A century ago in Sherborne : POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

By

-

18 July 2024

This month Barry Cuff has chosen century-old postcards of Cheap Street and what was then the Ladies College in Sherborne…

Sent to Miss L Sharp in Pokesdown (Bournemouth was still in Hampshire – it was ‘moved’ to Dorset in 1974) – note the stamp placement, which is significant. This 45º angle was the stamp code for ‘A Kiss’ from disappointed Frank:
‘Dear Lil, I am awfully disappointed you have not wrote as you promised. I quite expected to hear from you. I do not wish you to write by return but as you promised, I think your letter must have got lost. I writing this in shop, by the time I get home I quite expect to hear from you kind regards love Frank

The image is of what is now Sherborne Girl’s School, which at the turn of the last century was known as Ladies College, Sherborne. The card was sent in 1913 to Miss Hatcher, at Boxmoor in Hertfordshire, by Jimmy, who appears to be a teacher at the school – from the message he would seem to be her brother:
‘My darling Pud. This postcard shows you the school. It only shows a little bit of the white lodge, but it takes in our bedroom window, which I have marked. I expect mother has broken the news to you by this time about our returning for a 2nd term. I hope you are surviving the shock. Isn’t it gorgeous to think of 5 weeks today! We may be going to bring a Seoteh (?) girl back for one night, to break her journey! Jimmy’s hands are smelling simply disgusting of onions as he had to chop some onions in the kitchen this morning! Doubtless you would enjoy the scent! I don’t.We are keeping one of the students 21st birthday today, we are going to give her an awfully nice pair of earrings. Please write soon. Heaps of love. Jimmy

Salmon teriyaki bites

By

Editorial team

-

18 July 2024

0

This is a simple and oh-so-tasty summer dish, combining the delicious umami flavours of
soy and miso with the decadence of honey and sesame. You can remove the chilli oil if you don’t like any heat at all, but in this recipe its designed just to be in the background. I love the cashew nuts here – they add a little bit of healthy fats into the mix, but you can leave them out if you don’t like or can’t eat nuts.

Ingredients
(feeds 4)

For the sauce:

1tbs sesame oil
2tbs oyster sauce
4tbs dark soy sauce
6tbs honey
1tsp chopped ginger
1tsp chopped garlic
1tsp fish sauce
1tbs miso
1tsp apple cider vinegar
1tsp chilli oil
Extra sesame oil for frying
Sesame seeds for finishing

Then:

100g cashew nuts
4 spring onions
Stir-fry vegetables (beansprouts, mushrooms, shredded cabbage and carrots etc). For ease you can buy a pre-prepared packet of veg to use here
Rice for four – 1/2 cup uncooked per person is a good guide
Salmon fillets – you may need more than four if they are small, just use your judgement

Method

Preheat the oven to 180º fan/gas 6. and line a baking sheet or roasting tin.
Add all the sauce ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Remove any skin from the salmon and cut into roughly one inch pieces. Place them into the bowl with the sauce and gently mix until the salmon is well-coated. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a hot frying pan, heat the cashew nuts in a little sesame oil just until they have a little extra colour from the pan. Remove from the heat and place into a bowl until later.
Start your rice cooking – just plain boiled rice, made according to the packet instructions.
Remove the salmon pieces from the bowl and spread them out onto the baking tray. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Keep the remaining sauce!
While the salmon bakes, drizzle 1tbs of sesame oil into a large frying pan and leave to get hot. When hot, add your vegetables – use a pair of scissors to snip your spring onions into small pieces and add to the pan with the rest. Stir-fry until the vegetables are just cooked and getting a little colour, then pour in the remaining sauce. If your hob runs very hot, turn the stove down at this point and cook the sauce through with the vegetables.
To plate, add your rice, top with the stir-fry, add some of the toasted cashews, drizzle on the sauce and then finish with the salmon pieces. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a little razzle dazzle!

Village rallies to save historic school

By

Editorial team

-

18 July 2024

0

In the heart of Winterborne Stickland, a village community is rallying to save a piece of their village’s history. The Stickleberries pre-school and day nursery abruptly closed its doors in August 2023, leaving many families scrambling for childcare. Stickleberries nursery had opened in the former school building in 2015. Last August, Ofsted had suspended the nursery’s registration three days before its closure because inspectors believed children “may be at risk of harm”.
The nursery resigned its registration the following day. Now, a determined group of locals has launched a GoFundMe campaign to buy the historic building and reopen it as the Winterborne Stickland Nursery School.
The site in Winterborne Stickland was gifted for use as a school to the Diocese of Salisbury in 1859 by banker Carl Joachim Hambro, then owner of Milton Abbey. It served as the village school until 2013. The nursery which succeeded it offered essential services like after-school and holiday clubs, benefitting children from the village and surrounding areas, including Blandford.
When the day nursery closed it triggered a clause which meant the whole site gets handed back to the benefactor’s family.
The building is now under threat of being sold at auction: The Diocese of Salisbury, which is currently holding the site as trustee, said: ‘The legal process to trace descendants has recently finished and there is a valid claim.’
Locals fear a sale of the site could potentially lead to its demolition. Leading the effort to save the school are locals Anna Way and Carole House, who have formed a Community Interest Company (CIC) to manage the nursery if they can secure the building. The village has shown overwhelming support, with various locals donating their professional expertise free of charge. Anna and Carole are driven not only by a passion to preserve the legacy of the school but also to meet the urgent need for a pre-school with wraparound childcare in the area. Ann says she hopes reopening the school would be the ‘catalyst for really positive change. There’s a terrible shortage of childcare in North Dorset.’

