This year’s Dorset Mud Run is proudly supporting Diverse Abilities, the county’s dedicated disability charity. The event, to be held Saturday 18th May at Stock Gaylard near Sturminster Newton, promises a challenging 6km obstacle course – swinging over ditches, a scramble up mud hills, crawling under cargo nets and wading through ponds. There’s plenty of mud, stunning scenery … and it finishes on the best obstacle course in the UK. Diverse Abilities participants benefit from entry discounts and fundraising support, with proceeds aiding over 1,600 individuals with disabilities and their families in Dorset. Francesca Potton of Diverse Abilities said, ‘We are incredibly grateful to the Dorset Mud Run organisers for supporting Diverse Abilities’ through their event. Taking part is a great way to fundraise for us, as well as having a great day out.’ Entry is priced at £25, with perks for Diverse Abilities fundraisers including a Mud Run t-shirt, a charity goody bag, and a complimentary beverage post-race. For registration and more details, visit Diverse Abilities
The sun is actually shining, and spring has finally sprung in Dorset. With it comes the first-ever Dorset Spring Show – and this family-friendly event packs a punch with a variety of attractions that celebrate the very best of the season and the county.
The Hogg Show
The Dorset Spring Show will be at Kingston Maurward near Dorchester, and it ’swings open its farm gates’ on 27th and 28th April, from 9.30am to 5pm both days: tickets are currently just £12 (KIDS GO FREE). The show offers a variety of attractions for the whole family, from Extreme BMX and Mountainboarding performances to the appearance of the 2024 Great Pottery Throw Down finalist (and Weymouth resident) Dan Sandham, who will be joined by his fellow Throw Down contestant Ed King for demonstrations as well as leading hands-on workshops.
BMX Bike Skills
The Sheep Show (a ewe-nique crowd-favourite which introduces you to nine different breeds of sheep … that dance!), the Hogg Show (learn about some of the rarest pigs in the world, and witness pig agility to see just how intelligent pigs are!), interactive farm experiences and sheepdog demonstrations are all not to be missed. Kitchen and garden enthusiasts can enjoy expert talks and food and floral demos in the demonstration theatres. The Food & Drink village will be filled with local artisan produce.
Event Organiser James Cox says: ‘We welcome in the new season with a brilliant spring get-together for the whole county. Whether you want to indulge in delicious Dorset foods, purchase local artisan goods, enjoy watching extreme sport, meet a lamb or watch local craftspeople, Dorset Spring Show has it all when it comes to celebrating spring!”
Dorset Spring Show map 2024 – click to embiggen
The show is set in the picturesque grounds of Kingston Maurward, making it a perfect day out for families.
Dorset Spring Show tickets are currently just £12 (KIDS GO FREE) – but ewe don’t want to delay, the discount ends 20th April! Get yours here dorsetspringshow.co.uk
Our life-saving charity, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA), provides relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance service, with an air and road delivered critical care capability.
DSAA is a well-loved and respected charity, which relies on the generosity of the public to raise our operational costs of over £10 million per year. Every mission we are tasked to costs approximately £3,500 and the enhanced skills of our team, specialist equipment and drugs that we carry, along with the speed of our response, can make the difference between life and death.
Our people are at the heart of our Charity. Whether you are a member of our Charity, Clinical or Aviation Team, everyone plays a vital role in helping us to be there for our patients and supporters across Dorset and Somerset.
Job Description
We are now seeking to appoint a Business Insights and Data Analyst Officer to support the Senior Leadership Team to help provide insights and analysis on the different data sources. Initially this will be looking at supporter behaviour and trends and to provide evidence on which teams base their decisions relating to fundraising and strategy and help to increase engagement with the charity and income generation.
This is an exciting new role where you will be instrumental in assisting in the new Income Generation Strategy that DSAA are about to embark on.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
Develop and implement a data analysis process or reporting program to better understand our performance and supporters, including fundraisers and regular donors
Create and produce data dashboards, graphs and reports and provide feedback to the wider team through a range of formats and in key performance areas
Analyse and interrogate data through various formats and make recommendations based on the analysis and conclusions.
