on the wrong day can irrevocably damage your perception of the art. Conversely, finding the right music at the right moment feels like alchemy. So it was with ‘into a pretty room’, the fourth LP from lots of hands*, the Newcastle indie band which, on my first listening, perfectly reflected the feeling of the calm after the literal storm, following a weekend of battering wind, icy rain and thunderous electrical storms. Album opener alive (not to be confused with Alive, the glitchy opening track of the same name from their 2020 debut Mistake) sets the tone beautifully. In a style which will be familiar to fans of Big Thief, it manages to be familiar and calming while remaining freeform and loose. The internal conflict of the lyrics (“I’m just so scared…. I wanna be alive”) is kept so low in the mix that it feels more like immersion in a hazy dream than a proclamation.
There are many other familiar touchpoints throughout the 14 tracks featured. The frequent blending of acoustic guitars and retro synths is reminiscent of the early noughties production style found on albums such as Lowgold’s Just Backwards of Square and Grandaddy’s The Sophtware Slump. But enough invention and originality is on display to stop the album from ever feeling derivative. While into a pretty room is no departure for fans of the band who have stayed largely true to their earlier work (they’ve been writing music together since the age of 16), this is undeniably a ‘level up’ moment. As evidenced by the outro of slow-burner game of zeroes, lots of hands are becoming experts in crafting moments of beauty and substance. I’m very pleased I decided to spend some time in their pretty room.
(*yes, the lack of capitaliation is deliberate by the band, and my personal kind of nightmare – Ed)
Matt Ambrose
Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.
Looking for a lively evening of fun and friendly competition – all in the name of a great cause? Sturfit’s Games Night on Saturday, 22nd February (7pm to 11:30pm) promises a fantastic mix of games, good food and great company, all while raising vital funds for Sturminster Newton’s Sturfit Community Fund.
Whether you’re part of a club, a group, or coming along solo, everyone is welcome. Teams will be formed on the night, so there’s no need to worry – it’s all about joining in and having a laugh!
What’s in Store?
Expect a brilliant selection of simple, fun games that everyone can get involved in – think beer pong, Jenga, hoopla and basketball shots. It’s all about participation, but if playing isn’t for you, cheerleading and sideline encouragement are just as important (and a great excuse to keep the drinks flowing!).
A hog roast (with vegetarian options), a disco and a well-stocked bar will keep the energy high, and raffle tickets will be on sale for the eagerly anticipated Easter Draw.
How to Take Part
To help with catering and game planning, advance booking and payment are recommended – though a few spaces will be available on the night (without food).
£10 per person (including food)
£5 entry only
Affordable bar prices
If you’d like to help behind the scenes, there are plenty of ways to get involved, from running the bar and selling raffle tickets to assisting with food or even refereeing a game.
This event is part of Sturfit’s wider fundraising efforts, including Hayley’s London Marathon challenge in aid of the Sturfit Community Fund. Every ticket purchased helps support the local community – so why not gather some friends, get competitive, and make a difference?
Less than 24 hours after voting to introduce evening and overnight car parking charges, Dorset Council has announced it will pause the decision, pending a review.
Local councillors, business owners and residents across rural Dorset had been vocal in their opposition to the move. Cllr Jane Somper of Beacon Ward said ‘Businesses, – especially hospitality – volunteers who give their time to cultural events, and care workers and residents who live in towns (and in nearby villages) in the north will all be affected by this decision.’
North Dorset MP Simon Hoare had been particularly open about his opposition to the charges, saying in his recent column in The BV: ‘I fail to see how financially this will stack up given the costs needed to impose and enforce it. ‘Night-time charges will hit local hospitality and leisure businesses across all of our North Dorset towns, as well as impacting negatively on local residents – for example, in Blandford and Shaftesbury, where people use car parks in the evenings, when there is pressure on on-street capacity. These cars are off to work etc before the next business day starts.’
He added today: ‘Our arts and cultural sector together with pubs and restaurants depend upon evening trade, and volunteer and community/sporting groups meet in the evening too. All of these will be hit adversely as a result [of the 24 hour charges].’
The opposition to the move has lead to a U-turn on the vote just a day later, as Dorset Council announced this afternoon that: ‘Plans to introduce an evening and overnight parking charge in Dorset Council car parks have been paused.’
The statement goes on to say that ‘Having listened to initial concerns from councillors and the public, it is clear the introduction of such charges should not be decided until a thorough review of all parking services has taken place.’
The Council warns this review may take up to nine months to complete, but will involve local residents and business owners, saying: ‘This will give us a better understanding of changing trends in car park usage, how the location of our car parks affects parking behaviour, and the impact of all parking charges on residents, visitors and local businesses. ‘Therefore, we will not be progressing the introduction of evening and overnight parking charges at this time.’
