A burst of sunshine comes to Shaftesbury this Summer in the form of Kipps, the new updated Half a Sixpence, reworked by Cameron Mackintosh and Julian Fellowes. Shaftesbury Arts Centre has chosen this joyous musical for its summer show, on at the Arts Centre from 11th to 20th July. With catchy music and a whirlwind of dance, you’ll walk away afterwards with a smile on your face as you hum the tunes. Older readers will remember the original starred Tommy Steele as the hero, Arthur Kipps, who worked for a penny-pinching draper. A chance meeting with a stage impresario reveals Arthur Kipps as the heir to a fortune, and he attempts to become a gentleman – in the process falling for the daughter of a customer. His intended love’s brother has his eyes on Kipps’ fortune, of course, and cheats him. Ann, his childhood sweetheart, helps Kipps to see where his true self lies.
With numbers such as If The Rain’s Got To Fall and Pick Out A Simple Tune you will find it hard to decide on a favourite … until the iconic Flash Bang Wallop starts! The cast of 32 ranges in age from ten to 80 – there are more than 100 costumes, 24 musical numbers and an orchestra under the steady baton of David Grierson. What more could you want? From 11th to 20th July. Tickets are £15, £12.50 for members and £10 for under 18s, available from Shaftesbury Arts Centre shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk or from the box office 01747 854321, open from 10am to 12.30pm Monday to Saturday.
This year’s Cinema Under the Stars has a starry line-up! Programmed by Purbeck Film Festival, the 2024 season runs across August with seven box office hits at stunning locations including Corfe Castle. The series begins on Saturday 3rd August with Barbie at Knoll House Hotel, Studland – can you picture a more appropriate setting for this clever, funny and utterly sunny film? Totally deserving of its box office success – and disappointingly unrecognised by the big awards for its brilliant satirical script (and fabulous performances by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling). The screening begins at 8.45pm, and “pink-themed drinks” (what else!) will be available. Next up is Ghostbusters (the original) at Durlston Country Park, Swanage, on Saturday 17th August, once again at 8.45pm. Corfe Castle is the atmospheric setting for two films at Corfe Castle, starting with the first Harry Potter – 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – on Friday 23rd August. It’s amazing how young Daniel Radcliffe looks. It’s followed on Saturday 24th by the eternally boyish Timothee Chalamet as Wonka. If you haven’t seen this musical prequel to Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, it is delightful, with Olivia Colman as a thoroughly unpleasant character. Both are at 8.45pm. On Saturday 31st August at 8.15pm, Careys Secret Garden, a magical location near Wareham, is the venue for Calendar Girls, the original film, which is so much better than both the stage play and the musical, with a matchless cast headed by Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Linda Bassett and Celia Imrie. The series ends at an iconic Purbeck location: the Blue Pool near Wareham.
On Friday 6th September, the film is A Room with a View – the beautiful adaptation of one of EM Forster’s finest novels, starring Maggie Smith, Daniel Day Lewis and Helena Bonham-Carter. On Saturday 7th, Baz Luhrmann’s glorious Moulin Rouge, with Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, will light up the Purbeck night. Both screenings at 8pm.
Thorngrove Garden Centre’s summer update from Kelsi-Dean Buck – soaking up the garden, new town troughs and the plant of the month
With Summer finally in motion, we’ve been soaking up every possible ray of sunshine, and – like many of our customers – finding any opportunity to enjoy our garden spaces! For me, some of the housework has been dangerously close to being forgotten over the last couple of weekends as I spent more time drifting away on the lounger. As someone who’s only had their own garden for a couple of years now, I can assure you the novelty is showing no signs of wearing off, and my wife has made jokes about turning into her mother as she fully immerses herself in the world of gardening, creating mini havens in every corner, experimenting, and learning, trying to make the most of what we’re so fortunate to have … though we did lose the sweet peas to the wind in the middle of June. Silly us for expecting normal weather in England!