Working closely with our Fundraising and Comms team analysing data from various digital channels, such as websites, socials and email
Identify and develop supporter insight and analysis to drive direct marketing strategies and future income generation initiatives
Present key findings confidently to colleagues our wider group including to the SLT and Trustees providing actionable insights to inform on future decisions
Reviewing existing databases and make recommendations
Implement and measure and regularly report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used to monitor fundraising and marketing activity
Support the budgeting and forecasting process and generate forecasted future income data
Support Data Analysis on anonymized patient data and other sources to support development of the service
Person Specification
Excellent IT skills, particularly Excel, databases, query and reporting tools
High standard of literacy, numeracy, organizing and planning
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Excellent oral and written communicator, able to talk to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Full clean UK Driving license.
Education and qualifications:
Essential: Good education standard, A Levels or equivalent, related degree advantageous
Desirable: Formal qualifications in Business Analysis
Previous experience:
Essential: Minimum of 1 years’ experience of working in business intelligence, data analysis or related field
Desirable: Experience of working with a charity
The successful candidate will receive:
Competitive salary: £32,000 (depending on experience) 37.5 hours per week
28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Generous pension scheme (8% Charity Contribution) and benefits package
If you have the right skills, experience and knowledge, and would like to join our passionate and friendly team, we would love to hear from you!
If you would like to ask for more information or have an informal chat, please contact Sarah Davies by calling: 01823 669604.
Recruitment Process
Closing Date: Wednesday 8th May
Interviews to take place: 22nd & 23rd May
How to Apply
To apply: Please email your CV and a covering letter to: [email protected] or post to: Julie Plowden, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Landacre House, Chelston Business Park, Castle Road, Wellington, TA21 9JQ.
It’s time to remember the basics and use science to try to debunk some of the trendy diet myths, says expert Karen Geary
In the journey towards our very best health, we now know our gut plays a pivotal role, acting as the cornerstone of our well-being. Something cropping up a lot – both with my own clients and with GPs I’ve spoken to – are questions caused by certain national brands. Ad campaigns with enormous marketing budgets are seriously muddying the health waters. They’re effectively a data-gathering tool, but they seem to be causing a lot of confusion and misunderstanding, some of it potentially harmful. In the midst of these popular trends, it might be time to return to some basic information and understanding, based on science.
Know the gut The gut, often dubbed the “second brain,” encompasses the entire digestive system from mouth to anus. It serves as the habitat for trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes. Collectively these are known as the microbiome. This intricate ecosystem manages vital functions ranging from digestion to the immune system and even mental health. Notably, people changing their diet often report improvements in both gut and immune system-related symptoms, emphasising the intricate connection between nutrition and health. Remarkably, the gut microbiome contains 150 times more genes than the human genome itself, highlighting its functional complexity. Its composition continually adapts to various factors including diet, exercise, sleep patterns and stress levels. Research indicates that different diets distinctly shape the gut microbiome, which, in turn, influences not only the intestinal function but also the body’s immune response.
The fibre has it Fibre is the linchpin of gut health – yet it remains overlooked in modern diets, particularly amid the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in western diets. The shortfall in fibre intake poses significant health risks, including increased susceptibility to cancer and digestive ailments. The human body ideally needs 30g of fibre a day – think seven heaped teacups of plants. It’s an amount that the majority of the population gets nowhere near. Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide and it is closely connected to dietary habits. Diets which are lacking in fibre and abundant in processed foods correlate with an increase in colorectal cancer risk. Foods rich in fibre, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, provide essential nutrients while promoting regular bowel movements and detoxification, brilliant for digestive wellness.Natural probiotics and prebiotics In tandem with fibre, integrating natural pro- and prebiotics into our diet nurtures a thriving gut microbiome. Probiotics – live microorganisms with health-enhancing properties – abound in foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and miso. They foster diversity in the gut’s microbiome and bolster digestion and immunity. Prebiotics – non-digestible fibres that fuel that probiotic growth – are abundant in apples, bananas, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and Jerusalem artichokes. These foods fortify and feed existing beneficial bacteria, nurturing a resilient microbiome and overall health.