Following the profile of Blackmore Vale Motorcycle Club last month (Revving through history, The BV Jan 25), Francis Custard has kindly given The BV permission to share just a small sample of his archive of images taken at some of the club’s historical events: ‘I have put together a selection of photos from the late 1950’s through to 1970. The photographers are my late father, Ron Custard, and Terry Heath, who now lives in Yeovil. I scanned my Dad’s negatives, slides and cines after I retired in 2008. ‘Just before Christmas I linked up with Terry, who had a case of negatives in his garage, and I have now undertaken a project to scan and share his work. The quality of the images is not comparable with the modern images by Michael Berkeley in your interesting article featuring Dean Whitty. Do bear in mind these were taken 60-odd years ago: the camera equipment was basic, and the negatives are now not always in the best condition! ‘There is a selection of Trials, Scrambles, Grass Track and Road Racing. The Blackmore Vale Club ran many events back then: I remember taking part in Scrambles – I broke my collar bone after a big tumble at Whitesheet Hill in 1970! ‘Along with photos, I also have many programmes from Blackmore Vale events, the earliest is for Road Races at Blandford Camp on 1st August 1949!’
Francis has labelled all the images for us according to the slide annotations:
26th May 1958 – Pauline DaleNo.22 is well-known local rider Lew Coffin (unkown date). Lew also raced Speedway and Long Track. He competed all over the country – and continent – in his long career, with the Blackmore Vale Club badge on his helmetFebruary 1959 – Benny Crew trying not to drown the Norman6th June 1960 – Helmut Fath and Alfred Wohlgemuth on a BMW Sidecar
A worrying societal shift in attitudes sees Simon Hoare MP fighting to protect rural communities and defend democracy when it matters most
Simon Hoare MP
In this edition I want to try to cover three topics. The first one was going to concern the recent announcement by Lloyds Bank of the impending closure later this year of its branch in Blandford. This story is covered elsewhere in this edition. While it is true that we are going through a period of transition when it comes to how we do our banking, the creation of ‘banking deserts’ is in nobody’s interest. But it leads to a disproportionately harder hit on my older constituents, as well as having a greater impact on the vitality and viability of a rural market town than would be felt in a large city. I am meeting representatives of Lloyds to learn more about their plans for community banking support, and will be working alongside our local councillors to explore the provision of a ‘banking hub’ to meet the needs of Blandford and the villages it serves – more as it is known.
Overnight stays On the subject of fragility, I recognise the oftentimes marginal nature of our market towns as they face pressure from online sales. Car parking charges are too often used as a cash cow to be milked by councils. You may be aware that Lib Dem controlled Dorset Council is pursuing a policy of introducing night-time car parking charges. I am opposed to these and have made my views known to the council leader and in the House of Commons during a recent Business Question. Night-time charges will hit local hospitality and leisure businesses across all of our North Dorset towns, as well as impacting negatively on local residents – for example, in Blandford and Shaftesbury, where people use car parks in the evenings, when there is pressure on on-street capacity. These cars are off to work etc before the next business day starts. This is not a good policy coming from County Hall, and I would urge you to make your views known to the council. From my inbox, I know that many local residents and pubs are opposed to this plan. Let us hope that Lib Dem councillors listen.
Up with dictatorship? My final fragility point is our basic functioning of democracy. A recent poll of GenZ (those born 1997 to 2012) found that more than half are in favour of turning the UK into a dictatorship! This follows polling by the Electoral Commission, which found that younger people are more likely to find the abuse and intimidation of political candidates and their supporters acceptable. I listened with interest to two GenZ men discuss why many of their cohort would support a British dictatorship. I have some sympathy with their call for politicians to be bold and visionary, to take brave decisions. While I see their point, they neglect, I fear, to comprehend the massively negative effect social media and the rise of populism has on achieving these policymaking umbrellas. A Parliamentary friend and colleague of mine, Alec Shelbrooke, has also commented in the media that people are likely to support a dictatorship only on the presumption that the dictator’s views align with their own. Pity them when they do not. The reason given for GenZ’s opinion is that there is a lack of knowledge, in the historical context, of what a dictatorship is. Indeed, one interviewee did not believe that Putin is a dictator. I find this hard to believe, with the attention given in schools to the rise of Nazism. It also suggests a certain lack of intellectual curiosity, of researching the historical examples of what one is calling for before actually calling for it. But there is a serious point which we cannot duck: we need to remind this and future generations of why democracy is the best option and why participation in it makes sense. Just because we know it to be true does not mean that our successors will. The dictators of Europe, South America and Africa create an all-too-clear picture. Everyone needs to see it, understand it and learn from it. We are doomed if they do not.
