Help needed with the B&SV hunt horses.
Yard management and for the right person occasional riding.
Approximately 25 hours a week (Monday – Saturday).
For more info please contact Stacy Hodges (07792 833297)
PART-TIME HELP NEEDED FOR FRIENDLY FAMILY EQUESTRIAN YARD
Help needed in an equestrian yard based near Hazelbury Bryan.
Circa 20 hours a week could be more if required. Essentially yard management required. Fun vibrant set up with friendly team.
Competitive hourly rate.
Please call 01258 817604 / 07771 518258.
Are House Prices beginning to fall? Insider’s Tip To Find Out…
House prices, and whether they will rise or fall from now on, is a very hot topic for general discussion across all sectors of society.
Rightmove statistical analysis says that the ‘upper end’ of the housing market is starting to cool down, whilst the first-time buyers and second-time movers market is still showing record highs in prices coming to market.
To be precise and to quote our Rightmove colleagues:
- New record highs in price of property coming to market in the mass-market sectors, made up of first-time buyer properties, up by £1,328 (+0.6%) in the month, and second-stepper properties, up by £975 (+0.3%) in the month
- Cooling of the upper-end four-bedroom-plus sector, down by £4,699 (-0.8%) in the month, with buyers no longer making larger stamp duty savings
- Overall result is that the national average falls £1,076 (-0.3%) this month, the first price drop recorded in 2021
Buyer demand remains strong, suggesting an autumn bounce in prices and seller activity:
- Demand stats for the first week in August are up 56% on the same period in 2019, and down just 17% on frenzied post-lockdown 2020
- With homes selling faster than ever, there’s a strong incentive for owners to come to market, with “sell before you buy” proving the best tactic for many to secure their next home in this fast-moving market
The above seems complex and is based on extensive Rightmove data. If you really want to know what is happening to the local market in general and work it out for yourself, here is a little insider tip from Meyers:
Get Figure A:
- Go onto Rightmove.co.uk and type in your chosen Town in the search bar
- Click on a price range you might be interested in i.e £400,000-£600,000
- Click on type of property; Houses or Bungalows etc
- Click on the box to include those ‘Under Offer or Sold STC ‘
The above gives you the total amount of houses seen as available in that price range; make a note of the number.
Get Figure B:
- Now un-tick ‘Under Offer or Sold STC’ whilst keeping the rest of the search criteria the same.
This will give you the total number of houses that are still available ‘for sale’ within that price range and of that type. Make a note of this number too.
Finally:
- Now divide B by A and times by 100 – you will see whether or not we are still in a buyers or sellers market.
For example if there are 91 houses on the market at a certain price range, and 22 are still available for sale (making the sum 22/91 x 100) then 24% of houses are still for sale.
0-35% availability = a sellers market
35%-65% availability = a flat market
65%-100% = a falling market
In other words, right now we are still in a ‘sellers market’. By having a play with the above across different house types you can see for yourself which market we are currently sitting in, regardless of whether or not house prices are beginning to re-adjust themselves on a weekly or monthly basis. You can use this calculation to see for yourself when might be a good time to try to sell your home.
Curious what your house is worth? Whether you’re ready to sell or just plain curious, the next step is to get a local estate agent to give you an accurate valuation.
Click the form to send your details:
The Deep, Dark And Enchanting Secrets Of Somerset Are Revealed In Beautiful New Book
Digging into Deepest Somerset
If you think of Somerset (and apparently a lot of people do these days), you probably picture delicious farmhouse Cheddar and cider (or better still, Somerset Cider Brandy), Lorna Doone’s Exmoor, birdlife on the Somerset Levels and donkeys on the beach at Weston-super-Mare … but there is so much more.
The media is currently preoccupied with Somerset as a Notting Hill-in-the-country rural idyll, where a South African billionaire has reinvented beautiful Hadspen House and its gardens as The Newt, close to uber-fashionable restaurants at Bruton and celebrities “living the dream” (until the cows walk down the lane or the cockerel crows at dawn).
Somerset is, and always has been, much more complicated and interesting. Deepest Somerset, the latest book by journalists Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir, is a wide-ranging portrait of this county which is still often overlooked by those on the headlong dash to Devon and Cornwall. There is an introduction by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, reflecting on the importance of the connection between people, farming, food and the landscape.
As well as the beaches oat Weston or Burnham-on-Sea, the coast is also the construction site of the massive nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point. The dramatic gorges and rocky hills of the Mendips bear the marks of 2,000 years of industry, from lead-mining through coal-mining and iron ore extraction to the continuing quarrying of stone.
