What a show! The G&S team makes it ‘the best ever’

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2 September 2022

The first full one-day show for the new G&S team was deemed a roaring success, report Laura Hitchcock and Rachael Rowe

It was a relief for everyone – organisers, volunteers, traders and visitors – to see such an enormous crowd back at the Turnpike Showground for the first proper one-day Gillingham & Shaftesbury agricultural show since 2019. The 2021 show had been planned through COVID lockdowns, and restrictions were only lifted the week before the show itself. It was, by necessity, a very different show from normal, held over two days.

This year’s heatwave was a serious problem, causing last-minute changes as the hard ground threatened the safety of polo ponies and showjumpers. And then, in a swift change of fortunes, the rain became the problem instead, as the day before the show was washed out with torrential downpours and thunderstorms. But on the day, the weather gods were kind: the forecast thunderstorms never materialised, and in the end there couldn’t have been a more perfect setting. Right from the start, there was a vibrant buzz on the showground. Wherever you looked, there was something to see or an old friend to greet.

While the livestock and pristine rows of tractors and farm machinery signal it is very much still an agricultural show, there’s something about the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show that is a lot more. It’s the sense of community and passion for the countryside that make it an unmissable event in North Dorset’s August calendar.

It’s the people

The G&S Show spans the generations, from a weather-beaten man giving a terse nod to a neighbour to an excited child leading a calf into the main ring for the first time. Small children in long white coats carefully led sheep around a ring, appearing overawed by the crowds and the rosettes. Others trotted ponies through their paces in the rings or helped parents feed animals.

Children (and adults) sat captivated by Signature, the Dorset and Wiltshire signing choir, who kicked off events in the music area with modern songs ‘sung’ in sign language.

Over in the marquees, perfectly-shaped vegetables competed alongside glorious dahlias in a riot of colours as inspirational flower arrangements filled the horticultural tent.

Fresh eggs sat on plates, this year unaccompanied by their feathered producers, thanks to Avian Flu. The new Wool Village was busy with sheep being shorn by experts and the public learning about the value of British wool.

Steam to ferrets

There was laughter and curiosity at the ferret racing, where spectators were constantly warned about the perils of picking up an animal. The furry creatures raced down drainpipes – it’s tails out first, not the nose, that wins.

The speed at which the Shetland Pony Performance Display team hurtled around the main ring was quite a spectacle but highly entertaining.

The Terrier Racing was unmissable, with some spectators not there for the dogs so much as for Bill Galpin’s commentary.

There seemed to be someone working continuously on the steam engines, polishing and making sure the paintwork was gleaming. But what joy when they all rumbled into the main ring for a circuit or two.

The Grand Parade

The relaxed atmosphere of the day was juxtaposed at times with the strictest formality. Bowler hats in the judging ring, elegantly dressed ladies driving carriages, and pristine white-coated families leading cattle in the main ring. Some things at the G&S Show have remained the same for years. The big news this year was that the Grand Parade made an important and oh-so-welcome reappearance, after a 15 year absence.

It was eyes to the sky when the Lightning Bolts Army Parachute Display team landed in the middle of the show – the Dorset crowd feeling special pride as they learned the jump master is from Gillingham.

So. Much. Food

It’s at places like the G&S Show that you realise just how much food is produced within the Blackmore Vale. The Gritchie Brewing Company Bar was popular, and there was a lot of interest in tasting the gin distillers’ botanicals. There were long queues at the hog roasts and ice cream stalls, selections from so many choices at the fudge stand, and the delicious aroma of curry. You could make a picnic from tasty salami, a mountain of regional cheeses, plus local bread and cakes.

The great thing about the G&S Show is that you never know who you might meet as you make your way round. You may bump into old friends and colleagues while for generations of farming families it’s a chance to get together.

For the first timer, there’s that affirmation that you’ll be marking the third Wednesday in August in the diary for next year’s show.

And the year after …

The BV produced the first ever official G&S Show magazine this year – crammed full of fascinating insider peeks into what goes on behind the show, and extraordinarily serious *cough* in-depth interviews with some of the organisers. If you’ve not read it yet, you can do so here!

Walk near Bruton on a 16th century antiquary’s trail | 10.7 miles

By

Laura

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1 September 2022

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A gorgeous walk near Bruton which includes glorious open south Somerset countryside, a free surprise art trail, a 16th century royal librarian’s arrow-straight trail and a short but mildly lung-busting climb through a native pine forest to a spectacular view from underneath Alfred’s Tower.

To follow this route using the Outdooractive App, please find the route here.

The route is pretty well signed nearly the entire way round. One important caveat – the route crosses through the Bruton Flood Storage Reservoir – at times of heavy rainfall it WILL flood and cut off a section of the route, so do consider what the weather has been like before you start!