Other things to think about Beyond fibre and probiotics, several other factors influence gut health: Hydration: adequate water intake (roughly two to three litres per day) facilitates proper digestion, nutrient absorption and bowel emptying, promoting good gut health. Stress management: chronic stress disrupts the gut microbial balance. If you’re feeling the effects, try stress-reduction practices like mindfulness, meditation and exercise. Antibiotics: these take out the good as well as the bad bacteria, and it can take time to rebuild the microbiome after a course (Karen’s article in the BV on ‘what to eat after taking antibiotics’ is a permanent hit on the website)
Your gut health checklist While everyone’s dietary needs vary, sticking to some basic principles will create a diverse and robust gut microbiome: Hydrate – two to three litres of water a day. Embrace plant-based diversity – aim for seven servings (a serving is roughly one heaped teacup) of fruits and vegetables a day, including prebiotic fibre sources. Frozen is fine and often cost-effective. Freeze any leftover fruit and veg and add it to smoothies. Eat by plate – half of the contents on every plate should consist of plants. Choose colourful, varied foods for the widest range of goodness, remembering herbs and spices all add nutrients. Opt for wholefoods over processed alternatives. Experiment with probiotic foods to identify which ones you like – and try to have some each day. Build up your tolerance slowly! Enjoy legumes and whole grains – and again build up slowly as they can cause bloating in some cases. Gut-friendly good fats such as olive oil, avocado and butter are anti-inflammatory and gut supportive. Eat your nuts and seeds unroasted and unsweetened/unsalted. Tinned fish such as mackerel and sardines are also fabulous sources of omega 3. Limit your intake of inflammatory substances like sugar, fried foods and alcohol. Don’t forget your protein – animal or vegetable. Protein is a key requirement in supporting immune health. By prioritising fibre-rich foods, natural probiotics, and mindful habits, it isn’t difficult to build a resilient microbiome, safeguarding against gastrointestinal ailments and promoting vitality. Remember, your gut health is not just about digestion—it’s fundamental to your overall well-being and longevity.
Ask Me Anything Next month I’ll be running an ‘Ask Me Anything’ Q&A. Please email any questions to me at [email protected] or leave me a message on my Facebook page.
Wimborne is set to travel back in time with a spectacular reenactment of a 17th-century battle, highlighting the town’s historical significance during the English Civil War. From 25th to 27th May, the English Civil War Society (ECWS) will bring over 600 members to recreate ‘The Battle for Wimborne,’ featuring foot soldiers, cavalry, and a military camp at Julians Bridge. The event promises a Hollywood-like spectacle with elaborate costumes, artillery, and galloping horses, encapsulating the intense struggle that existed between Royalist Wimborne and Roundhead Poole. The reenactment will culminate in two large battles on the 26th and 27th, pitting the Roundheads against the Royalists in a dramatic clash for control. Alongside the battles, Minster Green will also be filled with action – experience the riot that broke out in Wimborne Minster church, causing the Earl of Shaftesbury to send in troops. The event aims to educate and entertain, bringing history alive through living history displays depicting life in the 17th century. Visitors can see basket making, weaving, dyeing, food preparation, music, printing, writing, needlework, embroidery, woodturning and paper making, get advice from an apothecary, discuss battle scars with a surgeon or bump into a busybody laundry woman! It’s an opportunity to interact with history, and to understand both the military and civilian aspects of the English Civil War. An exhibition at The Museum of East Dorset, From Revolt to Rebellion, will extend the historical journey, depicting Wimborne’s transformation from the Civil War through the Restoration to the Monmouth Rebellion. The free, not-for-profit event is a collaboration between the ECWS and the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Town Council, Dorset County Council, The Minster, local schools and Wimborne BID.
Under Jules Bradburn’s guidance, Shaftesbury’s first Feastival is set to be a packed community feast of food, culture and artisan market
When Shaftesbury Food & Drink Festival committee stepped down last year, the town council didn’t need to look far for a new organiser. Jules Bradburn has been running the popular monthly Shaftesbury Market for a year as part of her growing empire of Dorset artisan markets. A one day community festival was soon planned for 5th May, 10am to 5pm. ‘I was excited at the thought of a Shaftesbury Feastival,’ says Jules. ‘As soon as we started to talk about it, it grew and grew. It’s going to be such a special day – a literal feast of events and traders. ‘We’ve been lucky to be sponsored by Gritchie Brewing Co, who will be unveiling a new travelling bar at the event. ‘There will be amazing workshops with celebrity chefs all day in the Grosvenor Arms. Chef, writer and TV judge Philippa Davis will be cooking with local produce, and there be three Cookery Hands On with Lesley Waters and Steve James workshops, focused on using products from the artisan traders. Visitors can spend time with Torie True as she chats about Indian food and cooks recipes from her book Chilli & Mint. Local chef Sunny Sin will be sharing a Thai cooking demo, and Lucy Parr, the Friendly Baker, will be offering tasters and advice on allergy-friendly baking. Mat Follas is running a guided foraging walk, but that’s already fully booked!