Bryanston School has been recognised by the Dorset County Football Association for its commitment to promoting girls’ football, receiving an award as part of the prestigious Equal Access Schools initiative. The school’s football programme encourages girls of all ages and abilities to train, compete and develop their passion for the game. Mark Foster, Head of Football, said: ‘Football’s appeal lies in its inclusivity, bridging divides across gender, ethnicity, age and ability. This recognition from the Dorset County FA is a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of our pupils, whether they play competitively or socially.’ During the spring term, Bryanston offers three training sessions a week for girls, with its 1st and 2nd XI teams competing in the South-West Girls Independent Schools (SWGIS) league, alongside house tournaments and extra-curricular matches. As part of its wider efforts to promote girls’ sport, Bryanston will be hosting the 2025 Sports Conference on Friday 14th March, in partnership with The Powerhouse Project. Open to Year 8 and above, the event will welcome girls from across Dorset to meet industry-leading women in sports media, coaching, business and wellbeing. The Powerhouse Project, which has worked with Nike, The FA and Right to Dream, aims to empower women and girls through sport.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, highlighting business concerns over the impending rise in employer National Insurance and inviting her to visit Dorset. He has also urged Dorset’s MPs to advocate for local businesses as they face increasing financial pressures.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling
With just 50 days until the changes take effect on 6 April, businesses are warning of significant consequences. A new survey by Dorset Chamber has revealed widespread anxiety, with 91% of respondents expressing concern over the forthcoming hike. Many businesses fear they will be forced to halt recruitment, freeze pay rises, cut jobs, or scale back investment.
Under the new rules, employers will pay 15% National Insurance on salaries above £5,000, up from the current 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. The increase is expected to generate £25bn annually.
Dorset Chamber—the county’s leading business support organisation—has written to the Chancellor and local MPs to share the survey findings and invite the Chancellor to meet with affected businesses.
Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “In what is already an extremely challenging business climate, these findings reflect very serious concerns around the impact of these increases.
“Many are around sustaining and growing employment, future pay rewards for a workforce that already faces severe cost of living increases, business growth and investment and, ultimately, the survival of many businesses.”
Survey findings:
58% of respondents are ‘very concerned’ about the increase
33% are ‘somewhat concerned’
9% are ‘not concerned’
A broad range of businesses, including chamber members and non-members from multiple sectors, participated in the survey. Respondents highlighted the following expected impacts:
32% will stop recruitment
54% will be unable to increase pay
45% will reduce investment
71% anticipate a negative impact on profitability
43% foresee cash flow difficulties
42% may need to cut staff
Dorset Chamber, which represents nearly 700 members employing 37,000 people, has been campaigning against the rise, warning of its potential economic fallout.
Many businesses also provided comments on the anticipated consequences. IT services provider ITCS, which operates across the UK with a base in Dorchester, stated: “The increase in National Insurance contributions will raise employment costs, forcing many businesses to reduce staff or freeze hiring to manage the financial burden.
“This is likely to result in higher unemployment, lower consumer spending and a negative impact on economic growth.”
The Healthbus Trust, a Bournemouth-based charity providing healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, added: “The recent government Autumn budget, coupled with an increase in National Insurance for charities, places an even greater strain on an already overstretched sector.
“Charities play a vital role in improving lives, enhancing well-being and often step in where public services fall short. These additional financial burdens risk limiting their ability to deliver essential support, threatening the stability of services that vulnerable people rely on every day.”
These concerns have been included in Dorset Chamber’s letter to the Chancellor. In the letter, Ian Girling writes: “We fully appreciate that public services need to be funded.
“However, the results highlight a clear need for policies that promote business growth rather than indiscriminate taxation that affects all businesses, regardless of their financial stability.
“We would very much like to invite you to Dorset to meet with our business community to discuss these issues and urge you to consider the implementation of a more business-friendly approach rather than measures that inhibit business growth and sustainability.”
Ian Girling added: “The NI rises come as businesses also face the prospect of employment law changes as part of the government’s ongoing tax on jobs and growth.
“It will have a double-whammy impact which has the potential to severely affect businesses and the local economy.
“As well as the Chancellor, we are very keen to hear from our MPs about this issue and about how they are going to stand up for business in the county going forward.”
Dorset’s MPs are Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch), Neil Duncan Jordan (Poole), Lloyd Hatton (South Dorset), Tom Hayes (Bournemouth East), Simon Hoare (North Dorset), Edward Morello (West Dorset), Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole), and Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West).