Bruton Flood Storage Reservoir – the route follows the path, and you can see how this is a bowl which will flood during heavy weather. To the right is a train track – they come regualrly so if you have a nervous dog, do ensure it is on a lead here.

Keep an eye out for Jenny Holzer’s What Eyes sculpture which you pass lying in a seemingly-random field:

The Leland Trail section is a nice break from map-reading, it runs dead straight and is clearly marked for a long way, allowing a relaxed section of the walk just to enjoy the surroundings:

The start of the trail passes through Moorwood Art – a contemporary fine art gallery. Do appreciate the sculptures on display, but don’t stray from the public footpath. When we walked through we enjoyed some large steel fire sculptures by Aragorn Dick-Read.

The climb through the forest up Aaron’s Hill was possibly my favourite part of the walk – beautifully airy cathedral-high pines opened to allow glimpses of a stunning view.

There is a necessary small section of road as the public footpath which winds around the back across a property appears to be inaccesible. But the traffic was quiet and there is a verge you can escape to when necessary.

There is a small parking area in South Brewham by the cemetary – please park responsibly with consideration.

Harts of Stur Open Weekend

By

Editorial team

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31 August 2022

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Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th September – Open throughout Sturminster Cheese Festival weekend.

Special offers only available in-store during our open weekend.

Opening hours Saturday 10th 8am – 4.30pm sunday 11th 10am – 4pm

Station Road Sturminster Newton DT10 1BD – 01258 472420 Hartsofstur.com

Dave Newton Jazz Trio Sherborne School

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Editorial team

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31 August 2022

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Tindall Recital Series – Visiting Artists

Introducing the Dave Newton Jazz Trio

Thursday 22nd September 7.30pm at the Tindall Recital Hall, Music school, Sherborne School

Tickets £12.50

Call 01935 812249 or email [email protected]

Friday Lunchtime Recitals | Sherborne School

By

Editorial team

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31 August 2022

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Friday lunchtime recitals are back at Sherborne school, it’s FREE admission and all are welcome. See the poster below for what’s on and the dates from September through until the begining of December 2022.

Win TEN tickets to Dorchester Literary Festival events!

By

Laura

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30 August 2022

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To celebrate the stellar line-up of the 8th Dorchester Literary Festival this October, we’re giving away 10 tickets (worth £100) to one lucky winner.

DLF are known for their eclectic and ambitious programming; this year audiences can delve into the lives of our Queen, the Marine Commandos, the celts, Constable, Ronnie Archer-Morgan and Mary Seacole. They’ll meet bushcraft and survival legend Ray Mears, Keith Brymer Jones of The Great Pottery Throw Down as well as Justine Picardie, whose novel Miss Dior brings together fashion and the French Resistance.

Minette Walters shares her Desert Island Books, and bestselling novelists including Robert Harris, Natasha Solomons, Elizabeth Lowry and Ben McIntyre will immerse us in their stories.

And thanks to Dorch LitFest, one lucky person will win a set of ten tickets to use at any of the events they choose! To be in with a chance to win, just answer the first three questions in the widget box below. There are more chances to win by completing the other entry options if you so wish – they’re entirely up to you! The closing date for this competition is 25th September 2022 and only entries received on or before that date can be included. The prize will go to the first randomly chosen entry. Good luck!

Getting outside is officially ecotherapy

By

Editorial team

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30 August 2022

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We all feel better after a walk in the fresh air. Izzy Anwell of Dorset Mind explains how ecotherapy leads to good mental health

here are countless benefits attributed to connecting with nature and being outside. However, the lack of research makes it hard to know how effective the treatment is, from a clinical perspective. Ecotherapy is the name given to healthcare which draws on the benefits of nature-based activity to support people with mental health problems. Even just taken at face value, ecotherapy encourages socialising, exercise, sunlight exposure and learning and sharing emotions, all of which aid ‘good mental health’.

Good mental health
Characterised by a person’s ability to fulfil several key functions and activities, the markers of good mental health include the ability to learn, to feel, to express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions and the ability to form and maintain good relationships with others.
Ecotherapy supports all five stages of the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ as it encourages its participants to connect, to learn, to get active, to give back and to take notice.

Connect
Ecotherapy encourages those who may have become isolated due to their health to socialise with others, to build connections and relationships and regain social skills.
There is strong evidence that feeling close to, and valued by, other people can contribute to a person’s daily functioning and act as a buffer against mental ill health.

Garden
As part of Dorset Mind’s ecotherapy project, users are taught how to tend to and maintain a garden or plot, supporting the concept of hands-on learning which provides the opportunity to safely make mistakes and learn through trial and error.
It also ensures the participant really has to take notice of their surroundings.