Sturminster Newton Town Council workers collecting the town’s hanging baskets and troughs
We all love a bargain There’s lots happening at Thorngrove Garden Centre here in Gillingham as of late. We’re planning for some summer events including Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and Dorset County Show – we will be attending both, looking forward to meeting visitors, not only offering some amazing plants, but talking about the work we do as Employ My Ability in offering opportunities for young people with SEND. We hope to see you there! Plus we have more on-site events in the works – keep your eyes peeled for news on those soon too. We also wanted to extend a big thank you to Sturminster Newton Town Council who came by in June to collect their hanging baskets and troughs which are now out in the wild! Have you spotted them yet while out in the town? Speaking of the weather, it’s time for your regular reminder to keep on top of your watering. Whether you prefer to use a can or a hose, ensuring your kit is in tip top condition will make your life easier (and we have lots of options in the shop, naturally!). Water early in the morning, or later in the evening when temperatures are lower in order to maximise efficiency. How’re your roses looking with the fluid weather? If any TLC is required, we have a full range of rose care products at Thorngrove to help ensure they’ll continue to reward you with blooms through the coming month (or two, if you’re lucky!) Looking to fill a gap (or a new pot)? Our plant of the month for July is hydrangea. It makes a versatile and visually striking addition to any garden, offering lush blooms in a variety of colours from vibrant blues and pinks to soft whites and purples. You can also create a hydrangea garden – consider mixing different varieties to achieve a dynamic colour palette with lots of structure and texture. July will see a few sales in the garden centre so there’s even more reason to pop in this month! Cottage garden plants will have big reductions, and house plants will be 20% off – come and grab a bargain.
The annual match between the Dorset Men’s first team and the professionals of Hampshire CCC takes place on Sunday 21st July. This regular fixture is the only opportunity to see professional cricket in Dorset each year. As part of Dorset’s membership to the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA), the team are offered an opportunity to play a first-class county in a single game each year to showcase the talents that exist in the NCCA – and in Dorset Cricket! Dorset’s relationship with Hampshire is strong and they are always happy to visit Wimborne for this annual match. Dorset’s talent pathway is very closely aligned to Hampshire’s and has been used as a supply line to their professional ranks with five players moving from Dorset to Hampshire into first class cricket in the past nine years. Last year, four of those players took part in the match for Hampshire. Currently, Dorset has two former Dorset Pathway players involved with Hampshire’s Academy – both hope to be the sixth successful graduate!
A grand day out ‘Last year, the weather reduced the length of the match to 22 overs,’ says Dorset Cricket Managing Director, Ben Skipworth. ‘But we counted ourselves lucky – we were one of only two NCCA Showcase matches in the country to see any cricket on the day! ‘Our ‘old boys’ did not disappoint last year: Tom scored a half-century, Joseph hit a massive six, Scott bowled accurately and Eddie grabbed four wickets with some fine fast bowling. ‘Despite the weather, around 250 people watched the match last year. We are firmly aiming for 500 spectators this year! There will be food and drink for purchase on the day and our Community Team will be running an interactive zone for our younger spectators to visit during the match. There will also be opportunities to purchase Dorset Cricket merchandise and for visitors to come and talk to staff and players during the day. ‘The match has been supported by the Hendy Group – our main match sponsor – and No More Stumps, who are the match ball sponsors. Wimborne Cricket Club will be operating a barbecue all day and Pamphill Dairy will be selling ice-cream. Should any other local businesses want to attend, please do get in touch with me – [email protected].
Grab your chairs and come along to support The Leopards (or The Hawks!). Enjoy the cricket and everything else on offer during the day in what will be a great opportunity to showcase the best of Dorset’s cricketing talent.’
The 2024 NCCA Showcase match – Dorset Leopards v Hampshire Hawks Sunday 21st July 11am to 7.30pm. Wimborne Cricket Club BH21 1DY Advance tickets now on sale at £10 per adult, under 18s free when accompanied by a paying adult. Gate price £12, card payment only on gate ADVANCE TICKETS HERE
For the third consecutive year, the life-saving charity Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance held its 5K Twilight Shift on Saturday, 6th July, and what an amazing day it was. Supporters of the charity participated by running, walking, or jogging the 5km route around Henstridge Airfield, the home of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team.
There was a light breeze as the participants began at 5.30pm, coinciding with the crew of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance starting their ‘twilight shift’ to continue their life-saving work into the night.
Off-duty crew members joined DSAA supporters and businesses, who ran, jogged, or walked in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team. Some of the more experienced 5K challengers also carried extra weight on their backs, mirroring what the air ambulance team needs to do when attending an incident.
Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Events Officer, praised the efforts of the participants and everyone who supported the event:
“What an amazing day we had for our third Twilight Shift! It’s such a special event filled with fun and laughter, and there were so many wonderful stories of determination shared on the day. We were delighted that so many people came to support the charity and raise funds for our life-saving service. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the event or took part; we hope to see you all next year!