A total of 105 businesses took part in the survey, collectively employing nearly 8,000 people, including charities and third-sector organisations, which will be affected both directly and indirectly as cost-cutting measures take effect.
According to the House of Commons Library, HMRC’s impact assessment states that around 1.2 million employers will be affected by the changes. Approximately 250,000 employers will see a decrease in their secondary Class 1 NICs liability, while 940,000 will see an increase. Around 820,000 employers will see no change.
The changes to employer NICs are expected to raise between £23.8 billion and £25.7 billion per year from 2025/26 to 2029.
Smaller employers can claim an ‘employment allowance’, which provides a deduction on NIC contributions below £5,000, provided their total NIC liability in the previous year was below £100,000.
Founded in 1949, Dorset Chamber is the only chamber in the county accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. It is recognised as the leading chamber nationally, with 120 five-star reviews on Google.
Dorset Chamber’s vision is ‘a vibrant and prosperous Dorset business community that enhances the quality of life for all.’
For more information on Dorset Chamber’s work and the support it offers businesses, visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/.
Swanage Railway volunteers are once again opening the doors to one of Dorset’s most cherished heritage attractions with a two-day Community Weekend on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February 2025, from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can explore behind the scenes of the award-winning heritage railway at Swanage, Herston, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle, and Norden stations. For Dorset residents, half-price tickets are available in advance at swanagerailway.co.uk or on the day at Norden, Corfe Castle, and Swanage stations (proof of residence required).
Behind-the-Scenes Access Visitors can drive a 1950s diesel shunter at Swanage for £20, shadow a train guard or ticket inspector for £7.50, or take a guided tour of the historic signal boxes at Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle (£7.50). For the first time, pre-booked tours will be available at Swanage Railway’s steam locomotive engineering works, with a heritage bus service transporting visitors from Swanage and Norden stations. Alongside the ticketed experiences, a range of free activities (donations welcome) will run across the weekend: Explore 1960s heritage telephone exchanges at Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle stations (subject to volunteer availability). Try your hand at signalling at the Corfe Castle signalling museum. Meet carriage restorers and sit inside a historic 1940s railway crane at Corfe Castle. See narrow-gauge diesel train demonstrations at the Purbeck Mining Museum (next to Norden station). At Herston Halt, visitors can also chat with volunteers about the development of the station, which only started welcoming trains in 1984.
It’s all about the volunteers Swanage Railway Trust chairman Frank Roberts has been a dedicated Swanage Railway volunteer for more than 40 years: ‘It takes more people to operate, maintain and develop the Swanage Railway than many people realise. We are delighted to give people across the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset and beyond the chance to enjoy a behind the scenes view of a very special heritage railway that has been rebuilt since 1976.’
Lendology are providers of low-cost council-funded loans to help you with those much-needed home improvements
Emma Lower, CEO of Lendology
“When people come to us, they’re often at the end of the road with traditional finance,” says Emma Lower, CEO of Lendology. “They’ve been told ‘no’ elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a way forward.” Lendology isn’t your typical lender. Working on behalf of councils – including Dorset Council – this unique Community Interest Company (CIC) provides affordable, responsible finance to homeowners who need it most. Their mission? Simple: to make lending decisions with people, for people, and to focus on impact rather than profit. Emma Lower spent many years working in a range of organisations as diverse as hotels, finance and pharmaceuticals. In 2015, she stumbled upon a job opportunity at Lendology that was just a six-minute drive from her child’s primary school: ‘It just fitted,’ she says. Within four months, she was a manager. In 18 months, she had taken the reins as CEO. Since then, she has led Lendology through major growth, making a tangible difference in thousands of lives.
Some of the biggest loans are for roof repairs – especially for older or thatched properties
A different approach Government grants to help people heat their homes are available but there are many people struggling with essential home improvements. That’s where Lendology comes in. ‘We saw an opportunity to do things differently,’ says Emma. Working solely through councils, the only challenge is ‘If people don’t know we exist, how can they access the support they need? Working on behalf of the councils Lendology started managing the funds, making independent lending decisions, and measuring their social impact. The result? A fund that has lent £25,943,210, with councils actively supporting their work. Lendology have worked in partnership with Dorset Council since 2005, funding home repairs and improvements and home energy efficiency measures. The current challenge for councils is finding access to capital, but Emma remains determined: ‘The need is there. We just have to find a way to meet it.’