‘Excitingly, we’ve been working with Shaftesbury Refugee Group, and we also have a Ukrainian fermentation workshop – the bread is amazing! And we are sponsoring two Syrian refugee families to have stalls at Feastival. Imad and his wife Bayan started Kababji Syrian Cuisine four years ago in Gillingham, and Ammar and Samar’s business, The Hammouds’ Kitchen, is based in Shaftesbury.’ See here for further talks and workshop details – Booking is advisable as spaces are limited. All events are FREE, but when you book Jules is asking for a donation (in lieu of a set ticket fee) to The Vale Pantry, North Dorset’s social supermarket. Outside, there will be more than 150 carefully selected artisan market traders on the High Street and Park Walk, says Jules: ‘There will be a choice of international hot food available, including Thai, Ukrainian and Indian, as well as street burgers, loaded fries, raclette and roundbelly rice. We’ve made sure there will be affordable options across the Feastival, so that there’s something for everybody. There will also be plenty of stalls with cheese, preserves, savoury foods, honey, cakes, baked goods, cider …’ Away from the main market, the historic Byzant Ceremony will process to the well at Enmore Green – an ancient custom unique to Shaftesbury, in which the hilltop town’s right to draw water required ceremonial payment. Shaftesbury Abbey will be hosting Tuzzy Muzzy workshops – a medieval term for a traditional nosegay of flowers – and will welcome the choral community choir. There will be more live music on Park Walk all day. A highlight of the event will of course be the famous Gold Hill Cheese Run. Unlike familiar cheese-rolling contests, in Shaftesbury competitors race up the incredibly steep, cobbled Gold Hill, carrying locally-made truckles of cheese. If you think you’re strong enough, registration is on the day outside the Guildhall, and heats begin at 1pm. All profits from book signings, talks and celebrity chef events will go to the Vale Pantry social supermarket. ‘The Feastival will be a brilliant day for coming together,’ says Jules. ‘Food is friendship. It’s chatting, sharing, caring, meeting and educating. Food is community.’
Dorset Mind volunteer Annabel Goddard is encouraging us all to be hopeful, and to start making plans for when the weather really does improve
Unless you were lucky enough to spend your winter somewhere else in warm sunshine, it’s likely to have been a long, damp few months. The recent sparse bursts of sun have been a glimmer of what will hopefully be a wonderfully bright new season. While we wait for the weather to cheer up, here’s how we can make the most of the change in seasons.
Spring cleaning Go beyond just scrubbing your bathroom – start refreshing your space. Having a clear out of your things can help you declutter mentally as well as physically. Even better, donate your cleared-out items to a charity shop near you: it’s a small deed that can do a lot of good for those who need it most. If you’ve been putting off repainting or cleaning something in your home, now is a great time to do it. It doesn’t have to be a major task – a new candle or a bunch of flowers will make you smile.
Refresh your tech Spring cleaning doesn’t have to begin and end in the home, either. Something that can go unnoticed is how much our tech get cluttered with useless notes, spam emails and screenshots. Set aside some time to go through your phone – deleting apps, redundant documents and photos which you don’t need anymore. This can give a sense of catharsis if you’ve held onto photos and notes which don’t bring you happiness – it could help to let go of these memories. It might seem an insignificant thing, but taking the time for some unsubscribing and deleting can help reduce the bombardment in your phone – start prioritising time unplugged from social media.
Make plans As the sun is (hopefully!)beginning to come out, use the time to start getting used to being outdoors again. Days are getting longer, and before we know it, summer will be here. If you’re struggling to wait until t-shirt weather returns, make yourself a ‘summer resolution’ – set yourself an activity you want to start doing in the warmer weather. It could be anything – painting outdoors, hiking, visiting new places … whatever you wish you’d done last summer. Start making an action plan now and you’ll be prepared for a new hobby by the time summer arrives.