“Our next fundraising event is our fantastic ‘Race from the Base’ ultra-cycling challenge, which takes place at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, 7th September 2024. The event offers three distances to choose from (30km, 60km, and 100km), and all routes will start and finish at the airfield. We’re really excited to build upon the success of last year’s challenge and will be opening online registration via our website on Monday, 15th July.”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including: Henstridge Airfield Clubhouse and Café, Albert Goodman, HK Law, 918 Coffee, Devon Freewheelers, Events Crew, Dorset Police, and Life Support CPR Awareness and Training.
More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Race from the Base event can be found by visiting their website https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk
Summer garden care: prolonging blooms, managing invasive species and prepping for next year’s display with expert advice from Pete Harcom
Our native dog rose, rosa canina, is a scrambling rose with delicate pink flowers which, if left will produce beautiful rose hips, eaten by a wide range of birds – they stay juicy until late winter
t’s finally time to relax and enjoy the garden – just a few jobs this month to keep things under control. The first is to regularly deadhead the borders to prolong flowering. This keeps borders free from unsightly dying petals (especially under rose bushes, which can lead to black spot). It also helps prevent plants from wasting energy creating seed heads which may be unwanted. Having said that, many roses produce attractive hips from flowers left on the bush – our native dog rose (rosa canina, a scrambling rose with delicate pink flowers) has hips in winter which provide a good autumn/winter food source for birds. It’s not to be confused with the bright pink Japanese rose, rosa rugosa, which can become invasive and overpower native species of plants. Other roses that produce attractive rose hips include rosa helena, rosa nitida and rosa hans.
Stay on top Left alone, some plants will produce self-seeded offspring all around the garden, and while in most cases this is good for wildlife, it’s worth mentioning that some can be a nuisance in the wrong place. These pest plants would include buddleia Davidii, (butterfly bush) which will spread prolifically if left unchecked, red valerian and alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle) – while very pretty in any garden, it can be a problematic invader as its rhizomes grow and spread underground. Buddleia flower on new season’s growth, so I cut the plant back hard in early spring (late March) and then let it grow back: it will flower well and attract many butterflies. It is clearly a favoured nectar source. I then cut off the spent flowers before they set seed, which keeps the plant under control. Be sure to use liquid feed on all hanging baskets and potted plants, encouraging new growth through the rest of summer. Feeding will also help revive tired displays.
A little forward planning Divide any clumps of bearded iris this month for an even better display next year, and take cuttings of patio and container plants ready for next summer. July’s a good time to sow biennials such as foxgloves, sweet William, wallflowers, honesty and forget-me-nots, ready to plant out in autumn for a stunning display next spring. Sow into large seed trays or a dedicated seed bed, then separate seedlings when large enough to handle. Avoid pruning those straggling hedges until the end of August at the earliest. The main breeding time for garden birds is between March and August, so leaving the hedges gives them time to rear their young in peace.
When Peter Morgan began making cheese, he sought the advice of people who had more than 120 years experience in the industry between them. Each said the starting point was to “buy some books and read as much as possible. After that it is just bucket science – keep playing until you make something you like!” In January 2019, with a bucket full of recipes, Peter launched The Book and Bucket Cheese Company. It quickly gained a national reputation – the diverse range of cheeses, from creamy brie to tangy blue, winning a swathe of awards. Peter has developed an extensive knowledge of each type of milk, how to perfectly age a cheese, how the right salt can enhance and change a flavour profile and how to create modern flavours from the cultures. If you feel you’ve been missing out, you can try some of the range at the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival this September ‘We wouldn’t miss it!’ Peter says. ‘Of all the shows we do, Stur is one of our absolute favourites!’.
Granola with Shakespeare Brie In addition to his cheese-making expertise, Peter often shares his culinary creativity with recipes for his cheeses. By kind permission, we can share his extraordinary Granola with Shakespeare Brie – this luxurious and decadent dish is a fantastic way to use up any leftover cheese from the previous night’s cheese board. It pairs perfectly with granola for brunch or serves as an interesting starter for a cozy night at home.
Ingredients
1 jar of Truffle Hunter white truffle honey (a little goes a very long way and you can often find smaller jars available to purchase online).