Many people know and admire the, beautiful Perpendicular church towers of Mells, Evercreech, Isle Abbots, Huish Episcopi and more – but how many have also spotted the curious, ugly and utterly fascinating little hunky punk carvings around the church roofs?
A few years ago, apple orchards were being grubbed out and cider was a mass-produced shadow of the real thing. Now there are artisan and craft producers all over the county, led by Julian Temperley at Burrow Hill, the man who won the right to call his apple spirit Somerset Cider Brandy, a famous victory over the EU.
The best known cheeses are the traditional farmhouse Cheddars made by the Keens at Wincanton, Tom Calver at Westcombe, Montgomery’s at North Cadbury, Barbers at Ditcheat and the Trethowan brothers at Hewish. Newer delicious continental style cheeses from Marcus Fergussan of Feltham’s Farm, including Renegade Monk and Rebel Nun.
Fanny Charles spent a day learning about cheddaring at Keen’s, makers of one of the world’s greatest cheeses. Chef Philippa Davis, who lives at Shaftesbury, has not only created delicious new recipes for the book with Somerset ingredients, but also learned about cheese making at White Lake, producers of delicious and award-winning cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk cheeses.
Newer products, but all with an ancient heritage, include Porlock Oysters, Somerset Charcuterie and Somerset Membrillo. Ruth Kimber, from a well-known farming family near Wincanton, looks back on a long life as a dairy farmer.
Other contributors include Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Michael Eavis, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mrs Annie Maw, Costa Children’s Book Award-winner Jasbinder Bilan, conductor Charles Hazlewood, garden writer Abigail Ballinger, whose husband runs Bailey Hill Bookshop at Castle Cary, Mulberry founder and champion of spelt grain Roger Saul, National Hunt champion trainer Paul Nicholls, folk singer and historian Eddie Upton and the bird photographer Carl Bovis.
There are beautiful photographs by David Blake, Len Copland, Ian Sumner and Matilda Temperley, and archive pictures, including horrifying scenes from Ilchester Gaol at the time of the Monmouth Rebellion and the persecution of the Quakers.
© Copyright Michael Garlick
From the fashion designers Alice Temperley and Terry Macey to traditional potters John Leach and Rob Ellis, from the horse hair factory at Castle Cary to a biotech project at Watchet, from hunky punks to Hinkley Point – dig into Deepest Somerset.
Deepest Dorset, Deepest Wiltshire and Deepest Somerset are all funded by a charitable foundation, with proceeds going to charities in the county. So far more than £65,000 has been raised with the Dorset and Wiltshire titles. Proceeds of Deepest Somerset will support the work of Somerset Community Foundation, the Children’s Hospice South West and the Farming Community Network.
For more information or to buy Deepest Somerset, visit www.deepestbooks.co.uk or telephone 01963 32525.
It Was A Happy 15th Birthday For The Oak Fair at Stock Gaylard.
The August Bank Holiday weekend saw the 15th anniversary of the Oak Fair at Stock Gaylard. From the small acorn event of 15 years ago, the two day country event now hosts over 200 exhibitors.
It’s not all about wood (though there is a lot of that), but it IS all about skilled craftspeople and country living. You won’t find the array of non-eco friendly retail stalls typical at big shows at the Oak Fair. The emphasis is on renewable, skilled, independent eco-conscious businesses. And yes, there is admittedly a lot of wood.
Arranged over the beautiful Stock Gaylard parkland, the resident ancient giant oaks become part of the annual event.
The Oak Fair, laid out in Avenue, Lane and Row, has a unique atmosphere – here is not the bustle of typical county shows. Our unhurried pace was matched by the crowd at large, the stall holders and visitors seemed to chat more and the gentle atmosphere made for an enjoyable and peaceful day.
For many the fair has become a family tradition; kids disappear to throw axes, light fires and enjoy tractor rides, whilst adults watch the craftspeople work, or sit ringside to enjoy the displays in the Arena. Even our teen was happy to join the fun in the ring and be flown over by a Hawk!
How The Arts Reach The Village Halls of Dorset
Since the launch of its first programme in March 1990, Artsreach has been committed to working with volunteers across Dorset to overcome the barriers of rural isolation by providing communities with access to professional arts events.
Dorset’s touring arts charity Artsreach have brought professional live theatre, music, dance, circus, family shows and more to the heart of rural communities across the county – and this summer was no exception!
Despite the ever-present COVID difficulties, Artsreach presented a 2021 programme featuring outstanding theatre and circus in a variety of open-air locations, allowing audiences to return safely to events once more. Highlights included performances by Bec Applebee, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Dave Mynne, Bash Street Theatre, Pirates of the Carabina and Simple Cypher. A programme of exciting creative workshops for children also ran throughout the school holidays.