Take the time If you’re like me, you’ve been praying for a bit of sunshine since November. It could benefit you to make a bit of time to spend outside, just to feel the sun on your face and remind yourself that longer days are coming. As the sun starts setting later in the day, try to incorporate an evening walk into your routine. The warmer days will follow, but we must remember to be grateful for what we have now.
Global meets local in Semley, uniting Dorset’s finest with international brands for a showcase of sustainability, craftsmanship, and enterprise
Businesses in Semley are set to open their doors again for the second iteration of the eagerly-anticipated Chaldicott Spring Fair. After launching last year to widespread acclaim, the Chaldicott Spring Fair will welcome visitors from across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and beyond as resident businesses at the award-winning rural office and retail development showcase their wares. Among the 25 businesses present will be Africa Odyssey, a highly-regarded bespoke safari tour operator, who opened their second office in Semley last autumn to complement their London office. The event will also feature internationally renowned brands such as furniture makers Another Country and Japanese garden tool specialists, Niwaki. ‘The move to Chaldicott Barns was a big step for us as a business. We’d had 25 years with solely a London presence, but we are delighted with how things have gone so far and the reception we’ve had from local people and businesses,’ said Africa Odyssey managing director Ted Archdale, who moved to the local area with his young family in 2020. ‘A major reason for us opening a Dorset office was the concentration of fantastic businesses already here, and the audiences and customer base they naturally draw in.’ Sustainable furniture brand Another Country opened their showroom at Chaldicott Barns last year – owner Paul de Zwart, who lives nearby, is also delighted to have made the move out of the city. ‘Our London showroom has historically been where we have met our customers face to face. But we recognised a growing West Country audience, and felt Chaldicott Barns were the perfect place for us to physically locate ourselves in this beautiful part of England,’ he said.
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Books, baths and brands Natural bath and body care producer Bramley, founded by local entrepreneur and mum Chloe Luxton, was a winner of the 2024 beauty shortlist awards. they will be returning to the Spring Fair, having been in residence at Chaldicott Barns for the past three years. ‘Last year was a huge success for us and we’re hoping even more lovely visitors come to see us for what is set to be another wonderful local event,’ Chloe said. ‘We couldn’t be more excited.’ With food and delicious coffee provided onsite by Compton McRae Kitchen and Larder, specialists in a range of artisan-made products, visitors will be able to enjoy superb food and drink. Homeware brands, plant nurseries, fashion and books will also be on sale, with residents The Travel Bookshop sure to be in high demand from those planning an African adventure or beyond. Local author Sam Peters, whose book Concussed was recently shortlisted for the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, will be among the exhibitors, alongside Pink House Mustique and Robert Kennett Garden Designer. Acclaimed local business, Planted – founded by another local entrepreneur Deborah Spencer – will host a small curated offering in the main courtyard featuring some of their favourite sustainable brands including Country Crib, The Sustainable Shop, Snow Shepperd, By:BW and Old Green. ‘Chaldicott Barns has become a real hive of business activity in recent years, with many of the lovely local brands sharing our love of high-quality sustainable design,’ said Deborah, one of the organisers of this year’s fair.
Chaldicott Barns Spring Fair, 10am to 4pm Saturday April 27 Admission free Semley chaldicott-barns.co.uk
Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places.
There’s a chilling story about the seemingly-vicious and vindictive Lord Staunton. In 1557, the catholic lord of the manor ended a long-running dispute with his protestant neighbours, the Hartgills, with a double murder. He arranged a public meeting by saying he was ready to pay them the sums of money and return their cattle, as ordered, and to end all disputes between them – but instead took the opportunity to seize the Hartgills, hold them captive and then have them killed (full story here). The brutal crime lead to his imprisonment in the Tower of London, before he was hanged in Salisbury market place. His widow, Anne, was left with a crumbling ‘castle’ in Staunton Caundle. She pleaded with Queen Mary I, stressing her late husband’s loyalty and that her only home was in a “ruynous” and “corrupt” state – she was given ten days to raise the money to the value of the estate. Fast forward, and there’s hardly anything left of the castle today. The oldest map of the village from the 1500s shows it next to St. Peter’s Church, but by 1600, it was gone. Its stones likely ended up in other buildings around the village.