Moved Into A Fixer Upper? Here Are Some Areas To Focus On

By

Editorial team

-

18 July 2024

0

Congratulations on your new fixer-upper! The prospect of renovating a home can be both exciting and daunting, and it’s important to approach the project with a clear plan and prioritise your efforts. We’ll cover a range of projects suitable for various budgets and skill levels, from essential structural improvements to cosmetic updates.

Start With A Thorough Inspection

You likely had a survey done before purchasing but it’s worth considering a more detailed inspection now that you have full access to the property.

You can hire a chartered surveyor through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to conduct a thorough assessment. They’ll examine the structure, identify any hidden issues, and provide a detailed report on necessary repairs and potential improvements.

Pay particular attention to the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems. These are often the most critical (and costly) areas in a fixer-upper. Understanding their condition will help you prioritise your renovation efforts and budget accordingly.

Address Structural Issues First

Structural issues can compromise the safety and integrity of your home, and addressing them early can prevent more extensive (and expensive) damage down the line.

Common structural issues include subsidence, damp, and roof problems. Consult a structural engineer immediately if you suspect subsidence. They can assess the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate solutions, which might range from underpinning to tree removal if roots are the cause.

A damp specialist can identify the type of damp (rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation) and suggest suitable treatments. This might involve installing a damp-proof course, improving ventilation, or addressing external factors like damaged guttering. Roof repairs or replacements can be significant undertakings, but they’re essential for protecting your home from the elements.

Update Your Plumbing And Electrics

Outdated plumbing and electrical systems can pose safety risks and may not meet current UK building regulations.

You can replace old lead or galvanised steel pipes with modern copper or plastic alternatives. This can improve water pressure and quality while reducing the risk of leaks. It’s worth upgrading to a more efficient boiler which can significantly reduce your energy bills. Look for boilers with an A rating for efficiency.

Older UK homes may have outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current safety standards. A qualified electrician registered with NICEIC or ELECSA can rewire if necessary, upgrade your fuse box to a modern consumer unit, and ensure you have enough outlets to meet your needs.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Enhancing your fixer-upper’s energy efficiency can lead to significant savings on utility bills and increase your home’s comfort. Start by assessing your insulation. Many older UK homes lack adequate insulation, particularly in lofts and cavity walls.

Installing loft insulation is often a straightforward and cost-effective improvement. You’ll need to hire a professional for cavity wall insulation, but the savings on your heating bills can be substantial.

Consider upgrading to double or triple-glazed windows if your home still has single-glazing. Don’t overlook draught-proofing. Simple measures like sealing gaps around windows and doors, installing chimney balloons, and adding keyhole covers can make a noticeable difference to your home’s warmth and energy efficiency.

Refresh Your Walls And Floors

One of the quickest ways to transform the look of your fixer-upper is to refresh the walls and floors. A new coat of paint can work wonders in brightening up a space and making it feel clean and fresh.

Think about the natural light in each room. Lighter colours can help small or dark rooms feel more spacious and brighter. If you’re painting yourself, invest in good quality paint and tools for the best results.

Your options for floors will depend on the existing flooring and your budget. Carpets can be a cost-effective choice for bedrooms, providing warmth and comfort underfoot. Look at more durable options for high-traffic areas like hardwood, laminate, or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT).

Don’t Forget The Doors

Starting with your front door, consider whether it’s providing adequate security and insulation. Many older UK homes have poorly insulated front doors, leading to significant heat loss. Look for doors with good thermal properties and robust locking systems. Composite doors are popular for their excellent insulation and security features.

Look at the condition and style of the interior doors. If they’re in good shape but look dated, you might be able to refresh them with a coat of paint and new hardware. Changing interior door furniture, like adding brass door handles, can make a surprising difference to the overall look of your doors. Look at Corston’s range of interior and front door handles for some inspiration.

Landscape Your Garden

Start by clearing any overgrown areas and assessing the current layout. Consider how you want to use the space – do you need a dining area, a play area for children, or a low-maintenance garden?