Artsreach Co-Director, Yvonne Gallimore said “After such a difficult period it is a joy to see people coming together socially once more and enjoying live performances in the heart of their community – that is what Artsreach is all about!”
Artsreach also plays an important role in providing a source of income to the community venues in which it works, with all venues keeping a percentage of the box office and often making extra income from refreshments and raffles.
Passionate about connecting communities through professional arts experiences, Artsreach has now launched its new Autumn Programme, and audiences can expect more than 60 performances from over 20 exciting artists taking place in village halls, churches, pubs and other community spaces right across Dorset before Christmas.
Music lovers can enjoy a real medley of styles and genres from both national and international musicians set to visit the county, including Cornwall’s leading bluegrass band Flats and Sharps; award-winning jazz violinist Chris Garrick with guitarist John Etheridge; BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman and Senegalese kora player Amadou Diagne and guitarist Cory Seznec. Various ensembles of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will also tour the County and the Ridgeway Singers and Band return with their heart-warming Christmas concerts of local song and poetry.
For theatre goers, Farnham Maltings return with ‘The Syrian Baker’, a new play about the world told with affection and irrepressible humour; Kuumba Nia Arts present ‘SOLD’, winner of Best Ensemble Music Theatre Award at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe and Dave Mynne invites you to celebrate the festive season with his adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
With storytelling from Emily Hennessey, cabaret from Bowjangles, children’s theatre during half term, internationally acclaimed dance and much more, there really is something for everyone!
Visit the Artsreach website today to book tickets, or sign up to receive a copy of the programme in the post.
Sponsored By Ward Goodman
Seeing Beauty And Use In Other’s Discarded Junk
Steve Dimmer is a familiar face in North Dorset, having spent many years working for Harts of Stur in their garden centre department.
But his heart has always been in working wood; a couple of years ago he had the opportunity to buy a workshop, complete with the larger tools he’d always wanted – the lifestyle choice was made, and now Steve spends his days happily coated in sawdust and wood shavings.
image: Courtenay Hitchcock
“I was taught woodworking from around 8 years old; by 14 I was making my own fishing boxes. At 17 I was making timber frames for customising my car. I’ve been good with my hands for as long as I could hold a hammer. My dad let me help when I was tiny – and my sons watched me in the workshop. Both my boys and my stepson are as good as me. You learn from doing it!
“The first thing I ever made was a tea towel holder – the ones with marbles in the slots? I’m still making them!” He holds one up and waves it. “My hobby has become my living – and I’m happy.”
image: Courtenay Hitchcock
Steve creates bespoke statement pieces of furniture – desks, coffee tables plus a lot of garden benches over the summer. And he’s finding there’s a real market for his work, often selling items via social media as fast as he can make them.
Perhaps it’s the unique look of his materials – Steve prides himself on creating new purpose from the wood others reject;
“it’s the bits with character that I see potential in. I’m happier with the live edge (pieces with bark still on), with knots and interesting grain like pawprint oak.”
Steve refuses to waste anything – old doors and floorboards become mirrors and clocks. Long twisting branches can become cheese boards or hook racks. Even small offcuts can be made into stylish tealight holders.
image: Courtenay Hitchcock
There is a pile of old, age-blackened wood sitting to the side of Steve’s yard – upon having it examined he found it is London Plane. The saw marks show that it was potentially cut around a hundred years ago – the marks match a traction engine saw blade of 24” diameter, and this method of belt-driven saws powered by tractors was replaced in the early 20th century timber yards by modern machinery with different blade types. This pile of wood was perhaps cut a century ago – and has not been used since.
It’s not just about the woodwork, however – Steve’s stylish furniture pieces carefully pair wood with vintage metal components which he restores. He has just completed a magnificent desk, constructed from a pre-1930’s mangle base topped with yew (in image below). Old unwanted cast iron parasol bases make terrific coffee tables. A recently finished garden bench was built with Victorian railway station bench ends, restored as they would have been when new on the platform.
image: Courtenay Hitchcock
He scours the internet for useful items he can recycle – not just wood, but cast iron vintage objects which can find a new purpose, unwanted items simply in need of some traditional skills.
Steve takes on a lot of bespoke commissions – customers either come to him with a loose idea, or they have a very specific request, and he works with them to create a unique piece of furniture which they can be confident has the best environmentally-friendly credentials.