1 very ripe room temperature Shakespeare brie (perfect if you forgot to fridge your cheeseboard overnight!)
175g melted butter
175g honey (can substitute with sugar, golden syrup or maple syrup)
1 vanilla pod scraped (or ½ tsp vanilla essence).
300g large oats
100g various seeds (try sunflower, pumpkin and linseed).
100g chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts and pecans all work well)
100g desiccated coconut
Method
Preheat the oven to 150ºc / Gas 4.
Warm your butter with your honey.
In a bowl weigh all your dry ingredients, then mix in the butter/honey mix. Squeeze the mix in your hand – it should hold together, but also crumble. If it’s a bit too dry, you can add a touch more butter or syrup.
Line a flat baking tray with baking parchment and add the granola, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the oven but keep checking regularly, turning it over with a spoon, to ensure all of it is being cooked. Bake until an even golden brown all the way through.
Let the Granola cool and then store in an airtight container.
To serve, spoon the very ripe Shakespeare into the bottom of a bowl (a bowl is very important for the eating in this dish!). Then drizzle a small amount of the truffle honey over – remember less is more with this.
Top with your granola and you’re done!
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Always a major event in the local foodie calendar, this year the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival boasts more than 20 cheese makers, alongside a wide variety of other local West Country food and drinks traders. From cheddar to blue cheese, olives to pasties and cakes to chocolates, there will be something to tempt every taste bud … and let’s not forget the locally-produced gin and vodka on offer! The Cheese Festival will take place on 14th and 15th September from 10am to 5pm at the Recreation Ground, Ricketts Lane, Sturminster Newton. Early Bird tickets are available at a discount until midnight on 31 July bvmag.co.uk/sturcheesetickets
It’s 30 years since the Church of England first allowed women priests. Tracie Beardsley meets the Rev Jane Williams, vicar of six Dorset parishes
The Rev Jane Williams looks after the churches and the 4,000-strong communities of the six Dorset villages making up the Red Post Benefice. All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
On the morning we speak, the Reverend Jane Williams has already helped plan a newborn’s baptism, overseen wedding paperwork for a betrothed couple and finalised her sermon for a funeral. Administrating this ‘circle of life’, her morning coffee has inevitably gone cold. A priest in Dorset for the past seven years, Jane has been looking after the churches and the 4,000-strong communities of the six Dorset villages making up the Red Post Benefice (referring to the famous red signpost on the A31 near Bloxworth) since last September. Under her protective wing are Sturminster Marshall, Bloxworth, Morden, Winterbourne Kingston, Winterbourne Zelston and the tiny village of Almer. Contrary to expectation, her congregations are not dwindling. There may only be eight people who attend the service in Bloxworth, but that has been the case for years. The 58-year-old works six days a week: ‘No day is ever the same. Sunday is particularly busy with up to three services in three villages on one day.’ The rest of her week is spent supporting the community. ‘Walking with people through their lives is a privilege. There’s a huge epidemic of loneliness, and even if I can’t visit, I know how important the small act of a phone call can be.’ It seems her 30 years working in the NHS, starting at 16 in a care home and becoming a nurse at 18, have stood her in good stead.
‘I’ve always worked in a community setting, being interested in what makes them tick. As a nurse the focus was health. As a priest, it’s spiritual needs. ‘I grew up in Pembrokeshire with faith, always a church-goer, and became a Sunday School teacher. I always wanted to be a vicar, but women couldn’t back then. The eldest of four, money was tight so my parents told me to get a proper job.’ Jane was at the height of her nursing career, a highly respected local hospital matron, when she got her calling from God. ‘I remember it vividly. I was driving to a lay minister training session and had to pull over, so overwhelming was this voice in my head prompting me to pursue the priesthood. I felt like Jonah, the reluctant prophet. I just kept asking God “why now?” I know, you shouldn’t really argue with God! I promised Him I’d make enquiries, but thought it’d never come to fruition. ‘Even when I was interviewed by the Bishop of Salisbury, I thought I’d just do it part time, that it would be a bit like a hobby!’
The Bishop – and God – had other ideas. Jane was recommended to train in Oxford, at the UK’s oldest theological college. She completed her degree in just two years and was ordained in the year she turned 50. ‘It was a hard time. I was away all week studying. My husband Nigel was working full time and one of my daughters was sitting her A-levels. I also have a disabled daughter who needs 24-hour care.’ Along with her successful career, Jane forfeited the accompanying good salary. With their income halved, the mortgage was impossible, so the family moved into a smaller home.