A garden designer or landscape architect might be an idea if you’re new to gardening. They can help you create a plan that suits your lifestyle and the local climate. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) also offers excellent resources for UK gardeners.

Think about incorporating some eco-friendly features into your garden design. Rain gardens can help manage water runoff, while compost bins can reduce your household waste. Consider planting native species, which are often easier to maintain and better for local wildlife.

BV Magazine shortlisted for another national award!

By

Editorial team

-

18 July 2024

0

EXCITING NEWS – guess who’s been shortlisted (again) for another national award? Yep, it’s us! The BV is a finalist for Regional News Website of The Year at the prestigious Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards!

We’re blushing a bit here – this is the third time this year we’ve been on the national stage. We might have to build a bigger trophy cabinet (just kidding, we’ve only actually won one. So far … ).

These awards celebrate excellence in digital news media – the judges were looking for technical excellence, evidence of both audience and commercial success and naturally for editorial brilliance. To be recognised among the best in the industry is always an honour. To find ourselves on a nationally-respected shortlist three times in one year is mildly bonkers.

We couldn’t have done it without the genuinely amazing BV team – and our fantastic readers.

Thank you for your support: here’s to more great stories ahead!

(and congrats to our fellow shortlistees – SoGlos and KentOnline. You can see more details of the awards here https://pressgazette.co.uk/…/future-of-media-awards…/ )

Full-Time Groom required at Ferne Park, Berwick St John

By

Editorial team

-

17 July 2024

0

Full-Time Groom required at Ferne Park, Berwick St John (Wiltshire Dorset border nr Shaftesbury)

Professionally-run family yard with excellent facilities with polo ponies, international showjumpers and hunt horses.

The ideal candidate must be capable of all the usual yard duties, with a meticulous attention to detail and a good can-do approach to everything.

Accommodation on the estate can be provided if required.

Working five days a week and a competitive salary is offered.

Start Date: September 2024

Please apply by contacting: [email protected]

Rescuing Blackberry

By

Editorial team

-

17 July 2024

0

Rescued Shetland pony Blackberry may be small, but overcame neglect to rule as the farm’s feisty leader with a big personality beloved by all

Blackberry is now irrepressibly nosy.
Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Blackberry is the quietest member of our herd. As her name might indicate she is a black mare – a diminutive, placid Shetland. But looks can be deceiving… She may be the smallest family member, but she is the absolute queen of the farm and totally in charge. The donkeys are in awe of her big personality, and one look, one flick of the tail, and they are off. Grandma has spoken!
Two years ago I was asked if I would rescue one of four local Shetlands very much in need of a decent home. On the appointed day, a sad and sorry figure walked up the drive, coughing and wheezing. Blackberry had mites and fleas, very little coat and sweet itch had caused areas of raw flesh. Large of belly, she had clearly carried many foals in her time (but fortunately not when she arrived with us!). She was promptly given the full beauty treatment, clipped and bathed, and then the vet assessment commenced. As my husband says: ‘She may have cost just a pound (always pay a pecuniary sum to make sure that the animal is legally yours) but she’s cost a great deal more since! It’s fortunate that I am rather fond of her…’

Blackberry a week after arrival – clipped and sore but treated and on the mend. Image: Sally Cooper

Ancient and sturdy
Small ponies have existed in the Shetland Isles for more than 2,000 years, and archaeologists have found evidence of them being domesticated since the Bronze Age.
Immortalised by Thelwell cartoons, they are well-loved even by non-equestrians. A hardy breed from the Scottish islands, they have a very thick coats to withstand the extreme conditions of their native home, and their short legs make them very sure-footed. They average about 11 hands high – the breed standard states they must be a maximum of 42 inches (107cm). Many describe them as docile – but this is not a description I recognise!
I prefer feisty, intelligent, extremely loyal… and they are wonderful companions. They prefer to live out all year with rough grazing and are known for having a sixth sense for danger. Blackberry will stay out in a howling gale with icicles hanging from her coat, sniffing contemptuously at everyone else in in the barn in their rugs.
The strength of Shetland ponies is legendary – they are the strongest of all horse breeds, relative to their size. For centuries, these ponies have cultivated land, carried peat, transported seaweed, and served as transportation for their owners. Fishermen who owned them even used hair from their tails for fishing lines. When children were banned from working in the mines, the Shetland ponies were used instead, and the miners were said to be very fond of them. These days they are used as first ponies, mascots, in carriage driving and many have successful careers as racing ponies. They may have little legs, but boy can they shift … when they choose to!
They are also famous for their longevity. The oldest recorded pony was Sugar Puff, a Shetland-Exmoor cross, who reached 56. The oldest known Shetland pony was Twiglet who lived a happy retirement roaming free at Forde Abbey, and who died at the age of 50 in 2017.