Keep Active
Ecotherapy actively encourages exercise and activity, which we all know helps to release those feel-good hormones like adrenaline and decreases the stress hormone cortisol.
Interestingly, it has recently been suggested that the act of digging and disturbing soil releases a microbe called ‘mycobacterium vaccae’ which acts as a natural anti-depressant. The validity of this research has not yet been confirmed but most gardeners would emphatically agree. And what if it were true?
Another benefit that comes from being active outside is that participants get regular sunlight exposure. This prompts the body to produce Vitamin D, vital for bone and muscle health but also a general mood-booster.

Give back
As part of Dorset Mind’s Eco in Mind ecotherapy project, all the produce grown is harvested and donated to local food banks. Having this knowledge as a participant evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment.
It’s National Allotment Week between 8th and 14th August. This gives us the perfect opportunity to get outside and connect ourselves with the earth around us, whether you have an actual allotment or just a small patch of garden. If you do make it outside, try and be mindful as you work, making yourself aware of your surroundings and how they make you feel.

If you are struggling to cope with your mental health in general, please talk to your GP. If you’re in a crisis, treat it as an emergency. Call 999 immediately or The Samaritans, FREE on 116 123.
Dorset Mind offers group support that can also help with your wellbeing. The group offers peer support and helps to reduce stigma by normalizing conversations about mental health. You can also check out further support for stress and mental health here. You’ll find links for 1-2-1 and groups mental health support we offer here.

First beaver kits born in Dorset for 400 years, Dorset summer foraging and the Winterborne Kingston dig

By

Laura

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30 August 2022

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In this week’s episode we take a peaceful stroll through the wildlife and farming sections, along with a fascinating article from the health section on why you’re never too old to ‘keep moving’ – and why exercise isn’t such a stupid idea even if you’re in your 70s or 80s:

The latest Winterborne Kingston dig reveals the lifestyle and habits of our Dorset forebears more than 2,000 years ago, says Roger Guttridge
When she was young, wildlife writer Jane Adams was told ‘you can’t hear bats’ – and she believed it for 30 years … But you can.
Trail cams have now captured sightings of the first beaver kits born in Dorset for more than 400 years says Hazel Ormrod from Dorset Wildlife Trust; for two weeks it was thought there was only one.
A favourite spring flower is a surprise forage in late summer, and expert Carl Mintern has the real reason for those pucker-up sour blackberries right next to the sweet ones
Understanding biennials has led to a nostalgic flower patch full of scent and colour, says flower farmer Charlotte Tombs
Ragwort is a menace to all animal owners, says Andrew Livingston – but he suspects his passion for picking the poisonous plant isn’t popular with conservation groups
Dry crops aren’t always a good thing, says fifth generation farmer James Cossins, as he explains late night combine harvesting and reducing the fire risk
Too old? Absolutely not, says expert Mel Mitchell, as she explains why you should never stop – and why it’s never to late too start
Great skin is rarely about what you put on it, says nutritional therapist Karen Geary – instead try looking at what you’re eating

Local estate agents achieve property’s most prestigious excellence award

By

Editorial team

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29 August 2022

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Meyers, the groundbreaking home-based estate agent with no traditional shop windows, is on the coveted shortlist for the number one spot

Over 15,000 estate agencies are assessed by Property Academy and the UK’s leading property portal, Rightmove, for the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards. Meyers Estate Agents, having been judged on marketing, results and customer service, are now officially in the top two per cent of estate agents in the UK.
Mark Meyer, Principal, Meyers Estate Agents comments: ‘Every year since the Best Estate Agent Guide was set up in 2017, Meyers has featured in the top five per cent. This year, though, we are one of the small number of agents shortlisted for the number one spot (to be announced at a special ceremony in September)! This honour is a reflection of the consistency and professionalism of our teams across all our branches – we are incredibly proud.’
The Best Estate Agent Guide was established to help consumers make informed decisions about which Estate Agent to work with when selling their home. Each office is scored against a unique set of criteria, using a whole market assessment including a combination of data analysis and mystery shopping. The guide also provides agents throughout the UK with an opportunity to compare their service against competition nationally.
Mark Meyer continues: “We pride ourselves on being the estate agents that care, who always go the extra mile to ensure we look after every detail of the transaction, through what can be a stressful time in our customers’ lives. Our close involvement with the communities which our branches serve means we get to know our customers better and can offer a more personal service. We genuinely want to give back to the communities in which we live and work too.
“For example, earlier this year Brad Hansford our franchisee for Shaftesbury and his team arranged a 10KM Wellbeing Walk raising £650 for Dorset Mind. These kinds of projects are typical of all our franchisees’ level of community contribution.’
Despite building a new business through Covid, Brad and his team have still made time to ‘give back’ and contribute to several local projects including: The Blackmore Vale Partnership, The Headstrong Project and the GAP project.
‘That’s the essence of what Meyers is all about.’ Mark said ‘setting the bar higher to look after customers better and support the communities that support us at the same time.’