She has no regrets. The vicarage is her home now, though it’s tied to her role. ‘Really, I see all six churches as my home here. My base is Sturminster Marshall but I feel like I live in all the villages.’ She won’t be drawn on her favourite church or village, though: ‘That would be like picking a favourite child! Each village is different, with its own history and dynamics. And, like children, sometimes one needs you more than the other.’ Even now, Jane admits to some pre-pulpit nerves. ‘During my first sermon, a friend in the congregation held up Strictly Come Dancing scorecards. And she didn’t give me a 10!’ And does a priest get time for herself? ‘There’s lots of burn-out in the clergy so it’s important to de-stress. My three daughters and my three granddaughters are the centre of my life. My guilty pleasure is going to the theatre or a concert.’ But not today. She has a village fete to help organise, plans for a new church loo to discuss and a church council meeting which she assures me has its “Dibley moments”!
The inaugural event saw almost 300 competitors, and was praised for its beautiful setting, challenging courses, and exceptional organisation
Kingston Maurward hosted its inaugural British Eventing Horse Trials at the end of June, drawing nearly 300 competitors, ranging from 12 to 72-years-old, over two action-packed days. The event featured busy classes of BE 80, 90, and 100, with some riders travelling more than four hours to participate. Kingston Maurward is a land-based college set in 750 acres of historic parkland and formal gardens. The show jumping and dressage took place in the grounds of the Grade I listed Georgian Manor House, and the parkland estate provided the perfect setting for the cross-country courses, which were able to make good use of the natural terrain of rolling hills which riders do not get to experience at many events. The courses, designed by Adrian Ditcham, ran over the undulating permanent pasture to produce flowing and educational tracks and inviting fences. Adrian is a British Eventing A-listed course designer – he was the lead course builder at the 2012 London Olympics.
Despite being a debut event, the class entries featured several distinguished riders, making for a memorable and competitive lineup. Irish Olympic athlete Padraig Mccarthy came third in BE100 in his section on Napoli-H. He said: ‘It’s great to have a new event in the calendar. The cross country is very fresh, with a lot of up and down in the terrain. It could absolutely go up another level to Novice, with terrain like that, it’s very educational for the horses. I’ll be back next year!’ Gubby Leach, the international 5* event rider based near Salisbury entered two horses. Dan Jocelyn, a New Zealand Olympic athlete based near Malmesbury, said: ‘Well worth attending! Top 10s for Emma and Corky, and new kid on the block Pewter finished on his dressage. And a win for golden boy Freelance Z! What a fabulous setting for this new event, loved the rolling hills and big sweeping turns in the Cross Country. Very educational for the youngsters and we will be back.’ Neve Webber is just 14 years old. She placed on both of her rides, coming fifth in the 80 on Tilly’s Flower, and third on Mr Buzz in the 90 – each time finishing on her dressage score. Even younger, Nancy Mort was one of five 12-year-olds competing. She finished second in her section in the 80 on Dernahatten Coevers Hills on their dressage score (26). For an inaugural event, the response from riders was overwhelmingly positive, with comments that the setting very much gave a mini-international feel with the house and parkland. Hundreds of spectators arrived to watch each day, and riders and officials alike commented on the special feel of the event
An old-fashioned welcome One local rider from Sherborne posted on Facebook: ‘This was, honestly, one of the very nicest events I’ve ever been to (and there have been many). It was beautifully organised, all the officials and volunteers were super friendly, knowledgeable, kind and helpful and the location was stunning. It had a slightly old fashioned feel, in all the best ways – really welcoming and relaxed and yet had a sense of occasion with stalls and the stunning house. ‘The XC was super for both competitors and spectators. We absolutely loved it and felt it was a sensational addition to the South West calendar. Thank you to everyone.’ ‘The comments are just fantastic,’ says Kingston Maurward’s Vice-Principal Tom Hallam. ‘We’d like to thank everyone who made it such a brilliant weekend. We, the KMC team, have been blown away by the overwhelmingly positive feedback. KMC really is a magical place and the perfect venue for eventing. We absolutely intend to make this an annual event … This is only the beginning, so watch this space!’ KMC are now working collaboratively with British Eventing to create a brand new eventing venue not just for the south west, but an accessible venue for the whole of the south of England.