Sadly, Blackberry did not come to us with any papers or passport, but the equine vet assessed her teeth and thinks she’s in her late 30s. Blackberry’s teeth were actually the culprits hindering her recovery. Horse teeth are not like human teeth, they grow continually and need to be level for them to grind food correctly. Equestrians will have an equine vet assess their horse’s teeth annually to level the teeth off for easy eating. Our own equine vet took lots of photos of Blackberry’s terrible teeth and jaw for a presentation entitled: ‘How not to look after your horse’s teeth’. When she arrived, they were so bad that Blackberry could only roll and suck her food and then spit it out in wet balls. After several grindings and the removal of two rotten teeth, I am pleased to report that her eating has improved.

She’s the boss
Blackberry is absolutely intolerant of just one thing: vets with needles. When she spots one, the vet declares she transforms from Shetland to Shitland. And being short of stature with an equally low centre of gravity, when she decides that she will not stand still she is an absolute force to be reckoned with. At the (now required) microchip insertion, things almost got out of hand. Bribery was the only course of action.
I am pleased to report that two years on, Blackberry is now very much part of the family. She babysits the big horses when the others are out competing and the young donkeys adore and respect her. Her coat is finally black, thick and shiny, and she is always in the right place at the right time: “No halter required thank you”. She will see out her dotage with us and her motto is absolutely clear: “This Little Lady Is In Charge.”

Blackberry today, in sturdy health with a thick and glossy coat, ruling the garden with a definite bossy gleam in her eye. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Horse and pony rescue
If you’re now thinking you also have some space for a rescue pony, there’s a few things to consider first. As with any animal, rescuing an equine is a worthwhile and rewarding opportunity, but it is not without its difficulties. There are many challenges to consider:

Be prepared: You will need be assessed for suitability – of yourself, your facilities and also your knowledge.
Health: Mistreated rescues often have ongoing health issues. Be ready for the additional cost of vets, meds, vaccinations, teeth, worms, skin and coat problems, allergies and gut issues. There are often feet and hoof problems for your farrier to sort out too.
Behavioural Challenges: Rescue animals have often been poorly handled or kept in frightening conditions. Understandably this can make them nervous of many situations.
Time Commitment: Rescue animals are often slow to acclimatise and trust – you will need lots of time and endless patience to help them settle.
Long Term Love: Having been let down once it is important that you make a lifetime commitment to your new family member.

Above all remember that in rescuing a pony you give them another chance – and possibly save their life. From personal experience I can say you will develop a close and very special bond. To be trusted by those who have been abused is the greatest honour.

There are many equine rescue charities, but try:
The Blue Cross
World Horse Welfare
RoR Retrained Race Horses

Sherborne’s new Community Hub and café

By

Editorial team

-

17 July 2024

0

Sherborne Primary pupils with (l-r) cllr Robin Legg, Felicity Griffiths (head of school), Dawn Hart (chair of PTA), Kate Scorer (Academy committee chair) and
Ian Bartle (executive h eadteacher).

Thanks to generous donations and support from many local groups and charities, Sherborne Primary School opened their new Community Hub building in June. The new building in the school grounds will be home to the pupil-run Sherbean Café – open to parents every Tuesday and Thursday morning – but will also be used for a range of community pursuits including parenting courses and social prescribers.
The Community Hub was officially opened by cllr Robin Legg, mayor of Sherborne, and joining him for the grand opening were the local people who helped bring the project from an idea to a reality. Pupils who run the school café were on hand to provide refreshments and talk to guests about the difference this new building will make.
Ian Bartle, executive headteacher of Sherborne Primary said ‘All of the Sherborne Primary School children, staff and community wish to thank the many organisations, businesses and individuals within the town who have raised so much funding to support this truly community led project.’
Sherborne Primary School would like to thank all the local businesses and groups who donated money and time, including Townsend Fencing, Bradford Builders, Friends of the Yeatman Hospital, Hunts Frozen Foods, Mogers Drewett Solicitors, Sherborne Churches Together, Sherborne Primary PTA, Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST), Bruce Duncan and Elizabeth McClen.

1:1 Teaching Assistant | Milton Abbey School

By

Editorial team

-

17 July 2024

0

Milton Abbey School seeks an experienced and competent Teaching Assistant to work within our busy SENDco Team. This will be 28 hours a week (term time fixed contract) role within the School Learning Support Team. Working days will be Monday to Saturday.

The successful candidate must have a broad understanding of learning needs and styles, along with supporting pupils. Must be a motivated and inspirational assistant with good organisational skills and be able to encourage pupils of differing abilities and backgrounds.Must be computer literate along with evidence of recent professional development.

You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from, free parking, and free refreshment and three course lunch during term time.

Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Monday 5^th August 2024. Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applications should be made direct to the school.

Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Please note that our school is a no smoking/vaping site.

www.miltonabbey.co.uk Registered Charity No 306318