Who they help – and how Lendology’s lending model is refreshingly different from high street banks. Instead of focusing on credit scores and rigid lending criteria, they offer fair, fixed rate loans to those often left out – pensioners, self-employed workers, people on benefits, and those with poor credit histories. ‘We don’t believe in penalising people because of their circumstances,’ Emma explains. ‘Everyone gets the same rate. What matters to us is: does this loan make their home warmer, safer, or more energy-efficient and can they afford to pay? ‘The current interest rate for homeowners in Dorset is 4%, so eligible homeowners living in Dorset receive the same interest rate, regardless of loan amount, loan term or personal circumstances”.
Lendology are keen to support eco-friendly home improvements like heat pumps, triple glazing and solar panels
Green upgrades Sustainability is a big part of Dorset Council’s mission. With private homes accounting for more than 20% of the UK’s emissions, they are keen to support eco-friendly home improvements: ‘We lend for heat pumps, triple glazing, solar panels’ says Emma. ‘If it helps reduce emissions, we want to support it.’ There’s a major obstacle currently – the supply chain. ‘We know there’s demand, but there are issues with fitters and the supply chain, so progress is slow,’ says Emma. ‘But if we can continue to prove demand by working from the top down, the supply chain will improve. Then these home changes become more affordable for everyone. ‘Making everyone’s homes more energy-efficient is the same kind of transition as the nation’s move to gas in the 70s, or to central heating in the 80s. But back then there was a real government emphasis on guidance and public information. ‘Lendology is working with the Green Finance Institute and DESNZ to influence government policy to provide sustainable funding models in England.’ More than just loans Lendology isn’t just about providing money – it’s about making a real impact. ‘Some of the biggest loans we provide are for essential repairs, like fixing roofs – especially for older or thatched properties,’ Emma explains. Often, homeowners are turned away elsewhere and Lendology is frequently able to step in. Flexibility is key – loans can be spread up to 15 years and it’s about finding solutions that actually work for people. ‘Unlike traditional banks that rely on algorithms, our lending decisions are made by real people who listen and understand individual circumstances. We work in partnership with local councils to lend to eligible homeowners, and each local council has its own policy for eligible works.’
Real impact, real change Lendology isn’t just changing lives county by county – they’re shifting the bigger picture too. With 20 years of experience, and partnerships with more than a quarter of UK councils, they have real lobbying power. ‘We can prove this works,’ Emma says. ‘For every £1 invested in Lendology, we deliver £2.38 in social impact. That’s a powerful argument for responsible lending. We just need the funding source to start up again.’ This year marks two decades of lending in the Southwest, and their influence is growing. ‘In 2024 we started working with Suffolk, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Cornwall. Our model is being recognised nationally. ‘Ethical lending isn’t just possible – it’s essential.’ Despite their success, however, Lendology find that awareness remains a challenge. ‘If people don’t know about us, they can’t access our support.’ Walking the talk As the UK’s first fully certified carbon-neutral personal lender, Lendology isn’t just talking the talk – they’re leading by example. Their B Corp status, earned for the third year running, is proof of their commitment to doing finance differently. For homeowners in Dorset and Somerset struggling to afford essential repairs, facing high interest loans, or wanting to make their homes greener, Lendology is a game-changer. ‘Finance should be fair and responsible,’ says Emma. ‘And that’s exactly what we’re here to do.’
Representative Example (4% fixed interest rate, Representative 4.2% APR). Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. Borrow £5,000 over 60 months, £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction against your property at the Land Registry. The £20.00 fee is only payable if a loan is agreed by Lendology and you decide to proceed with a loan. Lendology do not charge interest on the fee. A Title Restriction means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.
From an old leaking conservatory to comfortable warm space
Mrs W contacted Lendology as she needed a new conservatory roof as hers had collapsed, and she was having to use towels to constantly soak up water from the damp. She also needed a new kitchen as her old one was not fit for purpose. After speaking about her experience with Lendology and the Home Improvement Loan scheme she said ‘its like a tonne off my shoulders’. Mr L approached Lendology for a Home Improvement Loan to rethatch his roof. Typically, thatch roofs are more expensive than traditional tiled roofs: ‘We found the team, headed up by Shannon in our case, very easy to deal with, sympathetic and friendly. Communication was prompt and professional and we were dealt with in a thoroughly human way, unlike the robotic box-ticking automatons that one usually faces from other loan providers.
‘We are very grateful for the service the team provided, particularly for the quality of communication. Many thanks to Shannon, Philippa and the rest of the team.’ Mrs W has a final piece of advice: ‘Get in touch as fast as you can – don’t wait two minutes, do it one minute earlier! Just get in touch, even if you’re worried. Don’t be scared of that phone call. ‘I was petrified when I rang, I was shaking like a sieve!’
