and the public sector. A core part of their work is helping small businesses learn online skills and cyber basics. They can provide a health check on your IT system security through to assisting on how to recover from a cyber attack – which happens more often than most would think. Two in five businesses spotted an attempted cyber breach last year; their offer is an essential one for most small businesses. Each cyber resilience centre has enjoys building strong business partnerships, and they are keen to do whatever they can to work more widely with the business community. The CRC’s want to work with as many small businesses and charities as they can, in order to make the entire local community safer (potentially when a local business is under cyber attack, the data they hold is also threatened, and in small local businesses that data is the local community). They are also keen to speak with bigger companies who might be able to provide support in turn. You can find contact details for Dorset’s CRC at swcrc.co.uk. They’ll be very happy to talk with you and to explore the potential for mutual support.