When he’s not in his workshop, Steve can usually be found out fishing – he has plans for a busy eventual retirement, taking a small camper van with Elvie the Jack Russell on a long road trip to fish the best carp lakes in the British Isles.
Prices vary according to commission, but as a rough guide restored cast iron garden benches start at £250.
Find Steve as ‘@stevestuff_uk’ on Facebook and on Instagram. His workshop is at Spire Hill Business Park near Stalbridge, and Steve welcomes visitors by appointment.
Do call him on 07721530672 to discuss your own bespoke requirements.
By: Laura Hitchcock
Sky-Divers Jump for Sexual Trauma Charity
SKY DIVERS RAISE £12,860 FOR THE CHARITY, STARS DORSET
Eighteen sky divers took to the skies at Go Sky Dive in Salisbury on Friday 23rd July and raised a whopping £12,860 for local charity Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS Dorset).
The brave group of sky divers, the most the charity has ever had supporting them, consisted of staff members, volunteers and supporters. Each sky diver completed the challenge, some taking on the tandem jump altitude of 15,000ft and some the 10,000ft, which means this brave group had almost a full minute of freefall time! Each jumper smashed their fundraising target and so together raised such an incredible amount which the charity is hugely grateful for.
Charlie Souter-Philips, the charity’s Volunteer Co-ordinator and one of the sky divers said” I wanted to take on a challenge that would push me out of my comfort zone. I was really scared at the thought of jumping out of a plane however it was a brilliant experience and I would advise anyone who is thinking of doing it to do it! We were very blessed to have beautiful sunshine on the day too. The fact that I enjoyed it so much and we raised over £12,000 for STARS Dorset made it even better.”
STARS Dorset organises a Sky Dive at Go Sky Dive in Salisbury each year for supporters of the charity to take part in to help raise vital funds for the charity’s work across the county. All the services that STARS Dorset offers such as its one to one Counselling Service, its Support Line and its Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service are free and donations from the public help maintain their provision. Last year STARS Dorset supported more than 2000 people across the county.
If you would like to support STARS Dorset and either yourself or your business would like to take part in a Sky Dive for the charity please get in touch. Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence and would like confidential advice and support can call the STARS Dorset Support Line on 01202 308855 or visit www.starsdorset.org.
Sponsored by Ward Goodman
Wonderful (and unknown) wines from the Loire Valley
I think my fascination of wine started from a very early age. As a family, we would travel down to the Loire most school holidays. I would be allowed the occasional very weak white wine spritzer and allowed to have a whiff of the wine on any vineyard tours we booked. It’s probably the reason that I am such a Sauvignon Blanc fan – the lively, fuller aromas of a Sauvignon would simply jump out of the glass.
The enchanting Loire is a wine region in the centre of France, named after the river which meanders through the area – just over 1000kms in length and running from the Ardèche through to the Atlantic. Aside from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, many wine devotees – even today – continue to overlook the region for some reason or another but, once discovered, it makes for a beguiling glass.
It’s the beautiful long river, which is littered with picturesque châteaux, that bookmarks the wine quarters of the Loire; Upper Loire is where you’ll mostly find my beloved Sauvignon Blanc; the mouth of the river is magnificently Muscadet dominant, and everything in between is wonderfully varied. In fact, many different still wines are made in the region plus a sprinkling of sparkling Crémants and some gorgeous, sweet wines too. Many names you may have heard of are Anjou, Saumur, Touraine, Vouvray, Coteaux du Giennois, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
I’ve selected a handful of suggestions from our shelves that showcase the region well in this month’s column. As always, there’s always so much more to say than the word count allows, but pop along and see us to continue the conversation on one of our favourite regions.
Sample the Loire:
Domaine de la Noë Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie £10 – 100% Melon de Bourgogne grape, this is our ‘go to’ wine for any fish dish, flavoursome and refreshing but without acidity. I have yet to find a Muscadet better for under £10.
Domaine des Gauletteries Jasnieres Chenin Blanc £16 – 100% Chenin Blanc, Jasnieres is one of the smallest appellations in the Loire measuring just 128 hectares. This vineyard is situated directly between Tours and Le Mans. Dry, gentle pear notes rounded off with hints of fresh apple.
Domaine de Montbenoit Coteaux de Giennois £15 – 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Simply stunning, dry and crisp with the gentle acidity you would expect to find. Unlike the New Zealand Sauvignons this isn’t all just a ‘cut grass, gooseberry’ bomb. A lesser known wine that we love here at Vineyards, more elegant in the mouth and a great alternative to a Sancerre or Pouilly Fume.
By: Hannah Wilkins Vinyards of Sherborne
